In this episode of The DATA SECRETS Podcast, I talk with Michael Franklin, Founder and Managing Partner at Cold Iron Capital and a multi-exit Private Equity CIO, about how data and technology can transform even the most traditional manufacturing businesses.
Michael shares his journey from tech leader to business operator, detailing how he helped grow cabinet manufacturer ACPI from a struggling $120M company to a $1.8B powerhouse with a staggering 28x return for its PE backer. We dig into the critical role of operational data, the challenges of merging legacy systems during rapid M&A, and how Michael’s “customer-first, data-backed” approach surfaced hidden margin leaks and fueled exponential growth.
We discuss:
• Why blending deep IT and business management experience is a game-changer for aspiring CIOs
• How to use “on-time complete” as a north star metric for operational excellence and customer satisfaction
• Building practical, shop-floor-ready dashboards from legacy ERP (AS400) data…no fancy tech required!
• Tackling the chaos of multi-ERP sprawl during acquisitions, and the real-world playbook for BI consolidation
• The critical moment data revealed that “biggest” wasn’t “best” in customer profitability, and how that changed strategy
• Avoiding expensive data horror stories by investing in process, clarity, and business alignment (not just tech)
Michael also unpacks the evolving opportunity at the intersection of manufacturing, private equity, AI, and cybersecurity, and why now is the perfect time for smaller, data-savvy firms to leapfrog their competition.
If you’re a CIO-in-waiting, PE-backed operator, or just want to hear how relentless focus on data and process can drive world-class outcomes, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Connect with Michael:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfranklin/
📧 Email: mike@coldironcapital.com
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