In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Seve Divitkos, https://loom.ly/E6uGJn4 the challenges of launching and growing a search fund. Steve shares his experiences as a first-time CEO, the emotional toll, strategic decisions, and the eventual exit from his company. Steve dives deep into what it’s like to be a CEO. For example, the challenges he faced around the perception of young CEOs, as well as the decision process between firing and hiring top talent. At the end of the day, Steve states that the path to growth is not line, smooth, nor easy. The podcast also highlights Steve’s current venture, Mineola Search Partners, his own podcast “In the Trenches”, and his perspective on investing in search funds. Steve is the type of person that, if you are looking to acquire a business, or invest in one, is a great guide/resource to talk to. The episode provides valuable insights if you are looking to acquire a business or invest in a search fund. In this podcast episode, we discuss: • Life as a CEO • Self-Awareness as a Business Leader • The ETA Community 10 Years Ago • Leveraging Your Network You can connect with Steve by his podcast: In The Trenches Podcast - Apple Podcasts Additional Resources: • Request a complimentary consultation with an M&A or financial expert for Quality of Earnings from O'Connell Advisory Group. - https://loom.ly/vt3738g • Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube • Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com • Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://loom.ly/owqgyHs 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://loom.ly/2uTS4Ts 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: https://loom.ly/EwWnnjU #Networking #Entrepreneurs #Investors #BusinessOwners #AcquireBusiness #ScaleBusiness #MALaunchpadConference #MALaunchpad

What an incredible experience at our recent M&A Launchpad Conference [malaunchpad.com](https://loom.ly/eMBW0hc) in Chicago! On October 26, we gathered an amazing community of acquirers, sellers, business owners, and investors—all eager to make connections, share insights, and elevate the world of M&A. We couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who joined us and brought their energy, expertise, and enthusiasm. From powerful presentations to insightful networking moments, every part of this event underscored the value of building a supportive and uplifting community in the M&A space. For more on our future events and how you can join this thriving community, head to [malaunchpad.com](https://loom.ly/eMBW0hc). Thank you to everyone who helped make this conference a success. Our next conference will be coming up in Houston, TX in 2025. More details to come! Until next time! 🙌 #MALaunchpad #M&ACommunity #ChicagoConference #BusinessGrowth

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew interview Jens Grudno, delving into his journey from a finance background to acquiring and turning around a struggling German manufacturing business. 🎧 Spotify https://loom.ly/4xDe6mY 🎧Apple: https://loom.ly/6z6OYRY Jens shares the challenges and intricacies of transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, including the complex process of acquiring a division of a bankrupt company, managing legacy issues, and scaling the business. Jens now currently owns and operates DOVO, a 100+ year old German straight-razor company with an incredible brand and story. Although the business ran into turbulent times, Jens recognized the opportunity and acquired the business a few years back. The discussion covers Jens' unique market in traditional straight razors, his strategic decision-making, and key lessons from his four-year experience. The episode offers valuable insights into the manufacturing sector, turnaround strategies, and the importance of tenacity in business. Jens is an open book, and if you want to learn more about his story or are interested in talking through a potential acquisition or investment, he encourages you to contact him! For 25% off DOVO Razors or Kits - Discount Code: LAUNCHPAD In this podcast episode, we discuss: • Turning Around a Distressed Business • How Brand Appearance Matters • Challenges of Operating a Business • The Razor Market You can connect with Jens by email: j.grudno@dovo.com Additional Resources: • Access our archive of video interviews on https://loom.ly/33f_u0c • Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com • Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://loom.ly/YvmQpvY... 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://loom.ly/ifgZaVU... 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: https://loom.ly/EwWnnjU #Networking #Entrepreneurs #Investors #BusinessOwners #AcquireBusiness #ScaleBusiness #MALaunchpadConference #MALaunchpad

This is your FINAL CALL to register for the M&A Launchpad Conference! ⏰ Join us THIS SATURDAY, October 26th, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago and gain the knowledge and connections to propel your business forward in the exciting world of mergers and acquisitions. Hear from industry titans like Walker Deibel, Bill Snow. Roman Basi, and so much more! Connect with industry peers and learn proven strategies for acquiring profitable businesses, scaling your existing venture, and planning a successful exit strategy. Don't miss out! Use code LASTCALL at checkout to save $200 on your ticket. ️ Register now: www.malaunchpad.com ➡️ #MALaunchpad #M&A #Conference #Networking #Investment #Chicago

Thank you to CapForge Acquisition Accounting and YourAcquisitionAdvisor for being Silver Sponsors of The M&A Launchpad Conference this Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Connect with our incredible sponsors here: CapForge Acquisition Accounting - https://capforge.com/ YourAcquisitionAdvisor - https://lnkd.in/gVjiuNkk #MAConference2024 #MAOctober2024 #MandAConference2024

Thank you to LiveOak Bank, TJ Corporate Credit and Meritage Partners for being Gold Sponsors of The M&A Launchpad Conference this Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Connect with our incredible sponsors here: LiveOak Bank - https://lnkd.in/dAyzWGv TJ Corporate Credit - https://lnkd.in/giK_mcjp Meritage Partners - https://lnkd.in/ggbBcjsb #MAConference2024 #MAOctober2024 #MAOct26 #MandAConference2024

Thank you to Bailey Law Firm PLLC and to the ReWild Group for being a Platinum Sponsor of The M&A Launchpad Conference next Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Connect with our incredible sponsor here: https://lnkd.in/gEkedTPv https://lnkd.in/gPv_mzwg

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Patrick O'Connell, @smbdealguy Today we are focusing on the role of a quality of earnings (QoE) in the M&A process. Patrick discusses the importance of conducting a quality of earnings analysis when transacting. The QoE is used to verify what the seller has told you about the business verses what is reported in the business. The QoE is a great financial tool to establish facts, rather than opinions, for valuing a business acquisition. Patrick looks to empower entrepreneurs to buy or sell lower middle market deals. We explore his role in evaluating business financial health and ensuring smooth transactions. The conversation covers practical insights on managing buyer-seller relationships, emphasizing working capital and negotiation strategies. The episode also highlights the importance of experienced advisory roles in acquisitions. In this podcast episode, we discuss: • What is a Quality of Earnings? • How to Verify Business Earnings • Importance of Mediating Buyers and Sellers You can connect with Patrick by LinkedIn or X: “SMB Deal Guy” Patrick’s Firm: Quality of earnings service provider (oconnelladvisorygroup.com) Additional Resources: • Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube • Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com • Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://loom.ly/NiEXoqU 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://loom.ly/WezxC5g 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: https://loom.ly/EwWnnjU

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Matt Pohl, Founder of The ReWild Group. Matt shares his journey of transitioning from a corporate job to becoming a business owner. This discussion covers Matt's decision to buy a lifestyle business, the eventual realization of the true value of his company, and how he managed to grow and sell it. Matt highlights the significant mindset shift required to transition from a technician to a business owner dedicated to growth and scaling. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding business valuation and creating transferable value. Furthermore, Matt discusses his current involvement with multiple ventures, including car washes and a welding business, and his partnership in a business consulting initiative, showcasing the diverse paths an entrepreneur can take post-exit. In this podcast episode, we discuss: • Growth Strategies for Business Owners • Process of Selling the Business • Changing Mindset to Succeed • Adjusting to New Ownership You can connect with Matt by email: mpohl@rewildgroup.com Check out The ReWild Group: The ReWild Group: Business Growth Framework for Organizational ReWilding Additional Resources: • Connect with your like-minded community! Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference happening October 26, 2024 in Chicago https://loom.ly/EwWnnjU • Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com • Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://loom.ly/edAl4GE 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://loom.ly/rRgUgQc 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: https://loom.ly/EwWnnjU #Podcast #Networking #Entrepreneurs #Investors #BusinessOwners #AcquireBusiness #ScaleBusiness #MALaunchpadConference #MALaunchpad

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview Alan Lockridge about his journey from tech consulting to purchasing and running 'The Stoneman,' a business specializing in hardscapes. The discussion covers Alan's three-year search for the right business, which was affected by COVID-19, and his eventual acquisition strategy. He shares insights on the similarities between his tech-focused background and his new blue-collar business, the importance of structured deals, and the benefits of leveraging relationships in acquisitions. Alan explains how he successfully transitioned into this new industry, made incremental improvements, and maintained a steady business. Listeners are also given a glimpse into his future plans and key takeaways from his entrepreneurial journey. In this podcast episode, we discuss: • COVID Effect on ETA • Acquisition & Operation Tips • Learning a New Industry You can connect with Alan by email: alan@stonemanrocks.com Additional Resources: • Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube • Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com • Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity-Launchpad.com About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://loom.ly/_Ehra9Y 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://loom.ly/wKWRBEs 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: https://loom.ly/EwWnnjU #Networking #Entrepreneurs #Investors #BusinessOwners #AcquireBusiness #ScaleBusiness #MALaunchpadConference #MALaunchpad