M&A Masters

From screen printing to seven acquisitions—what does it take to build a powerhouse in the decorated apparel industry? And what surprising lessons can scaling a “niche of niches” teach about entrepreneurship, technology, and M&A success?

In this episode, Jeff Cooperman, Founder of Front Nine Capital, reveals his journey from CPA to serial acquirer—exploring how he’s turned overlooked, mom-and-pop apparel companies into a thriving, tech-forward organization ready to supercharge growth in a fragmented market.

You’ll discover…

• The surprising question Jeff asks every business owner before making an offer
• How a single “epiphany moment” can redefine a company’s trajectory overnight
• The secret upside to acquiring legacy businesses with minimal tech presence
• Why mergers and acquisitions in small markets are seeing unprecedented momentum
• The game-changing insurance tool that’s making deals safer for small business sellers than ever before

Most M&A Advisors aim for the billion-dollar deals—so who’s serving the true engine of American business?

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the world of lower middle market M&A, where relationships, turnaround expertise, and strategic partnerships make all the difference.

In this episode, Bob McCormack, Founder of Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors, reveals the unique challenges and overlooked opportunities in family-owned business transactions—and why collaboration (not competition) is the future of deal making.

You’ll discover…

• Why Murphy McCormack says “no” to 9 out of 10 potential engagements—and what happens to the businesses who aren’t ready (yet) to sell
• The inside story on Cornerstone International Alliance’s deal-sharing model and how it transforms client outcomes
• How emotional intelligence and post-closing support can make or break an owner’s life-changing exit
• The reasons rep & warranty insurance is finally making inroads with private business owners—and who’s still pushing back
• The untold macro risks (like tariffs) that are reshaping manufacturing deals in real time

Would you trust your company’s future to a team that’s obsessed with precision, storytelling, and preparing for every possible scenario?

In the high-stakes world of SaaS M&A, the difference between a good deal and a great one can change the course of a founder’s life—and their legacy.

In this episode, Diamond Innabi, Principal at Software Equity Group, reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets that drive SEG’s 94% “first pass” success rate in vertical SaaS deals—plus the underrated factors that buyers and sellers often overlook (at their peril).

You’ll discover…

• The one storytelling move that instantly sets a SaaS business apart from every other deal on the table
• What most founders don’t know about “tension”—and why it may be the key to unlocking next-level M&A outcomes
• How SEG’s “overstaffed” model creates winning deals (and what happens when other firms focus on volume instead)
• The surprising region of the US most SaaS founders call home—and why it matters for buyers and investors
• A new insurance hack that finally levels the playing field for smaller deals in the lower middle market

Most business owners think accounting is just a necessary evil—until it costs them millions.
What hidden traps are killing the value of your business before you even go to market?

In this episode, Jason Kruger, Partner at Citrin Cooperman’s Business Process Outsourcing Practice, exposes how overlooked accounting gaps can sabotage your exit—and how precision financials can supercharge your company’s valuation.

You’ll discover…

• Why “good enough” bookkeeping could quietly slash your business sale price
• The secret financial move that doubles your company’s EBITDA multiple
• How deal momentum evaporates—and the one invisible risk that keeps buyers up at night
• The new evolution in rep & warranty insurance that’s changing deal dynamics for small and midsize firms
• What top buyers always spot in financial statements (and how you can make your next sale a “no-brainer”)

Navigating a business exit can feel like flying into a storm with no landing strip in sight—especially when millions are on the line and expert advice is scattered. What’s the secret to engineering a “clean exit” that safeguards both your wealth and your legacy?

In this episode, Joe LoPresti, Founder of Arlington Wealth Management, reveals the game-changing strategies behind holistic wealth management for business owners on the cusp of a major business sale—and why the fractional family office approach is rewriting the rules for lower middle market entrepreneurs.

You’ll discover…

• Why most business owner advisors work in silos—and how this creates dangerous planning gaps you might not see coming.
• The #1 mistake founders make when exiting their business, and how proactive planning turns risk into opportunity.
• A behind-the-scenes look at “fractional family offices,” and how they unite specialists for life-changing results.
• The overlooked power of sell-side advisory and new insurance tools that can protect—and even boost—your post-sale windfall.
• The untold story of how Arlington Wealth Management partners with business owners from the “20-yard line” all the way to the end zone.

NOTE: Arlington Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. All investments carry risk, and no investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect from loss of capital.

Unlocking the secrets of successful online business acquisitions…

How does one navigate the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions, especially in the ever-evolving tech industry?

In this episode, Andrew Gazdecki, founder of acquire.com, shares insights on building and operating the leading online platform for buying and selling online businesses.

Andrew reveals:

• The compelling story behind acquire.com's unique domain acquisition
• Key strategies for launching and scaling a marketplace platform
• How acquire.com connects aspiring entrepreneurs with the right acquisitions
• The human element in M&A transactions and how it's integrated into an online platform
• Emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of acquisitions in the lower middle market

You might think snow is bad for a car wash business...

But what if it turns out to be their best friend?

In this episode, Harry Caruso, founder and CEO of Car Wash Advisory, unravels the intriguing dynamics of the car wash industry and how it stands as an attractive investment sector in the world of mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• The surprising impact of snow on the car wash economy.
• Why car wash operators have opportunities to succeed no matter their scale.
• How matrix-like operations are shaking up the car wash industry.
• The relevance and advantages of reps and warranties insurance in selling businesses.
• A peek into the upcoming 2025 trends for the car wash sector.

The collision industry is undergoing a major transformation…

But what factors influence a successful merger or acquisition in this niche market?

In this episode, David Roberts, founder and CEO of Focus Advisors, shares his journey from founding a leading collision center network to becoming a key player in the M&A advisory scene, guiding body shop owners through strategic exits.

You’ll discover:

• The surprising parallels between auto insurance and healthcare industries that shape M&A trends.
• How a VW van sparked a passion that fueled an entire career.
• Key strategies to turn a collision repair business into a desirable acquisition target.
• Why multi-shop operators have a unique edge in today’s market.
• How rep and warranty insurance can facilitate smoother deal closures.

In the world of business, accounting is often seen as a painful necessity. But what if it could be a strategic advantage instead of a chore?

In this episode, Matt Tait, Founder and CEO of Decimal, discusses how his company revolutionizes accounting services for small businesses and why he believes aligning business incentives is key to success.

You’ll discover:

• How Decimal fosters a people-first company culture in a remote work environment
• The unique approach Decimal takes towards acquisitions and partnerships
• Insights on leveraging technology and AI in the accounting industry
• Why an abundance mindset could be the secret to business growth
• Decimal’s experience with reps and warranties insurance in M&A transactions

Navigating the complex world of mergers and acquisitions can be daunting, especially for lower middle market founder-owned companies. But what if there was a more straightforward path to a clean exit?

In this episode, Rob Margeton, co-founder of Ryco Advisors, an Atlanta-based independent advisory firm, explores the vast opportunities within the lower middle market and reveals how Ryco Advisors guides business owners through the selling process for optimal outcomes.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The strategic advantage of finding value in overlooked industries.
• How building connections within the private equity community can maximize a company's sale potential.
• The critical role of transparency and diligence in successful transactions.
• Innovative approaches to mitigating transaction risk with modern insurance solutions.
• Trends shaping the future of mergers and acquisitions in the current economic climate.