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M&A Unplugged

Domenic Rinaldik2adviser.com
Are you looking to Scale, Acquire or Exit a Business? If so, the M&A Unplugged Podcast was designed with you in mind. On each episode we will interview actual buyers, sellers and professional transaction advisors. They will share their experiences - the good and the not so good! We promise, in every episode, you will gain valuable insights and actionable takeaways to help you maximize the value of your own transactions. Mergers, Acquisitions, buying a business, selling a business, scaling a business and exiting a business all take time, preparation and the proper knowledge. M&A Unplugged promises to deliver relevant content for your business transaction and growth goals. Hosted by Domenic Rinaldi, the owner and managing partner of Sun Acquisitions - a Chicago based mergers and acquisitions firm. Having been involved in over 300 M&A transactions across a broad range of industries, Domenic asks the questions that unlock the secrets to creating value in transactions.

Episodes

47. Surprises Within the M&A Process with Joel Ankney

It takes a lot of courage to jump into mergers and acquisitions, more so if it is your first deal. Equip yourself with the knowledge of the issues people in the industry commonly encounter with the process and go in prepared. Owner of the Law Office of Joel Ankney, PC , Joel Ankney , shares his expertise and experience on the subject matter. He raises several scenarios that surprise his clients about the process and gives his strategies on how he deals with them and earns their trust. Learn how ...

Apr 28, 202038 minSeason 1Ep. 47

46. Protecting Your Brand Through Intellectual Property Enforcement with Andrea Fuelleman

One of the often-overlooked areas when it comes to mergers and acquisitions is intellectual property. It is time to change that and bring the necessary conversation forward. In this episode, Domenic Rinaldi is joined by Andrea Fuelleman to help guide us on this topic. Andrea is a partner at the law firm of Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg , where she focuses her practice on brand protection and intellectual property enforcement matters. Here, she discusses the differences between copyrights, patents, an...

Apr 21, 202027 minSeason 1Ep. 46

45. Corporate Turnaround In These Uncertain Times with Jeff Sands

Today’s discussion couldn’t have come at a better time where many business’ stability is at the brink of collapse. Domenic Rinaldi talks with Jeff Sands about corporate turnaround, how you can set things right and save not only your business but people’s jobs as well. Jeff is the Managing Director of Dorset Partners LLC and the author of Corporate Turnaround Artistry: Fix Any Business in 100 Days . He shares with us his expertise about the topic, highlighting the importance of team effort to the...

Apr 14, 202033 minSeason 1Ep. 45

44. How to Hire Virtual Assistants To Do More with Nathan Hirsch

Even before the time of the COVID-19 crisis, the practice of hiring VAs from all over the world had already become common practice, and the crisis only served to expand the practice in more fields. Hiring VAs can be a delicate process because you're entrusting so much to people you've never even met, but once you've established things properly, it should go off without a hitch. Domenic Rinaldi is joined by Nathan Hirsch , who is an entrepreneur, an expert in remote hiring and eCommerce, and the ...

Apr 07, 202023 minSeason 1Ep. 44

43. Leveraging Data For Your M&A Transactions with Anthony Algmin

The world has increasingly become data-driven. Yet, not many businesses understand the weight of its importance, especially when it comes to driving towards success. Nationally-recognized data leader and published author, Anthony Algmin , speaks with Domenic Rinaldi to shed light on why we need to take advantage of data in our businesses. He talks about how data impacts businesses' mergers and acquisition both from the seller and buyer's perspective, how data helps a company improve, and how dat...

Mar 31, 202032 minSeason 1Ep. 43

42. Exit Planning: Turning Over The Business with Steve Migala

Nobody actively wants to turn over and leave their business, but for whatever reason, if that day ever comes, as a business owner, you have to have an exit strategy in mind. Having a good, solid framework for exit planning is something that you should be considering right at the very beginning because, in the long run, it could just be a huge benefit to you. Steve Migala is a Shareholder at Lavelle Law, Ltd. with a broad transactional practice. Steve chats with Domenic Rinaldi about his framewor...

Mar 24, 202026 minSeason 1Ep. 42

41. Special Episode: COVID-19 Bank Lending Update

Domenic Rinaldi, Managing Partner of Sun Acquisitions and the Host of M&A Unplugged, interviews the head of Busey Bank’s SBA program, Steve Lasiewicz, about the current state of bank lending during the COVID-19 crisis. These are obviously unprecedented times but this is a glimpse at how Busey Bank is managing their SBA program. We will attempt to provide meaningful updates to our clients and community as the lending environment adapts to this crisis. Stay safe and healthy!...

Mar 19, 202017 minSeason 1Ep. 41

40. Understanding Business Tax Codes with Roman Basi

The tax burden on the acquisition or sale of a business is one of the most overlooked aspects of transactions. Many business owners fall trap into unnecessary things that could have been easily solved if they only considered creating a well thought out tax strategy. In this episode, we shine the spotlight on this often missed subject with the President of The Center for Financial, Legal & Tax Planning , Roman Basi . As someone who lives and breathes in the tax code to help business owners maximi...

Mar 17, 202033 minSeason 1Ep. 40

39. What To Know About Business Valuations Before Selling Or Buying A Business with Steve Mize

Business valuation is defined as a process and a set of procedures used to estimate the economic value of an owner's interest in a business. Calculating the valuation of the business is an essential step before buying or selling a business, and many investors require it before putting their money down. Dominic Rinaldi is joined by Steve Mize , a Founding Partner at GCF Valuation , to talk about valuations from a buyer and seller’s perspective. Steve has been an accredited senior appraiser for ma...

Mar 10, 202036 minSeason 1Ep. 39

38. The Impact Of Rep Warranty Insurance To Buyers And Sellers with Matt Somma

What is a rep and warranty and insurance and how can it impact a buyer and a seller? In today’s episode, Dominic Rinaldi talks to Attorney Matt Somma , the Vice President and transactional risk broker in ABD ’s M&A advisory practice. Dominic and Matt take a closer look at the ins and outs of rep and warranty insurance and how this type of insurance impacts buyers and sellers. Matt also walks us through the negotiation process for closing an insurance deal and shares the downsides and thresholds ...

Mar 03, 202036 minSeason 1Ep. 38

37. Working With Loan Brokers Vs. Banks with Doug Adams

Naturally, people work on financial matters with their banks—so much so that most of the time, they don't realize their options when it comes to loan brokers. Working with loan brokers can be a very different experience for most, but it can also bring unexpected benefits. Doug Adams is the Principal and President of Emerson Capital Corp. Joining Domenic Rinaldi, Doug differentiates the requirements and benefits of working with loan brokers versus working with banks. Check out the difference and ...

Feb 25, 202031 minSeason 1Ep. 37

36. How to Maximize The Value Of Your Business with Darren Mize

The more you know where your business stands, the better you can implement strategies that will help boost its performance. This is why business valuation is very necessary for every business to go through. An expert on this front, host, Domenic Rinaldi, talks with Darren Mize , one of the principals of one of the premier valuation companies in the US, GCF Valuations . Together, they go through the importance of getting a business valuation, exploring the process that goes with it. Sharing some ...

Feb 18, 202035 minSeason 1Ep. 36

35. The Psychology Of Business with Dr. Mark Sirkin

The Psychology of Business is slowly but steadily being recognized as a distinct branch of study by larger bodies in Psychology, so the practice has been developing throughout the years. This field of study puts practices in businesses in focus, and studies what brings about these practices. Domenic Rinaldi is joined by Dr. Mark Sirkin , the Founder and CEO of Sirkin Advisors , who dives into this unique and interesting field to explore the best practices that lead to business success. Perhaps t...

Feb 11, 202037 minSeason 1Ep. 35

34. Creating A Self-Managing Company To Maximize Business Value with Ken Arlen

One of the surest ways to maximize business value is to create a self-managing company. While this may seem easier said than done, it is nonetheless possible. Guest, Ken Arlen , is the person who has the experience to show you the ropes and got your back covered. Ken is the founder of Arlen Music Productions —a world-class entertainment self-managing company. With his proven experience on the field, Ken shares with you how you can create a self-managing business of your own—from having a great s...

Feb 04, 202043 minSeason 1Ep. 34

33. Best Practices For Sellers in Mergers and Acquisitions with Joseph Beer

Mergers and acquisitions are big events for various parties including the seller, buyer, company employees, and the legal team. On today's show, Domenic Rinaldi focuses on the seller and talks to Joseph Beer , the Vice President of Operations at Sun Acquisitions, LLC, about the seller’s responsibility during the M&A process. Joe explains some best practices for sellers that they need to think about before putting their business for sale as it relates to diligence. He highlights on confidentialit...

Jan 28, 202036 minSeason 1Ep. 33

32. The Three Foundational Components Of Selling A Business

Learning how to exit a business is just as important as starting one. In this episode, host Domenic Rinaldi gives out the three foundational components that you, as a business owner, must see through to ensure that you are ready to sell your business and do it with success. Grab a pen and paper and take down notes. Consider these things well as soon as possible because some are going to take some time to pull together. Contact Dr. Basi- https://www.taxplanning.com/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate...

Jan 21, 202029 minSeason 1Ep. 32

31. Realizing Your Dream And Delegating To More Business Dreamers with Jay Myers

The American dream of starting building and selling a business can be elusive for many entrepreneurs. In this episode, host Domenic Rinaldi talks to Jay Myers , a successful entrepreneur, award-winning author, and Founder and former CEO of Interactive Solutions (ISI). Here, he shares his journey towards realizing his dreams through a solid business strategy, where he incorporates some ways of gaining repeat clients. Having run a company to success, Jay shares to us the process of letting go of h...

Jan 14, 202041 minSeason 1Ep. 31

30. Getting Smart About Your Taxes with Dr. Bart Basi

To many, taxes feel like a hindrance: something that just gets in the way of the resources you're trying to gain by making a sale. But maximizing savings on taxes doesn't have to be all that difficult—provided you're working with the right people. Domenic Rinaldi is joined by Dr. Bart Basi , a taxation expert working with The Center for Financial, Legal & Tax Planning, Inc. , to discuss how you can get smarter about doing your taxes. Hiring an expert who understands the tax ramifications and all...

Jan 07, 202042 minSeason 1Ep. 30

29. The Last Show of M&A Unplugged in 2019

In this episode, Domenic: Thanks his audience for their support throughout the year. Welcomes listener feedback on show ideas, guest suggestions and the like. Mentions some exciting interviews to come in 2020, so stay tuned. Announces the launch of their new consulting business, K2 Adviser. "We've been so blessed and thankful for all of our steady listeners and for the growth of our audience both domestically and internationally." — Dominic Rinaldi Connect with Domenic Rinaldi: Sun Acquisitions ...

Dec 31, 20197 minSeason 1Ep. 29

28. What is Infinite Banking with Jim Oliver

In this episode, Domenic and Jim Oliver discuss: The actual rate of return versus the average rate of return on investments. Jim's background and his start in mastering the infinite banking concept. The whole life insurance policy rider that generates the borrowing platform. How Jim uses the concept to acquire and invest in businesses. Key Takeaways: It can only be done with a Mutual Life Insurance company. You can borrow against your premium without touching the principle. You pay an average in...

Dec 24, 201935 minSeason 1Ep. 28

27. Cyber Security Preparedness with Craig Sherwood

In this episode, Domenic and Craig Sherwood discuss: The importance of cyber security due diligence before a merger and acquisition deal. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, how cyber security preparedness can increase the value of your offer. How Shambliss performs their functional assessment of a business in order to create a guide map for improved security measures. The value of best practices in security to increase competitiveness in the B-2-B marketplace. Key Takeaways: US companies based ...

Dec 17, 201936 minSeason 1Ep. 27

26. Preparing To Sell Your Business with Andrew Kelleher

In this episode, Domenic and Andrew Kelleher discuss: Common legal issues when contemplating selling a business Estate issues when selling a business Getting people comfortable with a buy/sell agreement Life insurance as asset protection Key Takeaways: Begin with the end in mind; what does the post-sale life look like? Make sure all business owners are in order before starting a sale It is important to review the buy/sell agreement regularly as the business grows Life insurance can preserve the ...

Dec 10, 201935 minSeason 1Ep. 26

25. The Importance Of Having an Exit Plan with Wendi Ewalt And Leslie Chanel

In this episode, Domenic, Wendi Ewalt, and Leslie Chanel discuss: The early days of building Wenesco from the ground up. What happened to the company without a succession plan in place. Enacting changes within the company during transition periods. Advice for families of business owners without a succession plan. Key Takeaways: It’s so critical to have a succession plan and to build that early on with your advisors. Having a succession plan can help prevent the stress on your family of having to...

Dec 03, 201930 minSeason 1Ep. 25

24. Survey Review And Happy Thanksgiving!

In this episode, Domenic discusses: The results from a recent survey with prospective sellers and buyers. Understanding the ramifications of a sale. Creating a business that is self-managing. The upcoming programs and services in 2020 to better prepare for your M&A transaction. Key Takeaways: 84% of the respondents said they were looking to sell their business within the next 5 years. 64% of respondents don’t know what they will do after the sale. This is concerning as, in another study, 75% of ...

Nov 26, 201915 minSeason 1Ep. 24

23. Beyond The Price Of A Sale of a Business with Jeremy Waitzman

In this episode, Domenic and Jeremy Waitzman discuss: Earn-outs to bridge a gap Rollover equity Representations and warranties Indemnities Key Takeaways: Building a specialized and experienced team in mergers and acquisitions will save you time and money Business terms are just as important as price Understand what you are guaranteeing about your business and possible ramifications of breaching those in the future Be upfront with the buyers from the beginning with how much you want to be involve...

Nov 19, 201940 minSeason 1Ep. 23

22. Transitioning From Selling A Business To Retirement with Kathy Miller

In this episode, Domenic and Kathy Miller discuss: Preparing for retirement Preparing a business for sale Going through the selling process Meeting buyers and selecting the right one Key Takeaways: Begin setting up your personal life for retirement before you sell your business- know where you are going and what you want to be doing next Always have an exit strategy in mind, have your house in order the whole time Continuing to build the business and keep it going, while selling, can be one of t...

Nov 12, 201939 minSeason 1Ep. 22

21. Legal Considerations In Mergers & Acquisitions with David Buckley

In this episode, Domenic and David discuss: Estate Planning Legal areas of focus when planning an M&A Assembling the right team Securing your key employees Key Takeaways: Consider the long-term perspective of the estate when business planning Get the “curb appeal” of your business looking good before you have a buyer Start with the end in mind Preparing and assembling the right team upfront can make all the difference on how your sale turns out "Building the internal team and the internal struct...

Nov 05, 201938 minSeason 1Ep. 21

20. All About Private Equity Groups with Lamar Stanley

In this episode, Domenic and Lamar Stanley discuss: How Gen Cap approaches fundraising Approaching returns on investments Client concentration The market going forward and trends Key Takeaways: Gen Cap prefers to back and keep a management team that has experience and history in the firm Delegate tasks before you go to market Don’t try to time the market, sell when you still have room for growth Get the bad news out early "Inevitably in every process there are going to be surprises, so it is bes...

Oct 29, 201933 minSeason 1Ep. 20

19. Acquiring A Small Business And Growing It with Phil Stout

In this episode, Domenic and Phil Stout discuss: Phil’s background and how he and his wife were led to owning a small business Becoming comfortable in a new industry Preparing ahead of time to buy a business Owning a business with your partner Key Takeaways: When looking for a business to acquire its key to have a list of requirements that are important to you as an individual Have a realistic expectation of what cashflow will be expected Have a good division of labor that focus on each other’s ...

Oct 22, 201936 minSeason 1Ep. 19

18. Environmental Due Diligence with Tim Allen

In this episode, Domenic and Tim Allen discuss: Phase 1 reports and when they are needed Phase 2 if your report has REC’s impacting the property Phase 3 remediation Defensive Environmental consulting Key Takeaways: R.E.C. Recognized environmental concern and responses until the problems The bank and their risk department decide what the next step is going to be If you don’t do a phase 1, then you bought the liability when you bought the building You can use actual science and regulations to prov...

Oct 15, 201934 minSeason 1Ep. 18