The Deal Podcast

Inside a Real Deal Roundtable: Lessons from Thousands of M&A Transactions

In this exclusive episode of The Deal Podcast, the FA Mergers team, Jude David, Scott Shea, Chase Kenner, and host Joshua Wilson, sit down for a raw, behind the scenes conversation about what really happens when a mid market business goes to market.

Topics discussed:

• The biggest mistakes sellers make when approaching an exit
• Why waiting until you’re “ready to retire” can cost you millions
• What buyers are really looking for and why momentum matters
• The myth of inflated valuations and the danger of unrealistic expectations
• How independent sponsors often retrade deals and why it happens
• When FA Mergers turns down a sell-side engagement
• The truth about upfront fees and what to demand from your advisor

Whether you’re an owner, operator, or investor, this episode is packed with tactical wisdom from people who live in the trenches of dealmaking every day.

Connect with the team

• Jude David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/
• Scott Shea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-shea-0514b2a4/
• Chase Kenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasekenner/
• Joshua Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/

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/

In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson sits down with Philip Boggia to unpack an unconventional investing journey that began in federal law enforcement and evolved into a full-time life as a limited partner investor.

Philip shares how a single conversation with a supervisor during a government shutdown led him to read Rich Dad Poor Dad, rethink assets and liabilities, and begin a decade-long transition away from a traditional W-2 career. What followed was not overnight success, but years of disciplined learning, lifestyle trade-offs, and hands-on experience in real estate before expanding into private equity and alternative investments.

This conversation covers what it really looks like to start investing without excess capital, including selling personal assets, scaling back lifestyle, and learning to ignore advice from people who are not living the life you want. Philip explains how podcasts, mentors, and investor communities helped him stay focused when peers discouraged him, and why mindset mattered more than tactics early on.

The discussion also explores Philip’s evolution as an investor, from small multifamily properties to LP positions in resort-based private equity, private credit, and equity funds. He shares how relationship-driven deal flow led to an unexpected opportunity to co-found a wine brand, Pazzo Wine, alongside a former witness he once escorted as a U.S. Marshal, leveraging an existing resort platform to bring the brand to life.

Listeners will hear a candid breakdown of what a full-time LP actually does day to day, how Philip thinks about diversification, risk, and sponsor alignment, and why freedom of time and family presence ultimately drove every decision. The episode closes with practical guidance for anyone still in a demanding job who wants to create future options without chasing hype or shortcuts.

This episode is for operators, investors, and professionals who want a grounded look at building wealth slowly, intentionally, and with clarity around lifestyle goals.

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/

What happens when a CPA discovers his greatest strength isn’t crunching numbers? In this powerful interview, Catalyst Bank CEO Joe Zanco reveals how a mop, a moment of humility, and a mindset of ownership shaped his rise through the banking world to leading a NASDAQ-listed bank.

Joe shares hard-earned lessons from 10+ M&A deals, the real reason banks sell, how employee ownership changes culture, and what most people get wrong about public company leadership.

If you’re in dealmaking, banking, or leadership, this episode is for you.

Key topics:

• The “mutual-to-stock conversion” process explained
• Why giving away 8% of your company to employees might be the best thing you ever do
• How to go from employee mindset to ownership mindset
• Joe’s take on AI, crypto, and the future of community banks
• Why most private banks are acquired and what to look for in a seller
• The ONE thing all successful deals require (spoiler: it’s not the numbers)

Joe’s career arc proves one thing: when you give your best, no matter the task, someone is always watching.

Guest Info:

Joe Zanco: LinkedIn

Location: Lafayette, Louisiana

Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:

Joshua Wilson – LinkedIn

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast

Website – https://www.thedealpodcast.com

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/

In this episode, Blaise Zuschlag, EVP & Chief Administrative Officer of Acadian Companies, shares how a family-run ambulance service grew into a 5,000+ employee enterprise without losing its heart.

Blaise walks us through:

• His pivot from JPMorgan to joining the family business
• The early days of Acadian Ambulance and a pivotal buyout decision
• How they use M&A to grow into new regions while preserving culture
• The power of ESOPs and what it means when medics are also owners
• 10 core “ZP” (Zuschlag Principles) that guide leadership at Acadian
• The ROI of handwritten notes, duck camps, and direct communication
• Where AI, drone tech, and predictive models fit into emergency services

Whether you’re in operations, legacy leadership, healthcare, or private equity, this is a masterclass in long-term thinking, boots on the ground innovation, and family-rooted execution.

Connect with the Guest:

Blaise Zuschlag: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acadianambulance/posts/

Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:

Joshua Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/

www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast

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/

In this episode, we sit down with William Kellner, a former college basketball coach turned commercial litigator and M&A deal attorney.

Will brings a rare blend of courtroom experience, in-house legal strategy, and business-owner empathy. He shares the most overlooked threats in deal execution, what litigators know about deal structures gone wrong, and how his background in coaching shaped his approach to legal counsel.

This episode is essential for dealmakers, business owners, and attorneys who want more than boilerplate legalese, they want strategic clarity.

What You’ll Learn:

• The unexpected deal pitfalls litigators see that others miss
• How to protect sellers from unserious buyers
• Why early legal involvement leads to smoother exits
• Red flags in contract language and buyer behavior
• What it takes to build trust across the negotiating table

Whether you’re prepping your business for a future sale or actively evaluating offers, this conversation will help you avoid self inflicted wounds and structure deals that hold up under pressure.

Guest Info:

Founder, Kellner Law Firm

William Kellner: LinkedIn

Location: Lafayette, Louisiana

Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:

Joshua Wilson – LinkedIn

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast

Website – https://www.thedealpodcast.com

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/

What if your infrastructure wasn’t just a cost center but a source of recurring revenue?

In this episode of The Deal Podcast, energy developer and fourth-generation entrepreneur Ken Bernhard breaks down how his firm is flipping the script on mechanical systems, turning legacy utility plants into modern revenue engines.

Ken shares:

• How his family legacy sparked a new model for financing and operating infrastructure
• Why large institutions like hospitals and universities should outsource energy management
• What makes a deal truly “off balance sheet” and why that matters
• His partnership story with the Dallas Cowboys and the AT&T Stadium retrofit
• Why AI and smart O&M are the future of long-term asset performance

This episode is packed with strategic insight for investors, CFOs, and developers looking to future-proof their assets and generate real returns from infrastructure.

Learn more about Ken’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-bernhard-8b21a213/

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://www.thedealpodcast.com

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/

In this episode of The Deal Podcast, Beau Bourque, President of Beacon Realty, breaks down exactly how he built a real estate deal pipeline from scratch using a laptop, an Excel sheet, and relentless drive.

Beau started his business by targeting mobile home parks, an overlooked, fragmented niche and used consistent outreach to create opportunity where others saw none. Now, he’s expanded into industrial real estate, knocking doors, logging CRM calls, and training for the Boston Marathon all at once.

He shares why timing and persistence beat flashy tech tools, why door-to-door still works in 2025, and how to earn respect in a market by simply showing up.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to get started or get sharper, as a dealmaker.

Topics Covered:

• How Beau found his first deal by identifying overlooked assets
• Why he chose mobile home parks to start, and how he expanded into industrial
• What separates high-performing originators from average agents
• The “90-day plan” for prospecting that built his book
• Why door knocking still works—and will set you apart in an AI-first world
• How to overcome fear of rejection and get into momentum
• The best mindset for running both a business and a marathon

Connect with the Guest:

Beau Bourque

President, Beacon Realty

Phone: (337) 257-4272

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-bourque-b0701435a/

Connect with the Host & The Deal Podcast:

Joshua Wilson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDealPodcast

Website: https://www.thedealpodcast.com

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/

In this powerful episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson sits down with former LSU basketball star turned business leader Collis Temple III for a raw and inspiring conversation on navigating transitions, building legacy, and the mindset of championship leadership.

Collis opens up about his family’s legacy at LSU, how his father shaped his discipline from childhood, and the heartbreaking moment when a career-ending injury forced him to pivot from a lifelong dream of the NBA, just six hours before discovering a new calling.

If you’re a dealmaker, entrepreneur, athlete, or parent, Collis’ story will challenge your perspective on identity, purpose, and success beyond the scoreboard. You’ll learn what coachability really means, how to build durable teams, and why intentional parenting is the highest form of leadership.

Topics Covered:

• How Collis transitioned from pro basketball to business ownership in 6 hours
• Lessons from his father on strategic mentorship
• The mindset of elite performance in both sports and business
• Why NIL and the transfer portal are changing leadership in college sports
• How he built a thriving utility company using the same principles as sports

Guest:

Collis Temple II – Former LSU Basketball Player | Business Owner | Mentor

Connect with Collis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collis-temple-iii-9906b631/

Host: Joshua Wilson

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

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/

In this episode of The Deal Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Roth and Hunter Thevis, co-founders of S1 Technology, to explore their rapid journey from startup to a thriving MSP (Managed Service Provider) with 45+ employees, operations in 30+ states, and a spot on the Inc. 5000 list.

From a lunch meeting that sparked their partnership to multiple acquisitions and a nationwide footprint, this conversation dives into how culture, recurring revenue, EOS, and a strong co-founder dynamic have fueled their growth.

What you’ll learn:

• Why building a “business to sell” from day one matters even if you’re not planning to sell
• The power of recurring revenue in raising valuation and structuring acquisitions
• What makes a good partner, and why shared values matter more than split roles
• How S1 evaluates acquisition targets in the MSP space
• Why EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) keeps the team aligned, and culture keeps them winning
• The difference between MSP 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 and how they’re leading the evolution

Whether you’re an operator, investor, founder, or advisor, this episode delivers real insight into modern dealmaking and growth strategy.

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/

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Hooks, General Counsel, Chief of Staff at Stately, and City Councilman in Lafayette, Louisiana to explore how legal, strategy, and leadership intersect in M&A and beyond.

Thomas isn’t your average in-house attorney. With a background that spans industrial services, local politics, and private equity dealmaking, he brings a systems-thinking lens to every deal, team, and tension point. He’s also a husband and father of six with a grounded identity rooted in faith and family.

Whether you’re an M&A lead, founder, operator, or advisor, this episode will challenge how you think about risk, integration, and the people side of transactions.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to balance family, faith, and high-performance leadership
• The four great temptations in ambitious environments: wealth, pleasure, power, and honor
• Why general counsel must be the unpopular truth-teller in deals
• M&A strategy: scale vs. capabilities, and how to think like an operator
• Leveraging salespeople and product experts for acquisition insights
• The difference between public-sector and private-sector deal dynamics
• How to build organizational alignment across visionary and risk-averse leadership

Connect with the Guest:

Thomas Hooks

General Counsel & Chief of Staff, Stately

City Councilman, Lafayette, LA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrhooks/

Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:

Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDealPodcast

Website: https://www.thedealpodcast.com

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/