Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast M&A Masters

Is your business missing out on millions by overlooking supply chain efficiency? What if unlocking massive value in M&A deals was easier than you think?

In this episode, Mert Erkan, Vice President of Efficio Consulting, joins Patrick Stroth to reveal how procurement and supply chain transformations drive game-changing results for both private equity and strategic acquirers on a global scale.

You’ll discover…

• The surprising percentage of EBITDA growth hiding in procurement synergies
• How “clean room” analysis can set post-merger integration up for instant success
• Why even high-tech companies are underinvesting in their supply chain teams—and what to do about it
• The Formula 1 approach to leveraging AI and digital tools in procurement
• What resilience and agility really mean for modern supply chain networks—and why it matters more than ever

Navigating the emotional twists and turns of selling a family-owned business isn’t just about the highest offer—sometimes, it’s about finding the right partner to carry on your legacy. What does it really take to achieve a clean, meaningful exit?

In this episode, Warren Feder, Partner at CMA Group, joins Patrick Stroth to reveal how investment bankers guide owners and founders through complex transitions, ensuring both financial success and continuity for generations to come.

You’ll discover…

• The surprising reason one family business owner chose the lowest offer in a multi-bid sale
• How “complexity is our specialty” comes to life in deals with challenging family dynamics
• The evolving landscape of M&A for baby boomers—and why gray hair matters
• The crucial role of rep and warranty insurance in accelerating successful exits
• What’s really driving optimism for M&A in 2026, and how private equity is responding

The playbook for selling your company just changed—again.

What separates those who merely survive from those who exit with maximum value? The answer may surprise even seasoned founders.

In this episode, Anthony Caporrino, U.S. Transaction Advisory Group Co-Leader at Alvarez & Marsal, reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets to smarter M&A, how analytics are rewriting the rules, and what it really takes for owners and investors to achieve a clean exit.

You’ll discover…

• The single biggest mistake even mature companies make when prepping for a sale
• What founders should be doing years before considering an exit (and why most miss it)
• How “operator experience” trumps traditional consulting in maximizing deal value
• The new analytics tools that give buyers (and sellers) the ultimate edge
• Why rep & warranty insurance is changing dealmaking—and what it means for your next negotiation

Not every deal needs an army of lawyers and sky-high fees to get across the finish line…
So how are today’s owners navigating increasingly complex M&A—and why is buyer behavior making it more challenging than ever?

In this episode, Dennis O’Rourke, Partner and Chair of the Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group at Moritt Hock & Hamroff, shares why lower middle market companies don’t have to compromise on expertise or affordability—and explains how a dramatic shift in buyer dynamics, fueled by the rise of “other people’s money” (OPM), is adding new layers of complexity to deals.

You’ll discover…

• The surprising impact of buyers using investors’ and lenders’ capital—and why that’s changing diligence
• Why “simple” deals are rarely as straightforward as sellers think
• How to access big-firm legal expertise without big-firm price tags
• The hidden tension between buyers and sellers (and one way insurance is helping bridge the gap)
• The critical moment to bring in a specialist M&A lawyer—before it’s too late

Most business owners see their website as a digital business card—but what if it could become your company’s top-performing employee? Digital assets make or break deals in today’s M&A world, yet are still one of the most overlooked sources of value, risk, and growth potential.

In this episode, Paige Wiese, founder of Tree Ring Digital, reveals how optimizing your company’s digital presence can unlock hidden value, improve M&A transitions, and future-proof your growth—whether you’re buying, selling, or scaling.

You’ll discover…

• The costly mistakes most business owners make with their digital assets during M&A.
• How neglecting your website can quietly erode your company’s valuation.
• The surprising M&A pitfalls that even experienced IT teams routinely miss.
• Why Tree Ring Digital and a managed service provider are NOT interchangeable (and what’s at stake if you confuse the two).
• The next big digital risks (and opportunities) owners can’t afford to ignore in 2025.

The private equity secondary market is booming—but most people don’t realize how dramatically it’s evolved, or where it’s heading next. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or totally new to secondaries, this episode peels back the curtain on one of the fastest-growing corners of the financial world.

In this episode, Mike Bego, Managing Partner of Kline Hill Partners, joins host Patrick Stroth to give an insider’s perspective on how the secondary market for private equity is shifting, why secondaries are suddenly top-of-mind for investors, and what you can expect from this year’s milestone industry event, Secondaries Day.

You’ll discover…

• Why the secondary market exploded from a $5 billion niche to a $200 billion+ industry—and what still holds it back
• What really goes on behind the scenes of an LP-led versus a GP-led secondary transaction
• The unexpected career path that brought Mike Bego to the forefront of secondaries—and the practical lessons he learned from dot-com bust, “Chernobyl”
• The biggest misconceptions and emerging risks in continuation vehicles (and how to spot the red flags)
• How Secondaries Day is shaping the conversation and community for private equity insiders—from power networking to charity lunches and even pickleball

From screen printing to seven acquisitions—what does it take to build a powerhouse in the decorated apparel industry? And what surprising lessons can scaling a “niche of niches” teach about entrepreneurship, technology, and M&A success?

In this episode, Jeff Cooperman, Founder of Front Nine Capital, reveals his journey from CPA to serial acquirer—exploring how he’s turned overlooked, mom-and-pop apparel companies into a thriving, tech-forward organization ready to supercharge growth in a fragmented market.

You’ll discover…

• The surprising question Jeff asks every business owner before making an offer
• How a single “epiphany moment” can redefine a company’s trajectory overnight
• The secret upside to acquiring legacy businesses with minimal tech presence
• Why mergers and acquisitions in small markets are seeing unprecedented momentum
• The game-changing insurance tool that’s making deals safer for small business sellers than ever before

Most M&A Advisors aim for the billion-dollar deals—so who’s serving the true engine of American business?

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the world of lower middle market M&A, where relationships, turnaround expertise, and strategic partnerships make all the difference.

In this episode, Bob McCormack, Founder of Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors, reveals the unique challenges and overlooked opportunities in family-owned business transactions—and why collaboration (not competition) is the future of deal making.

You’ll discover…

• Why Murphy McCormack says “no” to 9 out of 10 potential engagements—and what happens to the businesses who aren’t ready (yet) to sell
• The inside story on Cornerstone International Alliance’s deal-sharing model and how it transforms client outcomes
• How emotional intelligence and post-closing support can make or break an owner’s life-changing exit
• The reasons rep & warranty insurance is finally making inroads with private business owners—and who’s still pushing back
• The untold macro risks (like tariffs) that are reshaping manufacturing deals in real time

Would you trust your company’s future to a team that’s obsessed with precision, storytelling, and preparing for every possible scenario?

In the high-stakes world of SaaS M&A, the difference between a good deal and a great one can change the course of a founder’s life—and their legacy.

In this episode, Diamond Innabi, Principal at Software Equity Group, reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets that drive SEG’s 94% “first pass” success rate in vertical SaaS deals—plus the underrated factors that buyers and sellers often overlook (at their peril).

You’ll discover…

• The one storytelling move that instantly sets a SaaS business apart from every other deal on the table
• What most founders don’t know about “tension”—and why it may be the key to unlocking next-level M&A outcomes
• How SEG’s “overstaffed” model creates winning deals (and what happens when other firms focus on volume instead)
• The surprising region of the US most SaaS founders call home—and why it matters for buyers and investors
• A new insurance hack that finally levels the playing field for smaller deals in the lower middle market

Most business owners think accounting is just a necessary evil—until it costs them millions.
What hidden traps are killing the value of your business before you even go to market?

In this episode, Jason Kruger, Partner at Citrin Cooperman’s Business Process Outsourcing Practice, exposes how overlooked accounting gaps can sabotage your exit—and how precision financials can supercharge your company’s valuation.

You’ll discover…

• Why “good enough” bookkeeping could quietly slash your business sale price
• The secret financial move that doubles your company’s EBITDA multiple
• How deal momentum evaporates—and the one invisible risk that keeps buyers up at night
• The new evolution in rep & warranty insurance that’s changing deal dynamics for small and midsize firms
• What top buyers always spot in financial statements (and how you can make your next sale a “no-brainer”)

Navigating a business exit can feel like flying into a storm with no landing strip in sight—especially when millions are on the line and expert advice is scattered. What’s the secret to engineering a “clean exit” that safeguards both your wealth and your legacy?

In this episode, Joe LoPresti, Founder of Arlington Wealth Management, reveals the game-changing strategies behind holistic wealth management for business owners on the cusp of a major business sale—and why the fractional family office approach is rewriting the rules for lower middle market entrepreneurs.

You’ll discover…

• Why most business owner advisors work in silos—and how this creates dangerous planning gaps you might not see coming.
• The #1 mistake founders make when exiting their business, and how proactive planning turns risk into opportunity.
• A behind-the-scenes look at “fractional family offices,” and how they unite specialists for life-changing results.
• The overlooked power of sell-side advisory and new insurance tools that can protect—and even boost—your post-sale windfall.
• The untold story of how Arlington Wealth Management partners with business owners from the “20-yard line” all the way to the end zone.

NOTE: Arlington Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. All investments carry risk, and no investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect from loss of capital.

Unlocking the secrets of successful online business acquisitions…

How does one navigate the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions, especially in the ever-evolving tech industry?

In this episode, Andrew Gazdecki, founder of acquire.com, shares insights on building and operating the leading online platform for buying and selling online businesses.

Andrew reveals:

• The compelling story behind acquire.com's unique domain acquisition
• Key strategies for launching and scaling a marketplace platform
• How acquire.com connects aspiring entrepreneurs with the right acquisitions
• The human element in M&A transactions and how it's integrated into an online platform
• Emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of acquisitions in the lower middle market

You might think snow is bad for a car wash business...

But what if it turns out to be their best friend?

In this episode, Harry Caruso, founder and CEO of Car Wash Advisory, unravels the intriguing dynamics of the car wash industry and how it stands as an attractive investment sector in the world of mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• The surprising impact of snow on the car wash economy.
• Why car wash operators have opportunities to succeed no matter their scale.
• How matrix-like operations are shaking up the car wash industry.
• The relevance and advantages of reps and warranties insurance in selling businesses.
• A peek into the upcoming 2025 trends for the car wash sector.

The collision industry is undergoing a major transformation…

But what factors influence a successful merger or acquisition in this niche market?

In this episode, David Roberts, founder and CEO of Focus Advisors, shares his journey from founding a leading collision center network to becoming a key player in the M&A advisory scene, guiding body shop owners through strategic exits.

You’ll discover:

• The surprising parallels between auto insurance and healthcare industries that shape M&A trends.
• How a VW van sparked a passion that fueled an entire career.
• Key strategies to turn a collision repair business into a desirable acquisition target.
• Why multi-shop operators have a unique edge in today’s market.
• How rep and warranty insurance can facilitate smoother deal closures.

In the world of business, accounting is often seen as a painful necessity. But what if it could be a strategic advantage instead of a chore?

In this episode, Matt Tait, Founder and CEO of Decimal, discusses how his company revolutionizes accounting services for small businesses and why he believes aligning business incentives is key to success.

You’ll discover:

• How Decimal fosters a people-first company culture in a remote work environment
• The unique approach Decimal takes towards acquisitions and partnerships
• Insights on leveraging technology and AI in the accounting industry
• Why an abundance mindset could be the secret to business growth
• Decimal’s experience with reps and warranties insurance in M&A transactions

Navigating the complex world of mergers and acquisitions can be daunting, especially for lower middle market founder-owned companies. But what if there was a more straightforward path to a clean exit?

In this episode, Rob Margeton, co-founder of Ryco Advisors, an Atlanta-based independent advisory firm, explores the vast opportunities within the lower middle market and reveals how Ryco Advisors guides business owners through the selling process for optimal outcomes.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The strategic advantage of finding value in overlooked industries.
• How building connections within the private equity community can maximize a company's sale potential.
• The critical role of transparency and diligence in successful transactions.
• Innovative approaches to mitigating transaction risk with modern insurance solutions.
• Trends shaping the future of mergers and acquisitions in the current economic climate.

98% of business owners aren't prepared for the emotional toll of selling their companies...

Could you be one of them?

In this episode, JB Brown, founder of White Buffalo Advisors, reveals the secrets behind successful business exits and the often-overlooked emotional impact that follows.

You'll discover:

• The gripping story behind the name "White Buffalo Advisors."
• Why 75% of business owners regret selling their companies within a year.
• The importance of planning for life post-exit—beyond just financials.
• JB's insights on industry trends and what to expect in 2025.
• How mergers and acquisitions are being revolutionized by AI and creative deal-making strategies.

Ever wonder how authentic connections and Midwest values could transform mergers and acquisitions? Dive into a compelling blend of business acumen and heartfelt legacy preservation with our latest episode.

In this episode, Jonathan Babcock, Senior Associate at Compass Group Equity Partners, joins Patrick Stroth to uncover the intricate world of lower middle market investments and the human-centric approach that defines their success.

You’ll discover…

• The unconventional inspiration behind the name “Compass Group” and what it symbolizes.
• How networking in unpredictable ways opened doors for a young Jonathan.
• The secret formula behind Compass Group’s success in the lower middle market.
• Real-life stories of legacy family businesses transformed by strategic partnerships.
• Why operational excellence and people-centric values are critical in today’s competitive market.

The world of M&A can seem elusive, but today’s guest lifts the curtain to reveal how lower middle market firms can achieve global reach and expertise.

In this episode, Nick Olsen, Managing Director of Cornerstone International Alliance, delves into the power of collaboration within the M&A network, highlighting how firms thrive by joining forces.

You’ll discover:

• The unique model that sets Cornerstone International Alliance apart from big M&A corporations.
• How collaboration over competition boosts success for smaller market firms.
• The game-changing insurance products enhancing deal closures.
• The secrets behind Cornerstone's exponential growth and global expansion strategy.
• Why waiting for the election results might impact the M&A market's dynamics.

From Brazil to the U.S.: Navigating the Cross-Border Investment Landscape

In this episode, Stephan de Sabrit, the Managing Partner of Leste Group, delves into the intricacies of expanding a Latin American investment firm into the North American market.

You’ll discover:

• How the name “Leste” encapsulates their vision of new beginnings and ideas.
• The strategic reasons behind Leste Group’s focus on the lower middle market.
• Unique approaches Leste Group takes to stand out among larger, more established private equity firms.
• The importance of hands-on collaboration with management teams for value creation.
• Insight into the latest trends and opportunities in the U.S. and Latin American investment landscapes.

In the chaotic world of marketing mergers and acquisitions, how do you ensure a "clean exit"?

In this episode, Jonathan Baker, practice lead for mergers and acquisitions at Punctuation, dives into the critical intricacies of M&A in the marketing services sector. He shares the emotionally charged journey of selling a business and uncovers strategies that transcend mere financial gain, focusing instead on the value-driven aspects that make a deal truly beneficial.

You’ll discover…

• Why the emotional aspect of M&A can upend even the best-laid spreadsheets
• The curious origin story behind the name "Punctuation"
• The unique challenges and opportunities within the fragmented marketing services market
• How lifestyle considerations often outweigh the highest financial offers
• The latest trends in M&A that sellers and buyers need to know going into 2025

What happens when you blend the financial expertise of big firms with the agility and personal touch of a nimble boutique? Discover how one company is revolutionizing the M&A landscape for middle-market companies.

In this episode, Nicholas Spezio, Director of Transaction Services at the Exbo Group, dives into the world of mergers and acquisitions, discussing the unique needs and challenges faced by growth-stage companies and their investors.

You’ll discover…

• The compelling story behind Exbo Group's inception and mission.
• Why transitioning from a big firm to a boutique firm can be an attractive move in the finance sector.
• Key differences between buy-side and sell-side transactions and why each requires a tailored approach.
• How Exbo Group provides "big firm" quality without the "big firm" price tag.
• The benefits and evolving trends of rep and warranty insurance in M&A deals.

Ever wondered how the niche market of self-storage investments works and how it can become a powerful asset in your real estate portfolio? Discover the unexpected allure of self-storage and the success secrets behind this burgeoning industry.

In this episode, Matthew Horne, Co-Founder and CEO of Storage Point Capital, dives deep into the intriguing world of self-storage investments and acquisitions, uncovering why this seemingly mundane sector could be the golden ticket for savvy investors.

You’ll discover…

• The compelling journey that led Matthew from for-profit universities to self-storage investments.
• Why self-storage stood out among numerous alternative investment opportunities.
• How Storage Point Capital identifies and secures off-market deals without middlemen.
• The unique dynamics and community aspects of the self-storage industry.
• The critical role of sophisticated analytics and relationships in successful self-storage investments.

Struggling with investment strategies in today's tumultuous market? Discover how the pros stay agile, creative, and profitable even during cash flow negative periods.

In this episode, John Dickie, Partner at HighVista Strategies, opens up about navigating the lower middle market during financial downturns and seizing unique opportunities that many overlook.

You’ll discover…

• The hidden opportunities in tough markets that can turn challenges into advantages.
• Creative investment strategies and the flexibility needed to thrive.
• The factors that make smaller companies attractive investment targets.
• How direct investments and secondary markets play into a balanced portfolio.
• John Dickie's journey from government bond trading to high-stakes private equity.

How can you transition a business successfully from a retiring entrepreneur to the next generation? This episode dives into the human element of mergers and acquisitions, revealing strategies to make these transitions smooth and profitable.

Brian Shields, co-founder of Handoff Partners, shares his journey of combining financial expertise with operational insights to help retiring entrepreneurs pass their businesses to the next generation.

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• The significance of understanding industry knowledge for successful business takeovers.
• How Handoff Partners is revolutionizing the way retiring entrepreneurs transition their businesses.
• Unique strategies for investing in people with industry-specific experience.
• New developments in M&A transactions for small to medium-sized deals.
• The crucial role mental health plays in leadership and preventing burnout.

Unlock the secrets of sustainable growth and discover the power of a founder's mindset in transforming consumer brands, as revealed by industry veteran Mark Tarchetti.

In this episode, Mark Tarchetti, founder of Alchemy-Rx and author of "Pick a Lane: Growth Strategy in a Fast-Changing World," shares his insights on reimagining businesses and implementing practical growth strategies.

You'll discover…

• Why relying solely on acquisitions may not be the solution for sustainable growth in consumer products
• How applying a founder’s mindset can drive growth and innovation
• The importance of having a clear, actionable plan and operational disciplines for continuous growth
• What sets Alchemy-Rx apart in helping ambitious teams, from up-and-coming to household-name brands, achieve success
• How rep and warranty insurance has become a game-changer in providing confidence to buyers in transactions

Imagine a world where you could buy and sell businesses with just a few clicks, all while having the peace of mind that your transaction is protected. Sounds too good to be true? Not anymore, thanks to Flippa's innovative platform and their new game-changing capability.

In this episode, Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa discusses how Flippa is revolutionizing the way individuals buy and sell online businesses by offering a seamless, all-in-one platform with an exclusive new feature that mitigates risk for deal parties.

You'll also discover…

• How Flippa's platform streamlines the process of buying and selling online businesses
• The groundbreaking new capability that sets Flippa apart from the competition
• Why even small deals can benefit from the protection of insurance
• The exciting new categories and features coming soon to Flippa's platform
• How Flippa's innovative approach is making mergers and acquisitions more accessible than ever

What does it take to successfully sell a business and achieve a fulfilling outcome for all parties involved? Learn the secrets from an M&A expert who has helped countless business owners navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode we speak with Scott Bushkie, founder of Cornerstone Business Services, an investment banking firm. We dive into the strategies and approaches that have made Scott and his team successful in helping business owners sell their companies in the lower middle market.

In this episode, you'll discover…

• The surprising factor that can make or break an M&A deal
• How a team of specialists can simplify the complex process of selling a business
• The game-changing role of reps and warranties insurance in M&A transactions
• The critical mistakes business owners often make when selling their company
• The life-changing impact of a successful business sale on owners and their families

98% of the time, we fail to understand the intricacies of secondary market transactions...

How does rep and warranty insurance play a crucial role in closing these deals?

In this episode, Mike Bego, managing partner of Kline Hill Partners, reveals the secrets of the secondary private equity market and the role of rep and warranty insurance.

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• The advantages of rep and warranty insurance that help close transactions smoothly.
• The types of clients Kline Hill Partners focuses on in the secondary market.
• How Kline Hill Partners facilitates liquidity in private equity transactions.
• Why the secondary market is expected to see significant growth in 2024 and 2025.
• Key details about Kline Hill’s annual secondary day event and how you can participate.

In today’s ever-changing deal landscape, there’s no room for a win-lose mindset. Discover how a collaborative approach can not only navigate but also thrive in tumultuous times.

In this episode, Matt Bodnar, founder of Eidolon Investments, delves into innovative deal structures during challenging times, emphasizing the crucial need for new skills and collaborative negotiation tactics.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• A new insurance product that could revolutionize the lower middle market.
• Why aligning goals with sellers is the key to successful negotiations.
• How Eidolon Investments targets underinvested businesses.
• The strategic advantages of focusing on the $2 to $5 million EBITDA range.
• The significance of revenue predictability in potential acquisitions.

Are you ready to dive into the strategies behind building thriving businesses and impactful partnerships?

Discover how partnering with the right leaders can transform companies and markets.

In this episode, John Block, co-founder and CEO of Unity Partners, takes us through his fascinating journey from childhood aspirations to leading a game-changing firm that builds better businesses together.

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• Why John chose the name "Unity Partners" for his firm
• The secret mantra that drives Unity Partners' success
• How foundational principles can propel business growth
• Strategies for reducing uncertainty in business success
• The impact of technology on smaller market investments
• And more

Are you ready to transform the way you think about mergers and acquisitions? Discover the secrets to a clean exit and the revolutionary approach of conscious capitalism in this enlightening episode of M&A Masters.

Join host Patrick Stroth, an expert in executive and transactional liability, as he welcomes Sunny Vanderbeck, co-founder and managing partner of Satori Capital. Based in Dallas, Satori Capital is renowned for its multi-strategy investment firm ethos based on conscious capitalism. Sunny, the best-selling author of Selling Without Selling Out, shares invaluable insights drawn from his extensive experience in tech entrepreneurship and investment.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Sunny’s journey from tech entrepreneur to championing conscious capitalism.
• How conscious capitalism drives long-term success and impacts all stakeholders.
• The vital role of culture and values in driving business decisions.
• Insights into Sunny's best-selling book and his philosophy on ethical business practices.
• Strategies for achieving a clean and strategic exit for founders and investors.

In this episode, I sit down with Brett Story, the founder of Britehorn Partners, a leading middle-market investment bank. They delve into Brett's transition from corporate law to M&A, the founding and rebranding of Britehorn Partners, and why staying focused on the middle market can be more rewarding than chasing larger deals. 

Brett also shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of working with owner-operators to achieve successful exits and the evolving landscape of M&A.

He’ll cover:

• Why Britehorn Partners is agnostic in terms of industries they serve, focusing on the “who” not the “what”
• The challenges and rewards of working with owners and founders of family-owned companies
• Insights into how demographic shifts, especially among baby boomer business owners, are likely to influence M&A activities in the coming years
• And more

In this episode of M&A Masters, we're joined by Trever Acers, Managing Director of Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation. With over 20 years in the transactions field, Trever brings a wealth of experience and a unique approach to mergers and acquisitions. 

Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation focuses on the lower middle market, aiming to serve clients with enterprise values between $25 to $250 million across the United States. The firm prides itself on its client-centric approach, aiming to achieve a clean exit for owners, founders, and their investors.

Trever will share how he assists clients in planning their exit strategy years in advance, allowing for a more controlled and potentially lucrative selling process.

In this episode of M&A Masters, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sharon Heaton, founder of sbLiftOff. SbLiftOff specializes in providing advisory services to founder-led businesses and government contracting organizations across the United States, focusing on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and more. 

Sharon, also the author of the Forbes bestseller LIFT OFF: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business, shares invaluable insights into the world of M&A, the journey of founder-led businesses, and the essence of preparing for and navigating the sale process.

She’ll cover:

• The future of M&A
• The emotional aspects of selling a business
• Her ideal client profile
• Viewing M&A as a transition to a new chapter
• And more

This episode of M&A Masters features Tom Brinegar, the Chief Financial Officer of PEAK Resources, a trailblazing technology and systems integrator based in Denver. Under Tom's financial stewardship, PEAK Resources recently navigated through a complex and successful acquisition by a strategic buyer. With a rich background in finance and the heart of an entrepreneur, Tom's journey offers a unique lens on the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions from the perspective of the acquired.

• Discover how Tom Brinegar and the PEAK Resources team prepared for the acquisition process and why they decided it was the right time to sell.
• Learn about the strategic selection of a buyer and how cultural fit played a crucial role in sealing the deal.
• Tom shares his insights on overcoming due diligence challenges and the unexpected hurdles along the way.
• Understand the pivotal role of reps and warranties insurance in facilitating a smoother transaction, as provided by Rubicon M&A Insurance Services.
• Gain perspective on the post-acquisition changes and Tom's personal journey towards finding new horizons after the successful exit of PEAK Resources.

To delve deeper into the world of mergers and acquisitions and to gather invaluable insights from Tom Brinegar's first hand experience, tune into this episode of M&A Masters. Whether you're contemplating an exit strategy or looking to expand through acquisitions, this conversation sheds light on the critical elements that contribute to a successful deal. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or directly on our website.

Discover the transformative journey of consumer brands into lucrative M&A opportunities…

In today’s episode, join us as we welcome Jason Somerville, founding partner of GW Partners. With a unique blend of operational consulting, financial management, strategic planning, and M&A advisory, Jason and his team are known for elevating consumer brands into prime acquisition targets.

• Dive into Jason’s transition from investment banking to entrepreneurial success.
• Unearth the impact of visiting suppliers on business deals and relationships.
• Learn how GW Partners uniquely prepares companies for optimal sale conditions.
• Understand the role of metrics and benchmarks in enhancing company value.
• Explore how GW Partners' approach aligns with founder ambitions and business evolution.

To gain more insights from Jason Somerville and learn the art of preparing your consumer brand for a successful exit, tune into this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or just hit play above.

Discover the art of strategic mergers in architecture and engineering with M&A expert David Kimbrell.

In this episode of M&A Masters, join me as we engage with David Kimbrell, a seasoned M&A authority in the architectural and engineering sector. With over four decades of unmatched expertise, David has masterminded the art of buying, selling, and advising firms in this specialized niche, revolutionizing the concept of strategic mergers and acquisitions.

• Delve into the intricate world of M&A for architectural and engineering firms.
• Explore David Kimbrell's unique journey from environmental health to M&A mastery.
• Learn how interest rates and market dynamics influence M&A strategies.
• Understand the critical role of creative financing in contemporary M&A scenarios.
• Gain insights into the nuances of representation and warranty insurance in lower-middle market deals.
• Discover the importance of post-sale transition in ensuring deal success.
• And more

To absorb the full wealth of knowledge shared in this episode, subscribe to M&A Masters on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or hit play above.

In this episode, my guest is Tom Zucker, President and Founder of EdgePoint Capital. 

Cleveland based, EdgePoint Capital’s advisors bring up-market executive transaction knowledge and real-world M&A and business leadership experience, enabling them to guide owners and founders through transactions and attract qualified buyers. 

Tom will share his M&A insight, including:

• The importance of timing and preparation
• His commitment to the lower middle market
• EdgePoint Capital’s ideal client
• Value of rep & warranties insurance
• An M&A forecast for 2024
• And more

What insights does a top M&A attorney have to share about buying and selling businesses?

Spending nearly three decades in California’s dynamic business environment, my guest, attorney Addison Adams, has become known as California’s go-to voice on mergers and acquisitions. 

In this episode, he’ll share his M&A expertise, including:

• M&A in California
• Non-Compete Agreements
• Bulk Sale Law
• Reps & Warranties Insurance
• Predictions for Next Year
• And more

In this episode, we’re taking a look at a unique independent sponsor’s M&A strategies.

My guest Bakari Akil is the founder of Graves Hall Capital, which seeks to buy and run businesses where owners and founders are seeking an exit.

Bakari will share his M&A journey and advice for enticing a seller to do business with you.

He’ll also cover:

• Why he believes buying companies is the best wealth building strategy
• What types of companies he’s looking for
• The role of reps & warranties insurance
• And more

How can M&A advisors help business owners maximize and monetize their life’s work?

That’s the mission of M&A advisory and exit planning consulting firm TobinLeff, whose founder David Tobin is here to speak with me in this episode. 

David will share how his firm builds relationships long before the deal and meets clients wherever they are in the M&A journey. 

He’ll also cover M&A in the professional services and marketing sector, his ideal client profile, and more.

What if you had a step-by-step guide to the M&A process?

My guest, investment banker Bill Snow, is the author of Mergers & Acquisitions for Dummies, an insider’s handbook about buying and selling companies.

In this episode, he’ll share his M&A expertise and give an inside look at the process of writing his book. 

He’ll also share the one tip that tests if your investment banker has the right negotiation skills for your deal—and give his take on reps and warranties insurance. 

In the case of an unexpected death or disability, a business can face hardship and significant economic consequences…

But in this episode, we’re covering two essential products that can mitigate this risk: key person life insurance and excess disability insurance.

Here to speak with me is Lynne Rosenberg, President of Innovative Solutions, which provides broad market access to leading carriers of annuities, life, disability, and long term care insurance.

She’ll cover what businesses need to know about these products and how they can protect your employees, clients, and business. 

How can quality of earnings reports impact lower middle market transactions?

Patrick McMillan, CFO and Transaction Advisor at Amplēo, is here to share how sellers and buyers can leverage this tool for smoother transactions.

Patrick will cover:

• What is a quality of earnings report?
• Why is it different from an audit?
• How to tell a story with numbers
• M&A trends for this year
• And more

What does it take to successfully purchase businesses & grow them for the long term?

Malcolm Peace is the founder of Tsetserra Growth Partners, a firm that specializes in buying family-owned small businesses with established Texas legacies.

In this episode, he’ll share his M&A wisdom.

He’ll cover:

• His firm’s buy-and-hold strategy
• Working with B2B businesses in blue-collar industries
• Reps & warranties
• M&A predictions for this year
• And more

Helping small business owners realize their life’s work is one of the great joys of M&A…

But what does it take to have generational impact on owners and founders?

Jeff May is the executive vice president of Carolina Acquisitions Partners, which was formed to fulfill a need in the underserved market segment of business owners without succession strategies. 

Jeff is here to share why planning an exit strategy is critical. 

As Jeff says, “Is your business ready for you to not come back tomorrow?”

We’ll also cover what Jeff looks for in a client, reps & warranties insurance, and more.

If you’re selling, you want to be where your buyers are.

But what does it take to thrive in a massive tech industry marketplace?

In this episode, entrepreneur, author, and franchise owner Nate Lind gives an inside look at WebsiteClosers.com, which provides sell-side advisory and transactional services for tech companies in the lower middle market.

Nate will also share insights from his book Maximum Exit, which guides tech founders through the process of a clean exit.

What is the key to a successful M&A transaction?

In this episode, Joseph Durnford, who was recently inducted into the M&A Advisor Hall of Fame, will give his insight on that question.

As chairman and senior managing director of JD Merit, Joseph has seen market-transformational transactions.

He’s here to share his wisdom on all things M&A, from reps & warranties to his firm’s ideal clients.

M&A is about helping clients make their ambitions a reality…

That’s what Bob Goldsmith, Founder and President of Northern Edge Advisors, believes.

In this episode, Bob will unpack what Northern Edge Advisors brings to the table for the lower middle market.

He’ll also share:

• The importance of using a wide pool of buyers
• What it means to be long-term focused
• Why owners should start early with M&A
• And more