Declaration

Jon Qvistgaard=Petersen, President of Marlin Exploration and Petersen Private Equity

Episode Speakers

Todd Rich

Host

Jon Qvistgaard=Petersen

President of Marlin Exploration and Petersen Private Equity

Strategies Mentioned

Private InvestmentsReal Estate

In this episode of Declarations, host Todd S. Rich sits down with Jon Qvistgaard=Peterson, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with deep roots in oil and gas, private equity, and automotive retail. From his family’s pioneering ventures in the energy sector to building Louisiana’s largest Honda dealership, Jon shares the philosophies that have guided his career and personal life.

The conversation explores:
• Lessons in leadership and resilience from his grandfather, a Danish immigrant who founded Blue Plate Foods
• Navigating risk in oil and gas exploration and how the industry has evolved
• Building a business in automotive retail and the contrast between the energy and car industries
• The importance of teamwork and long-term thinking in both business and life
• His deep commitment to philanthropy, including his family’s contributions to children’s healthcare in Louisiana

Jon also reflects on his personal mantra—”You must participate in life”—emphasizing the value of curiosity, engagement, and giving back. Whether you’re interested in investing, business operations, or simply learning from a life well-lived, this episode is filled with wisdom from an operator who has truly seen it all.

Topics:
(00:00:00) – Intro
(00:02:36) – Jon’s Declaration
(00:03:25) – The Q=Petersen Family history
(00:08:06) – Jon’s career in Oil & Gas and Auto
(00:19:56) – How to pull your weight in the American Economy
(00:22:32) – Participate in Life
(00:25:30) – The difference between investors and operators
(00:27:42) – Operating a business as a family steward
(00:30:07) – Jon’s philanthropy
(00:32:50) – Influential books
(00:33:51) – The best advice Jon’s received
(00:34:51) – Jon’s pursuit of happiness

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This podcast (“Podcast”) is provided for discussion and informational purposes only, for use by Declaration Partners LP together with its affiliates referred to as (“Declaration”) and should not be considered investment, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not indicative of future outcomes. This Podcast does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any investment product or any interest in the Fund or any other investment vehicles or accounts managed or advised by Declaration. Investing involves a certain degree of risk, including the risk of loss. This Podcast may contain certain forward-looking statements, which may not materialize. No compensation has been awarded to any speaker for statements made that are either testimonials or endorsements. However, certain speakers may be current or former investors in certain Declaration investment products and may receive reduced fees, priority terms, priority access, co-investment rates, among other preferential treatment, which may pose a conflict of interest. Certain speakers may also be affiliates and/or service providers that receive compensation from Declaration for services provided in their service provider capacity but have not been compensated specifically for any testimonials or endorsements made herein. The views expressed in this podcast by either the guest speaker or the host are their own and may not reflect the views of their firm, Declaration, or their respective affiliates. The information discussed in this Podcast may change at any time without notice, and there is no duty by Declaration to update any person to whom this information is provided. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor the securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Podcast.

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