Thanksgiving means work for the PE industry

We asked industry professionals from across the US whether or not they planned to work on Thanksgiving and found that, for most, the holiday is just a regular Thursday

For most of the US population, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to reconnect with family and disconnect from work. But for the private funds industry, however, the idea of a holiday “break” is something of a myth. When running firms with global operations, most industry professionals remain on the clock, even on turkey day.

We asked industry professionals from across the country: “How do you plan to disconnect from work over Thanksgiving? Or alternatively, do you plan to work/be entirely accessible?”

Here are some responses we received:

“Typically, I take off the day before Thanksgiving on the assumption that it will be quiet and a good day to be out of the office. I am usually wrong in my assumption so I end up catching up on work on Thursday morning. Now, this used to create problems at home when everyone was busy cooking and I was ‘hiding’ in my office but, after last year where I insisted on grilling the turkey, I am no longer allowed to help out with the cooking so I expect it will work out well this year.” Peter Laybourn, partner at Ropes & Gray in Boston

“I plan not to take any calls while surfing over the holidays, unless I’m held under by a big wave for more than two minutes.” Fred Gortner, chief operating officer at Paladin Partners in Los Angeles.

“I will be always accessible but reconnecting with family and friends.” Peter Sotoloff, managing member and chief investment officer at Mack Real Estate Credit Strategies in New York

“What does disconnect mean? I am unfamiliar with that word.” Chris Merrill, co-founder, president and CEO of Harrison Street Real Estate Capital in Chicago

Whatever your plan for the holiday, Happy Thanksgiving from the team at PEI!