Finding operators with appropriate skill sets is hard. It can be the difference between winning and losing. That is why we formed the “Access Creating Executives” (ACE) program. To grow our own operators, along side our other talent programs is Access Holdings’ modern take on leadership development – designed to cultivate the next generation of lower middle-market executives through immersive, hands-on training. This paper explores how the ACE program is redefining talent development and fueling leadership across our portfolio companies in the lower-middle market.