INTERN SPOTLIGHT
Ben Stubblefield is a first year MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. This Winter, he has worked alongside EIR Adam Philpot.
Ben Stubblefield
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
MBA ’24
Can you describe your background and how it led to your pursuit of an internship at NGP?
Prior to coming to Booth, I spent just over 11 years in the U.S. Navy where I learned a lot about leading and managing small teams. When I learned about NextGen Growth Partners and the Search Fund model I realized it was the perfect mix of my desire to continue leading and my passion for business.
Can you tell us a bit about the work you’ve done so far, and any interesting learnings?
I had the privilege of starting at NGP at the same time as my EIR, which I found to be an amazing opportunity in learning what it is like to begin down the road of a search.
I have spent most of my time researching niche industries as well as a geographical focus on the Nashville area. One of the most interesting aspects of the internship for me has been exploring and learning about all the small businesses that are out there, some truly fascinating opportunities that I would have never thought existed.
What is your team dynamic like?
Working with Adam has been a great experience for me and my team. Adam has been great at communicating with our team and incorporating feedback as we work through the internship.
What you have you most enjoyed thus far?
My favorite part about the internship has been coming into the office two days a week and getting to talk with and learn from all the members of the NGP team, from the EIRs to the Managing Partner.
Any skills you’ve gained or unique takeaways? Pre-existing skills you’re building upon?
Having come from the military, my modelling skills were less than optimal to say the least. Going through the “A Simple Model” curriculum and talking with the deal team about models has drastically increased my competency.
What stands out to you about NGP’s process that you’ve gotten to see first-hand?
From the deal team assisting with transactions to the Operations team guiding new CEOs, watching the team that surrounds the EIRs throughout the entire journey has been great to see first-hand.
What do you envision yourself doing in the future, and how is interning with NGP building upon that?
Upon graduating from Booth, I hope to join the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition community and pursue acquiring a small business. Interning with NGP has shown me what the process looks like and provided me with a great opportunity to experience it first-hand.
