Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast What's Your Deal? | Business Buying, Business Acquisitions, Investing & Exit Strategies
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Losing Everything Led to Success - Ryan Beckmann | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:52:08 | |
Ryan Beckmann built and lost multi-million-dollar RV dealerships, won a 40 Under 40 award the same year he became homeless, and fought his way back from addiction to found Hero Picks and The Last Save. In this raw conversation, Ryan shares what it took to hit bottom, why service to others became the key to his own healing, and how he's now building "Beyond Awareness" — a platform designed to connect survivors of trauma and abuse directly to real-time resources and sustainable funding.
Connect with Ryan Beckmann:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-beckmann-heropicks/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanfbeckmann/
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Building a Business From Nothing (Literally) — Rodney Steidinger | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:45:22 | |
Matt sits down with longtime friend and ZebraScapes Landscaping founder Rodney Steidinger, who built his company from a minivan and a trailer during the 2008 recession into a thriving, multi-generational business. Rodney shares the breaking point that forced him to hire real leadership, how he built a family business empire with his three daughters, and the core values that guide every hire and promotion at ZebraScapes.
Connect with Rodney Steidinger:
https://www.instagram.com/zebrascapes/
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Why Most Business Owners Are Afraid of Social Media (And How to Fix It) - Beau Bullard | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:43:17 | |
Most business owners over 40 have never posted on social media — and it's not because they don't know how. It's fear. Matt Uhler sits down with Beau Bullard, founder of Bullard Media, to unpack why attention is today's most valuable currency, why iPhone content outperforms professional cameras by up to 800%, and how business owners (and the buyers who acquire their companies) should think about personal brand, legacy, and authenticity on social media.
Connect with Beau Bullard:
https://bullardmedia.org/ https://www.instagram.com/beaubullardaz
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| The Costco Write-Off Trap and How Bad Tax Advice Kills Your Business's Sale Price - Nik Agharkar | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:42:53 | |
Tax attorney and wealth advisor Nik Agharkar of Crown Point Tax joins Matt to unpack the difference between tax evasion, tax deferral, and legitimate tax strategy — and why so many business owners unknowingly torch their company's sale value with aggressive write-offs. They dig into the "Costco conversation," why most CPAs aren't equipped to strategize (only to prepare). A must-listen for anyone planning to sell a business — or just tired of overpaying Uncle Sam.
Connect with Nik Agharkar:
https://www.crownepointtax.com Social media https://www.instagram.com/nikagharkar/ https://www.instagram.com/crownepoint_tax/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikagharkar/
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Know Your Number: Exit Planning Secrets - Anthony Perez | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:40:43 | |
Most business owners spend decades building their company but almost no time planning what happens after they sell it. In this episode, Matt sits down with Anthony Perez of Harvest Wealth Strategies to talk about "knowing your number," why owner dependency is the #1 deal killer, and how to turn business equity into lasting personal and generational wealth — before it's too late to plan.
Connect with Anthony Perez:
Phone: 619-241-6336 Email: anthony.perez@harvestwealthstrategy.com Social media @harvestwealthstrategies - Instagram @harvestwealthstrategies - YouTube www.linkedin/in/anthonyperezj
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Buying a Business 101: A First-Time Buyer Asks Matt Everything | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:51:05 | |
This week's episode flips the script — Beau Bullard, who's never bought a business himself, turns the tables and interviews Matt with the exact questions first-time buyers ask most. They cover finding your core competency, why profitable businesses go up for sale, how valuations really work, SBA loan qualification, seller-carried notes, blue sky, employee retention, and what actually makes a Main Street business tick. If you're buying — or selling — this is the FAQ episode you need.
Connect with Beau Bullard:
https://www.instagram.com/beaubullardaz/
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.
| |||
| What Private Equity Looks For in a Deal - Eric Wiklendt | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:44:16 | |
Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director of SpySide Equity, joins Matt Uhler to break down how private equity firms evaluate, acquire, and transform manufacturing businesses.
Eric shares the "fix and build" framework his firm uses to grow EBITDA and scale revenue, how they handle underperforming key employees, why smaller businesses struggle to execute transformation, and what a five-to-seven-year hold period means for deal strategy. A must-listen for anyone curious how PE thinking differs from Main Street business ownership.
Connect with Eric Wiklendt:
https://speysideequity.com/team/eric/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwiklendt
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Nearshoring Explained: How to Build Remote Teams - Brian Samson | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:39:42 | |
Nearshoring is reshaping how U.S. companies build teams — and Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, has spent over a decade helping businesses do it right. In this episode of What's Your Deal, Brian joins Matt Uhler to break down why nearshoring has become a go-to strategy for outsourced talent.
Brian shares firsthand experience building an 80-person remote team from the ground up, the real cost breakdown between hiring domestically versus nearshoring, and how his company handles everything from sourcing and vetting to compliance and IP protection — while stepping back so clients build direct relationships with their hires.
Whether you're a small business owner considering your first remote hire or scaling a larger team, this conversation offers a practical, no-nonsense look at how nearshoring works — and whether it's the right move for your business.
Connect with Brian Samson:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Introducing Our New Community: Get Your Business Buying Questions Answered Live | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:07:55 | |
In this special episode, Sarah turns the tables and interviews Matt about an exciting new project: a community built for anyone thinking about buying a business. This new space opens the door for the masses to get questions answered live, weekly, with everything archived and searchable. Buying a business doesn't have to be guesswork. Get direct access to a business broker with nearly 30 years of experience in The Dealmakers Hub! This is a community built for people actively exploring business acquisition. Inside you'll get:
Learn alongside other buyers, ask your questions, and see what's actually working. As part of our inner circle, you get 7 days completely free. Please note that to reserve your spot you'll enter your payment info, but you won't be charged a thing until the trial ends. Cancel anytime before then and you owe nothing. Space in this first group is limited, and if you are serious about buying a business this is the place to be.
See you on the inside!
-Matt | |||
| Buying vs. Starting a Business: Lessons from 9 Deals with Eben & Ali Hartzenberg | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:53:45 | |
Eben and Ali Hartzenberg arrived in America with nothing, started from scratch, and built a portfolio of nine retail businesses.
In this episode, they open up about facing fear, the power of data over intuition, what makes their marriage-meets-business-partnership work, and the red flags that tell them to walk away from a deal.
Connect with Ali and Eben Hartzenberg:
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| What Is an ESOP? Employee Stock Ownership Plans Explained - Matt Middendorp | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:49:12 | |
Most business owners exploring an exit only hear one pitch: sell to private equity or a strategic buyer. Matt Middendorp, Director of ESOP Consulting at VisionPoint Capital, joins the show to make the case for a third path — selling to your own employees.
Matt breaks down what an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) actually is, the biggest misconceptions owners have about price, control, and legacy, and why ESOP companies often outperform their non-ESOP peers on growth, retention, and productivity. We get into eligibility rules, vesting, valuation, timelines, and one of the most overlooked ESOP tax benefits — one that can mean a tax-free exit for the right seller.
If you're a business owner weighing your exit options, or just curious how employee ownership actually works in practice, this episode lays it out in plain terms.
Connect with Matt Middendorp: matt.middendorp@visionpointcapital.com 715.897.0879
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.
| |||
| Why High Performers Break: Trauma, Stress & Business Success - Robin Afinowich | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:52:10 | |
Most business owners think they're making rational decisions. Robin Afinowich says otherwise. In this episode, Matt sits down with Robin Afinowich — a clinically trained mental health counselor, national speaker, and daughter of M&A legend Jim Afinowich — to unpack how unresolved stress and trauma quietly shape the decisions business owners make every day. From childhood adversity to burnout in leadership, Robin breaks down the science behind why high performers overwork, over-please, and struggle to stay present — and what to do about it. You'll learn why the "fawn" response is the most common (and most dangerous) pattern among executives, why stress and trauma leave the same physical fingerprint on the brain, and why the body always tells the truth even when the mind is "holding it together." This isn't a therapy session — it's a practical look at the inner drivers behind outer success, and why ignoring them eventually costs founders their health, relationships, and joy.
Connect with Robin Afinowich: Trauma & Resilience Professional Training-Development-Speaking visit: https://trauma-forward.com
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.
| |||
| The Truth About Building Wealth Nobody Talks About - Alexa D'Agostino | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:48:02 | |
What actually creates lasting wealth? And why do so many entrepreneurs hit a ceiling despite working harder than ever?
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and marketing strategist Alexa D'Agostino to discuss the uncomfortable truths behind scaling a business, building wealth, and transitioning from founder to owner.
Alexa has built and exited multiple companies, helped generate billions in revenue, and created the exclusive Wealth Mastery Summit, where high-level entrepreneurs, investors, and operators gather to solve real business challenges.
Together they explore why wealth isn't built through one lucky break, how founders unknowingly become the biggest bottleneck in their businesses, why finding the right "Number Two" is critical for growth, and how successful entrepreneurs know when to pivot instead of stubbornly pushing forward.
If you're building a business—or planning to acquire one—this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, identity, and long-term success.
Connect with Alexa:
https://www.alexadagostino.com Instagram: @dralexadagostino http://wealthmasteryevents.com
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Building Wealth Beyond Your Business - Ted Young | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:44:02 | |
Most business owners spend years building income through their business, but far fewer create a strategy to turn that income into lasting wealth.
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with wealth advisor Ted Young of Anasazi Investment Group to discuss the financial decisions that can make or break a business owner's future.
Ted shares the biggest mistakes he sees entrepreneurs make, why diversification matters, how to prepare for a successful exit, and what it really means to become "work optional."
The conversation also explores retirement planning, investment strategies, tax considerations, market volatility, and the emotional challenges many owners face after selling their businesses.
Whether you're actively growing a company, preparing for an exit, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this episode provides practical insights on building wealth that lasts.
Connect with Ted Young:
Anasaziinvestmentgroup.com 602-953-8802
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| The Mindset That Changes Everything - Robert Kiyosaki | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:49:25 | |
What happens when one of the most influential financial educators of all time sits down to talk business, investing, and the mindset behind wealth creation?
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler welcomes Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and founder of the Rich Dad brand. With more than 40 million books sold worldwide, Robert has spent decades challenging conventional financial wisdom and encouraging people to think differently about money, investing, debt, and entrepreneurship.
Robert shares the lessons he learned from having both a "rich dad" and a "poor dad," why rejection is a necessary part of success, and how developing entrepreneurial thinking can change the trajectory of your life. He discusses the importance of financial education, the difference between consumer debt and income-producing debt, and why he believes understanding cash flow is one of the most valuable skills anyone can learn.
Connect with Robert Kiyosaki
Website: RichDad.com Instagram: @therealkiyosaki X: @theRealKiyosaki YouTube: The Rich Dad Channel
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| How Matt Built Ownership in 30+ Businesses Through Equity Deals - Matt Uhler | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:16:42 | |
What if you could build multiple streams of income through ownership in small businesses — without running every business yourself? In this solo episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler breaks down the exact framework he used to build ownership interests in more than 20 businesses across multiple industries through strategic equity deals and partnerships.
If you are interested in learning more about the Multiple Streams of Income Framework please email - admin@ampedsuccess.com Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. | |||
| The Hidden Cost of High Performance: How to Grow Without Burning Out - MJ Gordon & Audrey Uhler | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:48:11 | |
What if the biggest threat to your business isn't competition, the economy, or a bad deal—but your own operating system?
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt and Audrey Uhler sit down with performance strategist and executive coach MJ Gordon to discuss why so many high-performing entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stuck in a constant state of stress.
MJ has worked with leaders from organizations like Adidas, the NFL, and NerdWallet, helping them improve performance without sacrificing their health, relationships, or quality of life. Together, they explore the hidden costs of operating in perpetual fight-or-flight mode, the impact of cognitive overload, how ADHD and brain wiring affect entrepreneurs, and why recovery may be the missing ingredient in sustainable business growth.
Whether you're building your first business, managing multiple companies, or simply trying to keep up with life's demands, this conversation offers practical strategies for creating more capacity, clarity, and long-term success.
Connect with MJ Gordon
https://www.mj-gordon.com Instagram: @marinjayden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinjayden/ YouTube: @marinjayden
Connect with Matt and Audrey Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Faith, Fear, Money & Happiness - David Meltzer | 27 May 2026 | 00:35:43 | |
What does it really take to build a successful life without sacrificing your health, family, happiness, or purpose along the way? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with legendary entrepreneur and speaker David Meltzer for one of the most powerful conversations we've had on the show. David shares the lessons he learned after losing over $100 million, rebuilding his life through faith and purpose, and dedicating his mission to empowering over 1 billion people to be happy.
Connect with David Meltzer Instagram: @davidmeltzer LinkedIn: David Meltzer YouTube: @DavidMeltzer Podcast: The Playbook Podcast
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| Hard Money Lending Explained - Bill Anastopoulos & Kristian Gose | 20 May 2026 | 00:46:58 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with longtime business partner Kristian Gose and private lending veteran Bill "Billy A" Anastopoulos for an inside look at the world of private money lending, hard money loans, fix-and-flip financing, bridge loans, and real estate investing. With more than 80 years of combined experience and thousands of funded transactions between them, this conversation dives deep into how private lending actually works behind the scenes — from funding deals in as little as 48 hours to evaluating risk, protecting investors, and helping borrowers capitalize on opportunities traditional banks simply can't move fast enough to support. Timestamps: 00:17 – Introduction 02:51 – 80 Years of Combined Lending Experience 04:44 – Lessons from Entrepreneurship & Starting Over 06:39 – How the 2008 Crash Changed Lending 08:02 – What Is Hard Money Lending? 08:59 – Why Private Money Can Be Better Than a Partner 10:17 – Why Investors Pay for Speed 12:01 – How Fast Closings Win Real Estate Deals 14:44 – Bridge Loans & Buying a Dream Home 16:20 – Lessons Learned from Bad Real Estate Cycles 18:17 – Why Local Market Knowledge Matters 20:34 – Owner Builder & Barndominium Financing 21:25 – How Private Money Deals Get Funded 23:08 – How Investors Earn 8–12% Returns 24:40 – What Happens When a Deal Goes Bad 28:46 – Deals They Immediately Turn Down 31:56 – Using Real Estate to Fund Business Growth 33:12 – Understanding Exit Strategies & Risk 35:06 – Experience Matters in Real Estate Investing 39:21 – The 3 Things Every Lender Looks For 40:22 – A Real Example of a Successful Loan Structure 41:52 – Tax Benefits, Depreciation & 1031 Exchanges 43:42 – People Who Changed Their Lives 45:34 – "When the Tide Goes Up, All the Boats Go Up"
Connect with Bill "Billy A" Anastopoulos 520-299-4878 bill@anastopoulos.com
Connect with Kristian Gose 520-403-8588
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show. | |||
| How AI Can Help Small Business Owners Save Time & Build Better Systems - Lindsay Quinn | 13 May 2026 | 00:44:58 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Lindsey Quinn, founder of HeartWise Collective to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in business today: artificial intelligence. Lindsey shares how she went from running a traditional consulting business in the orthodontic industry to building AI-powered systems that help business owners save time, improve efficiency, and create better workflows without adding more staff or burning themselves out. Matt and Lindsey break down how small business owners can start using AI in practical ways, from creating branded content and marketing systems to analyzing financial data, improving sales conversations, building SOPs, and reducing repetitive computer-based tasks. Lindsey also explains the difference between basic generative AI and more advanced AI agents, while keeping the conversation grounded for business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the technology.
Timestamps
01:30 — How Lindsey pivoted from consulting into AI systems
04:00 — Lindsey's background in orthodontic consulting and business systems
06:35 — Avoiding AI cringe and making content sound authentic
15:46 — Training AI like you would train a new employee
18:38 — How AI agents can read, edit, download, and organize files
21:00 — AI overwhelm and knowing what applies to your business
23:00 — Creating a "Conversion Coach" for sales calls and team training
25:30 — Why the right AI tool matters for the right task
27:28 — How Lindsey used AI to build a webinar, funnel, and coaching program
31:21 — Comparing AI adoption to the shift from typewriters to computers
36:48 — First steps for business owners who want to start using AI
Connect with Lindsay:
https://www.heartwisecollective.com Email: lindsay@heartwisecollective.com Phone Number: (928) 925-4190 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartwise_collective?igsh=OGlsaHhxcG94bTln Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Connect with Amped Funding Advisors: https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/ Phone number: 1-800-569-8974
Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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| SBA Loans Explained: Getting Approved and Avoid Costly Mistakes - Steve Johnston & Lindsay Denton | 06 May 2026 | 00:49:22 | |
What does it really take to get approved for an SBA loan when buying a business? In this episode of What's Your Deal? with Matt Uhler, Matt sits down with SBA lending expert Steve Johnston and financing specialist Lindsay Denton to break down the truth about SBA loans, business acquisition financing, and why most buyers get it wrong. If you've heard horror stories about SBA loans taking forever—or getting declined at the last minute—this episode will completely change your perspective. They cover what lenders are actually looking for, how deals get approved (or denied), and why the story behind the deal matters just as much as the numbers. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, this conversation will help you avoid costly mistakes and position yourself to get funded the right way.
Timestamps:
00:16 – Meet Steve Johnson & Lindsay Denton
03:14 – Why SBA loans get a bad reputation
04:20 – The biggest misconceptions about SBA lending
05:00 – How long SBA loans actually take (real timelines)
06:00 – Why lenders are NOT all the same
08:15 – Real story: Approved → then declined (what happened)
11:15 - PLP vs GP lenders explained
13:00 – Inside how banks actually make decisions
16:00 – The truth about "pre-qualifications"
17:15 – What lenders look for immediately
19:40 – The 3 biggest deal killers (liquidity, experience, collateral)
21:00 – Why the STORY matters more than the numbers
23:00 – How to present a deal to get approved
25:00 – Building projections that make sense
26:25 – Adjusting deals to make them fundable
27:45 – Why most deals get declined (and how to avoid it)
29:30 – How underwriters really think
32:27 – Can a declined deal be saved?
34:50 – Why momentum matters in approvals
36:24 – What buyers should do BEFORE looking for a business
37:45 – Real example of unrealistic buyers
40:00 – Why the BUSINESS matters more than the buyer
44:15 – Character vs numbers in lending decisions
47:30 – How to connect with Steve & Lindsay
Connect with Steve: Phone number: 480-363-6174 Connect with Amped Funding Advisors:
https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/ Phone number: 1-800-569-8974
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
| |||
| Franchising, Business Ownership & Scaling Wealth - Jeff Dudan | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:54:40 | |
What does it take to build a business that scales beyond you?
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with franchising expert and entrepreneur Jeff Dudan to unpack what makes franchise ownership work, how to scale a business through systems, and why great businesses are built with the end in mind.
Jeff shares how he built and scaled AdvantaClean to over 240 locations before a successful exit, and how he now helps franchise brands grow through HomeFront Brands.
Timestamps:
1:16 Jeff Dudan's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
4:42 Building AdvantaClean from Startup to National Brand
7:50 The Inflection Point That Led to Franchising
12:42 Partnership Lessons Every Business Owner Should Know
17:55 Choosing the Right Partners and Avoiding Common Mistakes
19:38 How to Scale a Business Into a Franchise Model
24:23 Reverse Engineering Growth and Building for Outcomes
Connect with Jeff: Homefront Brands: https://www.homefrontbrands.com Jeff Dudan's website: HTTPS://www.jeffdudan.com Jeff free digital copy of his book: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment Jeff's socials: https://www.instagram.com/jeffdudan?igsh=MWZuMjBoNGV0c2xibg== https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios https://youtube.com/@unemployablewithjeffdudan?si=uk72VObKgiSvdjZp Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/ | |||
| Boots on the Ground: From Key Employee to Business Owner - Ryan Carr | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:40:30 | |
What happens when a key employee becomes one of the most valuable partners in a small business? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with longtime business partner Ryan Carr to discuss small business ownership, business partnerships, leadership, entrepreneurship, company culture, employee management, and business growth. Ryan shares his journey from employee to owner after starting with a Northern Arizona commercial property maintenance company in 2016 and becoming a business partner in 2018. Today, he helps lead one of the top commercial property maintenance companies in Arizona, providing parking lot sweeping, pressure washing, fleet washing, portering services, snow removal, and exterior maintenance services.
Timestamps:
01:35 - How the business sale and partnership came together
04:25 - Ryan's transition from employee to owner
05:40 - Ryan's background before joining the company
07:05 - Why confidentiality matters during a business sale
08:05 - How ownership changed Ryan's mindset
09:15 - Ryan and his wife working together in the business
10:55 - Working on the business vs. in the business
12:00 - Why blue-collar businesses are strong opportunities
13:10 - Managing people, personalities, and company culture
14:00 - COVID, staffing shortages, and leadership challenges
15:00 - Learning to delegate and stop micromanaging
17:40 - Why toxic employees can damage a company
19:40 - The importance of making difficult decisions quickly
20:40 - Business growth, profitability, and company culture
21:35 - Choosing the right business partners
22:50 - How their partnership structure works
24:20 - The value of passive partners and advisors
25:00 - Ryan's toughest moments in business
26:40 - Labor shortages and hiring struggles after COVID
27:30 - Why the company is stronger today
28:00 - Delegating more responsibility to the team
28:50 - Snow removal and managing a 24/7 business
30:40 - Taking pride in the company and community impact
32:00 - Supporting employees through difficult times
35:00 - Why treating employees like people matters
35:50 - Advice for people who want to own a business
36:40 - Family sacrifice, business ownership, and success
37:50 - Ryan's gratitude for his family and support system
Connect with Ryan
Email - ryan@sweptawayaz.com
SweptAwayAZ.com
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. | |||
| The Faucet Framework: Creating Multiple Streams of Income - Matt Uhler | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:47:30 | |
In this special anniversary episode of What's Your Deal?, the mic flips as Sarah interviews Matt Uhler on one of the most requested topics yet—how to build multiple streams of income through small business ownership.
After producing 40+ episodes covering buying, managing, and exiting businesses, this conversation dives into the strategy Matt has personally used to build a portfolio of 20+ income-producing businesses—what he calls his own "business mutual fund."
Matt breaks down the Faucet Framework, a proven system for creating diversified, predictable income without relying on a single source. From minimizing risk to structuring partnerships the right way, this episode gives you a real-world blueprint for financial stability and long-term freedom.
If you're a:
This episode is for you!
If this topic interests you, fill out this form to get early access and details on our upcoming Multiple Streams of Income Mastermind.
Timestamps:
2:30 – What Matt actually does (business "mutual fund")
5:00 – Where the idea came from (childhood + time limitation)
9:30 – The danger of one income stream
13:00 – The faucet analogy
18:00 – Current portfolio + results
20:00 – Base hits vs home runs
25:00 – Deal criteria & filtering
26:45 – Faucet Framework explained
28:30 – Recipe concept
31:00 – Boots on the ground
35:00 – Financial feasibility
38:30 – Accountability
42:00 – Future: webinar + live event
44:30 – Personal story + mom
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. | |||
| From Government Job to Business Owner - Kevin Mizell | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:51:10 | |
What does it really take to leave a stable career and step into business ownership? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Kevin Mizell, a former government construction engineer manager who walked away from a high-level career to buy a small business—right in the middle of the pandemic. Kevin shares the real, unfiltered truth about what it's like to go from a W2 job to owning a business. From taking on large debt for the first time, to navigating labor challenges, to realizing that "passive income" isn't what most people think—it's all here. If you've ever thought about leaving your W2 job and buying a business, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to succeed. This isn't theory. This is what it looks like in the real world.
Timestamps:
02:00 – Leaving a stable career for business ownership
Connect with Kevin Mizell
Email - kevin@bennettglassandmirror.com
Phone Number: 928-515-9663
Bennett Glass: https://www.bennettglassandmirror.com
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
| |||
| Leadership Isn't What You Think: Internal Validation, Accountability & Growth - Keith Cowling | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:53:11 | |
What does it really mean to be a great leader?
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with leadership coach Keith Cowling to unpack what most people get wrong about leadership—and how to actually build influence that lasts.
Keith shares lessons from over 30 years of working with business owners, teams, and individuals, revealing why leadership starts internally—not externally. From letting go of ego to learning how to truly develop people, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice.
If you've ever struggled with managing people, holding others accountable, or balancing leadership at work and at home—this episode will challenge how you think and lead.
This isn't about control. It's about growth, influence, and becoming the kind of leader people choose to follow.
Timestamps
01:49 – Why most leadership stays surface-level
Connect with Keith Cowling
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Email - cowlingk@gamil.com
Phone Number: (291) 306-0568
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith.cowling/
Website: Ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
| |||
| Bitcoin, Inflation & The Truth About Money - Colton Imming and Luke McCarthy | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:50:04 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with repeat guests Luke McCarthy and Colton Imming to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in today's world—Bitcoin. This conversation goes far beyond crypto hype. It dives into the fundamentals of money, inflation, asset ownership, and long-term wealth strategy. Luke and Colton share why they've shifted their focus from traditional assets like real estate into Bitcoin, how they're using it to protect their wealth, and what it means for the future of investing. If you've ever questioned how money actually works—or why it feels harder to get ahead—this episode will open your eyes.
Timestamps
02:10 – Bitcoin vs Cryptocurrency: What's the Difference?
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: Ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
| |||
| What Happens After the Exit? - Paul Hickey | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:42:03 | |
What happens after you sell your business? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Paul Hickey, CEO of Legacy Wealth Management, to talk about one of the most overlooked parts of business ownership: what comes next after the exit. Paul shares insights from decades of experience in global finance, investment banking, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and entrepreneurship. Together, Matt and Paul unpack why so many business owners focus on getting out of the business but fail to prepare for life after the sale. They discuss the emotional side of exit planning, the identity shift many owners face, how to avoid blowing through hard-earned wealth, and why creating a life plan is just as important as creating a financial plan. Paul also explains the value of starting early, building a team before the sale, and using strategic planning to reduce taxes and generate sustainable income after an exit. This is a valuable conversation for business owners who want to sell wisely, protect their future, and build a true legacy for the next generation.
Timestamps
0:16 – Matt introduces Paul Hickey and his background
2:01 – Paul's journey from tech entrepreneur to IPO to investment banking
4:10 – What Legacy Wealth Management and Legacy Exits actually do
5:30 – Why exit readiness is only part of the equation
6:42 – The emotional side of selling a business
8:02 – What business owners often do wrong after a successful exit
9:50 – Paul's advice: protect a baseline income before taking new risks
12:17 – When owners should begin exit planning
13:58 – Why selling a business is more like an Ironman than a 5K
15:26 – Reducing taxes and increasing income after a sale
18:43 – The difference between average returns and intentional wealth strategy
19:16 – What "non-correlated investments" means
22:25 – Who qualifies as an accredited investor
24:02 – What legacy really means
25:30 – The danger of generational wealth without structure
28:56 – Family bank concepts and distributing wealth responsibly
30:02 – How deep legacy planning can go
30:40 – Helping business owners who have everything tied up in the business
32:17 – Lessons from The Millionaire Next Door
34:38 – Dreamscaping and defining what financial freedom actually looks like
37:11 – The surprising mentor who helped Paul most
40:33 – Where to find Paul Hickey
Connect with Paul Hickey:
Paul@hickey.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulchickey/
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: Ampedsuccess.com
Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/ Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?
If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to:
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
| |||
| Building Generational Wealth Through Multifamily Investing - Carlos Salguero | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:46:51 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Carlos Salguero, President and Founder of CS3 Investments, to break down why multifamily real estate isn't just "real estate"—it's an income-producing business.
Carlos shares his journey from growing up in Ecuador working in his family's print shop to building and exiting multiple businesses, and ultimately scaling into commercial multifamily—now totaling 1,900+ doors. Together, Matt and Carlos connect the dots between buying businesses and buying properties, including how experienced operators find opportunities in deals that developers often leave on the table.
They also walk through the mindset shift many entrepreneurs face after realizing that owning rentals can turn into the "triple T's" (tenants, toilets, and termites)… and how syndications can provide a more truly passive route for business owners looking to diversify beyond their primary company.
Timestamps:
00:16 – Introducing Carlos Salguero: From Ecuador to 1,900+ Multifamily Doors
Connect with Matt & Amped Success
Website: https://www.ampedsuccess.com
General Inquiries: admin@ampedsuccess.com
Follow Matt & Amped Success:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampedsuccess
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amped-success
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmpedSuccess
Connect with Carlos Salguero
Website:
LinkedIn:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcarlosinfinite/ Want to Be a Guest or Sponsor the Show?
If you have a deal you'd like to break down on the podcast, a business story worth sharing, or are interested in sponsoring an episode of What's Your Deal?, we'd love to connect.
Reach out directly at: admin@ampedsuccess.com
Subscribe & Review
Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
If you found this episode valuable, please leave a review — it helps more entrepreneurs and investors discover the show. | |||
| Acquisition Capital: Using Retirement Accounts to Invest in Businesses - John Bowens | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:46:17 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with John Bowens, Director of Head of Education & Investor Success at Equity Trust, to break down one of the most overlooked wealth tools for entrepreneurs and investors: self-directed retirement accounts.
John explains what "self-directed" actually means, why most retirement money stays locked in mutual funds by default, and how investors can use IRAs, 401(k)s (and even HSAs) to invest in real estate, private lending, private equity, pre-IPO stock, cryptocurrency, and precious metals—all while keeping the tax advantages of retirement accounts.
They also dive into the ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) structure and how some buyers use retirement funds to acquire a business without triggering taxes and penalties—plus the common mistakes and prohibited transaction rules that can trip people up if they don't understand the guardrails.
If you've ever wondered how to put your retirement money to work in the assets you actually understand—this episode is your roadmap.
Timestamps:
1:30 – What Equity Trust does + what "self-directed" means
3:40 – John's background and how he got into this industry
6:40 – Why investors choose self-directed accounts (diversification + taxes)
9:20 – Clearing up a misconception: contributing vs investing
12:15 – Liquidity: short-term vs long-term alternative investing
16:50 – Matching strategy to age, goals, and skill set
20:20 – ROBS overview: using retirement funds to buy a business
29:50 – Costs + when it does/doesn't make sense financially
38:45 – Common mistakes + prohibited transactions
41:30 – John's "hand up" story + mentors
Resources & Links
Connect with John:
Website: https://www.trustetc.com
Connect with Matt:
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| Trauma Isn't What You Think: The Survival Patterns Driving Your Money & Decisions - Larry Yatch | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:51:50 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler interviews Larry Yatch — former U.S. Navy SEAL officer turned entrepreneur strategist and high-performance coach — about the unseen survival patterns that drive decisions in business, money, leadership, and relationships.
Larry explains why most people misunderstand trauma: it's not about the event — it's about the subconscious strategy your brain adopts to survive when your perception of control is taken away. Those strategies can create success… but they can also create burnout, misalignment, and self-sabotage if they remain unrecognized.
Matt ties this directly to what he sees in real deals: sellers backing out at the finish line, leaders who can't rest even when they "have everything," and entrepreneurs who keep grinding because their subconscious equates love, worth, or identity with pain.
If you're building a business, leading a team, negotiating deals, or trying to grow your income — this conversation will help you understand what might be running the show underneath your conscious intentions.
Timestamps
0:01 Intro + Larry Yatch background
2:57 SEALs, injury, entrepreneurship as "freedom" (and why that's often a lie)
10:25 Trauma: why most people hear the word wrong
11:54 Trauma comes from survival, not the experience
14:34 "Perception of control" and how survival lessons get formed
17:21 Subconscious vs conscious: why we feel stuck
20:35 Deals falling apart: sellers torpedoing outcomes
22:05 Trauma size = dysfunction today (not what happened)
26:35 Creating external fights to validate internal struggle
28:30 CEO trauma as the limiter of a "structurally sound" company
30:11 The 4 domains where trauma shows up (money, relationships, health, purpose)
33:22 You don't need to relive the worst moments to change behaviors
36:19 SEAL story: fighting to deploy — why perception of control matters
40:00 Matt's personal story: success rising, panic rising
46:27 Where to find Larry + his work (financial trauma)
48:04 Gratitude + who helped Larry start healing
Resources & Links
Connect with Larry:
Website: https://financialtruepath.com
https://www.instagram.com/larryyatch
https://www.instagram.com/larryyatch
Connect with Matt:
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| The Truth About Capital and Buying a Landscaping Business - Colton Imming | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:54:28 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Colton Imming, to unpack what it really looks like to leave a W2 career behind, bet on yourself, and step into business ownership.
Colton shares his path to a private equity environment that rewarded performance — and how a long-term plan with his wife, Katie, helped them prioritize freedom, family, and control over their time. That journey eventually led to Colton partnering with two others to build a holding company focused on acquiring and stewarding small businesses.
From there, the conversation goes into the real-world lessons you only learn after closing: why proximity matters, what happens when you lose a major client, why "easy upside" improvements like adding a CRM can be a much heavier lift than expected, and the critical importance of being well-capitalized so you're making decisions for the long-term — not just trying to survive payroll.
Matt and Colton also discuss a topic buyers rarely hear addressed openly: the reality of working with the listing broker when there's no separate buyer representation, and how trust, communication, and education can make or break the process.
To close, Colton gives a high-level preview of his perspective on Bitcoin — not as a trend, but as a deeper conversation about money, value, and long-term thinking — and shares who gave him a "hand up" on his path.
Timestamps:
00:16 – Colton's background (E&Y → PE → family-first move)
Resources & Links
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| Deal or No Deal? Breaking Down a $5.5M Logistics Business — Would You Buy It? - Keith Sklarsky | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:51:12 | |
In this special "Deal or No Deal" episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with returning guest Keith Sklarsky to dissect a real $5.5 million logistics business — and decide whether it's worth pursuing.
On paper, the business checks some important boxes: multi-million dollar revenue, strong recent growth, and nearly $1 million in projected discretionary earnings. But as Matt and Keith dig deeper, the red flags begin to surface.
From fluctuating earnings and aggressive marketing spend to questionable independent contractor classifications and unrealistic valuation multiples, this episode is a masterclass in disciplined deal evaluation.
If you're considering buying a business — or want to avoid making a million-dollar mistake — this conversation will help you think like a seasoned operator.
Timestamps
25:30 – Understanding add-backs (and when not to accept them)
Resources & Links
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| Laundromat Myth-Busting + A New Service Business: Buying, Selling, and Doing the Work - Keira Hamilton | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:58:16 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Keira Hamilton, a former high school English teacher with a master's in education from UC Berkeley who made an unexpected leap into business ownership.
Keira and her husband bought their first business — a San Francisco laundromat — in 2023, learned fast why "passive income" is often a myth, and then sold the laundromat in 2024 after improving systems and operations to make the business more transferable. From there, they moved to San Diego and acquired their next business: Sunshine Window Cleaning, an off-market service company they found through cold outreach.
Keira breaks down what most buyers underestimate (especially proximity, staffing realities, and operating complexity), how transparency builds trust in a transaction, and why "perfect certainty" isn't a requirement to buy — but courage, skill-building, and runway management are.
If you're exploring your first acquisition, thinking about "semi-absentee" ownership, or trying to understand what makes a business easier to buy, run, and sell — this one is packed with real-world insight.
Timestamps:
Connect with Keira:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/keirahamilton?
https://sunshinewindowcleaningsd.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ahigherflow?igsh=MXM5aXV2YjFyZDljYQ==
https://www.instagram.com/sunshinewindowcleaningsd?igsh=ZWE5c3djazBwMjE3
https://youtube.com/@keira_hamilton?si=WJy79JRLHIcr_GCO Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email info@ampedsuccess.com
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| What's the Deal with Being Exit Ready? Why It's So Important for Business Owners to Prepare Early - Sarah Rainwater & Matt Uhler | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:22:55 | |
Most business owners spend years building something valuable — yet never prepare it to be sold. In this shorter episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler and Sarah Rainwater break down why exit readiness is one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) strategies in business ownership. Preparing your business for exit isn't just about selling — it's about running a healthier, more profitable, and more valuable business today, while preserving the option to exit when and how you choose. Matt shares real-world experience from decades of buying, selling, and advising business owners, including why most businesses are not ready to sell when owners think they are, how small financial decisions multiply at exit, and why time and preparation dramatically change outcomes. Whether exit is on your radar now or years away, this conversation will help you start thinking like an owner — not just an operator — and treat your business like the asset it truly is.
Timestamps:
00:16 – Why exit readiness matters for every business owner
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email info@ampedsuccess.com | |||
| Real Estate Deal Flow to Close: What It Takes to Acquire Multifamily in Today's Market - August Biniaz | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:39:42 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt breaks down real estate through the lens of business acquisition with August Biniaz, Co-Founder and CIO of CPI Capital. This conversation goes beyond property investing and gets into what it really means to acquire, operate, and scale assets like a business. August shares how he evaluates deals, raises capital, structures deals, and manages risk—principles that directly mirror buying operating companies, not just real estate. TIMESTAMPS:
01:55 From broker → fix & flips → becoming the GC
03:25 Homebuilding in Vancouver/Toronto and the desire to scale
04:05 Why August moved into private equity + the motivation behind CPI
05:25 Why CPI pivoted toward U.S. deals for Canadian investors
07:17 Funds vs. syndications: how the capital-raise process works
08:48 Why CPI likes multifamily: demand, rent-to-value ratios, and scale
13:12 CPI's strategy: multifamily value-add and "forced appreciation"
16:24 Build-to-rent (BTR): what it is and how CPI approaches it
19:55 Stabilization timelines and what "lease-up" really looks like
21:26 CPI's BTR approach: partnering locally + selling to investor buyers
22:10 Timelines: entitlements, permits, and project milestones
24:27 Structuring deals: SPVs, U.S. master fund + Canadian feeder fund
25:46 Tax complexity, investor psychology, and cross-border challenges
28:49 When deals fall apart—and why walking away can be the best move
31:33 2026 goals: deal flow challenges and where opportunity is forming
34:17 1031 exchanges: do exchange buyers impact CPI's acquisitions?
36:26 Who helped August most: his mother + early lessons on real estate
Connect with August:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/ https://www.instagram.com/augustbiniaz/ https://www.facebook.com/soheil.biniaz https://x.com/CPI_Capital https://www.youtube.com/@realestateinvestingdemystified
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email info@ampedsuccess.com
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| New Year, New Owner Mindset: Stop Being the Bottleneck in Your Business - Dana DeVito | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:51:03 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with returning guest Dana DeVito, coach and consultant with Elite Performance Associates, to tackle one of the most common — and costly — problems business owners face: becoming the bottleneck in their own business. Many owners start their companies because they're great technicians. But as the business grows, that same strength becomes the very thing that limits scale, profitability, and freedom. Dana and Matt unpack why owners struggle to let go, how perfectionism and micromanagement quietly hold businesses hostage, and why delegation without accountability always fails. If you want a business that can grow, operate, and eventually sell without you being involved in everything, this episode is a must-listen.
Timestamps:
01:00 – Why owners become bottlenecks without realizing it
Connect with Dana:
Instagram: @dana_devito
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-devito/
eliteperformanceassociates.com Dana@eliteperformanceassociates.com
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email info@ampedsuccess.com
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| The Real Art of Deal Making: Capital, Partnerships, and Thinking Bigger - Maxwell Nee | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:46:22 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Maxwell Nee, Chairman of Family Office Insider. Maxwell specializes in capital structuring, partnerships, and large-scale growth opportunities. Maxwell shares how he moved from an unfulfilling corporate banking career into high-level dealmaking across industries like renewable energy, mining, waste processing, and advertising. This conversation dives deep into the mindset behind raising capital, structuring partnerships that actually work, and why clarity, resourcefulness, and communication matter more than money.
Timestamps:
01:20 – Maxwell's background and Family Office Insider
03:40 – Core competency and knowing your role
05:30 – Why partnerships get a bad reputation
08:32 – Deal-making mindset and resourcefulness
13:50 – Capital raising mistakes entrepreneurs make
18:40 – Why subtlety beats aggressive pitching
21:25 – Fun, freedom, flexibility — and thinking bigger
26:20 – Why large deals are often smoother
30:10 – Structuring growth and expansion capital
37:37 – Why raising capital is a full-time job
40:30 – Transparency, bad news, and investor trust
43:15 – Mentorship, patterns, and long-term success
Resources & Links
Connect with Maxwell:
Instagram: @maxwellprincenee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellnee/
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Email admin@ampedsuccess.com | |||
| Wealth Strategy + The Mindset Shift Most People Never Make - Eric Tastet | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:50:38 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Eric Tastet, whose journey took him from 20 years in ministry to becoming VP of Client Strategy at Aspire Tour—and the lead instructor for Aspire's Tax-Free Crypto Education program. Eric breaks down what he's learned about human dynamics, why most people get stuck in "learning" instead of actually taking action, and how relational equity is often the real currency behind influence and results. They also dig into the mindset shift between being a contributor vs. a creator, why consistency beats motivation every time, and how self-directed strategies can open the door to building wealth with more ownership and intention.
Timestamps:
00:16 Meet Eric: ministry background + current role at Aspire Tour
Resources & Links
Connect with Eric on X - @TFC_Guy website - www.taxfreecrypto.com
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Email admin@ampedsuccess.com
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| Introducing Amped Funding Advisors with Lindsay Denton | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:44:38 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt is joined again by one of our most-listened-to guests, Lindsay Denton. For the past seven years, Lindsay has worked side by side with Matt arranging financing for business acquisitions inside the brokerage. Now, through Amped Funding Advisors, she is assisting buyers and sellers nationwide structure deals for approval and funding.
They break down why business financing is nothing like getting a car loan or a mortgage, why SBA loans come with so many rules, and how to navigate those rules without losing your mind or your deal. Lindsay walks through what really goes into a strong lending "package," why projections and business plans matter so much, and how her team scrubs deals before an underwriter ever sees them.
Timestamps:
01:29 Brokerage financing vs. nationwide funding advisory: what's different
03:15 What's in a "package"? Buyer/seller financials, skeletons in the closet, and sourcing funds
04:55 Why you can't just walk into an SBA lender and apply like a normal loan
06:15 Real example: insurance triples mid-deal and blows up projections
07:00 Scrubbing documents, liens on homes/portfolios, and avoiding ugly surprises
10:05 Projections & business plans: building lender-ready stories buyers can simply edit
14:50 Deal killers vs. preparation: how experience keeps deals from dying
18:25 Biggest mistakes buyers make: liquidity, IRAs, borrowed funds, HELOCs, gift money
21:33 SBA rules vs. conventional loans — and why lenders often prefer the SBA guarantee
24:55 COVID-era financials, timing, cash vs. SBA, and why operating capital is everything
30:30 Why SBA forces better homework and leads to fewer defaults than seller carry/cash-only
33:46 How to start with Lindsay: discovery calls, vetting deals, and 60–90 day expectations
38:21 How to contact Lindsay & why brokerage experience gives Amped Funding Advisors an edge
40:09 Paying it forward: helping her stepson launch a trailer rental business
Resources & Links
Connect with Lindsay: lindsay@ampedsuccess.com
https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Email admin@ampedsuccess.com
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| The Family Bank: Building Generational Security with Steve Williams | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:46:20 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with close friend and colleague Steve Williams, CEO of Aspire Family Bank, to unpack a powerful alternative to traditional estate planning: the Family Bank. Steve shares his journey from growing up in generational poverty to climbing the corporate ladder— and then walking away to build a boutique real estate development firm with his wife. Along the way, he learned the hard lessons of leadership, doing hard things, and raising kids who have accountability instead of entitlement. Covering topics like—why whole life insurance are the only vehicles that truly power Family Banks. Steve explains how families can create generational security (not just generational wealth). You'll hear how family constitutions, governance, and loan-based support can give your kids a "silver hammer instead of a silver spoon"—so they build their own purpose, while your legacy lives on for generations. Timestamps
00:16 – Meet Steve Williams: Corporate background & entrepreneurial shift
02:13 – Corporate structure vs. creativity and accountability
05:15 – Moving from sales to sales leadership at Sprint
06:20 – Becoming the youngest district manager & leading older teams
07:49 – Hard conversations, performance plans, and leadership grit
09:45 – Teaching kids to "do hard things" and build resilience
12:39 – Why doing everything for your kids robs them of fulfillment
13:25 – What a Family Bank is: Rockefeller vs. Vanderbilt
17:15 – Why whole life insurance powers a Family Bank
19:58 – Policies on each child & how loans get repaid
22:31 – Family culture, accountability, and generational responsibility
26:19 – Steve's epiphany: The missing piece in traditional estate planning
30:39 – Loans vs. handouts: The "silver hammer" philosophy
32:39 – Peace of mind and living well while you're alive
38:10 – Who can (and should) start a Family Bank?
Resources & Links
Connect with Steve: familyconstitution@aspire4more.com
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at admin@ampedsuccess.com | |||
| Marriage, Life & Business: A Conversation with Audrey Uhler | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:40:56 | |
In this heartfelt episode, Matt sits down with his wife, Audrey Uhler, for an unfiltered conversation about marriage, blended family life, and the realities of running multiple businesses together. They share how they've navigated financial stress, busy travel schedules, parenting transitions, and the constant pull between work and family. Matt and Audrey open up about what it takes to keep both a marriage and a business thriving through seasons of change. They also talk about the emotional shift that comes with an emptying nest, rediscovering purpose, and dreaming up their next chapter together. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction
03:07 – Dating an Entrepreneur
05:10 – From Single Parents to Blended Family
09:04 – Working Vacations That Actually Work
11:40 – The Excitement and Exhaustion of the Deal Life
13:54 – The Swamp Leak Story
18:41 – The "Fun-Money" System
20:45 – Empty-Nest Emotions & New Identity
24:04 – Vision vs. Logic
34:25 – Designing Their Desired End State
37:10 – The "Hand-Up" Question
Resources & Links
Connect with Audrey on Instagram: @audreyuhler
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at admin@ampedsuccess.com | |||
| Building, Scaling, Exiting: How Steve & Michele Have Built and Ran Multiple Restaurants (Without Burning Out) - Steve and Michele Sullins | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:48:39 | |
In this episode, Matt sits down with longtime friends Steve and Michele Sullins — two powerhouse restaurateurs who've built, bought, and sold multiple restaurants and retail stores over the past 35 years. Michelle started with a coffee cart in Sedona and grew it into a thriving restaurant empire, while Steve worked his way up from dishwasher to opening restaurants for major resort brands like Hyatt and Loews. Together, they've mastered the balance of systems, leadership, and partnership — both in business and marriage. From promoting employees into management to scaling multiple locations at once, they share how they've built lasting success in one of the toughest industries around. Now, they're taking that experience to Prescott with The Copper Note, their newest concept bringing elevated, scratch-made "world comfort food" to the downtown Prescott area.
Timestamps:
37:16 – Is year one really the "best year" for a restaurant?
Resources & Links
Connect with Michele and Steve on Instagram: @thecoppernote
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at admin@ampedsuccess.com
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| What's Matt's Deal? From Janitor to 800+ Completed Transactions & 35+ Businesses Owned - Matt Uhler | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:54:15 | |
Matt shares the origin story behind his career in business brokerage and ownership: growing up with a single mom working seven days a week, taking third-shift janitorial work at 13, and starting his first company at 17. A shop teacher's nudge ("why not start a business doing what you already know?") led to a janitorial company that scaled from one account to 40 employees across New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
That first exit came with hard lessons—especially around reading P&Ls and not letting the business "run" the owner. The sale also revealed a bigger truth Matt has seen for 27 years: buying a good business can change a family's trajectory overnight. Since then he's completed over 800+ deals, evaluated thousands more, and taken ownership stakes in 35+ companies (about 20 active today), partnering with "boots-on-the-ground" operators and stepping in most deeply when there's a fire to put out.
Matt talks balance, rhythm, and family. Ownership gives freedom to choose where to spend time—but responsibility can't be delegated. Matt's vision for Amped Success is simple: turn 27 years of lessons into one-to-many education so buyers and sellers avoid preventable pain and make better, faster decisions.
Timestamps:
02:00 – Early Work Ethic — Single-mom household, third-shift janitor at 13
05:03 – First Company at 17 — Teacher's advice, starting a janitorial business
07:45 – Scaling & Lessons — From 1 account to 40 employees; P&L wake-up call
09:08 – First Exit & Insight — Corporate buyer "buys a job"; why buying works
10:45 – 27 Years Brokering — 800+ transactions, 35+ ownerships, 20 active
13:50 – What Brokers Actually Do — Valuation, financeability, structure, licenses
17:20 – One-to-Many Vision — Why Amped Success exists
20:50 – Partnership Model — Boots-on-the-ground operators, when Matt dives in
26:30 – Hardest Seasons — 2008–10 crash, inventory vanishing mid-deal
29:30 – Emotions in a Deal — Families, kids on payroll, employment agreements
33:50 – Favorite Win — From no cash to multi-business millionaires in ~10 years
36:50 – Balance & Rhythm — Boundaries, identity, responsibility vs. authority
46:55 – Why Amped — Giving back; education that prevents costly mistakes
50:00 – Mentors & Inflection Points — Teachers, Tony Robbins, sobriety decision
Resources & Links
Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at admin@ampedsuccess.com
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| Franchise to Framework and the People-First Profit Strategy - Dana De Vito | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:45:28 | |
Today we welcome Dana De Vito, a longtime business owner, franchise operator, and co-founder of Elite Performance Associates. From owning Jack in the Box and Scooter's Coffee franchises to coaching business leaders, Dana shares his insights on responsible growth, the difference between consulting and coaching, and why defining a desired end statematters more than tactics. This conversation digs into lessons learned from franchising, building culture, and balancing ambition with life outside of business.
Timestamps:
00:01 – Intro & welcome to the show
00:32 – Meet Dana De Vito: from teacher-track to consulting
03:02 – Moving to Prescott & buying Jack in the Box franchises
04:55 – Lessons from fast food ownership & team development
06:03 – The ups and downs of franchising relationships
07:36 – Why Scooter's Coffee: leadership culture & systems
10:10 – Consulting vs. coaching: the real difference
13:38 – Why some owners act—and others never do
18:14 – Crisis survival: losing 97% of revenue & bouncing back
20:50 – Expanding reach: writing books & people-first profits
24:30 – Speed kills: when growth gets ahead of control
27:48 – Start with desired end state, not tactics
28:50 – Matt's personal lesson: ambition vs. family balance
38:15 – Who believed in Dana: lessons from his parents
43:33 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Dana
Resources & Links
Connect with Dana:
Instagram: @dana_devito
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-devito/
eliteperformanceassociates.com Dana@eliteperformanceassociates.com
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| Preparing Your Business for Sale (Part 2) - Lindsay Denton | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:38:21 | |
In part two of our series on preparing your business for sale, Matt is once again joined by Lindsay Denton. Together they dive deep into the often-overlooked details that can make or break a deal: commingled entities, lease negotiations with landlords, environmental and maintenance concerns, and the importance of correctly titled assets. Packed with real-world stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for business owners looking to maximize their exit value — and for buyers who want to understand the hidden risks behind the numbers.
2:25 – Preparing for sale: beyond financials into entity structures
3:45 – The problem with commingled entities (and how it kills deals)
7:20 – Real-life examples: when businesses can't be valued or financed
10:00 – How separation delays, amendments, and CPA involvement stall deals
12:00 – The effects of messy financials and tax returns
16:05 – Landlord dynamics: renewals, greed, and lease assignments
19:10 – How one owner lost a million-dollar asset to a landlord decision
21:00 – Securing leases: timing, documentation, and buyer confidence
25:15 – Environmental concerns, site visits, and being "guest ready"
26:50 – First impressions matter: maintenance, lighting, and presentation
29:40 – Titling of assets: vehicles, real estate, and estate issues
32:30 – Costly mistakes when titles aren't transferred properly
34:30 – Education and preparation: why the little things matter most
37:00 – Closing thoughts and preview of the buyer-preparation series
Resources & Links
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| Preparing Your Business for Sale (Part 1) - Lindsay Denton | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:56:34 | |
Part 1 of a two-episode series on preparing your business for sale. Today, Matt is joined by Lindsay Denton (Financing Specialist at WCI Business Brokers) to break down what sellers must have dialed in before they list.
Timestamps: 1:00 – Why seller preparation matters
Resources & Links
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| The Challenges and Lessons of Finding a Business to Buy — Cristian Cruz | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:40:28 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Cristian Cruz, a former Miami firefighter who walked away from a secure career and pension to pursue entrepreneurship and business ownership. Cristian shares his bold decision to leave behind stability for opportunity, his first steps into startups, and why he's now focused on buying an established business instead of building from scratch. This candid conversation dives into risk, motivation, family legacy, and how Cristian is approaching his first acquisition with patience, direction, and clarity. If you've ever wondered what it takes to leave the safety of a W2 job and step into the uncertain but rewarding world of business ownership, you'll find inspiration and practical lessons here. Timestamps0:16 – Introducing guest Cristian Cruz and his background
1:49 – Becoming a Miami firefighter at 21 and "winning the lottery" career
4:02 – Starting his first business in credit repair
5:26 – Jumping from a secure W2 to entrepreneurship
6:32 – Understanding risk: firefighting vs. business ownership
8:10 – Hitting the career ceiling and choosing entrepreneurship instead
10:00 – Why Cristian shifted from startups to buying an existing business
12:14 – The overwhelm of too much information when starting the search
13:43 – Discovering the cleaning industry as a realistic acquisition target
14:50 – Matt explains the Buyer's Acquisition Formula
16:46 – Learning to compress timelines by asking questions and seeking mentors
18:32 – Realizing acquisitions take longer than expected
20:00 – Avoiding deadline pressure and rushed decisions
21:47 – How Cristian is sustaining himself financially during the search
23:29 – Different circumstances: supporting a family vs. pursuing solo
24:50 – Why Cristian prefers direct outreach over online business listings
28:56 – Stacking capital and preparing for a larger acquisition
30:10 – Matt shares his roots in the janitorial industry and how it led to brokerage
31:20 – The role of family and parents' sacrifices in Cristian's motivation
36:40 – Biggest lesson learned: not every "guru" is worth listening to
38:34 – Compressing time by learning from others' mistakes
Resources & Links
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| Built to Sell: How Chad Cook Turned 12 Businesses into a Life of Freedom and Balance - Chad Cook | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:49:15 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with longtime client and friend Chad Cook—a true serial entrepreneur who has started, grown, and sold 12 businesses over the last 34 years. From his humble beginnings running a paper route and selling donuts to owning large-scale Family Fun Centers and a statewide Dippin' Dots distribution business, Chad shares the real stories behind his business ventures, including the wins, the lessons, and the near-bankrupt moments. Matt and Chad discuss the strategic mindset required to build sellable businesses, the importance of family support and faith, and how Chad's ability to maintain calm and rhythm through both recession and rapid growth has led to a fulfilling life—personally and professionally. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or seasoned operator, Chad's story is a blueprint for creating legacy, freedom, and peace through entrepreneurship.
00:16 – Meet Chad Cook: 12 businesses, 34 years, and one donut-selling paper route
Resources & Links
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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| Real Talk on Risk, Resilience, and Revenue - David Davis | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:49:00 | |
In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with David Davis—an academic-turned-entrepreneur who transitioned from a PhD and professorship in hospitality to launching not one, but three service-based businesses. David shares his real-world startup journey, including the shift away from higher ed, the grit it took to build Fuse Topline Solutions, Boundless Hospitality, and a commercial laundry operation, and the financial realities of building a business from scratch. This conversation is packed with wisdom on balancing family and business, managing investor relationships, and knowing when to pivot.
Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction to David Davis and his extensive academic background
23:34 – The importance of involving your spouse and lessons from personal relationships
Resources & Links
Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @AmpedSuccess
LinkedIn: Amped Success
Tiktok: @Ampedsuccess
YouTube: @AmpedSuccess
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