Seth Rudin | Business Broker | Dealmaker

How can you close a business deal when the bank’s funding doesn't cover the full purchase price? Seller financing is often the "glue" that holds complex M&A deals together, acting as a powerful tool to bridge valuation gaps and align the interests of both the buyer and the seller. When structured correctly, it not only provides a smoother path to loan approval but also serves as...

How can strategic negotiations and market insights turn a standard listing into a high-value acquisition? The process of buying or selling a business is rarely just about the numbers on a balance sheet; it is about the relationships built and the expertise brought to the negotiation table. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, having a trusted advisor who understands the nuanc...

How do you successfully merge two distinct business cultures while maintaining financial stability? When a merger or acquisition takes place, the technical and financial hurdles are only half the battle; the real challenge lies in integrating different operations, teams, and visions into a single, high-performing entity. Navigating these transitions requires a strategic blend of expert brokerage a...

What are the hidden friction points that cause most SBA loan applications to stall or fail? Securing an SBA loan is often viewed as a daunting mountain of paperwork and red tape, but most obstacles are predictable and avoidable if you know how to navigate the lender's perspective. Identifying these "10.5 obstacles" early in the process allows you to proactively address credit issues,...

What is the actual timeline from finding a business to signing the final closing documents? The business acquisition process can be a minefield of due diligence, legal hurdles, and financial scrutiny if you go in without a roadmap. Mastering the sequence of events—from the initial Letter of Intent to the final transfer of funds—is the only way to ensure your deal remains on track and your capital...

What are the deal-breakers that keep a business from ever making it to the closing table? Preparing a business for sale requires more than just a "For Sale" sign; it requires meticulous alignment between what a broker can market and what a banker can actually finance. When you understand the specific documentation and operational transparency that professionals look for, you can signific...

How do you secure funding for a business where the primary value walks out the door every evening? Financing the acquisition of a professional services firm presents a unique challenge because the assets are often intangible, built on relationships, expertise, and recurring contracts rather than heavy machinery or real estate. To win over a lender, you must show how that human capital and client l...

Is it better to finance the business operations or the dirt it sits on? When a business acquisition includes real estate, the entire financing structure shifts, offering different loan terms, longer amortizations, and varied risk profiles. Knowing how to distinguish between these two paths is vital for maximizing your cash flow and choosing the right lending vehicle for your specific deal. In this...

What happens when it’s time to transition a legacy that has been built over decades? Selling or acquiring a family-owned or privately held business comes with a unique set of emotional and financial complexities that standard corporate deals simply don't face.  In this episode, we are breaking down the intricate process of buying and selling private firms with expert insights into the current...

How can you maximize your borrowing power without putting your personal assets at risk? When you are navigating the world of mergers and acquisitions, understanding how to use collateral as strategic leverage is the difference between a stalled deal and a successful acquisition. Mastering the relationship between your assets and your financing options allows you to scale faster and win more compet...

Christina's journey is a testament to the incredible fulfillment found in moving from the structure of Big Tech to the creative freedom of true ownership. This transition represents more than just a career change; it is the realization of a vision where you finally have the autonomy to design a business culture and lead a team entirely on your own terms. In this episode, we talk about how Chri...

Tariffs are no longer just news—they are critical variables that can make or break a business sale. Seth Rudin and Paul Long break down how shifting trade policies and import duties silently erode company valuations and disrupt supply chains during the due diligence process. Whether you are looking to exit your business or seeking a new acquisition, understanding how to price in these risks is ess...

Join Seth Rudin and Billy Huntley for an unfiltered fan’s look at the Emerald City’s favorite teams. From the gridiron at Lumen Field to the diamond at T-Mobile Park, we’re breaking down the latest news, roster moves, and season outlooks for the Seahawks and the Mariners. Whether you're bleeding Blue and Green or Northwest Green, this is your home for Seattle sports. Joined today by Billy Hunt...

Planning to Buy a Business in 2026? Do it the right way! With shifting interest rates, a massive wave of retiring Baby Boomers, and new digital transformation trends, the landscape for acquisitions has changed. Preparing to buy a business in today’s market requires more than just a down payment—it requires a strategic roadmap. Today, we are joined by SBA Lending Extraordinaire, Paul Long, and we a...

Will your SBA loan application be approved? When you're applying for an SBA loan to buy a business, understanding exactly what your lender is looking for is the key to securing your funding, locking in the best rates, and closing your deal on time. Today we are joined by an SBA Lending Extraordinaire, Paul Long. And in this episode, we are breaking down the specific criteria SBA lenders use to...