AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition – Details, episodes & analysis

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AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition

Stambaugh Ness

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/53d. Total Eps: 15

Welcome to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, the podcast that delivers unfiltered, authentic insights from leaders in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry who are on the front lines of mergers and acquisitions.

Hosted by Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, each episode features candid one-on-one interviews with CEOs and influencers, sharing their real stories, successes, and obstacles in the world of AEC M&A.

If you're an AEC firm leader ready to shape your future through strategic growth, join us for inspiration and practical advice to take your firm to new heights.

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🇨🇦 Canada - entrepreneurship
03/07/2026
#95

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreysadamscpa/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/irastarr/
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Score global : 73%

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Ep. 15 | Building One Team: A Structural Approach to M&A Integration

Season 1 · Episode 15

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 39:52

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Are you treating your M&A integration like a rigid building code or a dynamic leadership challenge?

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, sits down with Sandy Matthews, Director of Integration at Salas O’Brien. Sandy shares her unique journey from structural engineer at a 35-person firm to leading post-acquisition efforts for one of the most acquisitive firms in the AEC space.

Sandy brings a refreshingly human perspective to a process often dominated by spreadsheets, explaining why true value creation happens at the intersections of alignment, empathy, and “One Team” collaboration.

This podcast discusses:

The “E-Bike” Lesson: What a 14-year-old’s request for freedom taught Sandy about listening to the true “why” behind an acquired firm’s needs.
The One-Team Vision: How to move beyond service pillars to create a cohesive environment where every partner firm is “icing on the cake.”
The Power of the Pause: Knowing when to “rip the Band-Aid off” and when to hit the pause button on branding or ERP transitions to protect a firm’s unique niche.
The Cultural Litmus Test: Why the “Dinner Test” remains the most accurate predictor of long-term partnership success.
Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast: Applying Navy SEAL philosophy to ensure your internal team is ready to scale at the pace of modern M&A.

Whether you are a seller wondering how your legacy will be preserved or a buyer looking to build a scalable integration playbook, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for aligning hearts and minds after the deal closes.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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Ep. 14 | Ending the Scavenger Hunt: Data as an AEC Valuation Lever

Season 1 · Episode 14

Monday, April 20, 2026 • Duration 42:52

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Your firm’s balance sheet tells your earnings story, but your data archive is your firm’s memory. If that memory is trapped in an unsearchable digital graveyard, you’re leaving significant deal value on the table.

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Nick Decker, Director of AEC at Egnyte, to discuss the critical intersection of AEC valuation and data.

Nick shares a frontline perspective on why “tech-ready” firms are commanding higher multiples and how leadership teams can turn their data environments into a strategic advantage rather than an operational risk.

This podcast discusses:

The “20% Tax”: Why billable engineers spend one day a week on a “scavenger hunt” for information—and how to fix it.
The Closing Dinner Snub: Why IT leadership belongs at the table before the deal ink dries.
The AI Gap: Moving AI past “writing emails” and into actual project delivery, drafting, and closeout.
Matching Blood Types: Why tech integration is a talent retention issue, not just a software transition.
The Five-Year Outlook: What will separate the most valuable, scalable AEC firms from the rest of the market.

Whether you’re preparing for a sale or looking to maximize synergies on the buy-side, this conversation explores how to move beyond simple storage to unlock the true intellectual property of your firm.

Ep. 5 | Scaling Up: M&A for AEC Small Businesses

Season 1 · Episode 5

Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 49:15

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Discover how M&A can help you scale your AEC firm and compete with industry giants in this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition. Your host, Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness sits down with Mike Ramos, President of Raymond to explore the power of M&A for small businesses.

Mike shares invaluable insights, revealing how his firm leveraged mergers and acquisitions to achieve exponential growth, expand into new markets, and enhance its capabilities. Learn how Raymond strategically strengthened its federal presence through mentor-protégé relationships and expanded service offerings.

Whether you’re a small business owner considering M&A or simply curious about the strategies driving industry leaders, this episode offers a must-listen perspective. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and unlock the potential of your AEC firm.

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Ep. 4 | Family Office: An Alternative Approach to AEC M&A

Season 1 · Episode 4

Monday, August 12, 2024 • Duration 27:17

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The Family Office is a winsome alternative to traditional private equity in the AEC industry. Join your host, Jeff Adams, as he discusses this topic with Chris Cook, CEO of ELEV8 Holdings. ELEV8 Holdings is an investment company dedicated to reshaping and consolidating the fragmented civil, structural, and architectural engineering sector across the United States.

Chris Cook shares his unique journey and discusses how Family Offices provide a more personal touch and greater autonomy compared to traditional private equity. Learn about the Carling Group’s entrepreneurial spirit and how their Family Office model is designed to foster growth and collaboration within the AEC industry.

The conversation reviews the concept of a conglomerator, highlighting how the Carling Group’s strategy of building a diversified portfolio across multiple sectors, including technology, sports, health, and buildings, can benefit AEC firms. Discover how ELEV8 Holdings is selecting and vetting potential investments, their approach to partnerships and exit strategies, and why Family Offices and conglomerators might be the future of M&A in the AEC sector. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about alternative investment strategies, this episode offers valuable insights and expert analysis.

Tune in to understand this transformative potential in the AEC industry and why they are becoming a preferred choice for many business owners looking for growth and successful exits. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts!

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Ep. 3 | Beyond the Handshake: Why Legal Counsel Matters in AEC M&A

Season 1 · Episode 3

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 • Duration 57:48

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Thinking about buying or selling your AEC firm? Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can also be a strategic move to propel your business forward.

This episode of AEC Unscripted explores the legal aspects of M&A in the AEC industry. Host Jeff Adams sits down with Lawson & Weitzen M&A attorney George Christodoulo, a recognized expert with over 400 deals completed!

In this conversation, you'll learn:

The critical role of experienced legal counsel on both sides of the deal
How to navigate common issues that arise during negotiations
Why clear communication is essential for a smooth M&A process
The importance of industry-specific expertise in AEC M&A

Listen in and gain valuable insights to ensure your next M&A transaction is a success story.

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Ep. 2 | Private Equity in AEC: A Growing Trend

Season 1 · Episode 2

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • Duration 50:09

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𝗜𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗘𝗖 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺? The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is experiencing a surge of private equity (PE) investment. Jeff Adams, CPA, CMAA, and Ira Starr, Long Point Capital, explore how PE can fuel your firm's growth.

In this episode, Ira and Jeff explore the typical investment model, how to position your firm for PE (platform vs. add-on strategy), and the key benefits and considerations. Learn how to leverage PE to access capital, strategic expertise, and achieve your growth goals. Tune in and unlock the potential of private equity for your AEC firm!

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Ep 1 | You Must Be Doing Something Right!

Season 1 · Episode 1

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 • Duration 39:33

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In our inaugural episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, Director, M&A at Stambaugh Ness chats with Dan Huntington, Executive Vice President of the M&A Synergy Team at IMEG, a leading national engineering and design consulting firm. Dan discusses the secrets behind their impressive M&A growth, having grown from just 3 deals in 2018 to integrating 19 firms in just 28 months! He emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and building strong partnerships as key factors in their success.

You'll also learn about IMEG's vast network. With a national presence of over 2,800 employees and 90 offices, they consider a staggering 150 to 200 firms annually. This unique combination provides clients with both national expertise and the power of local connections. Whether you're interested in M&A insights or seeking a top-notch engineering and design firm, this episode has something for you.

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Ep. 13 | Flipping the Script: From Strategic Buyer to Family Office Acquisition

Season 1 · Episode 13

Monday, March 23, 2026 • Duration 40:57

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Are you prepared for the moment your internal succession plan meets the reality of a “missing generation” in leadership?

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Frank Ternasky and Mike Asaro, former principals of the San Diego-based architecture firm Delawie.

After years of operating as strategic buyers themselves, Frank and Mike share the transparent story of why they pivoted to an external sale. We dive deep into their decision to partner with Hennick & Company —a family office— and Leo A Daly, exploring why this unique model provided the cultural alignment and “long-run” stability that traditional private equity could not.

Listen to learn:

How being an acquirer prepared them for their own immaculate due diligence (and why “there was no pea” to find).
The Family Office difference and why a less “heavy-handed” investment model was the key to preserving a 60-year design legacy.
The strategic reasoning behind The Power of the Pause —hitting the “pause button” on a deal when business growth outpaces valuation.
Why the “beer test” and cultural fit remain the ultimate deal-breakers, regardless of the financial offer.
Insights from the first 100 days of integration and the value of a “best practice” conversation over a forced transition.

Join us as we explore M&A, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success.

Ep. 12 | Beyond the Multiples: The Art and Science of AEC Valuations

Season 1 · Episode 12

Monday, November 3, 2025 • Duration 57:16

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What’s your AEC firm really worth? While it’s tempting to look at market multiples, the true value of your business lies in a much deeper story of risk, potential, and strategic fit. Misunderstanding this value can stop a great deal in its tracks.

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by two leading valuation experts: Tracey Eaves, Managing Director of Transition Services at Zweig Group, and Becky Carlson, Director of Value Advisory at Stambaugh Ness.

Together, they pull back the curtain on the art and science of AEC firm valuation, revealing what buyers and sellers must understand to navigate a transaction successfully.

Listen to learn about:

The critical difference between fair market value, strategic value, and final offer price.
Why income-based approaches are far more important than book value for professional services firms.
Common (and costly) misconceptions about EBITDA multiples, working capital, and deal terms.
Practical steps you can take now to maximize your firm’s value for a future sale.

Accelerate your success in AEC. Book a meeting with us to discuss your M&A future.

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Ep. 11 | From Legacy to Leadership: AVID's Path Through AEC M&A

Season 1 · Episode 11

Monday, July 7, 2025 • Duration 36:56

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Join Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, for "From Legacy to Leadership: AVID's Path Through AEC M&A." Former AVID Group owner Tracy Scott shares her powerful journey: stepping into unexpected leadership after tragedy and successfully guiding her firm's sale to McAdams.

This unscripted conversation goes beyond transactions, revealing the critical human element of M&A. Discover firsthand insights on preparing for a sale, navigating due diligence, ensuring cultural alignment, and achieving seamless integration. This episode offers vital lessons on resilience and strategic transitions for any AEC firm.

Accelerate your success in AEC. Book a meeting with us to discuss your M&A future.

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AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

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AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other22

Buzzsprout1

LinkedIn5

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other22

Buzzsprout1

LinkedIn5