Selling a business is more than a financial transaction. It is also a major emotional transition. Denise Logan, author of The Seller’s Journey, joins Craig Castelli to explain why owners sometimes delay, derail, or walk away from strong deals. They discuss fear responses, identity after ownership, family dynamics, separation anxiety, and the hidden emotions that can shape M&A outcomes. Denise also shares how advisors can recognize these signals, ask better questions, and help business owners prepare for life after the sale.

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: http://caberhill.com/podcast/denise-logan-the-sellers-journey

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 In this episode of The Close M&A Podcast, Craig Castelli talks with Scott Bushkie, founder of Cornerstone Business Services and Cornerstone International Alliance, about what business owners often misunderstand about selling their company. They discuss findings from Cornerstone’s business owner survey, the risks of unsolicited offers, why timing and identity can complicate exit planning, and how trusted advisors can help owners understand real market value before it is too late. 

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/scott-bushkie-cornerstone-business-services

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Ryan Evans, Regional Director and Partner at Merit Financial Advisors, joins Craig Castelli to discuss building Blueprint from the ground up, scaling beyond the founders, and eventually partnering with Merit. Ryan shares lessons on hiring ahead of growth, using technology strategically, preparing for a sale years in advance, evaluating deal structure, and understanding what life after a transaction can look like for business owners.

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/ryan-evans-merit-financial-advisors

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In this episode of The Close, Craig Castelli sits down with Brian Colao, member and director of Dykema’s Dental Service Organization Industry Group, to discuss the evolution of the DSO Conference, the current state of dental M&A, and what it will take for organizations to stand out in today’s market. Brian shares his perspective on private equity headwinds, opportunities for new capital, and how AI and technology are becoming key differentiators for dental groups preparing for growth or sale. 

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/brian-colao-dykema

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Mike White, partner at CLA, joins Craig Castelli to discuss his entrepreneurial path from building and selling his own CPA firm to advising business owners through M&A. They cover quality of earnings, why clean financials matter before a sale, current deal activity, healthcare sectors drawing investor interest, Medicaid and reimbursement risk, and how business owners should think about timing, EBITDA, and whether selling is truly the right next step.

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/mike-white-why-so-many-founders-still-undervalue-their-financials

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In a special episode, Craig checks in to share a midyear update on lower middle market M&A activity in 2026. He breaks down mixed market signals, private equity’s continued focus on add-on acquisitions, and the sectors seeing strong investor interest, including healthcare, facility services, business services, and industrials. Craig also explains what business owners should focus on now if they are preparing for a sale in the next few years.

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/m-and-a-lower-middle-market-analysis-2026-midyear/

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In this episode of The Close, Craig Castelli speaks with David Strosnider, partner at McDonald Hopkins, about the “second deal” happening inside many M&A transactions: management team agreements. David explains what executives should understand about rollover equity, restrictive covenants, employment agreements, incentive plans and buyer dynamics. They also discuss how deal size can affect timing, why management teams should evaluate their own interests early, and how thoughtful negotiation can reveal important cultural signals before closing.

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/david-c-strosnider-executive-compensation-and-governance-in-ma

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In this episode of The Close, Craig Castelli speaks with Dave Nissen, partner at Cherry Bekaert and former CEO of PKF Mueller. Dave shares how PFK Mueller grew from a small Elgin, Illinois accounting firm into a larger regional player, the role vision and budgeting played in that growth, and how strategic acquisitions helped build talent and capabilities. He also reflects on PKF Mueller’s sale to Cherry Bekaert, navigating due diligence, adjusting after the transaction, and why relationships, referrals, and clear growth incentives matter in professional services.

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/david-nissen-cherry-bekaert/

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Craig Castelli sits down with Billy Ching, chair of the private equity practice at Nelson Mullins, to break down what actually drives successful deals. They cover why communication between bankers and lawyers can make or break outcomes, how private equity has evolved for smaller businesses, and what founders should look for beyond valuation. The conversation also dives into today’s market dynamics, shifting deal structures, and where opportunities are emerging across sectors.

See the full episode page and read the transcript here: https://caberhill.com/podcast/william-ching-nelson-mullins/ 

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Craig Castelli sits down with Michael Murray of Altair Advisors to break down how business owners should think about wealth, risk, and planning before a sale. They discuss why most entrepreneurs wait too long to prepare, how to structure deals the right way, and the real tradeoffs between rollover equity and earnouts. From family dynamics to tax strategy and life after exit, this conversation offers practical insight for anyone building or planning to sell a business.

Explore our full episode page to watch a video or read a transcript of the full interview.

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