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August 12, 2022
Engineered From Personal Need, Nollapelli Is Ready To Grow
By Dan Pender
Nollapelli founder Allison Howard talks with the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast about how she created Nollapelli and prepared the company for early-stage investing.
August 11, 2022
Real estate investing in a dynamic market
Citymark Capital Founder and CEO Dan Walsh on the real estate investment market, what, and where, is hot, and how he sees the investment landscape playing out given the economic currents.
August 11, 2022
When there's more than money to a deal
Orbus Past Chairman & Owner Simon Perutz on his former company's acquisition
August 11, 2022
When (and when not) to call an investment banker
Christopher Riley, CEO, United Cutwater, has more than 30 years’ experience owning and operating more than a dozen businesses in numerous industries. He discusses the current M&A landscape and what business owners should be doing if they’re considering selling.
August 11, 2022
Archetype Solutions Pursues A Unique Approach To Investing
Archetype Solutions Group CEO Chetan Bagga on launching Archetype Solutions and its unique approach to investing.
August 5, 2022
Evaluating your sell-side options in an exit
RiverGlade Capital's Kevin McGrath, Council Capital's Nick Cooper, Pinnacle Financial Partners' Tyler Morgan, Capital Alignment Partners' John Pontius, Whistler Capital's Darshan Prabhu and Bass, Berry & Sims' Tatjana Paterno discuss what goes into a successful exit beyond a liquidity event, including when a private equity firm sells one of its portfolio companies.
August 5, 2022
Life Remodeled CEO Chris Lambert On The Heart Of Fundraising
Life Remodeled CEO Chris Lambert on the organization's mission and accomplishments, as well as his approach to fundraising.
August 5, 2022
Lessons learned selling the same company twice
What John Blyzinskyj learned from selling Elemica twice.
August 5, 2022
Transition strategies within family businesses
Jergens Inc.'s Jack Schron, Ahola Payroll & HR Solutions' Jeff Ahola, Peoples Services Inc.'s Darin Haines, The Reserves Network's Neil Stallard and UBS's William Murphy on the tough conversations and lessons learned from transitions in a family business.
August 5, 2022
How to be transparent while protecting IP during diligence
Stirling Ultracold Founder and former CTO Dave Berchowitz on the deal with BioLife and how the company's IP was managed leading up to and through diligence.
August 2, 2022
The Essential First Question CEOs Must Ask Before Partnering with a PE Firm
Private equity dealmaking was busier than ever in 2021, with more than $3.5 trillion in capital deployed throughout the year. Fundraising also increased nearly 20% last year – a record high – which
July 29, 2022
Dan German on lessons learned launching Orthobrain
Orthobrain's Dan German on launching Orthobrain, fundraising, and how the lessons he learned growing and selling German Orthodontics are informing his new venture.
July 29, 2022
Distinguish yourself in a deal
Tecum Capital's Stephen Gurgovits, Citizens M&A Advisory's David Dunstan, Matthews International Corp.'s Richard Beard and Aon's Bill Coleman on building a successful acquisition engine.
July 29, 2022
When to leave leadership behind
Carestream Health's David Westgate, Madison Dearborn Partners' Michael Nettesheim Executive Search Partners' Nick Curran and N2 Advantage Law's Timothy Nettesheim on how to know what you're buying.
July 29, 2022
Breaking down the complexities of succession planning
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young Partner Steven Scolari on succession planning and how to break the complex process down into something more manageable.
July 29, 2022
When selling, get answers before the deal closes
Ten35's Sherman Wright on preparing to sell a business and the liquidity event that follows.
July 29, 2022
Seeing a deal as more than money
Ouroboros Group's Samantha Ory, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP Boston's Brian Moore, Dr. Dental's Alex Faigel, Mirus Capital Advisors' Brendan Kiernan and Cambridge Savings Bank's Stephen Leonard on financing business in the lower middle market.
July 22, 2022
An offer that can't be refused
Dawson's' David DeCapua on the deal with Aya Healthcare and how he personally came to terms with selling.
July 22, 2022
How Relationships Brought Abatemaster and Plumb Line Capital Together
Plumb Line Capital's Matt Lindberg and Abatemaster's Jeff Chilton on the acquisition, growing a former family-operated business, and how relationships have played a role in every aspect of the deal.
July 22, 2022
Price Taker vs. Price Maker and the effect on value
BMO Harris Bank's John Chalus and Tecum Capital's Matt Harnett on the economic factors that are affecting deals and how buyers and sellers can adjust.
July 22, 2022
When Three Little Pigs Went To Market
Village Gourmet's David Kemp and Gemini Investors' James Goodman on buying Three Little Pigs, growing it into Village Gourmet and taking that company to market.
July 22, 2022
Diligence is a two-way street
Foundation Wellness' Sean Williams, Aon's Perry Papantonis, and Gridiron Capital's Joe Saldutti and Sean Kelley on maximizing value in a sell-side transaction.
July 14, 2022
Ascender Lifts Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
Nadyli Nuñez, executive director, Ascender, has guided hundreds of early-stage entrepreneurs through her incubator, co-working programs, and numerous early-stage investments to position them for add-on capital as part of their growth journey from scale-up to the middle market. She has a detailed, hands-on approach to ensure the success of her clients.
July 14, 2022
Making Deals with Unprepared Participants
Charlie Saponaro, CEO, Medical Record Associates, is a long-standing veteran of the Boston M&A world, with more than 30 deals to his credit. In several of those transactions, Saponaro had to make it happen even though the sellers were not quite as sophisticated in the common practices of the M&A world.
July 13, 2022
Deal Pulse: Volume down, value up amid mounting headwinds
Following a healthy first quarter, U.S. and local deal volume declined the second quarter ended June 30. However, total deal value on a national basis was up sharply over the same period. Acquirers are increasingly confronted with a difficult labor market.
July 6, 2022
Reasons to be excited, cautious, when launching a business with family
Geneoscopy's Andrew Barnell on launching Geneoscopy, structuring the business and working with family.
July 6, 2022
Revolutionary Security struck while the iron was hot
Revolutionary Security's Rich Mahler discusses the company's 2020 sale to Accenture.
July 6, 2022
Identifying the right capital partners
Tiesta Tea Company's Dan Klein on what he looks for in investors beyond capital as well as the company's plans for growth.
July 6, 2022
BioDot's quick (and unexpected) second deal
BioDot's Tony Lemmo on the company's two significant deals in the last two years, including a leveraged buyout through Artemis Capital Partners back in 2020.
July 6, 2022
Preparing yourself to prepare for a sale
Prospect Partners' Louis Kenter on steps a business owner should take to prepare to sell their company.
July 6, 2022
Family must earn their way into Archangel's CEO seat
Archangel Protective Services' Ken Thomas on how the company got its start, the importance of getting help along the way, succession planning and the ways he's helping others get their entrepreneurial start.
July 6, 2022
The economy's impact on deal readiness
Honigman's John Kanan, Wälzlager Industriewerke Bulle A.G.'s Kal Beidas, MSX International's Fred Minturn, Aon's Vipul Patel and BDO Consulting Group's Robert Berdanier discuss economic uncertainty and its impact on deal readiness.
July 6, 2022
Landing the first investors
SureImpact's Sheri Chaney Jones on launching SureImpact and her experience landing investors.
July 6, 2022
A shifting M&A market
Fifth Third Securities' Matt Francati, Cyprium Investment Partners' Beth Haas, Signet Enterprises' Anthony Manna and Oswald Companies' Jeff Schwab on mitigating risk and navigating current trends in today's volatile sell-side environment.
June 30, 2022
The Advantage of Strategic Planning in M&A Transactions
Huntington's Dan Griffith and Jim Altman, Loretta Benec (formerly with The ExOne Company), IPEG Industrial Group's John Erkert and McGuireWoods' Penny Zacharias on the power of strategic planning in M&A.
June 29, 2022
Liquidity Lessons From Selling a Fourth-Generation Family Business
Lewisburg Printing Company's Kirk Kelso, Troutman Pepper's Daniel McDonough, and BNY Mellon's Bryan McGrath and Marty Babitz on the preparation and exit phases of a well-structured transaction.
June 29, 2022
Relationships, communication smooth MedPilot, Vytalize deal
Vytalize Health's Kevin Murphy and Matt Buder Shapiro on the deal, how it came to be and where the combined companies go from here.
June 29, 2022
Risk management in M&A
Aclaimant Co-Founder and Board Member Michael Schultz on dealing with risk in M&A transactions, and how his company is applying its recent $15 million raise.
June 29, 2022
Navigating Deal Complexities
Mad River Associates' Andy Horne, Eliassen Group's David MacKeen, WJ Connell's John Stephenson and CMBG3 Law's John Gardella on how to effectively prepare yourself and your company to get deals done.
June 22, 2022
Lessons learned from raising different types of capital
Stratifyd's Derek Wang on building Stratifyd, raising capital and growing his investor network.
June 22, 2022
The complexity of pre-sale estate and wealth planning
DP+'s Mark Petrosky, Cendrowski Corporate Advisors' John Alfonsi and Pitcairn's Andy Busser on how a seller's approach to the pre-planning and execution — including taking the impact of taxes into consideration — may be the difference between a deal's success and failure.
June 22, 2022
Build a good business and investors will find you
HYCU's Simon Taylor, Mintz's Kurt Steinkrauss, Health Express Urgent Care's Chris Whelan and First Republic Investment Management's Julie Rousseau on what you need to know about the personal and corporate side of readying your company for whatever tomorrow brings.
June 22, 2022
The importance of multiple plans
Capital Plus' Renee Tyack, Roetzel & Andress' Erika Haupt, Matesich Distributing Co.'s Sarah Schwab and AB Bernstein's Kara Lewis on how they navigated the most difficult questions regarding what to do with the family business.
June 22, 2022
Internal, external factors to consider ahead of a deal
Malachite Innovations Inc.'s Michael Cavanaugh, Barnes Wendling CPAs' Laurie Gatten, Protegis Fire & Safety's Steve DeJohn and Ulmer & Berne's Ilir Pipa on how to analyze your company’s deal readiness and determine the best course for your company’s future.
June 17, 2022
Overcoming Great Day's Early Challenges Hinged On The Team
Blue Olive Partners Executive Chairman Ed Weinfurtner on building the family of Great Day brands.
June 17, 2022
How ITS Logistics' Scott Pruneau Proved His Company's Uniqueness
In the last quarter of 2020, ITS Logistics launched an almost entirely virtual sales process that ultimately ended with its acquisition by GHK Capital Partners in mid-2021. CEO Scott Pruneau says navigating the process without bringing anybody under the tent was a challenge.
June 17, 2022
Argo Fresh's Clint Lewis: Running A Public Company With A PE Partner
In AgroFresh, Clint Lewis is leading a public company that has a private equity investor. 'It's a unique dynamic," Lewis says.
June 17, 2022
Investing in Downtown Baltimore
MCB Real Estate's P. David Bramble, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore's Shelonda Stokes, Chasen Companies' Brandon Chasen and FNB Corp.'s Mac Tisdale discuss the opportunities available for investors in downtown Baltimore.
June 17, 2022
Founders helping founders
Ilana Diamond on launching 412 Ventures, its investment thesis, and how their collective experience as founders might give them an advantage.
June 16, 2022
LPi’s Niche Market Clientele Proves Valuable
We Share and We Gather started as LPi's closed social network for churches. It quickly morphed into an online donation tool for nonprofits. Joe Luedtke spoke about LPi’s carveout of its financial tech arm.
June 16, 2022
How Paperless Parts Overcame Early Stumbles To Find Success
Paperless Parts recently raised $30 million of Series B venture funding led by OpenView Venture Capital. Jason Ray, co-founder and CEO of Paperless says he had some entrepreneurial stumbles along his path to building Paperless into what it's become today.
June 10, 2022
How Reps & Warranties Is Increasing Deal Efficiency
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis' Tyson Bickley, LFM Capital's Chris Lin, Resource Label Group's Hunter Rost and LBMC's Brian Marynowitz on how to evolve your buy-side strategies in 2022 and beyond, and key mistakes you can avoid.
June 10, 2022
How labor challenges are affecting M&A
Calaway Habeck Talent Consulting's Jaynanne Calaway-Habeck, Denim Social's Douglas Wilber, CliftonLarsonAllen's Adrian Nohr, PFI Holding Co.'s John Dolan and BMO Harris' Robert Harrod on the factors impacting today's M&A transactions.
June 10, 2022
Edovo Divests to Improve Mission Focus
Edovo CEO Brian Hill on his venture, its recent acquisition and raising capital.
June 10, 2022
Franklin Foster on Essex Bay Capital's Launch
Essex Bay Capital Co-founder Franklin Foster talks about launching Essex Bay Capital and the investments the company has made so far.
June 10, 2022
The Role of CFO Post-Acquisition
Resilience Capital Partners Bassem Mansour, TalentLaunch's Matt Lyon, Truist Bank's Andrew Rutherford and RSM's Jeff Rolland on post-acquisition integration and how owners, presidents, and CEOs should approach the CFO role in making sure the deal pays off.
June 10, 2022
How WeCare Medical Got Sophisticated Ahead of Its AdaptHealth Deal
WeCare Medical Joda Burgess, along with Footprint Capital's Josh Curtis, GBQ Partners' Wade Kozich, MAD Capital's Jim Baich and Oxer Capital's Michael OBrien discuss WeCare Medical's sale to AdaptHealth, and how sellers can maximize their understanding of the deal phases to achieve a successful transaction.
June 2, 2022
To raise funds, show investors the math
PhotoniCare's Ryan Shelton on raising funds and the company's future.
June 2, 2022
Seller Considerations Beyond Price
Capital Partners' Olly Forrer, HUB International's Marc Mingolelli, Goulston & Storrs' John Cushing, Stellex Capital Management's Irina Krasik and Copley Equity's Sean Sullivan on what truly differentiates winning buy-side transactions beyond the price.
June 2, 2022
The Battle For Seller Attention
Candid Partners' John Peak and Merrick Olives, along with LLR Partners' Michael Pantilione, Citizens' David Dunstan and Blank Rome's Louis Rappaport, on preparing for a transaction.
June 2, 2022
It’s All About Partnerships and Pitch Decks for Rambus
Mykolas Rambus is a serial entrepreneur who founded and sold two previous companies, including Wealth-X, where he served as CEO until its 2016 sale for more than $20 million. Most recently, Mykolas raised early-stage rounds of capital in 2021 to build out Hush, a company that offers cybersecurity services. Though the capital raise process went well, Mykolas talks about how better pitch materials would have made for a smoother raise.
June 2, 2022
Listening is key to uncovering overlooked opportunities
George J. Howe Co.'s Len Caric on why creating win-wins is critical for the acquisition process.
June 2, 2022
Economic development challenges, opportunities in Greater Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland Alliance's Michael Deemer, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services' Howard W. "Hoby" Hanna, IV, First National Bank's Jeff Bechtel and K&D's Doug Price helped kickoff the recent Cleveland Smart Business Dealmakers Conference with a roundtable discussing the drivers of economic development in Northeast Ohio.
May 27, 2022
Evaluating the current deal market and looking ahead
Speaking at the recent Milwaukee Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, TKO Miller's Joe Froehlich, who was joined by Web Finance Direct CEO Miller Newton for the kickoff session titled, "What’s Over the Horizon? Evaluating the current deal market and looking ahead," moderated by Husch Blackwell’s Chief Executive Paul Eberle, the group offered insight on what they are seeing in the marketplace and how changing market conditions may impact deal flow and structures.
May 26, 2022
How the middle-market M&A scene might play out for 2022
Based on analyst reports and Citizens Annual Middle Market M&A Outlook, 2022 is expected to be another high-paced deal year, says David Dunstan managing director in Citizens M&A Advisory Group.
May 26, 2022
How market changes helped Ascend ascend
Christine Nicodemus spoke on Ascend's acquisition by Aperture Education.
May 26, 2022
Step back before answering every request for information
David Gollob, along with BKD's Thomas Murtagh, Orbus' Simon Perutz, and Levenfeld Pearlstein's David Solomon on how uncertain times have dramatically impacted how to understand the strategic goals of strategic and financial buyers, and what that means for sellers.
May 20, 2022
Blended Finance Approach Leads to Quality Health Care
Ngu Morcho, president and CEO of KeraLink International, has more than 20 years of experience in early-stage technology development working in Africa and across India and Southeast Asia. Today, Morcho’s mission is to end corneal blindness globally as the head of operations at KeraLink. To fund this mission, KeraLink uses a blended finance model, a combination of grants, concessional equity and debt that is used together to develop a sustainable business model.
May 19, 2022
Investment opportunities in Esports
Kohrman Jackson & Krantz's Scott Norcross, along with eFuse's Matthew Benson, Jonathan Sumers of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Kaulig Capital's Brooke Hradisky, discuss the Esports sector, the investment opportunities there, and how Esports companies are financing growth.
May 19, 2022
The rise of cyber diligence
Aon Risk Services' William Shortt, along with Ice Miller's Reena Bajowala, Guaranteed Rate's Darin Hurd, Chicago Bears' Justin Stahl and Aon Risk Services Che Bhatia, on the rising importance of cyber diligence in M&A transactions.
May 19, 2022
Unexpected snags that can trip up sellers' deals
BDO's Scott Balestrier and Eureka Equity Partners' Jonathan Chou, along with Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors' Bob McCormack and BDO USA's Eric Fahr, on the many issues sellers should consider before heading to market.
May 19, 2022
Fundraising isn't an event. It's a process.
Kytopen CEO and co-founder Paulo Garcia talks about his company, it's progress and how he balances fundraising with advancing the business.
May 19, 2022
When to incorporate investor feedback and when to ignore it
Co-Pilot Co-founder and CEO Matt Spettel on launching the company, what he learned through fundraising, and what it's like going through a rebrand when investors are involved.
May 11, 2022
Macro issues change the M&A math
Little Mountain Industries' Jonathan Hatch on the lower-middle-market manufacturing scene and how broader macro issues are affecting the deal math for firms such as his.
May 11, 2022
For Stu Clark, Acquisitions Are All About The Team
Premise Health's Stu Clark on his acquisition philosophy, what he looks for in teams and cultures, and his post-deal integration process.
May 11, 2022
Compass Earns Multiple Returns in Less than a Year
Compass Group Equity Partners goes into every investment with a 100-day plan. They’re ready and prepared to move quickly, which they did when they purchased Sunpro Solar in 2020. Compass’ playbook includes augmenting the team and building a board deck with metrics and key performance indicators and having a written strategic plan. John Huhn, founder and managing partner of Compass Group Equity Partners, talks about how that plan enabled Compass Group sell Sunpro with multiple returns in less than a year.
May 11, 2022
Get your priorities straight before a sale
Aegis Advisors' Fred Vorys, along with Oxer Capital Inc.'s Dan Phlegar, BMO's Lowell Jacobson and Tiller Corporation's Steven Sauer, on the decision making that precedes a liquidity event.
May 11, 2022
What to look for in an investor
Kanbrick Co-Founder Tracy Britt Cool on what to look for in an investor.
May 11, 2022
Determining the future of a family business
Robison Energy's Daniel Singer, along with Arent Fox's David Barbash, Hubbard-Hall's Molly Kellogg, R. Klein Consulting's Ruben Klein, and BankProv's Brent Mathews on determining the future of a family business.
May 6, 2022
A Look at The Detroit Region's Home-Grown M&A Market
During the Roundtable at this past week's Detroit Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, Mykolas, along with Huntington Bank's Ronald Majka, Huron Capital's Brian Demkowicz, and Ideal Group's Linzie Venegas shared their personal stories as they explored what’s driving activity in region, and why they believe Detroit is a great place to do business.
May 6, 2022
Family Values Play Role in Acquisition
When A.O. Smith bought Canada's Giant Factories in the middle of the pandemic, it was the end of a decade-long process.
May 6, 2022
Tips on buying distressed assets
General Management Group's Emmett McNulty on what to keep in mind when buying distressed companies.
May 6, 2022
Understanding the letter of intent
Signet Enterprises' Anthony Manna talks about the letter of intent. He breaks down a deal at this very early stage, discussing some of the key choices sellers need to make as they take their company to market.
May 6, 2022
Factors that can trip-up a deal
Conco Systems Ed saxon, along with Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir's Kevin Wills, Stellex Capital's Mike Livanos, and BDO USA's Robert Berdanier, spoke at this year's Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmakers Conference about the factors that impact a deal and how to address them.
May 6, 2022
Airline Hydraulics Corp. stays in its acquisitional lane
Airline Hydraulics Corp.'s Mark Steffens talks about the company's acquisition strategy.
May 6, 2022
How Catch Co. Caught On With Investors
Catch CEO Ross Gordon on how the company caught on with investors, and where they go after the company raised a $38 million Series B.
April 28, 2022
Lou Schneeberger on the COVID backlog
Proformex Chairman Lou Schneeberger talks about the COVID pause, where companies are today that were negatively affected by the pandemic, and how they move forward to a successful transaction.
April 28, 2022
Capital alignment and speaking investors' languages
Amicus.io CEO and Co-Founder Cor Hoekstra, talks prior to the company's acquisition by TIFIN about attracting investors, differentiation, and what he sees as the future for the company.
April 28, 2022
Using partnerships to set up an acquisition
Hickory Farms CEO Diane Pearse talks about the company's recent acquisitions, broadening its brand and how the Wicked Good Cupcakes deal came to be.
April 28, 2022
How NOBULL builds a community of fans and attracts growth capital
NOBULL Co-Founder and CEO Marcus Wilson on the myriad lessons learned on his — and the company’s — whirlwind journey, including what investors bring to the table beyond funding and why building an engaged community of loyal customers has been the real key to success.
April 22, 2022
An acquisition based on shared interests, approach
Gibson Brand President Cesar Gueikian talks about the Mesa/Boogie acquisition, as well as the direction of the Gibson brand and the many ways it's working to connect with its community.
April 22, 2022
Ohio draws increasing Silicon Valley attention with OVO Fund III raise
The recently launched Palo Alto-based OVO Fund III has closed after reaching its goal of $50 million. And it achieved that mark with help from an Ohio syndicate of investors whose combined $8 million for OVO Fund III makes them one of the more substantial investors in the Silicon Valley-based OVO Fund.
April 14, 2022
Akoya Capital Finds Success With New Platform
Akoya Capital's Bob May talks about the formation of Beacon, its acquisitions, and how macro challenges such as labor are affecting the platform's progress.
April 14, 2022
Tim Wallace On Making Raising Capital Part of The Job
Tim Wallace talks about his vast experience founding companies and growing them into wildly successful businesses.
April 13, 2022
TTG Imaging Gets Deal Done Despite Supply-Chain Hiccup
Matt Mastarone, president and CEO of TTG Imaging Solutions, spoke on the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast about brokering a deal despite supply-chain issues. Hit play above to catch the full conversation.
April 8, 2022
Raising Capital and Growing Businesses in the Health Care Industry
Within3's Lance Hill, along with Huntington Bank's Jamie Lynch and John Langenderfer, University Hospitals Health System's Eric Beck, and ValueHealth's John Palumbo explore how health care entrepreneurs fuel growth.
April 8, 2022
Value Creation Throughout the Deal Lifecycle
RTC Partners' Tony Brindisi and Plumb Line Capital's Matt Lindberg, along with RSM's Steve Menaker and Luis Galarza, explain how they approach valuation creation, as well as current trends you can apply to your next deal.
April 8, 2022
M&A Human Capital Strategies
Aquila Equity Partners' Gary Lewis, along with Purple Squirrel Advisors' Carrie Schochet, Lockton Companies' Quinn Damon, Mission Veterinary Partners' Matthew Davis, Industrial Opportunity Partners' Philip Fioravante talk about lessons learned and best practices from growing portfolio companies in a labor-challenged environment.
April 1, 2022
Perimeter Manages Merger in Virtual World
Edward Goldberg, CEO of Perimeter Solutions, talks about securing $1.15 billion of development capital and, concurrently, merging with EverArc Holdings.
April 1, 2022
SPAC teams must be able to go the distance
Bill Finn and Odeon Capital's Eric Gomberg, along with DLA Piper's Matthew Gorra and Penny Minna dig deep into SPACs, offering advice from the trenches.
April 1, 2022
Capital is not a differentiator
Physna's Paul Powers, Blacksmith Applications' Terry Ziegler and Fifth Third's Jeremy Gutierrez and Joshua Sosland talk about building strong capital stacks to finance growth.
March 25, 2022
Assessing the economic factors influencing M&A
Kicking off this past week's Nashville Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, Laurel Graefe of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta - Nashville Branch, along with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce's Wanda Lyle, and UBS's Shane Lieberman and James Jack, discuss what's driving business and M&A activity nationwide and across the Nashville region, and what to expect for the remainder of 2022.
March 25, 2022
Don't lose yourself chasing a deal
RLXDatix's Jeff Surges, Entrinsic Bioscience's Stephen Gatto and Aon's Nick Surges talk about leveraging M&A, and the role of IP in value, in a hot deal market.
March 24, 2022
Athletico PT's Mark Kaufman on M&A lessons learned
Athletico PT Founder and Executive Chairman Mark Kaufman talks about the M&A lessons he's learned in his more than 30 years with the company.
March 24, 2022
When PE goes downstream
North Coast Ventures Managing Director Todd Federman on the deal year for early-stage companies, as well as the trends he's seeing on that end of the M&A spectrum.
March 23, 2022
What entrepreneurs can learn from investor feedback patterns
WeSpire Founder and CEO Susan Hunt Stevens talks about her company and experience raising capital.
March 23, 2022
Gerri Henwood on public vs private funding
Serial entrepreneur Gerri Henwood talks about her entrepreneurial experience as well as the differences — the pros and cons — of public and private funding.
March 18, 2022
Tony Montanaro on what exactly a Q of E means for a seller
Tony Montanaro, a partner with Louis Plung & Company, spoke on the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast, about Q of E reports, and offers a look at deals from a buyer's perspective: what they like to see in diligence that speeds a deal to close, and what they don't like to find — problems that could mean they walk away.
March 11, 2022
Raising capital as a startup is about more than money
Rabbu CEO Emir Dukic talks about the process of raising capital and how he went about doing diligence on potential investors.
March 11, 2022
Even for the best entrepreneurs, raising capital is always harder than it looks
Bloomscape Founder and CEO Justin Mast spoke with Dickinson Wright's Zan Nicolli about his venture and the process of raising capital from investors.
March 11, 2022
Win The Deal Without Winning On Price
Coles Gray CEO David Cheney, along with Tucker Ellis' Jayne Juvan, Ampex Brands Family of Companies' Eric Easton, and Citizens' David Dunstan and James Irwin, talk about what truly differentiates winning buy-side transactions beyond the price.
March 4, 2022
For entrepreneurs, there's no place like St. Louis
Clayton Capital Partners' Kevin Short, along with Capital Innovators' Judy Sindecuse, Capacity's David Karandish and EmpowerMe Wellness' Josh Stevens, break down what's driving activity in region and why they believe St. Louis is a great place to do business.
March 4, 2022
Derek Nixon Talks Varel Energy Solutions' Sale to Bluewater Group
Varel Energy Solutions' Derek Nixon talks about the company's acquisition and how the deal sets it up to be the acquirer for years to come.
March 4, 2022
Reducing deal friction
Zell Capital and Nikola Labs' Will Zell, along with Benesch's Michael Farrell and Andy Bojko, and Aon's Doug Brody, broke down best practices in navigating what’s new, and how to overcome stumbles, stops and re-starts in a process.
February 25, 2022
Bold predictions for the 2022 M&A year
Will 2022 bring us a recession? The best deal year ever? Or the end of working from home? Predictions abound as the Dealmakers Roundtable kicked off this year's Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmakers Conference.
February 25, 2022
Ansir Junaid: Serial entrepreneur’s M&A lessons learned
SupplySide Group Chairman Ansir Junaid offers insights into his M&A experience and how the pandemic has affected dealmaking.
February 25, 2022
Paul Larson highlights real estate trends investors should watch in 2022
Larson Financial Holdings CEO Paul Larson talks about his company's 2021 in real estate, the trends that affected the market then, and how he sees real estate investment playing out in 2022.
February 25, 2022
How to address SALT in your deals
Clearview Group's Brian Davis, along with Calvert Street Capital Partners' Brian Guerin, Nemphos Braue LLC's George Nemphos, The Courtney Group's Alan Macksey and ICSG Holdings & Incorp Industries' Peter Vrettakos, spoke at last year's Baltimore Smart Business Dealmakers Conference about addressing SALT issues in deals, the current buy-side environment and best practices for closing acquisitions.
February 18, 2022
Prepare as if a sale could happen at any time
Environmental Partners' Paul Gabriel, Goodwin Procter LLP's Josh Zachariah, McCarthy Capital's Bob Emmert, and Gray, Gray & Gray's Derrick Rebello and James DeLeo on getting your business ready to sell, knowing the key areas that impact valuation, and putting your personal exit strategy into motion.
February 18, 2022
The material impact of ESG on M&A
Ancora's David Sowerby, MASCO's John Sznewajs and Cendrowski Corporate Advisors' Harry Cendrowski, talk about ESG, the M&A landscape, where corporations and private investors have made the biggest changes, and what to expect next.
February 18, 2022
The value and risk of relationships
BCD CEO Jeff Burgess, along with BMO Harris' John Chalus, BDO Consulting's Robert Berdanier and Tecum Capital's Matt Harnett, discuss the nuances of selling and buying a company, and how to conduct due diligence and successfully negotiate deal terms in this new normal.
February 18, 2022
The growing concern of cyber security in deals
Moore & Van Allen's Todd Taylor, along with Aon's Michael Laskowitz, Greg Draddy and C.J. Dietzman, explore cyber security in M&A: asking the right questions, protecting data and IP, and making sure your company is ready for dealmaking.
February 11, 2022
City Shoppe's Ash Cintas on Investors as Coaches
Ash Cintas, founder and CEO of City Shoppe, talks about her experience launching the company, fundraising, and what she looks for in an investor.
February 11, 2022
When pitching nascent opportunities, explain it so grandma would understand
Play One Up CEO Brandon Pitts talks about the growing esports industry, building Play One Up and how he pitches investors who might not be familiar with the opportunity.
February 4, 2022
When selling, get advisers who know your niche
Hy-Tek's Sam Grooms, along with Thompson Hine's Sarah Chambers, Smile Doctors' Dale AnneFeatheringham and Sequoia Financial Group's Norm Cook peel back the curtain and share the secrets of their successes, as well as the pitfalls you should try to avoid when approaching the sale of your business.
February 4, 2022
Timing is everything when selling a business
Cornerstone Business Services' Scott Bushkie explores the importance of timing in the sale of a business, and offers both his insight and advice on how sellers can leverage timing to their advantage.
February 4, 2022
Duck Donuts' Betsy Hamm, Russ DiGilio, on their capital raise process
Duck Donuts' Betsy Hamm and Russ DiGilio on what they learned through the process of selling their business to NewSpring Capital.
February 4, 2022
Swift, seamless integration a priority in high-volume deal environment
Amedisys' Kris Novak, along with Probo Medical's Jay Burkhardt, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP's Tyson Bickley and LBMC's Lisa Nix, take a deep dive into how a public company and a PE-backed business have adapted their acquisition strategies in this new normal.
January 28, 2022
Buyers Negotiate Protections As Valuations Soar
Bellmark Partners' Andy Vollmer explores the record-level of M&A activity in 2021, the driving factors of that activity, the consequences, and what we can expect for the remainder of 2022.
January 27, 2022
What To Do With The Family Business
HBM Holdings' Mike DeCola, along with Clayton Capital Partners' Kevin Short and First Bank Center for Family-Owned Businesses' Joe Ambrose discuss options for family businesses, look at the macroeconomic factors that are influencing owners' decisions to sell or stay put, and explore case studies from those who have developed successful solutions.
January 27, 2022
Stephen Vitale finds opportunity in chaos
Pyrotecnico's Stephen Vitale talk about his busy M&A year, one that saw the company acquire five businesses.
January 21, 2022
Expectations for M&A in 2022
Citizens' Jerry Sargent and Dave Dunstan, along with Safe Harbor Marinas' Baxter Underwood and Locus Robotics' Bruce Welty explore how executives are faring in the ongoing war for talent, the impact of current supply chain issues on dealmaking, and whether the frenzied M&A market will stay hot.
January 21, 2022
Strong supply chains help sellers stand out
Woodforest National Bank's Julie Dargani, BDO's R.J. Romano and Chad Rash, along with Flywheel Greenville's Peter Marsh, discuss how supply chain and logistics issues affect such factors as valuations, the performance of portfolio companies, due diligence, negotiations, and even post-acquisition integration.
January 14, 2022
The pros and cons of three types of sale transactions
Fifth Third Securities' Joseph Carson, Val-Matic Valve & Manufacturing Corp.'s (retired) John Ballun, Oswald's Jeff Schwab and Provariant Equity Partners' Murad Beg explore the pros and cons of different types of sell-side transactions.
January 14, 2022
Selling is painful, so be sure you know why you're doing it
Slate Capital Group's Erik Ginsberg, along with BDO's Dan Wahlberg, Jamie Benoit, and Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr's Andrew Segall, discuss choosing a buyer for your company.
January 14, 2022
How to diligence the human side of a transaction
RSM US LLP Ian O'Brien, Thunderbird LLC's Phil Kretekos and Wintrust's Adam Fuchs talk about the human side of buy-side transactions.
January 14, 2022
Preparedness leads to best outcome when selling a family business
JAWOOD Founder Lynn Mustazza, along with PNC Bank's Jacob Taylor, PNC Wealth Management's Daniel Hoops and UHY Corporate Finance's Dan Sporka talk about plotting the future of a family business.
January 7, 2022
Stay ready: the benefit of a perpetual data room
Cloudbreak's Andy Panos, along with U.S. Bank's Steve Bennett, Nottingham Spirk's Katherine Hill Ritchie and Armada Waste Ohio's Robert Smith on staying prepared for a transaction.
January 7, 2022
Plan ahead to find deal success
Tri Star Energy's Wayne Acklen, Baker Donelson's Tonya Mitchem Grindon, Quorum Health's Alfred Lumsdaine and PNC Bank's Michael Johnson offer tips on financing your business to supercharge growth and how planning ahead can prepare buyers and sellers for just about any contingency.
January 7, 2022
Three mistakes that signal you're unlikely to get funded
Serial entrepreneur Bob Norton talks about what investors really look for in a pitch, the team and the concept, as well as where most entrepreneurial ventures stumble and fail.
December 16, 2021
Citymark Capital founder Daniel Walsh on launching the company
Daniel Walsh talks about launching Citymark Capital, building funds, creating value and the special place Austin holds in the company’s plans.
December 2, 2021
How Chris Molaro launched NeuroFlow
NeuroFlow co-founder Chris Molaro on changing the way mental health care is delivered, his most recent M&A deal, and the company’s future.
December 2, 2021
Transaction Readiness in a Post-COVID World
Mike Baird, John Mastrantoni, Floyd Trouten and David Black assess ways to strengthen the core of your business by addressing common challenges faced by middle market companies.
December 2, 2021
Why the seller’s story is critical to achieving value
Four dealmakers reveal ways to strengthen the foundation of your business by addressing common challenges faced by companies looking to sell.
November 24, 2021
How reading and research helped Andrew Bartels sell Medical Packaging Inc.
Medical Packaging Inc.'s Andrew Bartels along with McCormack Capital Advisors’ Bob McCormack, and Herbein + Company’s Tom Bakaitus, Jr. and Beth Bershok, break down the deal and the obstacles sellers faced during COVID to get transaction done.
November 24, 2021
DYOPATH CEO Rob Koch Offers His Sell-Side M&A Perspective
DYOPATH CEO Rob Koch, along with WILsquare Capital's Drew Caylor, CIBC's Greg Gorlinski and Polsinelli's Paul Klug talk about what sellers should consider when dealmaking during the pandemic.
November 17, 2021
Estate planning tips for family business owners
Wholesale Supplies Plus Founder and Retired CEO Deb May along with Capital Anesthesia Solutions’ Chris Copley and UBS’ William Murphy talk about family businesses, estate planning pre- and post-liquidity event, as well as how to pick the right estate planning adviser.
November 17, 2021
WinTrust’s Paul Carlisle on market liquidity and its impact on deals
WinTrust Financial Corp.'s Paul Carlisle looks at the challenges facing the market, the state of capital, and the conditions dealmakers could expect for the remainder of the deal year.
November 17, 2021
Factors Influencing Transactional M&A
KPMG’s Stephen Guy, along with Venable’s Charles Morton, Robert W. Deutsch Foundation’s Mac MacLure and Sachs Capital’s Andrew Sachs look at state of M&A, factors influencing the buy-and-sell-sides, and what you need to do to ensure a closed deal in this new normal.
November 17, 2021
Doing double diligence during COVID
TGI Direct's Monica Weaver, Dickinson Wright’s Bill Rosin, Emagine Entertainment’s Paul Glantz and Huntington National Bank’s Eric Dietz talk about transacting during the pandemic, as well as adjustments buyers should make when acquiring a company during disruptions.
November 12, 2021
Preparing Your Health Care Company for Post-COVID Deals
RSM's Matt Wolf along with IVX Health’s Douglas Ghertner, HUB International’s Blake Wiedman and Ursa Health’s Dr. Robin Clarke talk about preparing your health care company for any deal in a post-COVID environment.
November 12, 2021
Drafting Your Acquisition Playbook
HBD Industries Tom Pozda, along with The Huntington National Bank’s Mark Slayman, Salon Lofts’ Chris Greenfelder, Copper Run’s Andrew Hays and Huntington’s Chad Lowe, offer tips an insights on how to prepare for buy-side transactions.
November 12, 2021
The importance of ESG alignment
Ampex Brands Eric Easton, along with UBS' Amantia Muhedini and Samuel Parker look at how sustainable investing and an intentional diversity strategy can be a company’s differentiator and help drive continued growth.
November 5, 2021
How capital sees companies during a disruption
Marcum LLP's Greg Skoda, along with U.S. Banks’ Alan Zang, Walnut Ridge’s Michael Moran and U.S. Acute Care Solutions Executive Chairman Dominic Bagnoli, explore building unique capital stack structures to fuel growth.
November 5, 2021
Addressing the structural barriers facing minority owned businesses
Della Clark, CEO of The Enterprise Center, talks about ways to create better access to capital for minority entrepreneurs and her newest project, an SBIC fund aimed at mature minority owned companies.
November 5, 2021
Buyers tread carefully through COVID uncertainty
RSM US LLP's Kyle Petch, along with BMO Harris’ Robert Harrod, Go Riteway Transportation Group’s Bob Zanotti and Johnsonville Holdings’ Dan Scalia on preparing for transactions in a post-COVID world.
October 29, 2021
Factors affecting dealmaking today
Specialty Products & Insulation's Jon Perry, along with FNB Corp.’s Brad Jones and US Brick Holdings’ Mikee Johnson, talk about dealmaking in today’s market.
October 29, 2021
Creating liquidity events through IPOs and SPACs
Odeon Capital's Eric Gomberg, along with BDO USA’s Meg Kellogg and Scott Hendon, as well as Armstrong Teasdale LLP’s John Sten, talk about creating liquidity events through IPOs and SPACs.
October 20, 2021
Learning the ropes: acquisitions in a family business
Taylor Burke-Gilman and Lauren Burke-Devere on how they got involved in the family business, their transition into leadership, and what they’ve learned so far about acquisitions.
October 20, 2021
A look at the cyberthreat environment
Che Bhatia, along with Aon’s William Shortt and Kathy Weaver, and KeyBank’s Gregg Bach and Christopher Naso, explore cybersecurity and its impact on M&A.
October 15, 2021
Protect your blindside in a deal
Jim Nickel and Steve Bigari, along with Jeffrey Ford, Dale Killmeyer and Ryan Olsta offer tips on how acquirers can avoid the blindside risks in a deal.
October 15, 2021
Recapitalizing to stay ahead of the competition
PDC Machines' Kareem Afzal talks about the company’s evolution into the market and how he expects the Arcline investment will help his business capitalize on the opportunity.
October 15, 2021
Is ESG the next big thing for middle-market M&A?
Nick Fink and Amantia Muhedini, along with Michael Gatewood, discuss ESG and whether it's the next big thing for middle-market M&A
October 8, 2021
Shane Bigelow on launching CHAMPtitles
CHAMPtitles Shane Bigelow talks about the venture, its recent raise and progress in the market, as well as the challenges of being based in Ohio.
October 8, 2021
How family alignment helped Monticeto Medical Real Estate reach its BHAG
Monticeto Medical Real Estate CEO Chip Conk, along with Bass, Berry & Sims’ Frank Pellegrino and EY's Bobby Stover explore dealmaking, growth and communication within a family business.
September 30, 2021
Capital velocity trend predicated on speed, volume
Talisman Capital Partners' Matt Bennett and Root's Kumi Walker, along with Tri-W Group's Paige McCarthy and Ice Miller LLP's Chris Michael explore new and emerging perspectives in M&A.
September 30, 2021
The importance of evaluating the people fit in a deal
Conforms CEO Pat Bartling, along with Hays Companies' Kristine Olson, Borgman Capital's David Bartelme, and Executive Search Partners' Nick Curran on evaluating the people who drive post-acquisition growth.
September 24, 2021
How M&A needs change throughout the lifecycle
MyEyeDr's David Sheffer along Falfurrias Capital Partners’ Chip Johnson, Pamlico Capital’s Jay Henry, Moore & Van Allen PLLC’s Rick Bange, and Frontier Growth‘s Richard MacLean explore how M&A needs change at different stages of a company’s lifecycle.
September 24, 2021
Weighing organic vs inorganic growth
CK Power's Clayton Costello and PFI Holding Company's John Dolan, along with Commerce Bank's Tom Harmon, RSM US LLP's William Spizman and Capital For Business' Tim Buening on how acquisitions fit into a growth strategy.
September 24, 2021
Leverage your strengths when competing for acquisitions
Robin Industries' Mark Fischer and Millcraft Paper Co.'s David Hegeman, along with RSM US LLP's Brian Adkinson and Truist Bank's Andrew Rutherford dig into building an acquisition playbook.
September 17, 2021
Ignoring cybersecurity in M&A could be a multi-million-dollar mistake
BKD’s Cyber Division Director Cy Sturdivant offers his view of the current cyberthreat environment, what cybersecurity means in practice, and just how troubling digital threats are for players in the M&A world.
September 17, 2021
Find sale success through those who know how to succeed
Guy Dandrea, Tim Hodge, Charles Maskell, and Franklin Staley talk about the importance of pre-diligence work.
September 17, 2021
Anatomy of distressed investments
James Loughlin, Mike Teplitsky, Robert Berdanier, Robert Diehl Jr., and Vlad Slapak dive into investing in distressed companies, as well as how to analyze your company’s people, operations, and finances to understand if you need to restructure.
September 17, 2021
Put your best foot forward in a sale
Charles McIlvaine, along with Dick Hollington, Chris Farmakis, and Patrick Fodale, offer a deep dive into how to make sure you’re checking the right boxes before you go to market — during the deal and post-close.
September 9, 2021
Financial Materiality Of ESG
The 2021 Philadelphia Smart Business Dealmakers Conference opens with a discussion of ESG issues and how they might play out in the M&A market.
September 9, 2021
Chris Chandler on Radio Systems Corp.’s patient seller approach
Radio Systems Corp.' Chris Chandler on how the company was able to use past experience to maximize value when the company was sold.
September 9, 2021
Marshall Dahneke’s Sell-Side Best Practices
Marshall Dahneke outlines key considerations when you’re pursuing a sale.
September 3, 2021
How relationships factor into M&A financing
Dan Counsell, president and CEO of White Family Investments, talks about financing M&A transactions and how relationships factor into the a deal’s lending equation.
September 3, 2021
Will Zell sees exuberance in venture capital
Will Zell, founder of Zell Capital and Executive Chairman at Nikola Labs, offers his take on the view from the early stage.
August 27, 2021
Self-awareness is key when preparing to sell
As a business owner considers selling their business, the first thing they should do, according to Harvey Nelson, CEO of Main Street Gourmet, is consider themselves.
August 27, 2021
Nat Clarkson on the impact of investor moves downstream
CFV Ventures Managing Partner Nat Clarkson on what he’s seeing at the seed stage, and how firms at his level may look to adjust their strategies if larger firms became a player in the mix.
August 27, 2021
Creating a demand scenario through an auction
A discussion of companies’ sell-side prep and M&A options, including auctions, strategic buyers and risk mitigation.
August 27, 2021
How Jim Sramek came to sell Midwest Equipment Company to his employees
Midwest Equipment Company's Jim Sramek shares his story of transferring his company to and ESOP.
August 19, 2021
Sehrish Siddiqui talks ESG and private deals
Sehrish Siddiqui, Corporate and Securities Partner at Bass, Berry & Sims talks about how ESG matters have started to work their way from the public sphere and into private deal diligence.
August 19, 2021
Supply chain issues and the threats they present in M&A
David Iwinski, managing director at Blue Water Growth, talks about the supply chain issues between U.S. and Chinese companies, how they’re affecting M&A transactions and offers strategies for rooting out supply chain risk ahead of, and during, a transaction.
August 19, 2021
Look deeper for deal value
William Wennberg, today the CEO of Tactical Medical Solutions LLC, says when people become too focused on trying to get the best price for the company, they can lose sight of what value actually is.
August 13, 2021
Feuer Innovation Accelerator Fund Gives UH Leader Power To Promote Ideas From Within
A $2 million gift to University Hospitals by serial entrepreneur Michael Feuer and his wife Ellen aims to enhance the hospital’s ability to spur innovation by giving UH’s CEO the financial and decision-making latitude to back strong ideas.
August 13, 2021
How to secure a premium value for your company
Tom Zucker, Mark Jones and Art Anton discuss the factors that most often lead to securing a premium valuation.
August 6, 2021
Not all CEOs are enthralled by the red-hot M&A market
Vistage Columbus Chair Perry Maughmer spoke on the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast about the CEO mindset in a time of incredible M&A activity.
August 6, 2021
Failure awaits sellers who don’t define their goals
Bryan Hollenbach, executive vice president of Green Bay Packaging, offers examples of where the failure to clearly define goals created problems for sellers.
July 29, 2021
Luke Cooper on how pluck and luck helped him sell Fixt to Assurant
Luke Cooper talks about Fixt’s sale to Assurant, strategies for fundraising as well as an initiative that’s underway to help connect African-American entrepreneurs with Fortune 500 companies.
July 29, 2021
How Wisr used pressure to distinguish serious investors
John Knific talks about fundraising and Wisr's deal with EAB.
July 21, 2021
Why Rich Dougherty bought LabRepCo twice
Rich Dougherty, president of LabRepCo; Michelle Rondinelli, president of Kitchen Kettle Foods; Steven Staugaitis, director of auditing and accounting at Kreischer Miller; and John Reed, partner at Barley Snyder; offer advice on figuring out the plan for a family business’s future.
July 21, 2021
Forest2Market’s Pete Stewart says know your buyer
Pete Stewart, president and CEO of Forest2Market; Scott Anderson, partner at Womble Bond Dickinson; and Jim Benedict, senior vice president/senior wealth strategist at PNC; explore how to de-risk, plan and execute a liquidity event.
July 21, 2021
Quick prep and deal killers
Bethany Michel, managing director at the Harbour Group; Vic Richey, CEO of ESCO; Bo Butters, principal at CLA; and John Chalus, director – corporate advisory, at BMO Harris Bank; talk about deal preparedness.
July 16, 2021
Inside Ampex Brands’ Acquisition of Au Bon Pain
Eric Easton, CFO at Ampex Brands, and Jayne Juvan, M&A chair at Tucker Ellis, discuss Ampex’s acquisition of Au Bon Pain — how the process went down, the challenges they faced and how Ampex intends to leverage this new opportunity.
July 16, 2021
De-risking the de-SPAC transaction
There’s a lot of talk about SPACs, blank-check companies that raise money to fast-track a private company into the public market. What doesn’t get discussed as much is the de-SPAC transaction — the second part of that process.
July 16, 2021
David Sowerby on business owners’ post-exit popularity
David Sowerby, managing director and portfolio manager at Ancora, has some words of wisdom for eager, soon-to-be investors.
July 16, 2021
Brian Fox on the sale of Confirmation to Thomson Reuters
Brian Fox, the founder and now former president of Confirmation, says his company had been on not just Thomson Reuters' radar screen, but many of the big players in the in the tax and accounting space.
July 9, 2021
Women and the unique challenges they face in their entrepreneurial pursuits
Linda Pringle Evans, CEO and Founder of Pringle Business Consulting, and the Director of Education at Empowering a Billion Women, discusses the state of female entrepreneurship in the U.S.
