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July 25, 2024
Align Your Values To Your Exit Plan
By Adam Burroughs
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
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 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 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.
March 7, 2024
Announcing St. Louis' Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
We're celebrating the accomplishments of the 2024 class of winners March 14 at the St. Louis Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the St. Louis business community.
March 7, 2024
It's Complicated: Earnouts And Their Impact On A Deal
The full Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmakers Conference Kickoff panel offer their takes on the earnout's role in a deal — for better and worse.
February 29, 2024
Find Advisors Who You Trust With Your Life
Speedeon Data's Gerard Daher on the importance of advisors and mentors as he prepares for an exit.
February 29, 2024
Inside The Thought Process Of Sell Or Don't Sell
Osage Venture Partners' Emily Foote on how she came to the decision she made with Practice, a company she co-founded.
February 29, 2024
The Role of a Family Office for Founders
615 Ventures' Rob Bellenfant, along with UBS's Mark Tepsich and James Jack, on the challenges of starting a family office after an exit, as well as strategies to better handle the new responsibilities.
February 29, 2024
Announcing Boston's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Here are the Boston Dealmaker of the Year Award honorees and Hall of Famers we're recognizing this year!
February 21, 2024
Sellers, Keep It Simple When Talking With Buyers
Circuit Check's Chris Scorse on the importance of clear communication between sellers and potential buyers.
February 21, 2024
Determining The Right Capital Structure To Finance Acquisitions
TD Williamson's Cris Gaut on financing deals and determining the right capital structure as the company moves through its lifecycle.
February 21, 2024
Announcing Pittsburgh's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Here are the Pittsburgh Dealmaker of the Year Award honorees and Hall of Famers we're recognizing this year!
February 15, 2024
The Unexpected Sale Of A Family Business
Former Birko Corporation Owner Kelly Green on the shift to selling her family business.
February 15, 2024
Doing Right By Your Team In A Deal
Juvare's Robert Watson on the importance of focusing on the team during a transaction.
February 15, 2024
How Market Shifts Are Impacting PE Fundraising
Sidereal Capital Group Jabbar Abdi on the state of PE fundraising.
February 15, 2024
Announcing Nashville's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards and Hall of Fame recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Nashville.
February 9, 2024
Capital Costs And The Impact On Dealmaking
Monarch Collective's Suk Shah on capital options today and the effect on M&A
February 9, 2024
To Finance A Deal, Get Creative
ARME Group's Ron Beam on the opportunities and risks that come with getting deal capital
February 9, 2024
Firing Sisters And Setting Up A Son's First LLC
Preferred Data Systems' Kelly Comeaux on life growing up in a family business.
February 9, 2024
Raising Capital And Competing With Unicorns
Hungry Planet CEO Todd Boyman talks about launching Hungry Planet and why it raised modest capital compared to its unicorn competitors.
February 2, 2024
Why CEOs at Midsize Firms Must Embrace Tech to Compete
Committing to gradual modernization now is infinitely better than a panicked scramble for reinvention when the markets force your hand.
February 2, 2024
To Maximize Value, Build A Great Team
DGP Capital's Jack Chang on what sellers can do to make their business attractive to buyers, when they should start the process and who they can turn to for help as they work to maximize their deal.
February 1, 2024
Knowledge Is Power For Sellers
Keith Lipman on the prep work that went into the sale of his company, Prosperoware
February 1, 2024
Competing On Culture
Seyer Industries' Chris Seyer on how he uses culture as a competitive differentiator.
February 1, 2024
Know Your Buyer's Intentions When Selling
SupplySide Group's Ansir Junaid on the importance of understanding the different buyer types and what they mean for your business post-sale.
January 26, 2024
Failure Is OK — And Other Lessons From Rob Hale
Rob Hale became a billionaire and lost it all by the age of 35. But he rebounded from that failure to co-found Granite Telecommunications, which made him a billionaire again and made it possible for him to become a co-owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics. He shares 3 lessons he learned along the way.
January 25, 2024
Shifting To The PE Perspective As An Operator
ZXP Technologies' Jason Sanchez on being an operator in a private equity-backed company.
January 25, 2024
The Nuances Of Buying Small Companies
Chesapeake Chemlab's Tim Krongard on the challenges, and opportunities, when buying smaller companies.
January 25, 2024
Are You Really Ready To Sell?
Big Dot of Happiness Founder and Former CEO Sherri Yukel on how she prepared herself and her business for a sale.
January 19, 2024
Cavs CEO Nic Barlage On Creating A Winning Culture
Nic Barlage, CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, discusses talent acquisition and development, building a winning culture, and the importance of leadership on the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast.
January 18, 2024
Tune Your PE Growth Engine With These 4 Principles
Chief Outsiders columnist Jack Bowen outlines how to optimize portfolio-company performance and maximize growth opportunities.
January 18, 2024
Hafeezah Muhammad On People and Analytics In Deals
Hafeezah Muhammad's company Backpack Healthcare recently acquired two companies. At the 2023 Chicago Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, she talked about how the business has supercharged its
January 18, 2024
How Acquisitions Help Babson Farms Diversify Revenue
Taylor Kirkpatrick is generation four of Babson Farms, a family enterprise that started originally with dairy equipment manufacturing — the largest in the world, he says — until they sold the business
January 18, 2024
Capital Considerations To Maximize Flexibility
When capital was really plentiful, CFO Ron Oertell says for his company, Purchasing Power, the focus was on making sure they had many options. "We established separate SPVs, we established staggered
January 18, 2024
Sally Hughes On Letting Go
Sally Hughes founded Caster Connection in 1987 when she started selling chair casters out of the trunk of her car. Over 36 years, she built the business up to include some 3,000 different products,
January 12, 2024
Why Health Care Startups Fail
Jumpstart Capital founder and managing partner Vic Gatto has been investing in early-stage health care businesses for nearly a decade. His organization — Jumpstart Foundry, Jumpstart Health Investors
January 12, 2024
Financial Issues To Consider When Doing International Acquisitions
Gentherm closed two deals in July of 2022. One was a German multinational that added to the company's automotive space. The other was a domestic acquisition in China for its medical business. The deal
January 11, 2024
When It Comes To Assessing Culture, Listen To Your Gut
HB Global's Bob Whalen on the critical importance of culture in a deal and how to assess it.
January 5, 2024
Exploring Capital Options In A Challenging Market
Working within the commercial real estate space, Spencer Pisczak, president and founding Member of Premier Development Partners, says the current climate is in many ways a challenge. "The big problem
January 5, 2024
NVNG's Carrie Thome On Becoming The Investee
Carrie Thome left the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, where, as the Chief Investment Officer, she oversaw a $3 billion investment portfolio, to co-found NVNG Investment Advisors.
January 5, 2024
Even With Experience, Selling A Family Business Can Be A Challenge
Recently, Jeff Gershman, Chairman of the Board, of Gershman Mortgage & Gershman Investment Corp., sold Gershman Commercial Real Estate, a brokerage and property management company. Through his law
January 5, 2024
AgroFresh Solutions' Clinton Lewis, Jr. On Taking The Public Company Private
AgroFresh Solutions Inc. was spunoff into a stand-alone public company, listed on NASDAQ, after Dow Chemical acquired Rohm and Haas, of which it had originally been a part. Clinton A. Lewis, Jr.
January 5, 2024
Navigating The Journey From Diligence To Exit In Private Equity
Chief Outsiders' Slade Kobran shares some key considerations from PE operating partners that ought to be taken from diligence to exit, and the go-to-market strategies they’ve used to foster success.
December 15, 2023
For Perforce Software, Deal Speed Is Critical
Perforce Software's Mark Ties on his company's approach to M&A and why speed is crucial to deal success.
December 15, 2023
A Tale Of Two Exits
Allie Danziger, SVP and GM at AscentUP and Ascent Funding, on how lessons from her first sale informed how she approached the second.
December 15, 2023
Cleveland Deal Activity: Cultural Fit Matters
One of the most critical aspects of a successful transaction is cultural fit. There are several reasons it matters. Here are a few that can determine success or failure.
December 7, 2023
Setting Up The Next Generations
Lisa Ingram, president and CEO of White Castle, on how the 10,000-employee company prepares its family to participate in the business.
December 7, 2023
Tackling The People Part Of Deals
Borgman Capital's Megan Brobson on communication strategies for buyers and sellers involved in an M&A process.
December 7, 2023
Buyers, Take It One Deal At A Time
Stellex Capital Management's Shankar Kiru on the importance of approaching deals on a case-by-case basis.
December 7, 2023
Building a Bridge of Opportunity from Corner to Corner
Compelled by Jesus’ invitation to ‘love our neighbors as we love ourselves,’ Corner to Corner was founded by Will and Tiffany Acuff in 2011. The young couple wanted to create a relationship-centered
December 1, 2023
To Thrive, A Family Business Needs Rules
Jim Jurgielewicz, of Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd., on the rough couple years the business experienced and how the rules the family set help them keep it together.
December 1, 2023
Level Agency's Patrick Patterson Raises The Growth Bar
Level Agency's Patrick Patterson on the management buyout, how he connected with his PE backers and what it took to close the deal, what life is like with a PE partner and the agency's plans for the future.
December 1, 2023
Why Deals Fall Apart + Reason For Caution With Earn Outs
The Riverside Company's Cheryl Strom on why most deals fall apart, as well as why sellers should use caution when earn outs are part of a deal.
November 21, 2023
Buyer Honesty Can Mean Greater Seller Buy-In
Tendit Group CEO Alejandra Harvey Oliver on how the seller mindset can affect the deal process.
November 17, 2023
For SCLogic, Time Is Ticking For An Exit
Mike Saldi, founder and CEO of SCLogic, feels he's running out of time. And that in part why his company began running a process. "At 60 years old, I've got to figure out what's next," Saldi said at
November 17, 2023
See Your Business Through Buyers' Eyes
The advice to business owners looking to exit is often to get the right advisers and plan well ahead of going to market. But for many, that's not always the reality. "We deal with the business owners
November 17, 2023
How Buyer Type Affects Deal Prep
When running businesses for private equity groups, Kevin Matkin, CEO of Maysteel Industries LLC says what's often important when preparing for a sale depends on the buyer type. For a financial buyer,
November 17, 2023
The Fourth Quarter Comeback
Sports enthusiasts can attest that there are few scenarios more thrilling than a fourth quarter comeback. And no NFL quarterback has led more fourth quarter comebacks than future Hall of Famer Tom
November 17, 2023
Reimagine Care Shifts Oncology Care to Patient’s Home
While service providers such as hotels and restaurants were severely debilitated by the pandemic shutdown, others thrived. One such example is Reimagine Care, a Nashville-based in-home cancer care
November 16, 2023
The Impact of Human Capital on M&A Deals
Caliber Midstream Company's Joseph Mills and Cooper Machinery Services' John O'Brien on the power of people in dealmaking.
November 10, 2023
Mayor, Business Leaders On The Evolution Of Downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis city and business leaders discuss downtown revitalization and the role that the business community leaders play in making a dynamic and vibrant downtown a reality.
November 10, 2023
Deal Activity: The 4th Quarter Comeback
A brief look at history would indicate that total U.S. deal volume and Tom Brady have something in common: completing a 4th quarter comeback.
November 3, 2023
Ven Raju On Investor Opportunities In Pittsburgh
After years of investing in early-stage companies in the SaaS, robotics, Internet of Things, health and fin tech spaces, Ven Raju has taken his talents from New York to Pittsburgh where he now heads
November 3, 2023
Putting Your Superpower To Work Post Exit
It's always a good time to start thinking about life after the sale of a business, says North Coast Ventures Managing Director Todd Federman. That, he says, can help business owners avoid being one of
November 3, 2023
Greater Diligence Means Greater Deal Prep
In the market today, there's been a change in availability of debt and the cost of that debt, says Mereo Capital Partners Managing Partner John O'Hare. There's also an issue of meeting seller
October 27, 2023
Deeper Diligence Puts More Onus On Sellers
Macroeconomic factors are driving due diligence that is much deeper, taking longer and is more important to deal making, says Mark Kessler, a partner at Palmares Capital Partners. Looking across the
October 27, 2023
Announcing Minneapolis' Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2023 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 Minneapolis. In addition, The Minneapolis
October 27, 2023
The Search For Clean Deals
No deal is perfect, but Dan Weingartz, CEO of W&P Management, says that it's just gotten to where there needs to be cleanliness across everything — the financials, the strategy, the leadership and
October 20, 2023
Cleveland Deal Activity: Rise In Bankruptcies Drive Distressed M&A Activity
Throughout 2023, the U.S. M&A landscape has been significantly shaped by a notable rise in distressed M&A transactions. According to bankruptcy filings from the U.S. Courts, the number of Chapter 11
October 20, 2023
Charlotte M&A Honorees Announced!
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Charlotte. The 2023 class of winners — who will
October 20, 2023
Buying What's Not In The Numbers
Randy Overton says in health care M&A in recent years, he's seen all kinds of books. "All of the sudden, everybody is the most valuable company in the world," says Overton, CFO of FastPace Health.
October 20, 2023
Steve Ball On Growing Zesty Paws Ahead Of Its $610M Sale
Steve Ball, the former CEO and board member of Zesty Paws, helped lead the pet supplements company to extraordinary growth that eventually led to its sale to Health & Happiness (H&H) Group
October 13, 2023
In This Market, Creative Dealmakers Thrive
Slow M&A deal flow in 2022 has trickled into 2023 as more people are standing on the sidelines concerned about rising interest rates and the perpetual threat of a recession. Though deal flow as picked
October 13, 2023
When Selling, Ask Many Questions
As he was looking into selling Insight Publications, Publisher Brian Rasmussen had a lot to think about. Given his age, energy level, and a sense that, given the nature of his business, he wasn't
October 13, 2023
Midwest Values Bouy Businesses When Fundamentals Are The Focus
The Chicago Smart Business Dealmakers Conference kicked off with insights and strategies for navigating the post-exit landscape, as well as the speakers' perspective on what's been a tricky M&A
October 6, 2023
The Million-Dollar Question When Considering A Sale
Knowing when to sell a business is challenging, says Richard Hamlin, executive vice president of The Reserve Group, a family office and management company. While much depends on the owner's personal
October 6, 2023
Interest Rates Effect Strategy, But Multiples Remain Insulated
Interest rates have an impact on a variety of factors — not just in M&A, but in business in general. That's causing businesses to develop strategies to minimize the impact of those rising rates to
September 29, 2023
Chicago M&A Honorees Named
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Greater Chicago. The 2023 class of winners —
September 29, 2023
Optimism For Better M&A Times Is On The Horizon
Headlines of articles covering the M&A market over the past couple of months and years have painted a challenging picture, says UBS Market Executive, Philadelphia & DC Market Julie Fox. However, they
September 29, 2023
The 15-Year Process Of Selling CollabraSpace
CollabraSpace Co-Founder Ray Schwemmer says he would get cold calls all the time from people looking to buy his software company. "We basically just ignored them," he said at the Baltimore Smart
September 29, 2023
Transparency Is Needed When Selling A Family Business
Multigenerational family businesses, says Richard J. Wolkowitz, CEO and Family Advisor at Xylogenesis | Family Office Advisory, are tough. The family working in the business may have a different
September 22, 2023
Selling Sgt. Clean
Two years ago, Brian Krusz, co-founder and director of growth and development at Sgt. Clean Car Wash, brought on a financial partner, Prairie Capital, who he says has helped the decade-old,
September 22, 2023
Increasing investment in Central Ohio
On the heels of the Intel announcement that created much buzz in Central Ohio, Chris Michael a partner at Ice Miller LLP, led the kickoff panel at the Columbus Smart Business Dealmakers Conference
September 22, 2023
How Not Listening To Advice Benefitted SkySpecs
SkySpecs CEO Danny Ellis has raised a few rounds of funding — six in total — and has learned several lessons from the experience. "A lot of mistakes in the early days," Ellis says. "We probably over
September 15, 2023
4 Tips For Preparing To Sell Your Business
Northern Lakes Capital partner Joel Grebenick share what sellers should consider when thinking about an exit.
September 14, 2023
For A Successful Sale, Know What You Want
With early-stage tech companies, it's important to figure out what the entrepreneur wants because often the entrepreneur is near burnout, says Sig Mosley, managing partner of Mosley Ventures.
September 14, 2023
Candid Reasons Not To Pass Your Business To The Next Generation
How — and why — Thomas J. Young sold Arrowhead Systems, a business he had no intention of selling.
September 8, 2023
Cleveland Deal Activity: Navigating M&A deal structures in a tightened debt market
As interest rates and borrowing costs move in parallel, buyers are faced with the challenge of navigating increasing costs of debt to finance acquisitions, especially in deals where the seller has
September 8, 2023
COVID Turbulence Drew Project Admission's Focus Inward
Stephen Glicken is working to disrupt ticket sales as we know it with his company, Project Admission. It's a unique model that managed to survive the collapse of live events during COVID and continue
September 8, 2023
Philadelphia's 2023 Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners: Trailblazers in Business and Innovation
The 2023 Smart Business Network Philadelphia Dealmaker Awards have recognized exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in the City of Brotherly Love. These
September 1, 2023
Wellist Founder Ashley Reid On The Importance Of Perspective
Wellist Founder and CEO Ashley Reid discusses growing into the company's national presence, what outside board seats have taught her about running her own business and the evolution of the company's fundraising.
September 1, 2023
When Buying, Understand The Seller’s Post-Close Intentions
John Dolan, President and CEO of PFI InStore, has been part of many exits and acquisitions. From that experience, he says he’s learned many lessons, a number of which focus on the human capital side
September 1, 2023
Buyers’ Industry Knowledge Can Help Land The Best Deal
Dr. Nithin Krishna is a board licensed psychiatrist and serial mental health entrepreneur who formerly led as CEO the multimillion dollar Bloom Health Centers. Krishna acquired Psych Associates of
August 25, 2023
From Sell To Sell And Buy
General Die Casters has been in business since 1957 making high-pressure aluminum die castings of parts for everything from automobiles to chainsaws. About a year ago, CEO Brian Lennon says the
August 25, 2023
Take The Stigma Out Of The Exit Talk
CEOs are often hesitant to talk about exits because there's a stigma attached to it, says MATH Venture Partners Managing Director Mark Achler. "There's a concern that if you start to talk about an
August 25, 2023
Deals Can Be Like A Marriage, But Also Like A Divorce
Christy Brown has had multiple entrepreneurial journeys. For each, there are three common factors that ultimately led to the sale of each. "One was typically I was looking for a strategic partner for
August 25, 2023
People On A Deal P&L
As Detroit Manufacturing Systems sets out to make acquisitions, people are top of mind, says then CFO, now EVP of Sales, Purchasing and Strategy Scott Cieslak. "One of the first things we had to do
August 18, 2023
Shaun Stimpson On Buying A Business And Becoming An Operator
Shaun Stimpson left a nearly 20-year career in wealth management to launch North Iron Holdings. The purpose of North Iron was to be a vehicle to acquire an industrial distribution company. After an
August 18, 2023
Columbus Deal Activity: Navigating M&A deal structures in a tightened debt market
As interest rates and borrowing costs move in parallel, buyers are faced with the challenge of navigating increasing costs of debt to finance acquisitions, especially in deals where the seller has
August 18, 2023
Value Creation Starts Day 1
RTC Partners Partner Tony Brindisi says he thinks of value creation from a growth perspective. "Whenever we're approaching an acquisition, we try to take a full, holistic account of the value that can
August 18, 2023
An Uncertain Economy Brings The Focus Inward
The uncertainty of the current state of the economy has driven Jim Banovich, CEO of Marsh Electronics to invest into the company and start getting it in position for the next generation and the next
August 10, 2023
Anthony Manna On Growing His Family Business
Anthony Manna on lessons learned for establishing a family-owned enterprise that generates value and how he's preparing the company to transition to the next generation.
August 10, 2023
How The Peach Truck Found The Right Partner
How Jessica and Stephen Rose found the right partner to capitalize on The Peach Truck's significant growth.
August 10, 2023
Fit Matters More Under Increasing Deal Scrutiny
BMO Capital Markets' Dan McIntosh on how changing market conditions mean finding the right fit is the key to success.
August 4, 2023
To Maximize Value, Prepare
David Nicholson, Vice Chairman of Polyconcept North America has, over 15 years, gone through three private equity buyouts of the business and has done multiple strategic acquisitions within the
August 4, 2023
Cultivation Capital: A Fund By Entrepreneurs, For Entrepreneurs
Barry Sandweiss started Cultivation Capital around 2011 along with former entrepreneurs. So, he says, the fund is naturally entrepreneurial. "We know what it's like to sit in the chair of a founder,"
August 4, 2023
Deal Close Is Not The End Of The Marathon
Rendia, founded by an eye doctor and his three children to help doctors and patients understand each other better, was sold to a strategic buyer, PatientPoint, this past October. To personally prepare
July 28, 2023
Slowed inflation to temper rising cost of capital ... hopefully
Sharply increasing inflation rates over the past two and a half years in the U.S. are a result of several contributing factors, but none more than the relationship between the prices for goods and
July 28, 2023
Don't Force Family Into Taking Over The Business
When it comes to making a successful transition within a family business, education and communication are by far the most important factors. Waldron Private Wealth Partner & Chief Investment Officer
July 28, 2023
When It Comes To Investors, Look For Finance +
Emily Morris is founder and CEO of Emrgy, an Atlanta-based climate tech startup that recently closed an $18.5 million and is deploying a new asset class of renewable energy worldwide. The technology
July 21, 2023
Luke Haverhals' Company Is Working To Solve The World's Biggest Problem
Luke Haverhals, founder and CEO of Natural Fiber Welding, says he's an accidental entrepreneur. As the former chemistry professor at the United States Naval Academy tells it, he was fortunate to be in
July 21, 2023
If You Swing In This Market, Don't Miss
Omar Jorge's family started Compare Foods Supermarkets in 1989. The international grocer is focused on importing products from Latin America, offering patrons products they usually can't get out of a
July 21, 2023
Lessons Learned From Selling A Business ... Twice
Bruce Milen, Chairman of the Board of Jax Kar Wash, first sold his business back in 1998 during a period of consolidation and roll ups. He had and took the opportunity to buy it back three years later
July 14, 2023
Robert H. Schottenstein On How He Diligences Land, Company Acquisitions
M/I Homes, Inc. started in Columbus in 1976, and today is one of the largest home builders in the U.S. Chairman and CEO Robert H. Schottenstein's dad was one of the co-founders of a business that
July 14, 2023
View Deal Risk Within The Larger Context
John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr., Chairman and CEO of NELSON Worldwide, has led the award-winning design, architecture, branding, and consulting services organization's hypergrowth from one-office to more than
July 7, 2023
The Importance Of Connections In Dealmaking
OMNI Systems, founded 33 years ago out of the CEO's garage, is now a $100 million company. "So, we know a bit about growth," said David Campbell, OMNI's CFO, at the Cleveland Smart Business Dealmakers
July 7, 2023
John Cerasuolo On Making The Leap To A New Industry Focus
John Cerasuolo leads incredibly acquisitive companies. At ADS Security, he led the business through 45 acquisitions in a direct-to-owner model that relied on relationships and an internal team to
July 7, 2023
How Three Long-Time Competitors Merged
Massachusetts-based technology advisory firms ROI Communications, Blue Front Technology Group and allConnex joined forces in late 2022 under one banner as Amplix. The three agencies — long-time, mutually respectful competitors — agreed to a merger backed by Gemspring Capital ManagemenT. The deal has worked for all three, and now a fourth major player, NET7, has joined the team.
June 29, 2023
Funding To Cross The Valley of Death
In 1985, Sanjiv Singh worked on the first autonomous ground vehicles to operate outdoors. By 2010, he led a team that demonstrated the first autonomous full-scale helicopter flight. Now he's with Near
