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April 24, 2025
Announcing the Dallas Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2025 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
By Dealmakers Staff
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners at the Dallas Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. See who we recognized!
April 24, 2025
Building Zenwork: A Founder’s Journey
Sanjeev Singh, founder and CEO of Zenwork, shares the entrepreneurial journey that led to a nine-figure private equity minority investment, and the challenges, pivotal moments and strategies that fueled Zenwork’s growth.
April 17, 2025
Buyer Pre-And Post-Close Commercial Insurance Due Diligence Considerations
Brian Stovsky and Joe Curtis of Oswald Companies talk about buyer pre-and post-close M&A due diligence considerations of commercial insurance for risk management.
April 17, 2025
Announcing the Detroit Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2025 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners at the Detroit Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. See who we recognized!
April 17, 2025
Tackling ESOP Myths
David Solomon, a member at Levenfeld Pearlstein, sets the record straight on what an ESOP is, and what it isn’t.
April 10, 2025
From Public to Private, A CFO’s Perspective
Cassandra Hudson of StackAdapt and John Wagner, formerly of Brightcove, in a conversation moderated by Bank of America Managing Director Phil Ianniello, discuss what changed post-transaction and how the shift has impacted operations and financial strategy, and offer key lessons from navigating this major transformation.
April 10, 2025
Dissecting The Letter Of Intent
Tony Montanaro, transaction advisory partner with Louis Plung & Company, talks on the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast about LOIs, and what sellers need to know about the terms within them before moving forward with a deal.
April 3, 2025
Economic Development in Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Region
Kicking off this year’s Boston Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, Steven Kelly, CEO of Timberline Construction, and Janak Joshi, Chief Digital Officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, explore the dynamic landscape of economic development in Boston and the state.
April 3, 2025
Announcing the Boston Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2025 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners at the Boston Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. See who we recognized!
March 27, 2025
Discipline Drives Successful Deals
Schill Grounds Management Founder and CEO Jerry Schill on building a strategy for making multiple acquisitions.
March 27, 2025
Announcing the St. Louis Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2025 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners at the St. Louis Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. See who we recognized!
March 27, 2025
Navigating Global Trends and Local Impacts in Missouri
Dustin Allison of Greater St. Louis Inc., Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge of the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and John Manetta of Bank of America, in a panel moderated by Bank of America’s Marilyn Bush, analyze the economic indicators, infrastructure developments and investment strategies shaping St. Louis' future.
March 17, 2025
Driving Company Value
Panelists John Lewis and Christopher Brodman of Metz Lewis Brodman Must O’Keefe, Rob Carskadden of 3 Rivers Capital, George Pilafas of Continuim Equity Partners and Patrick Patterson of Level Agency pull back the curtain on what drives growth in today’s deal-driven market.
March 17, 2025
Announcing the Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2025 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners at the Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. See who we recognized!
March 6, 2025
How Lowering Health Insurance Costs Can Increase Value At Sale
Roundstone Founder and President Mike Schroeder on the self funding model insurance, as well as its impact on an M&A transaction.
February 20, 2025
After A Liquidity Event, Don’t Just Retire
Steve Kirk of Cleveland State University on planning for what’s next after a liquidity event.
February 6, 2025
Technology As A Value Driver
Dean Graves of Freeman Clarke on the importance of technology in driving M&A value.
February 6, 2025
Positivity reigns as dealmakers expect a bullish M&A market despite continued macroeconomic challenges
Dealmakers offer their perspective on the M&A environment and how they see the deal year wrapping up.
February 6, 2025
What Investment Criteria Reveal About Deal Prep
Sean Bilbrough of Patriot Capital on his process to select investable companies, and that means for those selling a business.
February 6, 2025
University of Michigan’s Warde Manuel on The Business of Athletics
In this episode of the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast, Warde Manuel, University of Michigan’s Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics, talks about hiring top talent, maintaining culture, funding in the age of NIL, and how much running an athletic department is like running a business.
January 31, 2025
Matt Liotta on Navigating The Skies of Innovation
Dive into serial entrepreneur Matt Liotta’s experience navigating mergers, acquisitions and public offerings with multiple companies.
January 31, 2025
Staying Clean When Buying Car Washes
Jose Costa of Whistle Express Car Wash on the M&A market for car washes and what he looks for in diligence.
January 31, 2025
These 3 Questions Determined Whether Or Not To Sell
Matthew Elswick of Tellepsen on selling off business units and the unique deal structure to get it done.
January 31, 2025
Taking Deal Prep To Heart To Maximize Value
Nick Beste of Mighty Spark Foods on all the work that went into preparing his company for a sale.
January 31, 2025
The Challenges, And Benefits, Of Selling To An ESOP
Doug Bawel of Jasper Holdings on selling to an ESOP and how the change has affected his business and his employees’ lives.
January 24, 2025
Managing Transitional Mind Shifts When Selling
Mark Mangan of Turf Care on the effects the many transitions of his business had on him.
January 24, 2025
Learning The Sale Process Mid-Flight
Tom Mingo of ArchStar Capital on some of the considerations sellers might make as they move through a process.
January 24, 2025
Operate Every Day As If The Sale Is Tomorrow
Peter Mangal, formerly of The Flag Company, on his experience selling his company.
January 24, 2025
Build Trust For A Stronger Post-Deal Relationship
Rufus Clark of Bunker Hill Capital on managing a process to build trust for a stronger post-deal relationship.
January 16, 2025
Winning And Losing Trust In A Deal
Grant Jackson of Council Capital on the importance of trust in a transaction on both sides of the table.
January 16, 2025
Selling On A Short Timeline
Ted Hill, former owner of Meador Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, on his experience selling his business on a short timeline.
January 16, 2025
Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on M&A
MelCap Partners Analyst Christopher Sfeir talks about how AI empowers firms to navigate the complexities of M&A more effectively, enabling transaction advisers to save time and focus on optimizing deal outcomes.
January 10, 2025
Experiencing An Unplanned Sale Process
Graham Boyce of Jobe and Company LLC on his experience going through a sale process.
January 10, 2025
Tighter Market Still Yields Opportunity For Those Who Adjust
Naimish Patel of Providus Capital Partners on how market factors and seller attitudes are affecting buyer math.
January 10, 2025
Playing Matchmaker And Managing Deal Stages
Thomas Kruse of Marsden Holding LLC on the importance of fit when pursuing an inorganic growth strategy.
January 10, 2025
In A Sale, Slow Down And Enjoy The Process
Chad Lembeck of Next Step Energy Solutions on what going through a process taught him about the opportunities in his business.
December 19, 2024
Standing Out From The Pool Of Gray
Gore Range Capital's Ethan Rigel spoke on the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast about the firm’s launch and its early fund experiences, highlighting what’s changed in company types and terms, as well as what being a helpful investor really means.
December 19, 2024
Life After The Sale
Opus8’s Tien Wong on how he figured out life after selling his company.
December 19, 2024
3 Ways a Fractional CFO Provides Unbiased Leadership
SeatonHill's Jack McGovern on how fractional CFO bring an outside perspective to companies pursuing M&A that center around three imperative areas.
December 19, 2024
After The Sale, Perspective Matters
PlanScout’s John Murray on some of the considerations to make when buying a business.
December 13, 2024
Get Ready For Roll Over
Catemer’s Barry Arkles on the complexities of the decision to roll over
December 13, 2024
The pivotal role played by representations and warranties insurance
MelCap Partners Vice President Domenick Cristino on the role Reps & Warranties insurance may have in M&A in the coming year and this month’s stand-out deal.
December 13, 2024
Leveraging Social Media in Venture Capital
Carrie Colbert of Curate Capital, Aquila Mendez-Valdez of Haute in Texas and Darek Woodward of ROI Ventures talked with Smart Business’s Dustin Klein about how to craft a captivating online brand that attracts investors, builds a thriving community of future deal flow, and uses influencers to skyrocket the value of your investments.
December 13, 2024
Settling Into the New Deal Paradigm
Murphy Clark of Inspira Financial, Patty Comer of AccruePartners and Greg Fornelli of SRI and Stock Car Steel & Aluminum talk with First National Bank’s David Sedor about the drivers behind valuations, assessing and retaining talent during an acquisition, how interest rates are impacting M&A, and more.
December 5, 2024
Value Creation In The Lower Middle Market
424 Capital’s Kyle Stanbro on the firm’s value creation process
December 5, 2024
Shifting Trends In Lower Middle Market M&A
Resolute Capital Partners’ Tyler Augusty on the state of lower middle market M&A and the changes he’s seen in the past few years.
December 5, 2024
Maximizing Value
Bloom Engineering’s Dave Boyce on maximizing value and preparing for a deal
December 5, 2024
Smoothing Out The Deal Process
Huron Capital’s Cale Kaczmarek on the steps his firm takes to improve efficiency when buying family-owned companies.
December 5, 2024
How NIL Is Reshaping The Business Of College Sports
Panelists Blake Baratz of IFA, Katie Harms of Space Options, Cale Johnston of Roy Inc. and Gabriel Szerda of AB CarVal discuss the business future of college sports with moderator Steve Kozachok of Taft, offering insights into the trends and complexities driving this dynamic market.
November 21, 2024
Sellers Need Grit To Complete A Sale
Knucklehead Properties’ George Lee on becoming the first person to sell a Harley-Davidson dealership to a public company.
November 21, 2024
Emerging Insurance Risks In Deals
Lockton Companies’ Neil Metzheiser on the changes happening with insurance coverage and how that impacts deal diligence.
November 21, 2024
The Best Deals Have Alignment
Industrial Opportunity Partners’ Craig Korte on the importance of alignment when buying a business.
November 21, 2024
Colorado's Rise As A BioTech And HealthTech Powerhouse
Elyse Blazevich, Kimberly Muller, Afshin Safavi and Blake Unterreiner on the forces propelling Colorado to the forefront of the biotech, life sciences, and healthtech industries and what’s expected in the coming years.
November 14, 2024
Understanding The LOI As A Seller
Portfolio Creative founder Catherine Lang-Cline on what she learned about LOIs when she sold her business.
November 14, 2024
Announcing the Charlotte Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Charlotte. See who we recognized!
November 14, 2024
Sports, Business And The M&A Arena
Andrew Berlin of Shield.AI, Berlin Packaging, Chicago Cubs and South Bend Cubs; along with Rob Sine of Blueprint Sports, on how strategic opportunities in asset diversification and the current economic climate are reshaping the landscape for athletes, institutions and franchises.
November 7, 2024
Diligence Hang Ups That Can Tank Deals
Park Place Technologies’ Kelly Greene on many of the ways a deal can get hung up, or sunk, in diligence
November 7, 2024
Redefining Value In M&A
Tiugo Technologies’ Mark Hatton on how the concept of value in M&A has changed in recent years.
November 7, 2024
Advisers Help Avoid Family Business Mistakes
McComas Fuel Co.’s William A. McComas on lessons learned operating a multi-generation family business.
November 7, 2024
M&A and Non-Competes: Now What?
Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld partners Matt Brinker and Alex Nassar break down the trends and offer advice on how M&A professionals can prepare and structure deals in the current environment.
November 7, 2024
Announcing the Houston Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Houston. See who we recognized!
October 31, 2024
The Rise Of Earn Outs
Gordon Rees LP’s Craig Heryford on how earn outs are being used in the market and why owners should use caution when negotiating them.
October 31, 2024
Seeing Growth In The Messes
Jax Kar Wash’s Jon Zimmerman on how problem areas in a deal can turn out to be opportunities after the sale.
October 31, 2024
Whether An Operator or Investor, People Make The Deal
Rockmont Partners and EvidenceCare’s Bo Bartholomew on the reason people, at all levels, are central to a deal’s success.
October 31, 2024
Announcing the Minneapolis Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Minneapolis. See who we recognized!
October 24, 2024
Get Your People Ready To Sell
Authentix’s David Brown on preparing yourself, and your team, to tell the company’s story during a sale process.
October 24, 2024
Announcing the Denver Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Denver. See who we recognized!
October 24, 2024
Settling Into the Current Deal Paradigm
Debbie Ricci of Guidehouse, Don Bassell formerly of ARKO Corp, Alex Shahidi of Riveron and Chris O’Geen of Wells Fargo, on a panel moderated by Riveron’s Robert Berdanier, explore today’s market conditions and what it all means for executives looking to get deals done.
October 24, 2024
zTrip’s Acquisition-Driven Growth
zTrip's Bill George on the genesis of the business, its acquisition process and the secret sauce that’s helping the company continue on its extraordinary trajectory.
October 17, 2024
Learning The Family Business On The Fly
Competition Roofing’s Robert Hilty on what he’s learning during his first time leading the family business.
October 17, 2024
Announcing the Chicago Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Chicago. See who we recognized!
October 17, 2024
Sellers, Know What You Have
Icon Parking Holdings’ John Smith on the evolution of the business and how he came to own it.
October 17, 2024
Preparing For The Unexpected
Brady Ware & Company Advisory Group Practice Leader Jon DeMoss and Shareholder Eric Carter offer their take on the current market and how dealmakers can capitalize on opportunities despite the obstacles.
October 17, 2024
Doubling Down on Columbus
Dr. Linda Lehmkuhl of MedVet, Aaron Weir of CollisionRight, Kim Zavislak of KPMG, Katie Bishop of J.P. Morgan Private Bank and moderator Leslie Johnson of Ice Miller discuss the opportunities they see in Central Ohio and how they are attacking the challenges of expanding in a city on the rise.
October 10, 2024
Critical Aspects Of Deal Prep, Starting With Why
Baker Tilly’s Bill Chapman on crucial aspect of deal prep for sellers
October 10, 2024
Navigating The Sale Of A 100-Year-Old Business
Bradley Corp. Luis de Leon on the steps take to move a century-old business forward.
October 10, 2024
State of M&A in the Middle Market
Bank of America’s Jim Dever and Fritz Franz, Archetype Solutions Chetan Bagga, PeopleShare’s Ryan Clark and SeventySix Capital’s Chad Stender share their experiences operating in this market and discuss what it takes to get M&A deals done in today’s environment.
October 10, 2024
2024 Northeast Ohio Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars
The Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars program recognizes up-and-coming dealmaking professionals engaged in a wide range of M&A activities.
October 3, 2024
To Tell A Better Story, Be Prepared
Resolute Capital’s Andy Tatman on what to consider when bringing on an investor
October 3, 2024
Factors That Can Make Or Break A Deal
The Selinsky Force’s Lori Scott on the factors that can make or break a deal post transaction.
October 3, 2024
Creativity, Relationships Become Critical In Tough Times
Viscogliosi Brothers’ Rob Grimaldi on the importance of relationships in dealmaking
September 26, 2024
In Deals, The People Aspect Can Get Messy
Warner Pacific Insurance Services Jean Halsell on addressing the human side of deals
September 26, 2024
Chase People, Not Revenue, In Deals
Sunstar Insurance Group’s Chris Parcell outlines the company’s acquisition process, shaped over more than 50 acquisitions.
September 26, 2024
How to Create and Enhance Business Value
Broadwing Capital Management’s Andrew Boisseau on value creation strategies
September 26, 2024
Announcing the D.C. Capital Region's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in the D.C. Capital Region. See who we recognized!
September 19, 2024
Breaking Down The Steps To Achieve Post-Deal Value Creation
K1x’s John LaMancuso on the keys to post-deal value creation.
September 19, 2024
Balancing Family Matters While Preparing For A Sale
Three Brothers Bakery’s Janice Jucker on how their preparing their business for an eventual sale.
September 19, 2024
Preparedness Is Critical Given Today’s Level Of Diligence
Walden Businesses’ Sara Burden on what has changed for sellers in recent years as they go through a process.
September 19, 2024
Facing Financial Ups And Downs
Chartwell Financial Advisory’s Will Bloom on how financial conditions have affected M&A.
September 19, 2024
5 Tactics for Successful Post-Close Add-On Integration
SeatonHill's Paul Jurewicz offers tips on realizing the full value of an acquisition.
September 19, 2024
Announcing Columbus' Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Central Ohio. See who we recognized this year.
September 13, 2024
Announcing Philadelphia's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
See who we honored at the 2024 Philadelphia Smart Business Dealmakers Conference.
September 12, 2024
The Stress Of A Deal
Former Plastics Distributors and Fabricators Owner Mark Abare on what it feels like to sell a closely held business.
September 12, 2024
Learning To Move Past Deal Setbacks
Hackbarth Hospitality Group’s Paul Hackbarth on picking the right opportunities and dealing with setbacks.
September 12, 2024
Dealing With Increased Rigor In Diligence
Palm Tree’s Nick Fedorchak on managing the sell-side process
September 12, 2024
Cleveland Deal Activity: Upcoming Rate Cuts Could Spark Q4 M&A Activity
MelCap Partners’ Luke Hippler elaborates on potential interest rate cuts, and highlights notable recent transactions.
September 5, 2024
Pre-Close Practices Set The Post-Close Stage
Tonka Bay Equity Partners’ Shane Slominski on the importance of the pre-deal process to the post-deal success.
September 5, 2024
Market Factors Shift Buyer Perspective
Stonewood Capital Management’s Kenn Moritz on how market conditions affected his firm’s 2023 deal year.
September 5, 2024
Unfortunate Circumstances Lead To Important Family Business Lessons
Gamse Labels & Packaging’s James Canzoniero on how an unfortunate event led to a quick succession, and important business lessons.
September 5, 2024
How Interest Rates Are Transforming Deal Math
Evergreen Capital Partners’ Dominick Schiano on how conditions in the deal market are affecting transactions.
August 22, 2024
Dispelling ESOP Myths
MGX Digital’s Charity Brueggemann outlines the process of transitioning to an ESOP.
August 22, 2024
The Interest Rate Squeeze Impacts Buyers
Wind Point Partners’ Peter Leemputte on the challenges buyers face in a higher interest rate environment.
August 22, 2024
The Threat Of Hackers In M&A
Cyber Defense Labs’ Jerry Bessette on cybersecurity threats and how they affect companies engaged in M&A.
August 22, 2024
Market Factors Complicate This Buyer’s Approach To Deals
Kassel Holdings' Tom Werner on the challenges facing buyers in today’s M&A environment.
August 22, 2024
Exploring Buy-Side Risk
Bluejay Capital Partners’ James Samuelsen on the risk factors he considers when looking at buy-side deals.
August 15, 2024
The Thinking That Put Malley's Chocolates On The Market
Malley's Chocolates' Mike Malley on some of the thinking that led he and his siblings to take their family business to market.
August 15, 2024
Signals From Sellers That Could Turn Buyers Off Of A Deal
GMB Capital Partners' Michael McHugh offers insight into what buyers look for when considering an acquisition.
August 15, 2024
Sell Your Future, Not Your Past
Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners' Carrie DiLauro on the importance of human capital and selling the future in a deal.
August 8, 2024
Pittsburgh Deal Activity: Enhance business value before selling with a Tax Diagnostic Review
MelCap Partners' Tom Freeman explores tax diagnostic reviews and how they can provide significant value to sellers as they seek to exit their businesses.
August 8, 2024
How An Investor Sees Post-Deal Value Creation
Milton Street Capital’s Bob Hogan on how to create value in a business post acquisition.
August 8, 2024
Post-Deal People Strategies
Millennium’s Mary Burback on strategies for integrating people post acquisition.
August 8, 2024
Getting The Real Story In A Family Business Deal
Pine Street Capital Partners’ Timothy Welles on some of the challenges with buying family businesses.
August 1, 2024
For PE, People Increasingly Make The Deal
BluWave's Sean Mooney on how PE's perception of people in a deal has changed over decades.
August 1, 2024
"Why" Carries More Weight In Today's Deals
Wolverine World Wide's Jim Zwiers on the seller and buyer trend of emphasizing why a business is bought or sold.
August 1, 2024
Learning How To Have A Successful Sale
Coretelligent's Kevin Routhier on the steps he took to prepare his business for multiple processes.
August 1, 2024
Capital Sources And Their Impact On Strategy
Trustpoint.one's Mark Hawn on important considerations for business owners ahead of a sale.
July 25, 2024
Align Your Values To Your Exit Plan
Golterman and Sabo's Herb Golterman on the importance of aligning your values to your exit plan.
July 25, 2024
Internal Transparency, Communication, Central To M&A Strategy
rEvolution's Tony Lorenz on how internal transparency and communication are central to their M&A strategy.
July 25, 2024
From Rocky Start To Wildly Successful Sale
Former Birko Corporation CEO Mark Swanson on the company turnaround that led to a successful sale.
July 25, 2024
Ready To Sell? Know What's Next.
Marsh Creek Advisors' John Marsh offers a readiness checklist for those considering the sale of their business.
July 25, 2024
Columbus Deal Activity: The Unpredictable Yet Significant Variable Of Deal Fatigue
MelCap Partners' Mike Kostandaras talks about the phenomenon, highlights deal numbers for the market and spotlights notable Columbus deals.
July 18, 2024
Know You Seller's Motivations For Selling
American Roller's Dan Cahalane on the often-overlooked mental aspect of selling a business and how that affects a deal.
July 18, 2024
Longer Buy/Sell Timelines Are Introducing Novel Challenges
Lead Capital Partners’ Pryor Smartt on how higher interest rates have affected seller, buyer timelines.
July 18, 2024
Seller Inexperience Can Ripple Through A Deal
Bernatello's Foods' Jayme Woehl on the impact inexperienced sellers have on a deal.
July 18, 2024
Lessons Learned From Selling His And His Dad's Companies
Blydan Steel's Jonathan Sherrill on what he learned through selling two businesses.
July 18, 2024
How A Conversation About AI Led To A Decision To Merge
Apple Growth Partners' Chuck Mullen and Jeff Brooks on the realization that ultimately led to his firm's merger with Eide Bailly.
July 11, 2024
Planning Ahead Makes A Process Smooth
365 Retail Markets' Brittany Westerman on the steps the company takes very early in a process to make a transaction go smoothly.
July 11, 2024
Finding A Buyer With A Culture Connection
VES LLC's Bryan LeBaron on his thought process when choosing a buyer.
July 11, 2024
For Some, Cybersecurity Isn’t a Top-Of-Mind Risk
New Resources Consulting’s Mark Grosskopf on how cybersecurity factors into his acquisitions.
July 11, 2024
Buyer Insights Offer Sellers Tips On Deal Prep
Renovus Capital Partner's Atif Gilani offers insight into how they choose their investment targets and how sellers can make their company more attractive to buyers.
July 11, 2024
Post-Capital-Raise Board Dynamics
Jason Wolfe of Wolfe LLC, Meredith Meyer Grelli of the Tepper School Of Business Carnegie Mellon, Free Market Health's Joe Cardosi and moderator Patrick Colletti of Net Health and CoSage delve into the essential steps for getting your management team board-ready, and explore the art of CEO leadership in the boardroom.
July 2, 2024
Creating Value Before A Sale
Bradford Soap International former CEO Stuart Benton on how the shift he implemented in the company created value in preparation for a sale.
July 2, 2024
Getting Creative To Take Care Of People In A Deal
3 Men Movers' Jacky Fischer on how she's prioritizing taking care of her people when it comes time to sell her business.
June 27, 2024
Team, Family Drive Selling Decision
ScrapSource's Larry Olschwanger on his motivations for selling.
June 27, 2024
Transparency Is A Critical Element In A Deal Process
LCG Advisors' Jay Clark on the importance of transparency in a process.
June 27, 2024
Introducing Family Into A Business
David Mason of David Mason + Associates on the process of introducing family into his business.
June 27, 2024
This Seller’s Checklist Starts With Culture Fit
Sophisticated Systems’ Dwight Smith on what he looked for as he prepared to sell his business.
June 20, 2024
Driving Growth: Northeast Ohio's Destination Potential
In this roundtable discussion led by First National Bank's Boyd Pethel, David Gilbert from the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland, Greg Harris from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Brian Zimmerman from the Cleveland Metroparks highlight how their collaborative efforts drive economic growth and position the region as a must-visit destination.
June 20, 2024
How Financial Realities Are Affecting M&A Math
Keystone Capital's Bill Sommerschield on how financial realities are affecting M&A math.
June 20, 2024
Getting Deals Done Regardless Of Interest Rates
American Environmental Partners Brad Domitrovitsch on how he gets deals done despite interest rates.
June 14, 2024
How Capital Realities Are Shaping M&A Outlook
Bank of America's José Tavarez leads a conversation with Revel's Frank Reig, ChargeLab's Shaun Stewart and Bank of America's Shawn Hoyer on what dealmakers can expect for the remainder of 2024 and beyond.
June 13, 2024
Announcing Cleveland's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
Read about the Dealmakers of the Year we honored this year and check out the accomplishments of our Hall of Famers.
June 13, 2024
Using Deals To Get Outside Their Comfort Zone
SPS Commerce's John Strenger on how the company is entering adjacencies through M&A.
June 6, 2024
Announcing New York's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
Celebrating the accomplishments of the 2024 New York Dealmaker Award Winners and Hall of Fame class.
June 5, 2024
How Listening To The Pros Made Selling Smooth For Nyquist Inc.
Nyquist Inc.'s George Nyquist on the importance of professional advice for business owners.
June 5, 2024
Eagle Park Brewing Is Learning On The Grow
Eagle Park Brewing Company's Max Borgardt on how he's handled his company's exponential growth.
June 5, 2024
An Unexpected Sale
Samtan Engineering Corp.'s Jon Petromelis on how he worked through the unanticipated sale of the business.
June 3, 2024
Interim CFOs: Building Bridges Across the PE and PortCo Divide
SeatonHill's Gayle Anderson on using interim CFOs to bridge the divide between PE and PortCo during the transitional phase to provide expertise and leadership.
May 31, 2024
Edible Brands' Founding, Flourishing and Future
Edible Brands' Tariq Farid and Somia Farid Silber on rebranding, expanding, and plotting the company’s future.
May 30, 2024
Navigating Family Business Growth
Strother Enterprises' Natasha Strother-Lassiter on the progression of her family business and the growth options they're considering for the future.
May 30, 2024
Patience, Relationship Building, Help Today's Buyers
Serent Capital's Kellie Kucik on the state of buying, and how relationship building is helping to get deals across the finish line
May 22, 2024
What Jeff Kropholler Wishes He Knew Before Selling His Business
Quantum Health Benefits Jeff Kropholler on his experience selling a business.
May 22, 2024
People Shouldn't Be An Afterthought In Your Deal
CMA Global Inc.'s Dana Borchert, Ph.D. on the importance of considering people in M&A deals.
May 22, 2024
Columbus Deal Activity: Navigating M&A turbulence amid economic and political uncertainty
MelCap Partners' Andrew J. Chalhoub talks about M&A trends, and highlights notable local deals, in this month's Columbus Deal Activity.
May 17, 2024
Announcing Atlanta's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Read about the Dealmakers of the Year we honored this year and check out the accomplishments of our Hall of Famers.
May 16, 2024
When Integrating After A Deal, Be Quick
Caliber Midstream Company's Joseph Mills on the importance of speed and honesty in post-deal integration
May 16, 2024
It Takes A Team To Sell A Company
Gateway Dealer Network's John Hopper on what he found important after selling twice in four years.
May 16, 2024
Essential Leadership Traits For Uncertain Times
Brightstar Capital Partners Tom Meredith on how today's market conditions impact business leaders.
May 16, 2024
How The Market Is Affecting Deal Processes, Outlook
Lance Bonner on how changes in the market are affecting the company's approach to M&A.
May 9, 2024
Ease Employees' Post-Deal Fears
Insperity's Emily Hak, Wisconsin River Partners' Jim Frings, Executive Search Partners' Nick Curran and Kyle Enterprises' (Millennium) Mary Burback on the critical role of people in a deal and how to conduct post-deal integration to minimize disruption.
May 9, 2024
Economic Realities Change Buying Criteria, Seller Outlook
Louis Plung & Co. Partner Tony Montanaro on the conditions in today's market and how they're impacting both buyers and sellers.
May 9, 2024
Sellers Have Opportunities, If They Prepare
Bank of America's Brendan Hanley on what sellers can expect in today's M&A market.
May 3, 2024
Recognizing Milwaukee's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Five of Milwaukee's top dealmakers were honored this past week with the Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Award while one other was inducted into the Milwaukee Dealmakers Hall of Fame.
May 2, 2024
Sometimes Deal Success Comes Down To Luck
CPTL Advisors Alan Feldman on the role of luck in a deal
May 2, 2024
Transparency, Relationships Are Key For Buyers In This Market
Long Road Partners' Jeremy Kane on the importance of relationships in today's M&A deals.
May 2, 2024
Labor Trends And Their Impact On Business
Mac Tisdale, Ahmed El Nokali, Philip Tulkoff, Richard McGee, Jr. on how changes in the labor market are affecting business.
May 2, 2024
The A, B, C's Of Today's Market
Edgewater Capital's Bob Girton on how market conditions are affecting how buyers approach the market.
April 25, 2024
Navigating The Post-Sale Transition As A Buyer
Black Lake Capital's Charles Scripps on what changes, and what doesn't, after a private equity acquisition.
April 25, 2024
To Grow Or Not Depends On Your People
The midday panel at this year's Detroit Smart Business Dealmakers Conference covers how to assess the right time to make an investment — whether the decision is to sell or grow.
April 25, 2024
Changing Times In M&A Require Buyer Adjustments
Permanent Equity's Taylor Hall on the challenges and opportunities in today's M&A market.
April 25, 2024
How To Unlock Value and Create Excitement For Investors
CollisionRight's Richard Harrison on the importance of generating investor excitement when executing a roll-up strategy.
April 25, 2024
Common Acquisition Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them
ID Images Jeffrey Fielkow on some of the pitfalls that can trip up acquisitions, and how to avoid them
April 25, 2024
Recognizing Baltimore's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Read about the Dealmakers of the Year we're honoring in Baltimore this year and check out the accomplishments of our Hall of Famers.
April 25, 2024
Harnessing Marketing and Sales Across PE Deal Stages
Chief Outsiders Slade Kobran, Dawn Werry and Evan Eckman talk about how using proven marketing and sales strategies across various deal stages can amplify returns.
April 18, 2024
Sellers, Be Prepared To Bury Your Business
Forever Bride's Ashley Hawks on how sellers can set themselves up mentally for the sale of their business
April 18, 2024
Recognizing Detroit's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024 class of winners April 18 at the Detroit Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Detroit business community.
April 18, 2024
To Generate Value, Run The Business Like You'll Be There For 100 Years
Schumann Steier's Arthur Steier on generating value for a business
April 18, 2024
Higher Multiples Require Greater Buyer Scrutiny
MERK Capital Corp.'s Thomas Parro on how today's economic conditions are affecting buyers' approach to deals
April 10, 2024
Why You Should View A Deal As A Long-Term Relationship
A&R Ironworks John Chesnutt on seeing deals with a long-term view.
April 10, 2024
Start With The End In Mind
Volato's Phil Michaels on the importance of starting with the end in mind.
April 10, 2024
Pitsburgh Deal Activity: Increased scrutiny on forecasts in a volatile market
While the primary impetus for this change in buyer perspective stems largely from the pandemic and other macroeconomic factors like interest rate increases and complex geopolitical conditions, we expect that this aspect of buyer assessment will become a regular step in the deal process for the foreseeable future.
April 4, 2024
The Rising Importance Of People In Driving Business Value In A Deal
SolomonEdwardsGroup's Laura Kellers Queen on the rising importance of people in driving business value in a deal.
April 4, 2024
Cleveland Deal Activity: Resurfacing of financial sponsors as both buyers, sellers
Because of the record levels of uninvested capital from record levels of fundraising by private equity groups over the past three years, financial sponsors are expected to be more aggressive and active on the buy side in 2024.
April 4, 2024
Be Honest When Courting Capital
FreightWise's Chris Cochran on how best to leverage different capital providers to achieve business results.
April 4, 2024
How to Maximize PE Value Creation by Better Assessing Growth Potential in Due Diligence
Chief Outsiders Managing Partner, Private Equity, Slade Kobran outlines and approach to value creation that starts in due diligence.
March 27, 2024
Nuances Of Buying Mom-And-Pop Businesses
G&G Garbage's Michael Desmond on funding deals and the opportunities, and challenges, of buying small companies.
March 27, 2024
Columbus Deal Activity: Resurfacing of financial sponsors as both buyers, sellers
Because of the record levels of uninvested capital from record levels of fundraising by private equity groups over the past three years, financial sponsors are expected to be more aggressive and active on the buy side in 2024.
March 27, 2024
Former FBI Agent On The Alarming Evolution Of Cyberthreats
Cyber Defense CEO Labs Robert Anderson, Jr. on the state of cyberthreats today and how they've evolved in recent years
March 21, 2024
The Importance Of Driving Local Investment In St. Louis
BioSTL Founding President and CEO Donn Rubin, along with USAKO Group President and CEO Dr. Han Ko and Capacity Chief Strategy Officer Douglas Wilber shared their perspective on what it takes to build a company in the region.
March 21, 2024
Lessons Learned From A Sale Process
Champions Hydro-Lawn's Shea Walker on lessons learned after going through a sale process
March 21, 2024
When Selling A Business, Get Help But Get Going
Red Hawk Past Owner Gillet Boyce on the advice he'd give to owners selling a business for the first time.
March 21, 2024
The Hard Work Of Not Becoming Another Family Business Statistic
Pump and Meter Service's Kurt Radermacher on his experience taking over the family business
March 21, 2024
CCA Global Partners Howard Brodsky On The Outsized Impact Of Delivering The Unexpected
CCA Global Partners Howard Brodsky on the common traits of the some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and the outsized impact delivering the unexpected can yield for a business.
March 14, 2024
To Close Deals, Get Personal
LUXIT Group's Stephane Vedie on the impact relationships can have in M&A
March 14, 2024
Deal Math: Quantifying Culture, Predicting Lifespan
Crown Capital's Christopher Graham on the unexpected ways math can measure deal risk
March 14, 2024
Announcing Dallas' Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Here are the Dallas Dealmaker of the Year Award honorees and Hall of Famers we're recognizing this year!
March 7, 2024
Policies That Bring Big-Picture Metrics Down To The Factory Floor
Innovations in Nutrition and Wellness Former CEO Jared Leishman on programs designed to engage employees in achieving company goals.
March 7, 2024
For Bliffert Lumber, People Are Central To A Deal
Bliffert Lumber's Eli Bliffert on the role a target's people play in a deal
March 7, 2024
AI Trends for the Progressive CEO: Navigating the Transformative Landscape
Chief Outsiders' Ed Valdez and Angus Robertson rank the eight most important factors in the AI scene to pay attention to right now.
