Like A Champion Podcast | M&A Mastery with Wes Shelton

Are you building a business to sell, or just building a job that will eventually trap you? Tom Carver, Founder and Managing Partner at Harren Equity Partners, reveals what private equity buyers are actually looking for when they write massive checks.

In this episode of Like A Champion, we dive into the middle-market M&A landscape. Tom explains why his firm looks at 1,300 deals just to close two, the massive IT underinvestment plaguing modern founders, and how simple operational improvements drive 80% of his fund's returns. He also breaks down the brutal realities of private equity life and shares his father's profound advice to "shave with the lights on."

Whether you're planning an exit in five months or five years, you cannot afford to miss this buyer's perspective. Watch the full episode to discover the hidden levers that will maximize your company's valuation before you ever go to market.

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

Restaurant veteran Tim Petrillo joins Wes Shelton to share the strategic foundation behind The Restaurant People’s success—from securing the right real estate to designing concepts that fit the market to enforcing operational consistency across every location. Tim recounts the early struggles of his first restaurant, the game-changing review that saved it, and the disciplined leadership lessons that shaped TRP’s growth into a multi-concept hospitality group.

He offers candid insights into today’s restaurant landscape, including labor dynamics, rising costs, the push for authenticity, and why guest expectations have evolved dramatically. Tim also discusses mentorship, partnerships, postmortems, and what it takes to sustain excellence in one of the toughest industries. This episode delivers practical wisdom for operators, founders, and anyone who wants to understand how great restaurants are built—and how they survive.

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

Think your business is ready to sell? Think again. Sean Hutchinson, veteran exit planning advisor, reveals why 70-80% of your wealth may be trapped in an illiquid asset - and the single most common mistake that's destroying your business value right now. In this eye-opening conversation, discover why most baby boomer business owners are dangerously unprepared, what buyers REALLY look for when evaluating your company, and the counterintuitive strategy that can pump your valuation by 40%, faster than you think. Whether you're planning to exit in 2 years or 10, this can change everything. The question isn't, "What's my business worth?" - it's "What am I doing to make it worth more?"

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2kyUgQKch4I

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

Bruce Marks is a veteran in M&A and an expert in SBA lending. As Senior Vice President at the First Bank of the Lake, and 35 years of experience in the world of acquisitions and entrepreneurship, Bruce has seen what does - and what doesn't - get across the acquisition finish line. 

With over 1,200 SBA deals under his belt, Bruce explains why cash flow—not collateral—is king, how to navigate the J-Curve after acquisition, and what makes sellers say yes to one buyer over another.

🚀 You’ll learn:
💰 SBA loan secrets and financing tips
😬 Why 80% of first-time buyers struggle
⚠️ Deal breakers that derail acquisitions
🏡 How to prepare your business for a successful sale
🌊➡️👨‍💼 The “Silver Tsunami” opportunity: 12,000 owners retiring daily

**TRIGGER WARNING:* This episode includes a tragic story that mentions self harm/suicide. Skip the section from 00:09:57 to 00:15:32 if you wish to avoid it.

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

Former wealth-manager Kevin Couper discusses why he walked away from finance and used Acquira’s “search-funder” playbook to buy 30-year-old Kyle Plumbing transforming it from construction-heavy and paper-based to service-focused, tech-driven, and rapidly scaling. 

He and host Wes Shelton unpack their experience from two years ago when Wes served as a sell-side advisor for Kyle Plumbing, discussing the process, overcoming its challenges, tips and insights from their experiences and other great business minds like Gary V and Alex Hormozi. They also talk through some of the successes that followed, like Kevin rolling out ServiceTitan and AI chatbots, as well as the straight-talk KPIs & culture moves he made that keep top plumbers on the team. 

If you’re looking to sell, are considering buying or just crave more control over your career—you won’t want to miss this episode of Like A Champion.

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

She went from food stamps to multi-million-dollar deals building The Yoga Joint. 

Wes talks with his friend Paige Held as she shares the raw truth behind building The Yoga Joint. They discuss everything from the process of learning how to choose the right business partner and building a team that maximizes your strengths to the power of believing in yourself and not taking 'no' in business for an answer. Hear how Paige turned passion, vision boards and discipline into a nationally expanding yoga and fitness empire—and why yoga is more than just exercise, it’s a way of life.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

More from Paige Held:
 @Watchmegrowpod  

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

Keith Costello has built and exited multiple banks. Working daily with entrepreneurs and business owners in South Florida for decades has given him a unique perspective and a lot of great insights into what makes for a successful business and life. He's also big into philanthropy and deeply values giving back to his community, including his friend's non-profit, Sebastian Strong, created to help families like his when having a child battling cancer. 

Connect with Keith and give to Sebastian Strong: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/keithcostello1_help-kids-with-cancer-do-i-need-to-say-more-activity-7325201645145911297-CazM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAuRUcBJdD35UpTJbcWzG__59Fuf64Rn4s

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Find Keith's Podcast, "Making Bank" at: https://localitybank.com/podcast/

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

In this episode of Like A Champion Podcast, Danny Kanell returns to talk with Wes about his broadcasting career, the ever changing landscape of college and professional football, and what kind of car goes best with a turtleneck. They dive into the rapidly changing landscape of college football, from the introduction of NIL deals and the transfer portal to the expansion of the college football playoff. Danny shares insights from his journey as a professional athlete into full-time broadcaster, and reveals his tricks for staying relevant in the competitive sports media world. They also delve into the challenges of balancing sports analysis with family life, the impact of AI on broadcasting, and the evolving role of college football coaches in this new era. Whether you're a fan of college football, sports broadcasting, or the business side of sports, this episode is packed with valuable insights and some behind-the-scenes stories. 

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

Join M&A attorney David Black of Berger Singerman, a seasoned expert with decades of experience, as David shares insider legal strategies that help businesses avoid costly pitfalls when selling. In this must-watch conversation with Wes, David reveals invaluable insights that could transform the way you approach business transactions. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an investor, you won't want to miss the wisdom that can help you navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.

00:00:00   Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:01:18   Dave's Background and Journey into M&A
00:02:24   The Fun and Challenges of Sell-Side M&A
00:04:37   Building the Right Team for a Liquidity Event
00:11:33   The Importance of Specialized M&A Attorneys
00:20:36   Common Deal Killers and Financial Pitfalls
00:31:42   Engaging Advisors Early and Exit Planning
00:35:50   Handling Key Employees and Management During a Sale
00:38:00   Navigating Sign and Close Deals
00:38:31   Managing Employee Communication During M&A
00:41:03   Legal Risks in M&A Transactions
00:42:42   Tax Implications of Asset vs. Stock Sales
00:46:16   Impact of AI on Legal and Business Practices
00:51:56   FTC Ban on Non-Competes: Implications and Opinions
00:55:27   Career Advice for Aspiring M&A Lawyers
01:04:41   Personal Insights and Recommendations

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

This special episode with Steve and Tom Shelton - Wes's father and uncle - explores their history in South Florida with building the number one Ferrari dealership in North America, their love of racing, and the overall experience of building and selling their multiple high-end dealerships across multiple transactions. 

***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES***
https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/


***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW***
Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.

FOLLOW WES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll
https://x.com/wwshelton

Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com)
and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com)
Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com)
Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)