Real World Lessons In Buying Your First Business

Learning to Lead: Insights from a First-Time Business Owner

Tune in for real value in this episode as Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman chat with Ashley Comeau. Find out what it was really like for Ashely buying a business with no prior ownership experience. She talks about why she and her husband chose to purchase an existing business instead of starting from scratch, how they approached evaluating the opportunity, and what ultimately made them pull the trigger. Ashley dives into the emotional side of ownership, the unexpected challenges that came up after closing, and how she’s learning to build systems and lead a team while growing into the role of owner. She also reflects on the value of having trusted advisors, what she’d do differently, and what’s made the whole journey worth it so far.

Unlocking Exit Value: Why 3 Years of Prep Pays Off

In this high-value episode, Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman are joined by Sean Kennedy of Adams Brown for an in-depth discussion on how sellers can unlock hidden value in their businesses years before a sale. Sean shares actionable strategies on de-risking, financial preparation, business transferability, and navigating buyer expectations in today’s M&A landscape.

Whether it’s dealing with customer concentration, preparing for earn-outs, or understanding how to mentally and emotionally commit to selling, this episode is essential listening for owners planning an exit. Special thanks to listener Kristen Kienzle for asking a key question about post-sale commitments and how long sellers should expect to stay involved.

Watch the video episode at https://youtu.be/c7FmWM4J2LQ

Don’t Kill the Deal: Smart Tips for Sellers

In this episode of How to Buy and Sell a Business Successfully, host Sam Foreman teams up with co-host Jacob Weman to chat with Neil Miller, M&A attorney at QC Rock in Kansas City. Together, they delve into the critical importance of assembling the right deal team, the often-missed value creation opportunities during LOI negotiations, and how missteps—like taking your eye off operations—can tank a deal.

With real-world insights and practical guidance, this episode is essential for anyone considering buying or selling a business. Special thanks to listener Matt Jones for a thoughtful question on post-closing breaches.

Watch the video episode at https://youtu.be/ErcLLqVFjGw

In this episode, seasoned business owner and advisor John Wadsworth shares how he built, scaled, and exited his company through an ESOP, turning lessons from a decades-long entrepreneurial journey into a mission to help others do the same. Joined by hosts Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman, John offers powerful advice on leadership, transition planning, risk tolerance, and building a business that’s built to last—even after the founder steps away.

Special thanks to an anonymous listener for asking, “How do you know if an ESOP is the right fit for your business?” John walks through his own experience with clarity and candor.

Learn more about John's business, Strategic Value Partners, here: https://strategicvaluepartnersks.com/

In this episode Sam Foreman interviews Tyler Fee from Fee Insurance Group to explore the often-overlooked but essential role insurance plays in the M&A process. Tyler discusses key topics such as the importance of tail policies, the risks of last-minute insurance planning, and how hidden coverage gaps or past claims can impact a deal’s final valuation. They emphasize why both buyers and sellers need proactive, strategic insurance planning well in advance of a sale to protect themselves, maximize valuation, and ensure smoother transitions. Practical advice on cyber risks, employment practices liability, and building a strong risk management culture makes this episode a must-listen for anyone preparing to buy or sell a business.  

Watch the video episode here: https://youtu.be/nHXr66pw0Mo

Ryan Bond, Chief People Officer of Thrive Restaurant Group, shares with Jacob Wayman and Sam Foreman, every acquisition begins with an invitation: an open hand to join a shared story built on respect, relationships, and growth. Instead of imposing their way, Thrive patiently integrates new teams by honoring what already works and strengthening it through their values. It's a human-first approach that ensures acquisitions aren't just successful on paper but transformative for the people who make the company great. 

Check out the video version at: https://youtu.be/oXnzYeCoNXI