M&A Masters

If you sold to private equity, would you want to keep running the business?  Brandon Blewett is Chief Development Officer at Pave America, a nationwide family of local, self-performing asphalt and concrete service providers. In his conversation with Patrick, Brandon details how a private equity backed buyer weighs culture, safety, and people when acquiring founder-led businesses.  You'll discover....

What would happen to your business if you disappeared for a day, a week, two weeks, two months? When you finally decide to sell, will you be exiting on your terms or on somebody else's? Mark Hartmann, founder of Hartmann Rhodes and author of Sweat Equity Payday, joins Patrick Stroth to explain what separates a planned transition from a forced one. Hartmann Rhodes is a lower middle market M&A a...

What if the fastest way to find your next deal is to stop waiting for credentials to speak for you? What could happen when a dealmaker trained to stay low profile decides to put themselves out there and publish instead? Niklas James is a 3x independent sponsor who splits his time between Florida and Norway. He co-hosts the Minds Capital Podcast, the leading media for the independent sponsor ecosys...

What does a buyer who has closed 27 acquisitions actually look for before making an offer? When your industry is consolidating around you, how do you decide whether to raise capital and become the platform or sell to one? Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive, joins Patrick Stroth to explain how a serial acquirer evaluates a target. Thrive is a technology outsourcing provider delivering cybersecurity, cl...

Does culture fit between buyer and seller really make a difference to a successful deal? Peter Hissey, Director at Strategic Exit Advisors, joins Patrick Stroth to explain why his firm puts culture fit in front of sellers before a buyer ever sees a financial model. Based outside Philadelphia, SEA is a lower middle market investment bank focused on helping entrepreneurs maximize value and protect t...

Is your M&A transaction at risk because your legal team isn’t truly business-minded? What if the right law firm could not only protect your deal—but actively make it better? In this episode, Chad Gottlieb, Partner at Darrow Everett, joins Patrick Stroth to share how a business-first approach to law is transforming M&A outcomes for founders, private equity firms, and independent sponsors in...

Is your business missing out on millions by overlooking supply chain efficiency? What if unlocking massive value in M&A deals was easier than you think? In this episode, Mert Erkan, Vice President of Efficio Consulting, joins Patrick Stroth to reveal how procurement and supply chain transformations drive game-changing results for both private equity and strategic acquirers on a global scale. Y...

Navigating the emotional twists and turns of selling a family-owned business isn’t just about the highest offer—sometimes, it’s about finding the right partner to carry on your legacy. What does it really take to achieve a clean, meaningful exit? In this episode, Warren Feder, Partner at CMA Group, joins Patrick Stroth to reveal how investment bankers guide owners and founders through complex tran...

The playbook for selling your company just changed—again. What separates those who merely survive from those who exit with maximum value? The answer may surprise even seasoned founders. In this episode, Anthony Caporrino, U.S. Transaction Advisory Group Co-Leader at Alvarez & Marsal, reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets to smarter M&A, how analytics are rewriting the rules, and what it re...

Not every deal needs an army of lawyers and sky-high fees to get across the finish line… So how are today’s owners navigating increasingly complex M&A—and why is buyer behavior making it more challenging than ever? In this episode, Dennis O’Rourke, Partner and Chair of the Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group at Moritt Hock & Hamroff, shares why lower middle market companies do...

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

The private equity secondary market is booming—but most people don’t realize how dramatically it’s evolved, or where it’s heading next. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or totally new to secondaries, this episode peels back the curtain on one of the fastest-growing corners of the financial world. In this episode, Mike Bego, Managing Partner of Kline Hill Partners, joins host Patrick Stroth to gi...

From screen printing to seven acquisitions—what does it take to build a powerhouse in the decorated apparel industry? And what surprising lessons can scaling a “niche of niches” teach about entrepreneurship, technology, and M&A success? In this episode, Jeff Cooperman, Founder of Front Nine Capital, reveals his journey from CPA to serial acquirer—exploring how he’s turned overlooked, mom-and-p...

Most M&A Advisors aim for the billion-dollar deals—so who’s serving the true engine of American business? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the world of lower middle market M&A, where relationships, turnaround expertise, and strategic partnerships make all the difference. In this episode, Bob McCormack, Founder of Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors, reveals the unique challenges and overlook...

Would you trust your company’s future to a team that’s obsessed with precision, storytelling, and preparing for every possible scenario? In the high-stakes world of SaaS M&A, the difference between a good deal and a great one can change the course of a founder’s life—and their legacy. In this episode, Diamond Innabi, Principal at Software Equity Group, reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets tha...

Most business owners think accounting is just a necessary evil—until it costs them millions. What hidden traps are killing the value of your business before you even go to market? In this episode, Jason Kruger, Partner at Citrin Cooperman’s Business Process Outsourcing Practice, exposes how overlooked accounting gaps can sabotage your exit—and how precision financials can supercharge your company’...

Navigating a business exit can feel like flying into a storm with no landing strip in sight—especially when millions are on the line and expert advice is scattered. What’s the secret to engineering a “clean exit” that safeguards both your wealth and your legacy? In this episode, Joe LoPresti, Founder of Arlington Wealth Management, reveals the game-changing strategies behind holistic wealth manage...

Unlocking the secrets of successful online business acquisitions… How does one navigate the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions, especially in the ever-evolving tech industry? In this episode, Andrew Gazdecki, founder of acquire.com, shares insights on building and operating the leading online platform for buying and selling online businesses. Andrew reveals: The compelling story behind ac...

You might think snow is bad for a car wash business... But what if it turns out to be their best friend? In this episode, Harry Caruso, founder and CEO of Car Wash Advisory, unravels the intriguing dynamics of the car wash industry and how it stands as an attractive investment sector in the world of mergers and acquisitions. In this episode, you’ll discover… The surprising impact of snow on the ca...

The collision industry is undergoing a major transformation… But what factors influence a successful merger or acquisition in this niche market? In this episode, David Roberts, founder and CEO of Focus Advisors, shares his journey from founding a leading collision center network to becoming a key player in the M&A advisory scene, guiding body shop owners through strategic exits. You’ll discove...

In the world of business, accounting is often seen as a painful necessity. But what if it could be a strategic advantage instead of a chore? In this episode, Matt Tait, Founder and CEO of Decimal, discusses how his company revolutionizes accounting services for small businesses and why he believes aligning business incentives is key to success. You’ll discover: How Decimal fosters a people-first c...

Navigating the complex world of mergers and acquisitions can be daunting, especially for lower middle market founder-owned companies. But what if there was a more straightforward path to a clean exit? In this episode, Rob Margeton, co-founder of Ryco Advisors, an Atlanta-based independent advisory firm, explores the vast opportunities within the lower middle market and reveals how Ryco Advisors gu...

98% of business owners aren't prepared for the emotional toll of selling their companies... Could you be one of them? In this episode, JB Brown, founder of White Buffalo Advisors, reveals the secrets behind successful business exits and the often-overlooked emotional impact that follows. You'll discover: The gripping story behind the name "White Buffalo Advisors." Why 75% of business owners regret...

Ever wonder how authentic connections and Midwest values could transform mergers and acquisitions? Dive into a compelling blend of business acumen and heartfelt legacy preservation with our latest episode. In this episode, Jonathan Babcock, Senior Associate at Compass Group Equity Partners, joins Patrick Stroth to uncover the intricate world of lower middle market investments and the human-centric...

The world of M&A can seem elusive, but today’s guest lifts the curtain to reveal how lower middle market firms can achieve global reach and expertise. In this episode, Nick Olsen, Managing Director of Cornerstone International Alliance, delves into the power of collaboration within the M&A network, highlighting how firms thrive by joining forces. You’ll discover: The unique model that sets...