In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Johan Cederqvist, co-founder of Grasp AI, a company focused on automating workflows in investment banking and finance. Johan shares insights into the challenges faced by investment bankers, the innovative solutions provided by Grasp AI, and the transformative impact of AI on the financial industry. The conversation covers the global reach of Grasp AI, its unique approach to data analysis, and the future of AI in enhanc...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min•Ep. 76
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Sharon Heaton, a seasoned expert in M&A and government contracting. They discuss the significant changes in Washington and their implications for M&A activities, including the impact of tariffs, financing challenges, and the overall uncertainty in the market. Sharon shares insights on historical parallels with past administrations, real-world deal impacts, and the evolving landscape of M&A amidst these changes. ...
Feb 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen speaks with Joel Redmond, managing director for family wealth consulting at Key Private Bank, about the critical importance of pre-transaction tax planning for business owners. They discuss the significant tax implications that can arise during business transitions, the optimal timing for tax planning, and the impact of entity structure on taxation. Joel outlines the four cornerstones of tax reduction strategies and emphasizes the nee...
Feb 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 74
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Joe Strazzeri discusses advanced planning strategies for business owners, focusing on the importance of timing, combining, and sequencing various strategies to achieve financial goals. He outlines the eight key goals that business owners should consider, including maintaining control, ensuring lifestyle, and protecting against taxes and lawsuits. Joe emphasizes the need for integrated planning and the importance of working with knowledgeable pro...
Feb 13, 2025•26 min•Ep. 73
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Jim Urban, an expert in exit and succession planning. Jim shares his journey from wealth advisor to specializing in helping privately owned businesses, particularly family businesses, navigate the complexities of exit planning. He discusses the importance of aligning personal wealth with business value, the unique processes he employs, and the critical need for robust continuity plans. The conversation also touches on ...
Feb 06, 2025•39 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Colin Bowman, a partner and VP at Cultivate Advisors. They discuss the intricacies of growing a business, preparing it for sale, and the importance of increasing enterprise value. Colin shares his journey from the franchise world to advising small businesses, emphasizing the need for a solid business plan and the role of M&A advisors in the selling process. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of busines...
Jan 30, 2025•30 min•Ep. 71
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Greg Maloney, CEO of Strategic M&A Advisors, discussing the critical role of insurance and risk management in mergers and acquisitions. They explore how sellers can prepare for buyer due diligence, the importance of professional advisors, and real-life case studies that highlight the impact of risk management on M&A transactions. The conversation emphasizes the need for sellers to understand the due diligence p...
Jan 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 70
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Joe Strazzeri, a tax attorney and expert in advanced tax planning for business owners. Joe shares his background, the importance of tax planning, and the four motives that drive business owners. He emphasizes the need for early conversations about tax planning, the timing of strategies, and shares real-life success stories of clients who benefited from proper planning. The discussion also covers the role of M&A adv...
Jan 16, 2025•33 min•Ep. 69
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen and guest Jim Cumbee discuss the critical role of referral networks in business development. They explore how referrals are often taken for granted, the importance of building relationships and credibility, and the use of content as a tool for connection. Jim shares personal anecdotes that highlight the serendipitous nature of referrals and emphasizes the need for professionalism and trust in these relationships. In this conversa...
Jan 09, 2025•47 min•Ep. 68
We’re wrapping up 2024 with Part 2 of our year’s best moments from the M&A Mastermind Podcast! This follow-up episode dives even deeper into the insights, strategies, and success stories that defined the year. Join us as we spotlight more of the most impactful conversations with industry leaders, dealmakers, and transition experts. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to hire the right advisor the first time "Focusing on what you do best and hiring experts" - Episode 50 - YouTube Insights i...
Jan 02, 2025•29 min•Ep. 67
In this special year-in-review episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, we’re bringing you the most powerful, insightful, and game-changing moments from the past year. Whether you’re a seasoned dealmaker, a business owner contemplating a sale, or a professional navigating the M&A landscape, this episode distills the key strategies, expert advice, and actionable takeaways from our top conversations. Listen in as we revisit standout clips covering: Proven strategies for maximizing business v...
Dec 26, 2024•26 min•Ep. 66
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Greg Brinson, CEO of CapLinked, a virtual data room platform. They discuss the evolution and importance of virtual data rooms in M&A transactions, highlighting key features, security measures, and the support provided to clients. Greg emphasizes the need for a sophisticated data room to protect sensitive information and streamline the transaction process, while also hinting at future developments including AI integ...
Dec 19, 2024•28 min•Ep. 65
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Shaunna Balady, a member of Cornerstone International Alliance, who specializes in the software industry. Shaunna shares her extensive experience in M&A, emphasizing the importance of operational expertise, philanthropy, and emotional intelligence in transactions. She discusses the evolving landscape of software M&A, the significance of relationships in client acquisition, and the future trends in the industry....
Dec 12, 2024•37 min•Ep. 64
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Adam Kroener, co-founder of Carbliss, shares the journey of creating a successful zero-carb, zero-sugar cocktail brand. From the initial inspiration rooted in a keto lifestyle to the challenges of differentiating in a crowded beverage market, Adam discusses the importance of building a strong team, strategic hiring, and maintaining a company culture that fosters growth. He also outlines the company's impressive growth trajectory and plans for fu...
Dec 05, 2024•49 min•Ep. 63
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, Jonathan Baker discusses his journey in the marketing services industry and the evolution of his firm, Punctuation. He shares insights on the importance of industry focus, the transition from business owner to M&A advisor, and the strategies for helping clients grow and prepare for exit. Jonathan emphasizes the need for business owners to treat their firms as businesses, develop lead generation plans, and work on their business rather than i...
Nov 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 62
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Andrew Hoffman, founder of the Search Fund Coalition. They discuss the concept of search funds, the evolution of acquisition entrepreneurship, and the importance of community support for entrepreneurs. Andrew shares insights on the different types of acquisition entrepreneurs, funding sources, deal structures, and the long-term goals of those looking to acquire and operate businesses. The conversation highlights the growing...
Nov 21, 2024•32 min•Ep. 61
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Bryce DeGroot, managing director and partner of an M&A firm specializing in outdoor recreation and lifestyle companies. Bryce shares his journey into the M&A business, the importance of industry specialization, and how it provides a competitive edge. He discusses the significance of relationships in deal origination, the risks associated with focusing on a single industry, and the value of organic growth throug...
Nov 14, 2024•50 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen speaks with Mike Garrison, founder of the Strategic Referral Team, about the significance of predictable referrals in the M&A industry. They discuss the challenges faced by M&A advisors in obtaining referrals, the importance of being interesting and authentic in marketing, and how personal passions can enhance business connections. Mike emphasizes the need for continuous self-development and the role of effective communic...
Nov 07, 2024•46 min•Ep. 59
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Matt LeBris, an entrepreneur and podcaster on a mission to impact a billion lives. They discuss Matt's journey from working with Damon John of Shark Tank to hosting a top-ranked podcast, the importance of overcoming adversity, and the transformative power of gratitude. Matt shares his insights on defining success, living authentically, and the necessity of embracing discomfort in the pursuit of personal and professiona...
Oct 31, 2024•49 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen speaks with Bentley Blackmon, founder and CEO of Navitor Wealth, about the critical role of wealth advisors in the M&A process. They discuss the importance of family office services, the timing of exit conversations, and the necessity of pre-transaction planning. Bentley emphasizes the value of conducting thorough financial analyses and tax considerations for clients post-sale. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of...
Oct 24, 2024•37 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Fred Joyal, a marketing expert and author of 'Super Bold'. Fred shares his journey from co-founding 1-800-DENTIST to becoming a boldness advocate. He discusses the importance of boldness in entrepreneurship, how to develop it as a skill, and the significance of building relationships without an agenda. The conversation also touches on the role of boldness in M&A negotiations and offers practical advice for listener...
Oct 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Matt Gilbert, a founding partner of Gap Transaction Advisors, shares his extensive experience in the M&A industry. He discusses the importance of alignment between advisors and clients, the emotional aspects of selling a business, and the lessons learned from his own past exits. Matt emphasizes the need for a thorough discovery phase to understand client readiness and expectations, the significance of trust and communication throughout the p...
Oct 17, 2024•49 min•Ep. 56
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews John Dalton and John Howe about their experiences in the manufacturing industry and the process of buying and selling manufacturing companies. They discuss the importance of research and understanding the niche market, as well as the need for empathy and collaboration with the seller and management team. They also highlight the value of creating a strong company culture and investing in the growth and development of the emp...
Oct 03, 2024•58 min•Ep. 53
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen welcomes back Andy Jones from Private Equity Info. They discuss the evolution of M&A, focusing on data-driven insights, transaction volumes, deal sizes, and the impact of government policy on the private equity landscape. Andy shares valuable statistics and trends, including the shift towards add-on investments and the implications of longer holding periods for private equity firms. The conversation highlights the importance ...
Sep 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 55
In this conversation, Nick Olsen and Ryan Holder discuss the importance of people in the sale of a business. They emphasize that the value of a company lies in its management team and employees. Buyers, especially private equity groups, look for companies with strong management teams that can continue to run the business successfully. The conversation highlights the need for business owners to build value through their employees and prepare their company for a sale by transitioning knowledge, re...
Sep 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Patrick Stroth, a national practice leader for M&A at Liberty Company Insurance Brokerage. They discuss the importance of reps and warranties in M&A deals and how it can benefit both buyers and sellers. Patrick explains that reps and warranties are disclosures made by the seller to the buyer about the condition and value of the company being sold. If any of these disclosures are inaccurate and result in financi...
Sep 12, 2024•37 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, Nick Olsen interviews Scott Bushkie, the founder of Cornerstone International Alliance, about what makes a good M&A advisor and the importance of hiring the right people. Scott shares his experience of starting Cornerstone and the challenges he faced in hiring the right team. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients and having a team with the right mindset and skillsets. Scott also discusses the benefits of using behavioral science in the hiring process an...
Sep 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 47
Michael Klumpp, a member of Cornerstone International Alliance, discusses the importance of having a strong footprint in the US for technology companies looking to sell. He emphasizes the need for timing in the technology sector and advises potential sellers to look for market activity and growth rates when considering a sale. Klumpp also shares insights on finding the best buyer, deal structures in the IT space, and the challenges of selling a company with high customer concentration. He highli...
Aug 29, 2024•38 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, host Nick Olsen sits down with Sharon Heaton as she discusses the art of successful M&A transactions and the importance of understanding the human side of deal making. She emphasizes that M&A is not just about the numbers, but also about the emotional attachment and life transition for the seller. Sharon highlights the need for M&A advisors to address the fear and uncertainty that sellers experience and to provide guidance and support throughout the process. She also...
Aug 22, 2024•33 min•Ep. 49
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Andrew Perlmutter, founder of PE Marketplace, discusses the platform he created to facilitate transactions in the lower middle market. The platform aims to connect buyers and sellers in the 1 to 50 million enterprise value range. Perlmutter explains that the increased emergence of private buyers in the M&A space is driven by factors such as population demographics and the growth of family offices and independen...
Aug 15, 2024•33 min•Ep. 48
