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The Deal Podcast
The Deal Podcast episodes
- From Louisiana to Leading Global Capital Markets
In this episode, we sit down with Rip Reeves, CEO of Institutional Investor, to unpack the evolution of global investing, asset allocation, and the allocator–manager ecosystem.
Rip shares his journey from a first-generation college student in South Louisiana to Wall Street, portfolio management, and ultimately leading one of the most influential platforms serving CIOs, asset managers, and allocators worldwide.
This conversation covers:
- How a single college class changed Rip’s career trajectory
- What Wall Street looked like before email, LinkedIn, and automation
- Why grit and networking still outperform credentials alone
- How institutional investing has become truly global
- The convergence of public markets, private markets, and private wealth
- Why relationships and communities matter more than products
- What young allocators and future CIOs need to focus on now
This episode is for allocators, asset managers, investors, and professionals who want a deeper understanding of how capital really moves and how long-term careers are built in global finance.
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/35 min - How Banks Really Evaluate Middle Market Deals
In this episode, we sit down with Larry Attenhofer, a senior commercial banking leader at Hancock Whitney with nearly three decades of experience financing middle-market businesses.
Larry walks through how banks actually underwrite deals, what separates strong borrowers from risky ones, and why relationships and communication matter just as much as financials.
This conversation covers:
- How banks define the middle market and why it matters
- What credit analysts and bankers look for in a “good” deal
- Common red flags that kill deals early
- Working capital lines, leverage, and balance sheet structure
- How business owners should prepare years before an exit
- Why the banker CPA attorney triangle is critical for growth and M&A
- Career advice for future bankers and finance professionals
This episode is essential listening for founders, operators, dealmakers, and finance professionals who want to understand how capital decisions are really made behind the scenes.
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/40 min - Why Deals Fail After the Numbers Look Perfect
In this episode, we sit down with Andre Broussard, a seasoned CPA operating at the intersection of private equity, venture capital, and middle-market deal execution.
Andre shares how he functions as a “CFO by the hour” for founders, operators, and investment groups and why accounting today is far more about psychology, judgment, and trust than debits and credits.
This conversation covers:
- How CPAs support PE and VC firms before, during, and after exits
- Why psychology and sociology matter more than spreadsheets in dealmaking
- Common mistakes founders make when preparing to sell a business
- What causes deals to fall apart late in the process
- How AI and automation are reshaping accounting and financial diligence
- The difference between VC growth thinking and PE cash-flow discipline
This episode is for dealmakers, investors, founders, and operators who want a clearer picture of how financial reality and human behavior collide in real transactions.
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/51 min - Courtroom or Boardroom? Why Transactional Lawyers Shape the Biggest Deals.
In this episode host Josh Wilson sits down with CJ Miller, a transactional attorney who has built his career in the boardroom rather than the courtroom.
CJ shares his journey from growing up in a small family business in South Louisiana to becoming a trusted advisor for banks, entrepreneurs, and middle-market companies. He explains what transactional law really looks like day to day and why helping people structure deals, manage risk, and plan for the future brings lasting fulfillment.
This conversation covers:
- The role of a transactional attorney in business growth and M&A
- Why Louisiana law is different from the rest of the U.S.
- The reality of career pivots and returning to what fits
- Lessons learned from moving in-house and back to private practice
- Practical advice for business owners preparing to sell their company
This episode is for founders, dealmakers, attorneys, and operators who care about process, clarity, and building something that lasts.
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/1 hr 8 min - Relationship Banking, Deal Discipline, and Knowing When to Say No
In this episode of The Deal Podcast, we sit down with Edward Bienvenu, a commercial banker based in Lafayette, Louisiana, to unpack how relationship-driven banking actually works at the community level and why some of the best deals are the ones you never do.
Edward shares his unconventional path into commercial banking, starting in biology before realizing finance offered the right balance of structure, people, and long-term impact. What began as an analyst role evolved into a career built on advising business owners, structuring thoughtful deals, and helping companies grow responsibly.
This conversation goes beyond credit scores and spreadsheets. Edward explains how experienced lenders evaluate deals from a global perspective, looking at the full picture of a business owner’s assets, risks, and long-term plans rather than relying on automated approvals or one-dimensional metrics.
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/38 min - What Happens When the Deal Is Done and Purpose Is Still Missing?
In this episode of The Deal Podcast, hosts Josh Wilson and Jude David sit down with Paul George, consultant, speaker, and host of The Paul George Show, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, faith, business, and life after the exit.
Paul shares his personal mission framework, “Love God, serve others, and die with no regrets,” and explains how a lack of personal clarity often leads to broken businesses, burnout, and regret after successful exits.
The discussion explores the contrast between nonprofit and for profit leadership, the role of mission and values in building scalable companies, and why many founders wait too long to think about succession, legacy, and life beyond ownership.
Listeners will hear honest insights on:
- Why profit and purpose are not opposites
- How attachment to money and identity can quietly undermine leaders
- What happens when founders sell their business without a plan for what’s next
- How faith, discernment, and discipline show up in real-world dealmaking
- Why the most successful exits are prepared years in advance
This episode is for founders, operators, and investors who want to build businesses that last, exit well, and live with clarity beyond the transaction.
Connect with the Guest:
Paul George: LinkedIn
Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thedealpodcast
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/1 hr 5 min - Love, Truth, and the Business of Building What Lasts
On the show, we sit down with Lance Strother a coach, entrepreneur, inventor, man of faith, and lifelong developer of people. Lance is the kind of dealmaker who doesn’t just chase outcomes. He builds lives, teams, and cultures that last.
Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Lance shares how his journey through coaching, ministry, invention, and business shaped a philosophy that challenges how most leaders think about success. We explore why having “many irons in the fire” is not a flaw when it’s rooted in a clear mission, and how authenticity becomes one of the strongest forms of insurance for a fulfilled life.
This conversation goes deep into themes leaders rarely talk about openly:
- Why love can be a serious business strategy with real teeth
- How humility and truth drive real growth in the boardroom
- What inventing, failing, and finding the right business partner actually teaches you
- Why asking boldly and early changes the trajectory of your career
- How loss, faith, and service shape resilient leaders and dealmakers
Lance also shares the story behind building and launching a nationally recognized sports training product, what he learned about partnerships, and why integrity matters more than ROI alone.
If you lead people, build companies, or wrestle with balancing ambition, faith, and responsibility, this episode will challenge and encourage you.
Connect with Lance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-strother-8360243b/
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/1 hr 6 min - Are You Building Your Business from the Outside In or the Inside Out?
In this powerful Part 2 of The Deal Podcast with Sean Phalon, we go deeper beyond capital, real estate, and transactions into the why behind the work.
Sean opens up about:
- Growing up as an adoptee and finding his identity
- Building $85M+ in real estate pipeline and managing over 200 units
- Lessons from selling a mortgage company to a bank
- How personal transformation shifted his business philosophy
He also shares what it means to build from the inside out anchoring your business around your values, your time, and your faith, instead of chasing external validation.
This episode touches on everything: vision, leadership, family, faith, and the calling to serve through business.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why building your life around your values changes how you lead
- The difference between being a “go-getter” vs. a “go-giver”
- How to structure businesses that protect your time and legacy
- Why over-communication is critical in remote leadership
- The value of using your network with intentionality, not volume
- How Reach Labs is empowering real estate tech entrepreneurs
Guest:
Sean Phalon – Mortgage Executive | Founder | RE Investor 200+ Units | Distressed RE Expert
Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sphalon/
Host Joshua Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
Presented by: FA Mergers
Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com
Like this episode? Subscribe and leave a review.
Want to be featured? Submit your deal at https://www.thedealpodcast.com
28 min - What Makes a Great M&A Attorney?
What separates a good deal attorney from a great one? In this episode of The Deal Podcast, hosts Joshua Wilson and Scott discuss the legal side of mergers and acquisitions with veteran corporate attorney Frank Slavich, who brings over 25 years of experience in corporate law, M&A, lending, and commercial real estate.
Frank unpacks the real role of an M&A attorney: not to kill deals, but to protect clients while keeping transactions moving. You’ll hear how he balances business logic with legal risks, the importance of choosing the right partners, and how emotional attachments can sabotage a sale.
From succession planning to the infamous “Texas Shootout” clause, this is a must-listen for dealmakers, founders, and brokers looking to close clean deals. Frank also shares insights on how AI is (and isn’t) currently impacting legal practices.
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/38 min - What Can Car Sales Teach You About Private Equity?
In this episode of The Deal Podcast, Dan Daly shares his remarkable journey from selling cars on the wholesale lot to overseeing ultra-luxury brands like Bugatti and Bentley, and now leading a $50M international private equity fund focused on boutique hospitality properties.
Dan dives into:
- How competitive discipline (like training for an Ironman) shapes success in business
- Lessons from the car sales floor that translate directly to dealmaking and turnarounds
- His experience scaling automotive dealerships from underperformers to global leaders
- The mindset required to thrive in international investing and lifestyle-driven real estate
- His upcoming Golden Visa Fund targeting high-growth opportunities in Portugal, Costa Rica, and Japan
This is a masterclass in execution, customer experience, and the power of betting on yourself.
Connect with the Guest:
Dan Daly: LinkedIn
Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thedealpodcast
Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/34 min
About The Deal Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human and financial side of building enterprise value. Hosted by M&A advisor and executive producer Joshua Wilson, this is…
The Deal Podcast, brought to you by FA Mergers. We're your front-row seat to the strategies shaping today's lower- and middle-market, from the family-run business to the multi-million-dollar portfolio.
Too often, the world of mergers and acquisitions is seen as a complex, numbers-driven game. We believe it's about the people behind the deals—the bold entrepreneurs, the savvy investors, and the dedicated teams who make it all possible. Each episode, we sit down with the real players in the M&A space: from private equity sponsors and family offices to strategic buyers, serial entrepreneurs, and commercial bankers. We’ll also hear from the crucial professional teams on the front lines, including CPAs, tax and corporate attorneys, and wealth advisors, to uncover the blueprints of success.
Our conversations will delve into every facet of the deal lifecycle. We'll explore the art of acquisitions, the science of scaling through bolt-ons, the complexities of divestitures, and the long-term thinking required for portfolio optimization.
This podcast is more than a stage for thought leaders; it's a collaborative hub for anyone looking to build, scale, or prepare for their next chapter. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a successful exit, an investor looking to grow your portfolio, or a professional advisor supporting clients on this journey, our content is designed to be both educational and actionable.
Join us as we decode the deal, one conversation at a time.
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Deal Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. As a trusted connector among founders, family offices, and investment platforms, Josh brings a relational, strategic lens to SPACs, IPOs, M&A, and private placements—blending insight, curiosity, and communication to spotlight the people and deals shaping the capital markets.
The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.
Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.