M&A Launchpad

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with entrepreneur, CPA, and attorney Sam Rosati to explore his journey from the corporate world into business ownership. Sam shares how he transitioned into acquiring small businesses, what he's learned along the way, and why he believes taking bold action is more valuable than waiting for perfect information. 

The conversation covers everything from running a dumpster rental company during COVID to launching the SMB Bootcamp, a program designed to teach others how to buy and operate small businesses. Sam also breaks down how the independent sponsor model works, the role of cash flow in acquisition decisions, and how personal relationships often drive the best deals. 

Whether you're just exploring entrepreneurship or actively acquiring businesses, this episode offers clear and actionable insights from someone who's done it all. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss: 

Connect with Sam Rosati: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samrosati/ 

SMBootcamp: https://www.smbootcamp.co/  

Additional Resources 

About The M&A Launchpad:

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome guest Chris Edwards, founder of Sanitas Equity and a seasoned acquisition entrepreneur. Chris walks us through the candid story of buying, scaling, and exiting a retail flooring business in Steamboat Springs, Colorado—growing revenue by 50% and doubling profits before securing a 24x return on invested capital. 

The conversation dives into what it truly looks like to acquire and operate a traditional small business with SBA financing, the people challenges that come with change, and how systematization using tools like Notion helped turn chaos into a streamlined operation. 

This episode offers real-world takeaways on what works—and what doesn’t—when stepping into the operator’s seat for the first time. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss: 

You can connect with Chris here: 

Additional Resources: 

Work with a Trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence Partner who focuses solely on Business Acquisitions: Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—Your Dynamic Quality of Earnings Partner. https://oconnelladvisorygroup.com/

Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at: [email protected]  

About The M&A Launchpad:

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, host Feras Moussa sits down with seasoned M&A attorney John Koeppel, Partner at Lippes Mathias, to dive deep into the world of deal-making in the lower middle market. With decades of experience advising on both buy-side and sell-side transactions, John brings a firehose of insight for anyone interested in acquiring or selling a business in today’s market.

John shares what’s trending in 2025, the return of regional banks to the lending scene, and how buyers are getting creative with structuring deals amid changing interest rates. From real-world multiple comps to reps and warranties, and the nuances of independent sponsor strategies—this is a must-listen for aspiring dealmakers and active acquirers alike.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

· What’s happening in the lower middle market right now

· How deal structures have evolved with rising interest rates

· Market multiples by deal size and industry

· Why recurring revenue drives valuation

· Reps & warranties: what they are and how to mitigate risk

· Mistakes buyers make—and how to avoid them

· The rise of the independent sponsor model

· How to bring value with the right operating partner

· Creative deal structuring and alignment with sellers

Connect with John Koeppel:

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.lippes.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-koeppel-98b3a833

Additional Resources:

About The M&A Launchpad:

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

Connect with M&A Launchpad:

🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew talk with Michael Heath—a three-time entrepreneur who has acquired and operated a commercial garage door company, a pool retail business, and a pool construction company. Michael shares the gritty, behind-the-scenes realities of business ownership that you won’t find in the guru playbooks. 

From working at a roofing supply manufacturer to bootstrapping his first acquisition during COVID, Michael discusses how he navigated everything from underpriced jobs and partner dynamics to team turnover and personal burnout. He explains how each acquisition taught him critical lessons that shaped the next, and how being "all in" is often the only way forward. 

Whether you're considering your first acquisition or navigating operational chaos, Michael’s story will resonate. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

Contact Michael Heath: 

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-heath-biz/ 

Additional Resources: 

Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. 

Join our Community at the M&A Launchpad Conference – Premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. 

M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – Casey Minshew & Feras Moussa 

Looking to buy or sell a business? Connect with the team at Equity Launchpad for expert guidance and hands-on support throughout your transaction. 

About The M&A Launchpad:   

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

Connect with M&A Launchpad: 

🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7

In this high-impact episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew are joined by Elliot Holland, founder of Guardian Due Diligence and the Business Buyer Masterclass. With decades of experience conducting quality of earnings (Q of E) reviews and advising buyers in small business acquisitions, Elliot brings invaluable insight into the due diligence process that every buyer needs to hear. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned dealmaker, this episode dives deep into critical financial diligence topics, including working capital, seller discretionary earnings (SDE), recourse strategies, and how to leverage brokers during tough negotiations. Elliot also shares real stories of deals gone wrong and how to avoid the most common buyer mistakes. Don’t miss this one—it might save you millions.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• What a Quality of Earnings (Q of E) report really uncovers

• How financial diligence helps avoid catastrophic deal mistakes

• Why EBITDA is often misunderstood (and sometimes misused)

• When SDE becomes a red flag instead of a metric

• How to approach working capital negotiations confidently

• Leveraging brokers the right way

• The importance of seller notes and recourse

• Building your deal team and protecting your downside

• Real-life cautionary tales from Elliot’s deal history

• Elliot’s take on when to walk away—and how to spot deception

Contact Elliot Holland:

Website: https://www.guardianduediligence.com 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuardianDueDiligence 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotholland/ 

Additional Resources:

• Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com 

• Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – Upcoming in October 2025. Date and Location TBD. Premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. https://www.malaunchpad.com 

• M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – Casey Minshew & Feras Moussa: [email protected] 

• Looking to buy or sell a business? Connect with the team at Equity Launchpad for expert guidance and hands-on support throughout your transaction. Visit: https://www.equity-launchpad.com

About The M&A Launchpad:   

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

Connect with M&A Launchpad: 

🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with Ryder Fyrwald, co-owner of a thriving label manufacturing company based in Los Angeles. Ryder shares his journey of acquiring a small business with four employees and growing it into a multi-million-dollar operation—while also strategically leveraging real estate to fuel that expansion.

This episode offers valuable insights into creative deal structures, SBA financing, seller carrybacks, and the benefits of owning the real estate behind your operating business. Ryder's background in tech and real estate finance equipped him with the acumen to navigate complex acquisitions, and he pulls back the curtain on the lessons learned through years of hands-on entrepreneurship.

Whether you're thinking about acquiring your first business or looking to add strategic real estate to an existing portfolio, this conversation is full of practical strategies and inspiration.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

· Ryder's journey from tech and real estate to small business ownership

· How to finance an acquisition using friends, family, and seller carry

· Why owning the real estate can make or break your deal

· Leveraging equipment leases and capital structures for growth

· Ryder’s approach to finding off-market acquisition opportunities

· The importance of segmentation between partners in operations vs. finance

· What to know about seller psychology and deal creativity in today's market

Connect with Ryder Fyrwald: Website: coverlabel.com Email: [email protected]

Additional Resources: Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O’Connell Advisory Group — your dynamic Quality of

Earnings partner. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com

Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston — a premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Tickets and details at malaunchpad.com

Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube. Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at – [email protected] Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale, or sell your business? Visit www.Equity-Launchpad.com

About The M&A Launchpad:   

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

Connect with M&A Launchpad: 

🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Stephen Marks, founder of Emmersion Capital and Apertura. Stephen shares his journey from managing family office portfolios to building a global advisory business focused on cost-effective due diligence and labor solutions through nearshoring.

The conversation dives deep into M&A strategy, talent acquisition in Latin America, and the mindset shift from high-growth investing to long-term wealth preservation. If you’re an independent sponsor, entrepreneur, or lower-middle market investor looking to reduce costs and access skilled labor without sacrificing quality, this episode is for you.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

Connect with Stephen Marks:

Additional Resources:

About The M&A Launchpad:   

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

Connect with M&A Launchpad: 

🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome Sean Smith, Managing Partner at Search Fund Ventures and co-founder of SMB Investor Network. Sean brings a transparent, investor-first lens to the world of small business acquisitions, breaking down what dealmakers need to know to structure successful transactions.

The conversation covers everything from capital stack nuances and risk mitigation to understanding investor preferences and step-up dynamics in self-funded search and independent sponsor models. Sean also shares his entrepreneurial journey and mission to democratize private equity for accredited investors.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

Connect with Sean Smith:

Additional Resources:

About The M&A Launchpad:

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew are joined by Dominick Blue, a former Marine turned software engineer and acquisition entrepreneur. Dominick shares his inspiring journey—launching Nostra Group, buying two businesses in under a year, and building an AI company to automate operations in home services. He opens up about transitioning from a military background to entrepreneurship, the importance of having a thesis during your search, how he structured his deals, the pitfalls of cash flow management post-close, and how leadership and grit are essential for success.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or building a holding company, Dominick’s story offers actionable advice, strategy, and serious motivation.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

· Dominick's path from the Marine Corps to launching Nostra Group

· Lessons from acquiring two companies in 2024 (including HVAC and air duct cleaning businesses)

· How to develop an effective acquisition thesis

· The realities of SDE modeling and cash flow post-close

· Navigating licensing and staffing challenges

· How military leadership skills translate into business operations

· The power of grit and persistence in entrepreneurial success

· Using AI to build digital workforces and streamline operations

· Why automation should be prioritized in lower-middle-market businesses

· Personal reflections on balancing family, business, and growth

Guest Contact Info:

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Dominickblue/

· Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/Dominick_blue

· Email: [email protected]

· Company: https://www.nostragroup.com

Additional Resources:

Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com

Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 3rd in Houston. Premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $200 off.

M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – [email protected]

Explore more at: https://www.equity-launchpad.com

About The M&A Launchpad:   

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

Connect with M&A Launchpad: 

🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with Dustin Carreon, founder of COI Holdings, for a powerful conversation on transitioning from small family business roots to building a successful self-funded HoldCo.

Dustin shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey—from collecting scrap metal with his father, to running a multi-million dollar electronics distribution company, to acquiring legacy businesses and compounding their cash flows into generational wealth. He reveals the mindset shifts, strategic decisions, and operational lessons that helped him move from hustler to long-term investor.

Whether you're considering your first acquisition or thinking about scaling into multiple businesses, this episode offers tactical insights and long-term vision from someone who’s actually done it.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

Email: [email protected] · Website: https://www.coiholdings.org

Additional Resources:

About The M&A Launchpad:   

The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.

The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

Connect with M&A Launchpad: 

🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7