What do buyers actually look for before acquiring a business?And what causes deals to fall apart — even after an offer is signed?In this episode, Greg DeSimone sits down with Kevin Baker, Director of Development at Emergency Care Partners, who evaluates acquisitions and partnerships as part of his day-to-day role. From the buyer’s side of the table, Kevin shares what really drives business value, what creates risk, and what business owners should prepare long before they ever think about selling.You’ll learn why clean financials build trust, why relying on one customer can reduce your company’s value, and why buyers don’t pay for potential alone. Kevin also explains how strong leadership, organized records, and the right advisory team can speed up transactions and help deals close with confidence. Buyers consistently prioritize reliability, preparation, and risk management when deciding whether to move forward with an acquisition.Whether you're planning to sell your business someday or simply want to build a stronger company, this conversation will help you think like a buyer — and prepare your business accordingly.#businessexit #exitstrategy #businessowner #businessgrowth #businessvalue #leadership #entrepreneurship #successionplanning #mergersandacquisitions

Most business owners assume they’ll sell their company someday.But the reality is shocking: about 85% of businesses that go to market never sell.In this episode of DeSimone on Deals: The Exit Strategy Podcast, Greg DeSimone sits down with Jon Chen, founder of Blue Tide Catalyst, to discuss how business owners can dramatically increase the value of their company — and actually build a business someone wants to buy.They explore why growth alone doesn’t create value, how owner dependency can destroy a deal, and why culture, leadership, and systems are often the biggest drivers of enterprise value.Jon also shares practical strategies for transforming a business from chaotic “kids soccer” operations into a structured company that can scale — and eventually exit successfully.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why 85% of businesses never sell• The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when building value• How removing owner dependency can increase valuation multiples• Why growth can actually create more problems than it solves• The leadership and culture shifts that unlock real company value• How one company grew from $5M to a $60M exitIf you’re building a company and thinking about your long-term exit strategy, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.#exitstrategy #companyculture #businessexit #leadershipgoals #businessowner #businesspodcast #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship

Preparing your business for a successful transition isn’t just about numbers — it’s about leadership. In this episode, David Liddell, CEO and Founder of Liddell Consulting Group, shares what he sees business owners struggle with most as they prepare for transition. From trust and decision-making to leadership team dynamics, David explains how owners can move from being the center of everything to building a team that can carry the business forward. He also breaks down why there’s no such thing as a perfect plan — only smart options that create flexibility, confidence, and long-term value.

Most owners don’t plan to sell their business… but they do want to get out of the day-to-day. This episode shows how to transition a family business or management team without giving up ownership.Our guest is Brad Herda — founder and Managing Director of Vision Forward Business Solutions, master coach, and co-host of the Blue Collar BS Podcast. He works with business owners to build succession plans, grow teams, and improve performance across generations. 12- DeSimone on Deals -Transcri…In this episode, Brad shares:1. Why ownership and operations must be separated2. How to set boundaries and choose the right KPIs3. Managing different generations in one company4. Using data instead of intuition5. Letting the business pay for its own transition6. What to do when the older generation wants “the lump sum”7. A success story where revenue doubled by investing in peopleIf you want your business to run without you — and prepare the next generation — this conversation is packed with practical insights.#exitstrategy #familybusiness #mergersandacquisitions #familybusinesstips #businessexit

Most family businesses don’t make it past the second generation — and it’s not because of profits. In this episode, Greg DeSimone talks Jeremy Stevenson from IBRIDGE GLOBAL PARTNERS about the hidden traps that derail succession, the emotional and family dynamics that get in the way, and the proven steps owners can take to protect both their wealth and their legacy. If you’re planning to sell, scale, or pass your company to the next generation, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.#exitstrategy #mergersandacquisitions #familybusiness #familybusinesstips #businessexit

In this episode of The Exit Strategy Podcast, Greg DeSimone sits down with Dave Sterrett, Principal at Legal Deal Makers, to compare the buy-side and sell-side of business acquisitions. Greg represents sellers, while Dave works with buyers—so they dive deep into where deals often stall, how to navigate quality of earnings, working capital, and deal structure, and why understanding both perspectives leads to better outcomes.Whether you’re preparing to sell your business or considering an acquisition, this episode unpacks real-world lessons on negotiations, risk, taxes, and deal strategy that every owner should hear before making a move.#ExitStrategy #BusinessExit #MergersAndAcquisition #SellYourBusiness#SmallBusinessTips #BusinessAcquisition #DealMaking #BusinessTransition #ExitPlanning

Selling your business? One lawsuit—or even a hint of legal trouble—can crush your valuation or scare off buyers completely. In this episode, Greg speaks with top business litigator Sally McDonald about the real impact of litigation on business exits. From shareholder disputes to employee claims to “friendship gone wrong” lawsuits, Sally shares cautionary tales and practical tips to avoid turning your sale into a courtroom drama.You’ll learn:1. How buyers react to pending lawsuits2. What indemnification really means in a deal3. The cost of skipping operating agreements4. Why being unemotional can save your businessWhether you’re planning your exit or just trying to stay out of legal trouble, this episode is a must-listen.#exitstrategy #gregdesimone #mergersandacquisitions #businessgrowth #litigation #businessowner

In this episode, host Greg DeSimone sits down with Kathy Kelly from Webster Bank, a leading expert in SBA lending. They dive deep into the ins and outs of financing business acquisitions, covering everything from down payments and seller notes to common deal pitfalls and creative financing solutions. Whether you're a business owner looking to sell or an aspiring buyer, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to structure deals, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your chances of securing funding.#sbaloans #financing #exitplanning #businessacquisition #businessfinance

Thinking about selling your business someday? Then you need to plan ahead—way ahead. In this episode, we sit down with attorney Theresa Barbadoro to talk about the biggest mistakes business owners make when exiting (or failing to exit) their companies. From the "4 Ds" (Death, Disability, Divorce, and Disagreement) to buy-sell agreements and succession planning, this conversation is packed with real-world advice that could save you a fortune and a major headache. Whether you're planning to sell soon or just getting started, this is a must-listen for every business owner. Tune in now!#businessowner #exitstrategy #exitplanning #businesstips

In this episode, we dive deep into the essential strategies that make businesses more viable, profitable, and ready for the future. Guest expert Dominic Rubino shares simple systems that business owners can implement to increase efficiency, build value, and create a company that runs without chaos. Whether you're preparing to sell your business, pass it on, or just want more freedom, these actionable insights will set you on the right path. Don't miss Dominic's proven advice for creating a predictable and scalable business! #exitstrategy #businesstips #businessowner #exitplanning