Houston PE - Where should I look?

I live in Houston and I'm currently VP, Finance for a PE portco in tech. This is my second stint in this same role, as I was previously VP, Finance for another PE portco (heavy construction company in O&G). I want to make the move over to PE but I wanted to get some industry feedback on what firms I should look into, what level I would realistically come in as, etc. As for firm culture: I'm looking for a firm with a decent work/life balance. I'm 31, married, with children so can't be pulling 70+ hour weeks routinely. I would be perfectly content working for a smaller PE firm at lower comp if it meant better WLB. As for which entry level: I have 4+ years experience as VP, Finance for PE portcos. Previous experience as a controller and public accounting experience in audit and tax. MBA, BS in Finance, BS in Accounting. Military vet. Frankly entry title is less important to me than comp but the two go hand in hand for the most part. What level do you think I should apply for, what firms should I look into, and what would the comp look like for those? Thanks In advance.

8 Comments
 

Tons of family offices here that might not be traditional corporate finance type gigs, but more managing investments for people. Friedkin Group posted something recently. 

As far as energy PE firms go, Quantum Energy is the main one that comes to mind. 

Houston is on pace for a record year for VC raise, so there may be some opportunities within these startups looking to scale. Don't know hours, but HighRadius, Cart.com, Axiom Space are some that come to mind. 

 

McNair Interests, Fertitta, Hildenbrand, Arnold (think they're more focused on philanthropy only), Friedkin (Gulf States Toyota), Duncan Family (Enterprise Products)... There are a lot of Oil & Gas fortunes that have been made in Houston, and seems like they all have a family office, in some form or fashion, which allows them to diversify their interests. Doubt many of these are publicly posted - although, Friedkin currently is - so I'd just search for these caliber of people and try to network your way to someone within their organization, if that's the path that suits you. 

 

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