Jim Apple is partner and head of sourcing at The Sterling Group, an operationally focused private equity firm based in Houston.  Jim hits the ground running with stories of a rich upbringing that included antique road shows and no TV in the house.  Discussion culminates with a review of Sterling, its two current vehicles and model that includes seven drivers of value including the one Jim is responsible for – acquisitions.  Before that, we hit highlights from Jim’s two earlier career stints in industrial development and investment banking.  As is often the case, conversation ends up on music tastes. Jim scores with his recommendation of the Black Pumas, “an American psychedelic soul band based in Austin, Texas.”