AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition

Welcome to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, the podcast that delivers unfiltered, authentic insights from leaders in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry who are on the front lines of mergers and acquisitions.

Hosted by Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, each episode features candid one-on-one interviews with CEOs and influencers, sharing their real stories, successes, and obstacles in the world of AEC M&A.

If you're an AEC firm leader ready to shape your future through strategic growth, join us for inspiration and practical advice to take your firm to new heights.

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Episodes

Ep. 8: Engineer to Strategist: AEC Growth with Private Equity

For AEC firms seeking significant growth, M&A has become a strategic necessity. This episode of AEC Unscripted features Ashraf Jahangir, Chief Strategy Officer at Verdantas, a leading firm that has experienced growth under the ownership of two different private equity firms. Ashraf, with over 30 years of experience in the AEC industry, provides unique insights into the role of M&A in driving growth. Listen to learn: How private equity is transforming the AEC landscape and creating new op...

Jan 21, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Ep. 7: Tech-Driven M&A: A Game-Changer for AEC

Is your tech infrastructure prepared to avoid costly pitfalls during an M&A transition? In Episode 7 of AEC Unscripted: Mergers & Acquisitions Edition , Jeff Adams is joined by SN’s Phil Keeney and John Honodel to discuss the critical role technology plays in AEC M&A. They’ll share how to assess tech risks and opportunities before the deal, streamline systems during the transaction, and ensure seamless integration post-merger at an architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) fir...

Dec 09, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Ep. 6: The 3F's of AEC M&A: Fit, Future, and Financials

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition , host Jeff Adams of Stambaugh Ness sits down with Ernesto Aguilar, President & CEO of Ardurra , a private equity-backed firm, to explore the crucial elements behind successful mergers and acquisitions in the AEC industry. Together, they break down Ardurra’s 3F's rule—Fit, Future & Financials —and how these factors determine the outcome of any M&A deal. Drawing on his experience leading Ardurra through private equity-backed grow...

Oct 07, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Ep. 5: Scaling Up: M&A for AEC Small Businesses

Discover how M&A can help you scale your AEC firm and compete with industry giants in this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition. Your host, Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness sits down with Mike Ramos, President of Raymond to explore the power of M&A for small businesses. Mike shares invaluable insights, revealing how his firm leveraged mergers and acquisitions to achieve exponential growth, expand into new markets, and enhance its capabilities. Le...

Sep 09, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Ep. 4: Family Office: An Alternative Approach to AEC M&A

The Family Office is a winsome alternative to traditional private equity in the AEC industry. Join your host, Jeff Adams, as he discusses this topic with Chris Cook, CEO of ELEV8 Holdings. ELEV8 Holdings is an investment company dedicated to reshaping and consolidating the fragmented civil, structural, and architectural engineering sector across the United States. Chris Cook shares his unique journey and discusses how Family Offices provide a more personal touch and greater autonomy compared to ...

Aug 12, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Ep. 3: Beyond the Handshake: Why Legal Counsel Matters in AEC M&A

Thinking about buying or selling your AEC firm? Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can also be a strategic move to propel your business forward. This episode of AEC Unscripted explores the legal aspects of M&A in the AEC industry. Host Jeff Adams sits down with Lawson & Weitzen M&A attorney George Christodoulo , a recognized expert with over 400 deals completed! In this conversation, you'll learn: The critical role of exp...

Jul 09, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Ep. 2: Private Equity in AEC: A Growing Trend

𝗜𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗘𝗖 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺? The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is experiencing a surge of private equity (PE) investment. Jeff Adams, CPA, CMAA , and Ira Starr , Long Point Capital , explore how PE can fuel your firm's growth. In this episode, Ira and Jeff explore the typical investment model, how to position your firm for PE (platform vs. add-on strategy), and the key benefits and considerations. Lea...

Jun 11, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Ep 1: You Must Be Doing Something Right!

In our inaugural episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition , Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, Director, M&A at Stambaugh Ness chats with Dan Huntington, Executive Vice President of the M&A Synergy Team at IMEG, a leading national engineering and design consulting firm. Dan discusses the secrets behind their impressive M&A growth, having grown from just 3 deals in 2018 to integrating 19 firms in just 28 months! He emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and building strong partnerships ...

May 07, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 1