Success in M&A isn't just about finding the right target—it is about finding the right banker.

In this episode, Billy Huntley of Washington Trust Bank explains what business owners need to know about banking solutions when acquiring a company.

We explore how to structure your debt, what lenders look for in a buyer, and the common mistakes that kill deals during the financing stage.

If you are looking to grow through acquisition, this deep dive into the world of commercial lending is a must-listen.

#Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Acquisitions #Banking #Finance #MandA #Entrepreneur #Lending #BusinessGrowth #Investment #WashingtonTrust #CEO #FinancialFreedom #Success

Operating a successful C-store is about more than just selling fuel—it is about mastering the retail ecosystem.

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Elliott of Stuart Range Consulting to discuss the nuances of optimizing gas stations for maximum cash flow.

We explore inventory selection, layout efficiency, and the common pitfalls that keep owners from hitting their true profit potential. If you want to turn your retail location into a high-performance asset, this conversation is essential listening.

Joined today by Bryan Elliott from Stuart Range Consulting

#Podcast #BusinessPodcast #GasStation #CStore #Entrepreneurship #RetailStrategy #ProfitGrowth #BusinessOwner #Consulting #WealthBuilding #CommercialReal Estate #Management #SuccessMindset

How can a manufacturer bridge the gap between heavy equipment needs and daily operating cash?

For manufacturers, capital is often locked away in machinery and raw materials, creating a constant tension between long-term investment and short-term liquidity.

The introduction of the SBA’s MARC (Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit) program has changed the game, offering a specialized vehicle designed specifically for the cyclical and capital-intensive nature of the factory floor.

Joined Today by Paul Long

#Manufacturing #MARCLoan #SBA #BusinessFinancing #WorkingCapital #FactoryFinance #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

Why is a banker often more comfortable with a deal when the seller is still financially "on the hook"?

While it might seem like just another layer of debt, a seller note is actually one of the strongest signals of quality a banker can see in a business acquisition.

In this episode, we are breaking down the strategic and technical reasons why bankers frequently request or even require a seller note to move a deal toward approval. We explore how seller financing bridges valuation gaps, the "full standby" rules required for it to count toward a buyer's equity injection, and how it acts as a form of insurance that ensures the seller provides a high-quality transition and training period.

Joined Today by Paul Long

#SellerFinancing #SBALoans #BusinessAcquisition #MandA #Banking #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Podcast

What is the safest way to acquire a business without inheriting its past mistakes or hidden debts?

An asset sale is the most common way to structure a small business acquisition because it allows the buyer to hand-pick exactly what they are purchasing—such as equipment, inventory, and customer lists—while leaving the legal liabilities and "skeletons" with the seller. For the buyer, this structure provides a powerful "step-up" in basis for tax depreciation, while for the seller, it often requires a careful strategy to manage the resulting tax implications.

In this episode, we explore how to allocate the purchase price across different asset classes, the protection it offers against undisclosed lawsuits or tax liens, and the specific ways SBA lenders view asset-based deals compared to stock transfers.

Joined Today by Paul Long

#AssetSale #BusinessAcquisition #SBA #TaxDepreciation #MandA #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Podcast

What is the fundamental difference between buying a company’s history and simply buying its equipment?

When you structure a deal as an equity sale, you aren't just picking up the furniture and the client list; you are taking over the entire legal entity, including its tax history, contracts, and potential liabilities.

In this episode, we are breaking down the mechanics of equity sales and why they are often the preferred route for complex, established corporations. We explore the critical importance of "successor liability," how equity deals impact capital gains taxes for the seller, and the tactical reasons why a buyer might choose to inherit a company’s legal "shell" to preserve valuable long-term contracts and brand continuity.

Joined Today by Paul Long

#EquitySale #BusinessAcquisition #MandA #TaxStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessLegal #Podcast

Why do some business acquisition deals sail through underwriting while others face a mountain of rejections

Persistence is often the most undervalued asset in the M&A world, especially when it comes to securing SBA financing. A "no" from one lender isn't necessarily a reflection of your deal’s quality; it’s often just a sign that you haven’t found the right banking partner whose specific risk appetite aligns with your industry and transaction structure.

In this episode, we are breaking down the reality of the SBA loan search and what it actually takes to move from a rejection to a commitment letter. We explore the common reasons for initial denials—ranging from industry-specific "blacklists" to collateral shortfalls—and provide the tactical roadmap for refining your pitch, identifying the right lenders, and staying in the game until you secure the "yes" your deal deserves.

Joined Today by Paul Long

#SBALoans #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #MandA #SmallBusiness #BusinessFinancing #Persistence #Podcast

Why would a tech visionary choose to buy an established business instead of building a startup from zero?

For tech entrepreneurs, the "build vs. buy" debate is shifting as acquisition becomes a faster route to scaling innovation, securing an existing customer base, and leveraging proven infrastructure.

In this episode, we are breaking down the specific advantages and strategic tips for tech entrepreneurs entering the M&A space. We explore how to identify "low-tech" businesses ripe for digital disruption, the technical due diligence required when inherited code or systems are involved, and the tactical ways to use your tech background to secure better financing terms and increase operational efficiency from day one.

Joined Today by Paul Long

#TechEntrepreneur #BusinessAcquisition #SBA #DigitalTransformation #MandA #Entrepreneurship #SaaS #Podcast

Is your business a personal ATM or a sustainable enterprise?

For many entrepreneurs, the line between personal and business finances is dangerously blurred, but failing to pay yourself a formal salary is a move that can hinder your company's growth and complicate future exit strategies.

In this episode, we are breaking down the strategic and tax-related reasons why business owners must take a W-2 salary. We explore how "owner add-backs" affect your valuation during a sale, the impact of reasonable compensation on IRS compliance, and why a formal salary is a prerequisite for securing SBA financing and other traditional business loans.

Joined Today by Paul Long

#BusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Payroll #BusinessFinance #TaxStrategy #SBA #Podcast

How do you distinguish between a business that is a "financial asset" and one that is an "heirloom legacy"?

Deciding whether to exit your business through an external sale or by transitioning leadership to the next generation is one of the most significant emotional and financial crossroads an owner will ever face. While a sale might offer a clean break and maximum liquidity, passing the torch requires a deep dive into family dynamics, succession planning, and the preservation of a multi-generational vision.

In this episode, we are breaking down the critical considerations business owners must weigh when choosing between a market exit and a family transition. We explore how to assess if the next generation is truly ready for leadership, the psychological shift required to move from owner to advisor, and the tactical frameworks used to align family values with long-term operational success.

Joined Today by Savannah Suttle

#BusinessSuccession #ExitStrategy #FamilyBusiness #MandA #LegacyPlanning #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTransition #Podcast