Subscribe to Smart Business Dealmakers
October 31, 2024
The Rise Of Earn Outs
By Adam Burroughs
Gordon Rees LP’s Craig Heryford on how earn outs are being used in the market and why owners should use caution when negotiating them.
October 31, 2024
Seeing Growth In The Messes
Jax Kar Wash’s Jon Zimmerman on how problem areas in a deal can turn out to be opportunities after the sale.
October 31, 2024
Whether An Operator or Investor, People Make The Deal
Rockmont Partners and EvidenceCare’s Bo Bartholomew on the reason people, at all levels, are central to a deal’s success.
October 31, 2024
Announcing the Minneapolis Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Minneapolis. See who we recognized!
October 24, 2024
Get Your People Ready To Sell
Authentix’s David Brown on preparing yourself, and your team, to tell the company’s story during a sale process.
October 24, 2024
Announcing the Denver Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Denver. See who we recognized!
October 24, 2024
Settling Into the Current Deal Paradigm
Debbie Ricci of Guidehouse, Don Bassell formerly of ARKO Corp, Alex Shahidi of Riveron and Chris O’Geen of Wells Fargo, on a panel moderated by Riveron’s Robert Berdanier, explore today’s market conditions and what it all means for executives looking to get deals done.
October 24, 2024
zTrip’s Acquisition-Driven Growth
zTrip's Bill George on the genesis of the business, its acquisition process and the secret sauce that’s helping the company continue on its extraordinary trajectory.
October 17, 2024
Learning The Family Business On The Fly
Competition Roofing’s Robert Hilty on what he’s learning during his first time leading the family business.
October 17, 2024
Announcing the Chicago Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in Chicago. See who we recognized!
October 17, 2024
Sellers, Know What You Have
Icon Parking Holdings’ John Smith on the evolution of the business and how he came to own it.
October 17, 2024
Preparing For The Unexpected
Brady Ware & Company Advisory Group Practice Leader John DeMoss and Shareholder Eric Carter offer their take on the current market and how dealmakers can capitalize on opportunities despite the obstacles.
October 17, 2024
Doubling Down on Columbus
Dr. Linda Lehmkuhl of MedVet, Aaron Weir of CollisionRight, Kim Zavislak of KPMG, Katie Bishop of J.P. Morgan Private Bank and moderator Leslie Johnson of Ice Miller discuss the opportunities they see in Central Ohio and how they are attacking the challenges of expanding in a city on the rise.
October 10, 2024
Critical Aspects Of Deal Prep, Starting With Why
Baker Tilly’s Bill Chapman on crucial aspect of deal prep for sellers
October 10, 2024
Navigating The Sale Of A 100-Year-Old Business
Bradley Corp. Luis de Leon on the steps take to move a century-old business forward.
October 10, 2024
State of M&A in the Middle Market
Bank of America’s Jim Dever and Fritz Franz, Archetype Solutions Chetan Bagga, PeopleShare’s Ryan Clark and SeventySix Capital’s Chad Stender share their experiences operating in this market and discuss what it takes to get M&A deals done in today’s environment.
October 10, 2024
2024 Northeast Ohio Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars
The Smart Business Dealmakers Rising Stars program recognizes up-and-coming dealmaking professionals engaged in a wide range of M&A activities.
October 3, 2024
To Tell A Better Story, Be Prepared
Resolute Capital’s Andy Tatman on what to consider when bringing on an investor
October 3, 2024
Factors That Can Make Or Break A Deal
The Selinsky Force’s Lori Scott on the factors that can make or break a deal post transaction.
October 3, 2024
Creativity, Relationships Become Critical In Tough Times
Viscogliosi Brothers’ Rob Grimaldi on the importance of relationships in dealmaking
September 26, 2024
In Deals, The People Aspect Can Get Messy
Warner Pacific Insurance Services Jean Halsell on addressing the human side of deals
September 26, 2024
Chase People, Not Revenue, In Deals
Sunstar Insurance Group’s Chris Parcell outlines the company’s acquisition process, shaped over more than 50 acquisitions.
September 26, 2024
How to Create and Enhance Business Value
Broadwing Capital Management’s Andrew Boisseau on value creation strategies
September 26, 2024
Announcing the D.C. Capital Region's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals in the D.C. Capital Region. See who we recognized!
September 19, 2024
Breaking Down The Steps To Achieve Post-Deal Value Creation
K1x’s John LaMancuso on the keys to post-deal value creation.
September 19, 2024
Balancing Family Matters While Preparing For A Sale
Three Brothers Bakery’s Janice Jucker on how their preparing their business for an eventual sale.
September 19, 2024
Preparedness Is Critical Given Today’s Level Of Diligence
Walden Businesses’ Sara Burden on what has changed for sellers in recent years as they go through a process.
September 19, 2024
Facing Financial Ups And Downs
Chartwell Financial Advisory’s Will Bloom on how financial conditions have affected M&A.
September 19, 2024
5 Tactics for Successful Post-Close Add-On Integration
SeatonHill's Paul Jurewicz offers tips on realizing the full value of an acquisition.
September 19, 2024
Announcing Columbus' Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Central Ohio. See who we recognized this year.
September 13, 2024
Announcing Philadelphia's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
See who we honored at the 2024 Philadelphia Smart Business Dealmakers Conference.
September 12, 2024
The Stress Of A Deal
Former Plastics Distributors and Fabricators Owner Mark Abare on what it feels like to sell a closely held business.
September 12, 2024
Learning To Move Past Deal Setbacks
Hackbarth Hospitality Group’s Paul Hackbarth on picking the right opportunities and dealing with setbacks.
September 12, 2024
Dealing With Increased Rigor In Diligence
Palm Tree’s Nick Fedorchak on managing the sell-side process
September 12, 2024
Cleveland Deal Activity: Upcoming Rate Cuts Could Spark Q4 M&A Activity
MelCap Partners’ Luke Hippler elaborates on potential interest rate cuts, and highlights notable recent transactions.
September 5, 2024
Pre-Close Practices Set The Post-Close Stage
Tonka Bay Equity Partners’ Shane Slominski on the importance of the pre-deal process to the post-deal success.
September 5, 2024
Market Factors Shift Buyer Perspective
Stonewood Capital Management’s Kenn Moritz on how market conditions affected his firm’s 2023 deal year.
September 5, 2024
Unfortunate Circumstances Lead To Important Family Business Lessons
Gamse Labels & Packaging’s James Canzoniero on how an unfortunate event led to a quick succession, and important business lessons.
September 5, 2024
How Interest Rates Are Transforming Deal Math
Evergreen Capital Partners’ Dominick Schiano on how conditions in the deal market are affecting transactions.
August 22, 2024
Dispelling ESOP Myths
MGX Digital’s Charity Brueggemann outlines the process of transitioning to an ESOP.
August 22, 2024
The Interest Rate Squeeze Impacts Buyers
Wind Point Partners’ Peter Leemputte on the challenges buyers face in a higher interest rate environment.
August 22, 2024
The Threat Of Hackers In M&A
Cyber Defense Labs’ Jerry Bessette on cybersecurity threats and how they affect companies engaged in M&A.
August 22, 2024
Market Factors Complicate This Buyer’s Approach To Deals
Kassel Holdings' Tom Werner on the challenges facing buyers in today’s M&A environment.
August 22, 2024
Exploring Buy-Side Risk
Bluejay Capital Partners’ James Samuelsen on the risk factors he considers when looking at buy-side deals.
August 15, 2024
The Thinking That Put Malley's Chocolates On The Market
Malley's Chocolates' Mike Malley on some of the thinking that led he and his siblings to take their family business to market.
August 15, 2024
Signals From Sellers That Could Turn Buyers Off Of A Deal
GMB Capital Partners' Michael McHugh offers insight into what buyers look for when considering an acquisition.
August 15, 2024
Sell Your Future, Not Your Past
Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners' Carrie DiLauro on the importance of human capital and selling the future in a deal.
August 8, 2024
Pittsburgh Deal Activity: Enhance business value before selling with a Tax Diagnostic Review
MelCap Partners' Tom Freeman explores tax diagnostic reviews and how they can provide significant value to sellers as they seek to exit their businesses.
August 8, 2024
How An Investor Sees Post-Deal Value Creation
Milton Street Capital’s Bob Hogan on how to create value in a business post acquisition.
August 8, 2024
Post-Deal People Strategies
Millennium’s Mary Burback on strategies for integrating people post acquisition.
August 8, 2024
Getting The Real Story In A Family Business Deal
Pine Street Capital Partners’ Timothy Welles on some of the challenges with buying family businesses.
August 1, 2024
For PE, People Increasingly Make The Deal
BluWave's Sean Mooney on how PE's perception of people in a deal has changed over decades.
August 1, 2024
"Why" Carries More Weight In Today's Deals
Wolverine World Wide's Jim Zwiers on the seller and buyer trend of emphasizing why a business is bought or sold.
August 1, 2024
Learning How To Have A Successful Sale
Coretelligent's Kevin Routhier on the steps he took to prepare his business for multiple processes.
August 1, 2024
Capital Sources And Their Impact On Strategy
Trustpoint.one's Mark Hawn on important considerations for business owners ahead of a sale.
July 25, 2024
Align Your Values To Your Exit Plan
Golterman and Sabo's Herb Golterman on the importance of aligning your values to your exit plan.
July 25, 2024
Internal Transparency, Communication, Central To M&A Strategy
rEvolution's Tony Lorenz on how internal transparency and communication are central to their M&A strategy.
July 25, 2024
From Rocky Start To Wildly Successful Sale
Former Birko Corporation CEO Mark Swanson on the company turnaround that led to a successful sale.
July 25, 2024
Ready To Sell? Know What's Next.
Marsh Creek Advisors' John Marsh offers a readiness checklist for those considering the sale of their business.
July 25, 2024
Columbus Deal Activity: The Unpredictable Yet Significant Variable Of Deal Fatigue
MelCap Partners' Mike Kostandaras talks about the phenomenon, highlights deal numbers for the market and spotlights notable Columbus deals.
July 18, 2024
Know You Seller's Motivations For Selling
American Roller's Dan Cahalane on the often-overlooked mental aspect of selling a business and how that affects a deal.
July 18, 2024
Longer Buy/Sell Timelines Are Introducing Novel Challenges
Lead Capital Partners’ Pryor Smartt on how higher interest rates have affected seller, buyer timelines.
July 18, 2024
Seller Inexperience Can Ripple Through A Deal
Bernatello's Foods' Jayme Woehl on the impact inexperienced sellers have on a deal.
July 18, 2024
Lessons Learned From Selling His And His Dad's Companies
Blydan Steel's Jonathan Sherrill on what he learned through selling two businesses.
July 18, 2024
How A Conversation About AI Led To A Decision To Merge
Apple Growth Partners' Chuck Mullen and Jeff Brooks on the realization that ultimately led to his firm's merger with Eide Bailly.
July 11, 2024
Planning Ahead Makes A Process Smooth
365 Retail Markets' Brittany Westerman on the steps the company takes very early in a process to make a transaction go smoothly.
July 11, 2024
Finding A Buyer With A Culture Connection
VES LLC's Bryan LeBaron on his thought process when choosing a buyer.
July 11, 2024
For Some, Cybersecurity Isn’t a Top-Of-Mind Risk
New Resources Consulting’s Mark Grosskopf on how cybersecurity factors into his acquisitions.
July 11, 2024
Buyer Insights Offer Sellers Tips On Deal Prep
Renovus Capital Partner's Atif Gilani offers insight into how they choose their investment targets and how sellers can make their company more attractive to buyers.
July 11, 2024
Post-Capital-Raise Board Dynamics
Jason Wolfe of Wolfe LLC, Meredith Meyer Grelli of the Tepper School Of Business Carnegie Mellon, Free Market Health's Joe Cardosi and moderator Patrick Colletti of Net Health and CoSage delve into the essential steps for getting your management team board-ready, and explore the art of CEO leadership in the boardroom.
July 2, 2024
Creating Value Before A Sale
Bradford Soap International former CEO Stuart Benton on how the shift he implemented in the company created value in preparation for a sale.
July 2, 2024
Getting Creative To Take Care Of People In A Deal
3 Men Movers' Jacky Fischer on how she's prioritizing taking care of her people when it comes time to sell her business.
June 27, 2024
Team, Family Drive Selling Decision
ScrapSource's Larry Olschwanger on his motivations for selling.
June 27, 2024
Transparency Is A Critical Element In A Deal Process
LCG Advisors' Jay Clark on the importance of transparency in a process.
June 27, 2024
Introducing Family Into A Business
David Mason of David Mason + Associates on the process of introducing family into his business.
June 27, 2024
This Seller’s Checklist Starts With Culture Fit
Sophisticated Systems’ Dwight Smith on what he looked for as he prepared to sell his business.
June 20, 2024
Driving Growth: Northeast Ohio's Destination Potential
In this roundtable discussion led by First National Bank's Boyd Pethel, David Gilbert from the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland, Greg Harris from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Brian Zimmerman from the Cleveland Metroparks highlight how their collaborative efforts drive economic growth and position the region as a must-visit destination.
June 20, 2024
How Financial Realities Are Affecting M&A Math
Keystone Capital's Bill Sommerschield on how financial realities are affecting M&A math.
June 20, 2024
Getting Deals Done Regardless Of Interest Rates
American Environmental Partners Brad Domitrovitsch on how he gets deals done despite interest rates.
June 14, 2024
How Capital Realities Are Shaping M&A Outlook
Bank of America's José Tavarez leads a conversation with Revel's Frank Reig, ChargeLab's Shaun Stewart and Bank of America's Shawn Hoyer on what dealmakers can expect for the remainder of 2024 and beyond.
June 13, 2024
Announcing Cleveland's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
Read about the Dealmakers of the Year we honored this year and check out the accomplishments of our Hall of Famers.
June 13, 2024
Using Deals To Get Outside Their Comfort Zone
SPS Commerce's John Strenger on how the company is entering adjacencies through M&A.
June 6, 2024
Announcing New York's Smart Business Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class
Celebrating the accomplishments of the 2024 New York Dealmaker Award Winners and Hall of Fame class.
June 5, 2024
How Listening To The Pros Made Selling Smooth For Nyquist Inc.
Nyquist Inc.'s George Nyquist on the importance of professional advice for business owners.
June 5, 2024
Eagle Park Brewing Is Learning On The Grow
Eagle Park Brewing Company's Max Borgardt on how he's handled his company's exponential growth.
June 5, 2024
An Unexpected Sale
Samtan Engineering Corp.'s Jon Petromelis on how he worked through the unanticipated sale of the business.
June 3, 2024
Interim CFOs: Building Bridges Across the PE and PortCo Divide
SeatonHill's Gayle Anderson on using interim CFOs to bridge the divide between PE and PortCo during the transitional phase to provide expertise and leadership.
May 31, 2024
Edible Brands' Founding, Flourishing and Future
Edible Brands' Tariq Farid and Somia Farid Silber on rebranding, expanding, and plotting the company’s future.
May 30, 2024
Navigating Family Business Growth
Strother Enterprises' Natasha Strother-Lassiter on the progression of her family business and the growth options they're considering for the future.
May 30, 2024
Patience, Relationship Building, Help Today's Buyers
Serent Capital's Kellie Kucik on the state of buying, and how relationship building is helping to get deals across the finish line
May 22, 2024
What Jeff Kropholler Wishes He Knew Before Selling His Business
Quantum Health Benefits Jeff Kropholler on his experience selling a business.
May 22, 2024
People Shouldn't Be An Afterthought In Your Deal
CMA Global Inc.'s Dana Borchert, Ph.D. on the importance of considering people in M&A deals.
May 22, 2024
Columbus Deal Activity: Navigating M&A turbulence amid economic and political uncertainty
MelCap Partners' Andrew J. Chalhoub talks about M&A trends, and highlights notable local deals, in this month's Columbus Deal Activity.
May 17, 2024
Announcing Atlanta's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Read about the Dealmakers of the Year we honored this year and check out the accomplishments of our Hall of Famers.
May 16, 2024
When Integrating After A Deal, Be Quick
Caliber Midstream Company's Joseph Mills on the importance of speed and honesty in post-deal integration
May 16, 2024
It Takes A Team To Sell A Company
Gateway Dealer Network's John Hopper on what he found important after selling twice in four years.
May 16, 2024
Essential Leadership Traits For Uncertain Times
Brightstar Capital Partners Tom Meredith on how today's market conditions impact business leaders.
May 16, 2024
How The Market Is Affecting Deal Processes, Outlook
Lance Bonner on how changes in the market are affecting the company's approach to M&A.
May 9, 2024
Ease Employees' Post-Deal Fears
Insperity's Emily Hak, Wisconsin River Partners' Jim Frings, Executive Search Partners' Nick Curran and Kyle Enterprises' (Millennium) Mary Burback on the critical role of people in a deal and how to conduct post-deal integration to minimize disruption.
May 9, 2024
Economic Realities Change Buying Criteria, Seller Outlook
Louis Plung & Co. Partner Tony Montanaro on the conditions in today's market and how they're impacting both buyers and sellers.
May 9, 2024
Sellers Have Opportunities, If They Prepare
Bank of America's Brendan Hanley on what sellers can expect in today's M&A market.
May 3, 2024
Recognizing Milwaukee's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Five of Milwaukee's top dealmakers were honored this past week with the Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Award while one other was inducted into the Milwaukee Dealmakers Hall of Fame.
May 2, 2024
Sometimes Deal Success Comes Down To Luck
CPTL Advisors Alan Feldman on the role of luck in a deal
May 2, 2024
Transparency, Relationships Are Key For Buyers In This Market
Long Road Partners' Jeremy Kane on the importance of relationships in today's M&A deals.
May 2, 2024
Labor Trends And Their Impact On Business
Mac Tisdale, Ahmed El Nokali, Philip Tulkoff, Richard McGee, Jr. on how changes in the labor market are affecting business.
May 2, 2024
The A, B, C's Of Today's Market
Edgewater Capital's Bob Girton on how market conditions are affecting how buyers approach the market.
April 25, 2024
Navigating The Post-Sale Transition As A Buyer
Black Lake Capital's Charles Scripps on what changes, and what doesn't, after a private equity acquisition.
April 25, 2024
To Grow Or Not Depends On Your People
The midday panel at this year's Detroit Smart Business Dealmakers Conference covers how to assess the right time to make an investment — whether the decision is to sell or grow.
April 25, 2024
Changing Times In M&A Require Buyer Adjustments
Permanent Equity's Taylor Hall on the challenges and opportunities in today's M&A market.
April 25, 2024
How To Unlock Value and Create Excitement For Investors
CollisionRight's Richard Harrison on the importance of generating investor excitement when executing a roll-up strategy.
April 25, 2024
Common Acquisition Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them
ID Images Jeffrey Fielkow on some of the pitfalls that can trip up acquisitions, and how to avoid them
April 25, 2024
Recognizing Baltimore's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Read about the Dealmakers of the Year we're honoring in Baltimore this year and check out the accomplishments of our Hall of Famers.
April 25, 2024
Harnessing Marketing and Sales Across PE Deal Stages
Chief Outsiders Slade Kobran, Dawn Werry and Evan Eckman talk about how using proven marketing and sales strategies across various deal stages can amplify returns.
April 18, 2024
Sellers, Be Prepared To Bury Your Business
Forever Bride's Ashley Hawks on how sellers can set themselves up mentally for the sale of their business
April 18, 2024
Recognizing Detroit's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024 class of winners April 18 at the Detroit Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Detroit business community.
April 18, 2024
To Generate Value, Run The Business Like You'll Be There For 100 Years
Schumann Steier's Arthur Steier on generating value for a business
April 18, 2024
Higher Multiples Require Greater Buyer Scrutiny
MERK Capital Corp.'s Thomas Parro on how today's economic conditions are affecting buyers' approach to deals
April 10, 2024
Why You Should View A Deal As A Long-Term Relationship
A&R Ironworks John Chesnutt on seeing deals with a long-term view.
April 10, 2024
Start With The End In Mind
Volato's Phil Michaels on the importance of starting with the end in mind.
April 10, 2024
Pitsburgh Deal Activity: Increased scrutiny on forecasts in a volatile market
While the primary impetus for this change in buyer perspective stems largely from the pandemic and other macroeconomic factors like interest rate increases and complex geopolitical conditions, we expect that this aspect of buyer assessment will become a regular step in the deal process for the foreseeable future.
April 4, 2024
The Rising Importance Of People In Driving Business Value In A Deal
SolomonEdwardsGroup's Laura Kellers Queen on the rising importance of people in driving business value in a deal.
April 4, 2024
Cleveland Deal Activity: Resurfacing of financial sponsors as both buyers, sellers
Because of the record levels of uninvested capital from record levels of fundraising by private equity groups over the past three years, financial sponsors are expected to be more aggressive and active on the buy side in 2024.
April 4, 2024
Be Honest When Courting Capital
FreightWise's Chris Cochran on how best to leverage different capital providers to achieve business results.
April 4, 2024
How to Maximize PE Value Creation by Better Assessing Growth Potential in Due Diligence
Chief Outsiders Managing Partner, Private Equity, Slade Kobran outlines and approach to value creation that starts in due diligence.
March 27, 2024
Nuances Of Buying Mom-And-Pop Businesses
G&G Garbage's Michael Desmond on funding deals and the opportunities, and challenges, of buying small companies.
March 27, 2024
Columbus Deal Activity: Resurfacing of financial sponsors as both buyers, sellers
Because of the record levels of uninvested capital from record levels of fundraising by private equity groups over the past three years, financial sponsors are expected to be more aggressive and active on the buy side in 2024.
March 27, 2024
Former FBI Agent On The Alarming Evolution Of Cyberthreats
Cyber Defense CEO Labs Robert Anderson, Jr. on the state of cyberthreats today and how they've evolved in recent years
March 21, 2024
The Importance Of Driving Local Investment In St. Louis
BioSTL Founding President and CEO Donn Rubin, along with USAKO Group President and CEO Dr. Han Ko and Capacity Chief Strategy Officer Douglas Wilber shared their perspective on what it takes to build a company in the region.
March 21, 2024
Lessons Learned From A Sale Process
Champions Hydro-Lawn's Shea Walker on lessons learned after going through a sale process
March 21, 2024
When Selling A Business, Get Help But Get Going
Red Hawk Past Owner Gillet Boyce on the advice he'd give to owners selling a business for the first time.
March 21, 2024
The Hard Work Of Not Becoming Another Family Business Statistic
Pump and Meter Service's Kurt Radermacher on his experience taking over the family business
March 21, 2024
CCA Global Partners Howard Brodsky On The Outsized Impact Of Delivering The Unexpected
CCA Global Partners Howard Brodsky on the common traits of the some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and the outsized impact delivering the unexpected can yield for a business.
March 14, 2024
To Close Deals, Get Personal
LUXIT Group's Stephane Vedie on the impact relationships can have in M&A
March 14, 2024
Deal Math: Quantifying Culture, Predicting Lifespan
Crown Capital's Christopher Graham on the unexpected ways math can measure deal risk
March 14, 2024
Announcing Dallas' Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Here are the Dallas Dealmaker of the Year Award honorees and Hall of Famers we're recognizing this year!
March 7, 2024
Policies That Bring Big-Picture Metrics Down To The Factory Floor
Innovations in Nutrition and Wellness Former CEO Jared Leishman on programs designed to engage employees in achieving company goals.
March 7, 2024
For Bliffert Lumber, People Are Central To A Deal
Bliffert Lumber's Eli Bliffert on the role a target's people play in a deal
March 7, 2024
AI Trends for the Progressive CEO: Navigating the Transformative Landscape
Chief Outsiders' Ed Valdez and Angus Robertson rank the eight most important factors in the AI scene to pay attention to right now.
March 7, 2024
Announcing St. Louis' Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
We're celebrating the accomplishments of the 2024 class of winners March 14 at the St. Louis Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the St. Louis business community.
March 7, 2024
It's Complicated: Earnouts And Their Impact On A Deal
The full Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmakers Conference Kickoff panel offer their takes on the earnout's role in a deal — for better and worse.
February 29, 2024
Find Advisors Who You Trust With Your Life
Speedeon Data's Gerard Daher on the importance of advisors and mentors as he prepares for an exit.
February 29, 2024
Inside The Thought Process Of Sell Or Don't Sell
Osage Venture Partners' Emily Foote on how she came to the decision she made with Practice, a company she co-founded.
February 29, 2024
The Role of a Family Office for Founders
615 Ventures' Rob Bellenfant, along with UBS's Mark Tepsich and James Jack, on the challenges of starting a family office after an exit, as well as strategies to better handle the new responsibilities.
February 29, 2024
Announcing Boston's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Here are the Boston Dealmaker of the Year Award honorees and Hall of Famers we're recognizing this year!
February 21, 2024
Sellers, Keep It Simple When Talking With Buyers
Circuit Check's Chris Scorse on the importance of clear communication between sellers and potential buyers.
February 21, 2024
Determining The Right Capital Structure To Finance Acquisitions
TD Williamson's Cris Gaut on financing deals and determining the right capital structure as the company moves through its lifecycle.
February 21, 2024
Announcing Pittsburgh's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
Here are the Pittsburgh Dealmaker of the Year Award honorees and Hall of Famers we're recognizing this year!
February 15, 2024
The Unexpected Sale Of A Family Business
Former Birko Corporation Owner Kelly Green on the shift to selling her family business.
February 15, 2024
Doing Right By Your Team In A Deal
Juvare's Robert Watson on the importance of focusing on the team during a transaction.
February 15, 2024
How Market Shifts Are Impacting PE Fundraising
Sidereal Capital Group Jabbar Abdi on the state of PE fundraising.
February 15, 2024
Announcing Nashville's Smart Business Network Dealmaker Award Winners and 2024 Dealmakers Hall of Fame Class!
The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards and Hall of Fame recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Nashville.
February 9, 2024
Capital Costs And The Impact On Dealmaking
Monarch Collective's Suk Shah on capital options today and the effect on M&A
February 9, 2024
To Finance A Deal, Get Creative
ARME Group's Ron Beam on the opportunities and risks that come with getting deal capital
February 9, 2024
Firing Sisters And Setting Up A Son's First LLC
Preferred Data Systems' Kelly Comeaux on life growing up in a family business.
February 9, 2024
Raising Capital And Competing With Unicorns
Hungry Planet CEO Todd Boyman talks about launching Hungry Planet and why it raised modest capital compared to its unicorn competitors.
February 2, 2024
Why CEOs at Midsize Firms Must Embrace Tech to Compete
Committing to gradual modernization now is infinitely better than a panicked scramble for reinvention when the markets force your hand.
February 2, 2024
To Maximize Value, Build A Great Team
DGP Capital's Jack Chang on what sellers can do to make their business attractive to buyers, when they should start the process and who they can turn to for help as they work to maximize their deal.
February 1, 2024
Knowledge Is Power For Sellers
Keith Lipman on the prep work that went into the sale of his company, Prosperoware
February 1, 2024
Competing On Culture
Seyer Industries' Chris Seyer on how he uses culture as a competitive differentiator.
February 1, 2024
Know Your Buyer's Intentions When Selling
SupplySide Group's Ansir Junaid on the importance of understanding the different buyer types and what they mean for your business post-sale.
January 26, 2024
Failure Is OK — And Other Lessons From Rob Hale
Rob Hale became a billionaire and lost it all by the age of 35. But he rebounded from that failure to co-found Granite Telecommunications, which made him a billionaire again and made it possible for him to become a co-owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics. He shares 3 lessons he learned along the way.
January 25, 2024
Shifting To The PE Perspective As An Operator
ZXP Technologies' Jason Sanchez on being an operator in a private equity-backed company.
January 25, 2024
The Nuances Of Buying Small Companies
Chesapeake Chemlab's Tim Krongard on the challenges, and opportunities, when buying smaller companies.
January 25, 2024
Are You Really Ready To Sell?
Big Dot of Happiness Founder and Former CEO Sherri Yukel on how she prepared herself and her business for a sale.
January 19, 2024
Cavs CEO Nic Barlage On Creating A Winning Culture
Nic Barlage, CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, discusses talent acquisition and development, building a winning culture, and the importance of leadership on the Smart Business Dealmakers Podcast.
January 18, 2024
Tune Your PE Growth Engine With These 4 Principles
Chief Outsiders columnist Jack Bowen outlines how to optimize portfolio-company performance and maximize growth opportunities.
January 18, 2024
Hafeezah Muhammad On People and Analytics In Deals
Hafeezah Muhammad's company Backpack Healthcare recently acquired two companies. At the 2023 Chicago Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, she talked about how the business has supercharged its
January 18, 2024
How Acquisitions Help Babson Farms Diversify Revenue
Taylor Kirkpatrick is generation four of Babson Farms, a family enterprise that started originally with dairy equipment manufacturing — the largest in the world, he says — until they sold the business
January 18, 2024
Capital Considerations To Maximize Flexibility
When capital was really plentiful, CFO Ron Oertell says for his company, Purchasing Power, the focus was on making sure they had many options. "We established separate SPVs, we established staggered
January 18, 2024
Sally Hughes On Letting Go
Sally Hughes founded Caster Connection in 1987 when she started selling chair casters out of the trunk of her car. Over 36 years, she built the business up to include some 3,000 different products,
January 12, 2024
Why Health Care Startups Fail
Jumpstart Capital founder and managing partner Vic Gatto has been investing in early-stage health care businesses for nearly a decade. His organization — Jumpstart Foundry, Jumpstart Health Investors
January 12, 2024
Financial Issues To Consider When Doing International Acquisitions
Gentherm closed two deals in July of 2022. One was a German multinational that added to the company's automotive space. The other was a domestic acquisition in China for its medical business. The deal
January 11, 2024
When It Comes To Assessing Culture, Listen To Your Gut
HB Global's Bob Whalen on the critical importance of culture in a deal and how to assess it.
January 5, 2024
Exploring Capital Options In A Challenging Market
Working within the commercial real estate space, Spencer Pisczak, president and founding Member of Premier Development Partners, says the current climate is in many ways a challenge. "The big problem
January 5, 2024
NVNG's Carrie Thome On Becoming The Investee
Carrie Thome left the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, where, as the Chief Investment Officer, she oversaw a $3 billion investment portfolio, to co-found NVNG Investment Advisors.
January 5, 2024
Even With Experience, Selling A Family Business Can Be A Challenge
Recently, Jeff Gershman, Chairman of the Board, of Gershman Mortgage & Gershman Investment Corp., sold Gershman Commercial Real Estate, a brokerage and property management company. Through his law
January 5, 2024
AgroFresh Solutions' Clinton Lewis, Jr. On Taking The Public Company Private
AgroFresh Solutions Inc. was spunoff into a stand-alone public company, listed on NASDAQ, after Dow Chemical acquired Rohm and Haas, of which it had originally been a part. Clinton A. Lewis, Jr.
January 5, 2024
Navigating The Journey From Diligence To Exit In Private Equity
Chief Outsiders' Slade Kobran shares some key considerations from PE operating partners that ought to be taken from diligence to exit, and the go-to-market strategies they’ve used to foster success.
December 15, 2023
For Perforce Software, Deal Speed Is Critical
Perforce Software's Mark Ties on his company's approach to M&A and why speed is crucial to deal success.
December 15, 2023
A Tale Of Two Exits
Allie Danziger, SVP and GM at AscentUP and Ascent Funding, on how lessons from her first sale informed how she approached the second.
December 15, 2023
Cleveland Deal Activity: Cultural Fit Matters
One of the most critical aspects of a successful transaction is cultural fit. There are several reasons it matters. Here are a few that can determine success or failure.
December 7, 2023
Setting Up The Next Generations
Lisa Ingram, president and CEO of White Castle, on how the 10,000-employee company prepares its family to participate in the business.
December 7, 2023
Tackling The People Part Of Deals
Borgman Capital's Megan Brobson on communication strategies for buyers and sellers involved in an M&A process.
December 7, 2023
Buyers, Take It One Deal At A Time
Stellex Capital Management's Shankar Kiru on the importance of approaching deals on a case-by-case basis.
December 7, 2023
Building a Bridge of Opportunity from Corner to Corner
Compelled by Jesus’ invitation to ‘love our neighbors as we love ourselves,’ Corner to Corner was founded by Will and Tiffany Acuff in 2011. The young couple wanted to create a relationship-centered
December 1, 2023
To Thrive, A Family Business Needs Rules
Jim Jurgielewicz, of Joe Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd., on the rough couple years the business experienced and how the rules the family set help them keep it together.
December 1, 2023
Level Agency's Patrick Patterson Raises The Growth Bar
Level Agency's Patrick Patterson on the management buyout, how he connected with his PE backers and what it took to close the deal, what life is like with a PE partner and the agency's plans for the future.
December 1, 2023
Why Deals Fall Apart + Reason For Caution With Earn Outs
The Riverside Company's Cheryl Strom on why most deals fall apart, as well as why sellers should use caution when earn outs are part of a deal.
November 21, 2023
Buyer Honesty Can Mean Greater Seller Buy-In
Tendit Group CEO Alejandra Harvey Oliver on how the seller mindset can affect the deal process.
November 17, 2023
For SCLogic, Time Is Ticking For An Exit
Mike Saldi, founder and CEO of SCLogic, feels he's running out of time. And that in part why his company began running a process. "At 60 years old, I've got to figure out what's next," Saldi said at
November 17, 2023
See Your Business Through Buyers' Eyes
The advice to business owners looking to exit is often to get the right advisers and plan well ahead of going to market. But for many, that's not always the reality. "We deal with the business owners
November 17, 2023
How Buyer Type Affects Deal Prep
When running businesses for private equity groups, Kevin Matkin, CEO of Maysteel Industries LLC says what's often important when preparing for a sale depends on the buyer type. For a financial buyer,
November 17, 2023
The Fourth Quarter Comeback
Sports enthusiasts can attest that there are few scenarios more thrilling than a fourth quarter comeback. And no NFL quarterback has led more fourth quarter comebacks than future Hall of Famer Tom
November 17, 2023
Reimagine Care Shifts Oncology Care to Patient’s Home
While service providers such as hotels and restaurants were severely debilitated by the pandemic shutdown, others thrived. One such example is Reimagine Care, a Nashville-based in-home cancer care
November 16, 2023
The Impact of Human Capital on M&A Deals
Caliber Midstream Company's Joseph Mills and Cooper Machinery Services' John O'Brien on the power of people in dealmaking.
November 10, 2023
Mayor, Business Leaders On The Evolution Of Downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis city and business leaders discuss downtown revitalization and the role that the business community leaders play in making a dynamic and vibrant downtown a reality.
November 10, 2023
Deal Activity: The 4th Quarter Comeback
A brief look at history would indicate that total U.S. deal volume and Tom Brady have something in common: completing a 4th quarter comeback.
November 3, 2023
Ven Raju On Investor Opportunities In Pittsburgh
After years of investing in early-stage companies in the SaaS, robotics, Internet of Things, health and fin tech spaces, Ven Raju has taken his talents from New York to Pittsburgh where he now heads
November 3, 2023
Putting Your Superpower To Work Post Exit
It's always a good time to start thinking about life after the sale of a business, says North Coast Ventures Managing Director Todd Federman. That, he says, can help business owners avoid being one of
