By: Joshua Finley
Making smart investment choices often involves recognizing factors that others might overlook. While many investors focus primarily on numbers or market trends, the real indicators of growth potential can sometimes lie in less obvious places. From office culture to leadership dynamics, these human elements can influence a company’s success. Understanding which signals matter most takes years of experience—experience that investment veteran Peter Zangari shares. With a practical eye for what can potentially drive sustainable growth, he highlights three key factors that may help identify promising opportunities.
Spotting Growth with Strong Leadership
What does it take to spot a company’s real growth potential? According to Peter, it often begins with leadership. “It kind of starts and stops with who are the founders, who are the leaders of the organization,” he says. But it’s not just about impressive resumes—Peter looks deeper.
Commercial sense matters as much as technical expertise. “Do they have the commercial acumen—the ability to identify market opportunities, the ability to build out successful sales teams?” he asks. Track records count, but Peter digs further through interviews and references to confirm if leaders still have their edge. The premier leaders tend to have a knack for attracting talent. “Not only might you as an individual leader have a proven track record, but you may also have the ability to attract quality people to your organization,” Peter notes. This magnetic quality often signals the potential for a company’s growth.
Evaluating Office Culture for Success
Want to know if a company could be going places? Take a walk around their office. Peter makes this a key part of his assessment. “When I invest in companies and have the opportunity to visit, I walk around the office,” he shares. He’s looking for genuine engagement—are people focused on their work? How do they interact? The real test comes in social settings. “Do I get a really good vibe that these people really care for each other and want to work hard for each other?” Peter looks for signs that people genuinely want to succeed together. This culture check can be a valuable indicator for long-term growth.
Solving Problems Customers Care About
A third crucial factor? Making sure companies solve problems customers are likely to pay for. “It always starts with the client,” Peter emphasizes. “What challenges do the clients face that your company can help them with?” You don’t have to be first, but you do need to be better. “You don’t have to be the first one to do that,” he points out. “The other solution that may be in the market may be inferior—there may be things that you could do to really differentiate yourself.”
Key Sectors with High Potential
Peter sees particular promise in three areas:
Financial Advisory Services: “In the US, there are tens of thousands of financial advisors,” Peter notes. “The technology and products that serve those financial advisors might still be lacking in many ways.” This gap could spell opportunity.
Healthcare Technology: With healthcare eating up nearly 15 percent of US spending, companies using AI to improve patient care while helping doctors manage their practices better might show real potential. As Peter puts it, “Ideally, it’s a win—the technology not only serves the patients but also serves the doctors.”
Specialized Banking: Early-stage companies need more than just money. Peter sees opportunity in new financial institutions targeting specific industries like pharma or entertainment. These companies could offer focused support traditional banks might not always match.
Each of these sectors shares a common thread—they aim to solve real problems for specific customers. That focus, combined with strong leadership and healthy culture, might help create the foundation for sustained growth. Remember, while markets change and technologies evolve, quality leadership and strong teams can often remain constant drivers of success. By focusing on these fundamentals, investors may increase their chances of spotting tomorrow’s winners today. To learn more about Peter Zangari and his approach, check out his LinkedIn profile.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice, nor does it replace professional financial advice, investment advice, or any other type of advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions.
Published by Mark V.
