Debt as a Strategic Operations Tool
"Debt, when used properly, isn’t just a financing tool—it’s one of three essential legs of real estate and business operations," says Derrick Gruner, founder of RWA Group. He argues that the right lending partner can amplify earnings and enable scaling, reframing debt as a core component of operational strategy.
Derrick Gruner is the Chief Capital Markets Officer & General Counsel for Realworld Asset Group (RWA), which he joined in early 2024. The firm, led by founder and CEO Justin Mitchell, focuses on providing capital for the residential transitional loan (RTL) market, viewing debt as a primary tool for operational strategy and scaling businesses. The strategic use of debt has shifted, with a notable rise in private credit for mid-market companies. This market, which involves direct lending by non-bank institutions, has grown to be a source of capital comparable to the leveraged loan and high-yield bond markets. This expansion is partly driven by regulations that have made traditional bank lending more restrictive. Instead of being used purely for acquisitions, this form of capital is increasingly pivotal for operational improvements and organic growth. Boutique advisory and consulting firms are often engaged to structure these financing solutions, helping companies optimize their capital structure for expansion, technology upgrades, or supply chain enhancements without diluting equity. This trend directly impacts hiring in specialized consulting. Boutique firms are hiring aggressively for roles in operations, digital strategy, and transformation. These firms seek candidates with skills in process optimization, data analysis, and change management to guide clients who are leveraging debt for strategic growth. For professionals targeting these roles, demonstrating expertise in financial literacy, business systems thinking, and project management is key. The day-to-day responsibilities in a boutique firm often involve more direct client interaction and a greater level of responsibility earlier in one's career compared to larger consulting houses. The global private credit market was valued at approximately $1.6 trillion in 2025. This growth provides an alternative to public markets, offering more flexible and customized financing terms that can be directly tied to a company's revenue generation and operational cycles. As a result, enterprise strategy roles at mid-market companies and the boutique consultancies that serve them are increasingly focused on liability management and strategic financing. This includes renegotiating loan contracts, managing cash flow to service debt, and structuring capital to fund specific operational initiatives.
