On this episode of M&A Access, Gina Gallutia speaks with Joe Applebaum, CEO of Calm HR. Joe reflects on his entrepreneurial journey—from founding and exiting a company to the personal considerations behind major decisions. He also shares insights on building and communicating a strong value proposition, the importance of self-awareness for founders navigating M&A, and his current focus on mentoring the next generation within his family business.

Graham Bachman shares his unconventional path into M&A and private equity, drawing on his experience in private capital markets and the investment strategy behind Hidden River.

In this episode, Graham breaks down why relationship-driven deal sourcing matters more than ever in the lower middle market, the realities of finding quality deals, and how structured capital continues to evolve. He also explains why flexibility in capital structures is becoming a competitive advantage — and why 2026 presents real growth opportunities for disciplined investors who play the long game.

Perfect for operators, investors, and anyone curious about how deals actually get done.

Maureen Berkner Boyt shares her insights on unleashing human potential at work, focusing on understanding human behavior in business integrations. She discusses her company, C2IQ, which measures human risks during organizational changes. Key topics include change resilience, human connection skills, and the balance between analytical thinking and emotional intelligence in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of data in understanding employee needs and fostering a culture where individuals feel valued.

Gina Gallutia and Matt Bain explore the impact of AI on mergers and acquisitions. Bain shares his transition from investment banking to founding Liquid, highlighting AI's potential to enhance efficiency in M&A. He discusses the industry's cautious approach due to security concerns and emphasizes the need for AI integration in workflows. While AI can't replace personal networks, it can improve market reach and efficiency, benefiting deal-making.

Gina Gallutia and Albert Fialkovich explore Albert's business journey, from a family seafood venture to establishing a successful brokerage. He shares key insights on company culture, core values, and scaling strategies. Albert highlights the personal touch in mergers and acquisitions, industry challenges, and the changing landscape of business ownership for millennials. The discussion wraps up with a focus on teamwork and the commitment to continuous improvement.

Graeme Frazier shares his journey in the M&A industry, highlighting his non-traditional path and the founding of PCR Partners. He discusses the innovative GF Data model, the importance of relationships, and the challenges in the lower middle market. Graeme provides insights on current market conditions, the value of quality businesses, and the critical role of mentorship, emphasizing trust and confidentiality in transactions.

Robert Rough from Telos Capital Advisors shares his expertise in mergers and acquisitions. He discusses capital raising, the complexities of capital stacks, and the significance of understanding client goals. Robert highlights the various types of capital, challenges in securing funding, and the necessity of a detailed financial model. He also emphasizes relationship-building with capital providers and the importance of due diligence in partner selection.

Gilbert Cruz shares his journey in the M&A field, highlighting the importance of networking and personal connections. He discusses the evolving role of young professionals and the impact of AI on the industry. Gilbert provides advice for newcomers, emphasizing ethical competition and strategic thinking in deal-making. He concludes with insights on building relationships and the value of community for success in M&A.

Darryl Mazow shares his journey from Switzerland to the U.S. and his experiences in corporate development and law. He highlights the importance of understanding clients' needs and the emotional aspects of M&A transactions. Darryl discusses the impact of tariffs on deals and the role of AI in legal work. He encourages young professionals to network and explore diverse opportunities in Houston's legal market.

Mindy Passmore transitions from public accounting to becoming a fractional CFO and launching her own M&A firm. She highlights the need for business owners to be prepared for mergers and acquisitions, addressing both financial and emotional aspects. Mindy emphasizes understanding client needs, the impact of family in business transitions, and the cultural elements of acquisitions. Her commitment to continuous learning and mentoring, especially for women, is a key focus.