M&A Launchpad

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Patrick O'Connell.  Today we are focusing on the role of a quality of earnings (QoE) in the M&A process. Patrick discusses the importance of conducting a quality of earnings analysis when transacting. The QoE is used to verify what the seller has told you about the business verses what is reported in the business.  The QoE is a great financial tool to establish facts, rather than opinions, for valuing a business acquisition. 

Patrick looks to empower entrepreneurs to buy or sell lower middle market deals.  We explore his role in evaluating business financial health and ensuring smooth transactions. The conversation covers practical insights on managing buyer-seller relationships, emphasizing working capital and negotiation strategies. The episode also highlights the importance of experienced advisory roles in acquisitions.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• What is a Quality of Earnings?

You can connect with Patrick by LinkedIn or X: “SMB Deal Guy”

Patrick’s Firm: Quality of earnings service provider (oconnelladvisorygroup.com)

Additional Resources:

• Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Matt Pohl, Founder of The ReWild Group. Matt shares his journey of transitioning from a corporate job to becoming a business owner. This discussion covers Matt's decision to buy a lifestyle business, the eventual realization of the true value of his company, and how he managed to grow and sell it. Matt highlights the significant mindset shift required to transition from a technician to a business owner dedicated to growth and scaling.

He also emphasizes the importance of understanding business valuation and creating transferable value. Furthermore, Matt discusses his current involvement with multiple ventures, including car washes and a welding business, and his partnership in a business consulting initiative, showcasing the diverse paths an entrepreneur can take post-exit. In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• Growth Strategies for Business Owners

Check out The ReWild Group: The ReWild Group: Business Growth Framework for Organizational ReWilding Additional Resources:

• Connect with your like-minded community! Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference happening October 26, 2024 in Chicago http://malaunchpad.com/

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview Alan Lockridge about his journey from tech consulting to purchasing and running 'The Stoneman,' a business specializing in hardscapes. The discussion covers Alan's three-year search for the right business, which was affected by COVID-19, and his eventual acquisition strategy. He shares insights on the similarities between his tech-focused background and his new blue-collar business, the importance of structured deals, and the benefits of leveraging relationships in acquisitions. Alan explains how he successfully transitioned into this new industry, made incremental improvements, and maintained a steady business. Listeners are also given a glimpse into his future plans and key takeaways from his entrepreneurial journey.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• COVID Effect on ETA

You can connect with Alan by email: [email protected]

Additional Resources:

• Join our M&A Community at The M&A Launchpad Conference on October 26th in Chicago, Il.  https://www.malaunchpad.com  

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Bryan Dunn.  Bryan talks about his journey from helicopter pilot in the military, to working at Boeing and other companies, and now working at a manufacturing company while simultaneously buying his own business.  Bryan currently owns an ecommerce brand, selling a product called the Pursuit Goal Journal.  This product allows people to define and achieve their goals.  After attaining an MBA from Drexel, he stumbles upon ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) and decides this is the route he wants to take for his career.  Learn about the transition from big corporate America to the small business landscape. There are many challenges that come with acquiring a business, whether it is an asset-rich manufacturing business, or an ecommerce brand.  Bryan dives into the highs and lows of operating his brand, and what advice he would have for others thinking of doing the same. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• Military Mindset in ETA

You can connect with Bryan by Email: [email protected]

Get the Pursuit Goal Journal here: At EVRIM, we design products that help you pursue your biggest goals – pursuitgoaljournal

Additional Resources:

• Enjoying this podcast? Join our community at the M&A Launchpad Conference happening October 26th in Chicago. https://www.malaunchpad.com/chicago-conference-2024 

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Niklas James, who shares his journey from Norway to the U.S., where he began his career at Bain & Co., gaining valuable experience in the private equity due diligence process. After several years in finance, Niklas pursued his MBA at Harvard Business School, which sparked his interest in buying a small business. Inspired by friends in the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) community, Niklas became a self-funded searcher, and he dives into what it takes to succeed in this model.

Niklas discusses his first acquisition, detailing the criteria he sought in the right business, the challenges of taking over a company, and his decision to keep the seller on as president. He also shares the strategies he used to achieve growth, both organically and by adding new elements to the company.

Today, Niklas is the co-founder of Minds Capital, an investment firm that provides equity for independent sponsor-led and searcher-led acquisitions. Tune in to learn from Niklas's experiences, from searching and acquiring to scaling and leading a successful business.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• Acquiring a Home Service Business

You can connect with Niklas James by LinkedIn or Email: [email protected]

Additional Resources:

• Join the Community at The M&A Launchpad Conference happening October 26th in Chicago, IL. Get your Tickets at https://www.MALaunchpad.com 

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Chris Williams from System Six, delving into his journey of entrepreneurship through acquisition. Chris shares his insightful experience in identifying and acquiring his first business, an accounting firm, and the myriad challenges he overcame in growing it. Chris discusses his background in investment banking and private equity, his education at Stanford, and the pivot to entrepreneurship.  

With lessons on patience, persistence, and unexpected turns in acquisition, this episode is a goldmine for anyone interested in buying and running a business. Also, hear about Chris's first-hand experiences, including client retention, employee management, and effective strategies that doubled his company's revenue in just three years. Tune in for valuable insights and to learn how you can apply these principles to your own entrepreneurial journey. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss:  

• The Draw to ETA 

• Walk Through the Acquisition 

• The Backbone of Businesses 

• Tips to Growing Revenue 

You can connect with Chris Williams by Email: [email protected]  

Additional Resources: 

• Ready to join a community of like-minded business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs.  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference happening in Chicago on October 26th!  Meet the podcast hosts, Casey and Feras along with many of our podcasts guests!  Please join us!  Can't wait to see you there!
  

• 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 Equity Launchpad 

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew & Feras Moussa sit down with Darren Palestine from Commercial Finance Partners to discuss the intricacies of SBA and middle market lending. Darren shares his extensive knowledge and experience, offering valuable insights for both borrowers and industry professionals. 

The discussion covers SBA lending, including proforma transactions, unsecured loans for service businesses, and the challenges such as high interest rates and the reliance on historical cash flow. They also explore the state of business acquisitions and how Darren’s team caters to clients needing loans between $10 million and $100 million through a middle market initiative. 

Darren explains the benefits of private credit loans, the importance of thorough cash flow analysis, and the structure of private credit loans tailored to business goals. The episode also addresses the significance of choosing the right originator and the impact of AI on the lending landscape. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss:  

• SBA Lending Challenges 

• Middle Market Lending Strategies 

• Effective Cash Flow Analysis 

• The Future of Lending with AI 

You can connect with Darren by email: [email protected] 

Additional Resources: 

• 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 Equity Launchpad 

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Marc Andre, who transitioned from being an auditor at a finance company to building, growing, and selling an online business. Marc shares how he discovered his passion through a side hustle aimed at making some extra money. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss:  

• The journey for building, growing and then selling a website/online business 

• Email Marketing as a useful resource 

• The impact of AI tools and changes in the content sites and online business space 

• What are people looking for when buying a website 

You can connect with Marc Andre by email and website: [email protected] and https://flipmysite.com 

Additional Resources: 

• Ready to network with experts in the M&A Industry?  Whether you're looking to buy your first business, or a seasoned buyer or investor, find your M&A tribe at the M&A Launchpad Conference coming up on October 26th in Chicago!  M&A Launchpad Conference
  

• 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 Equity Launchpad 
  

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Alexis Grant, an entrepreneur with two successful exits and founder of a company that helps sellers learn more about their businesses and position them for an exit. Alexis discusses how data adds value in positioning a business and crafting an offer.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• The transition from journalism to creating and selling a business

You can connect with Alexis Grand by LinkedIn and website: Alexis Grant | Founder at They Got Acquired https://theygotacquired.com/newsletter/ and https://data.theygotacquired.com/

Additional Resources:

• Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Tato Corcoran, an entrepreneur with a real estate portfolio and a manufacturing business. Tato discusses her journey of running her first business after a long career in the tech industry in Silicon Valley.

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• How hard things make buying a business awesome

You can connect with Tato Corcoran by LinkedIn and website: Tato Corcoran | Entrepreneur, Investor, Speaker, https://tatocorcoran.com/

Additional Resources:

• Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube