The M&A Mastermind Podcast - podcast cover

The M&A Mastermind Podcast

Nick Olsennolsen.podbean.com
The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode’s ”mastermind” will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.

Episodes

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 46 - Planning for Long-Term Value Creation

In this enlightening episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen engages with Mike Mensch, CEO and founding partner of Agency Brokerage Consultants, to delve into the crucial topic of value creation in M&A. Mike emphasizes the significance of a value creation mindset, advocating for business owners to consistently focus on enhancing their company's worth. The discussion covers the key motivators driving business owners and the common challenges they encounter while striving fo...

Aug 08, 202445 minEp. 46

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 45 - Thesis Approach to Personal Relationships

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Stu Noel, the Director of Business Development at Compass Group. Together, they explore the pivotal role of relationship-building in the M&A industry. Stu shares Compass Group's thesis-driven strategy for identifying promising investment opportunities and stresses the importance of collaboration, transparency, and open communication in forging successful partnerships. Listeners will gain valuable insights into ...

Aug 01, 202438 minEp. 44

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 44 - Scaling Up for a Successful Business Exit

In this episode of The M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Patrick Burke, a certified Petra coach, to explore the intricacies of the M&A space and the essential steps for business owners preparing for a successful exit. Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge with his background in psychology, law, finance, investment banking, and even owning restaurants. Patrick dives into how Petra coaches help business owners reduce owner dependency and establish a solid foundation for...

Jul 25, 202445 minEp. 45

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 43 - Expanding Your Network: Key Bank Contacts for M&A Advisors

In this episode, Ned Miller and Jim Huerth dive into the strategic approaches M&A advisors can use to leverage the banking world for client acquisition and collaboration. They share insights on how to build strong, value-driven relationships with bankers. Discover the keys to successful networking, including focusing on bankers' needs, providing valuable education and insights, and understanding their target market. Miller and Huerth discuss the power of referrals and the crucial role M&...

Jul 18, 202449 minEp. 43

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 42 - Who Are the Influencers in Your Life?

In this week’s episode, join host Nick Olsen as he sits down with Joe Blackburn, founder of Lion’s Eye Coaching as they dive deep into the importance of influencers in our lives. Discover how cultivating strong, authentic relationships with both traditional and non-traditional influencers can catapult your M&A strategies to new heights. Joe introduces the concept of "pillars"—those ideal clients who not only provide exceptional service but also pay optimally. He underscores the crucial eleme...

Jul 11, 202450 minEp. 40

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 41 - Transparency and Ugliness

In this week’s episode, join host Nick Olsen as he sits down with Nick McLean, Co-Founder of Four Pillars Investors as they discuss the importance of transparency in the M&A process. Nick reveals how honesty and openness can transform the dynamic between buyers and sellers. Nick shares compelling stories from his own experiences, illustrating how transparent practices build trust, set realistic expectations, and foster positive relationships. He doesn't shy away from the tough conversations,...

Jul 03, 202443 minEp. 41

M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 40 - Factors to Consider When Advising a client to Sell Now or Wait

In this week’s episode, join host Nick Olsen as he sits down with Kyle Griffith, Managing Partner of The NYBB Group as they discuss factors to consider when deciding if it’s the right time for a business owner to sell their company. Together, they delve into the crucial factors business owners need to weigh when making this big decision. Kyle and Nick explore a comprehensive range of internal factors, such as cash flow, growth strategy, key management teams, profitability, customer concentration...

Jun 28, 202448 minEp. 42

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 39 - How to Catalyze Your Company to Appeal to Buyers

In this week’s episode, join host Nick Olsen as he sits down with Trever Acers, Managing Director of Objective Investment Banking and Valuation for an enlightening deep dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions. Acers unveils a unique client-centric approach that sets the stage for successful deals. Discover the spectrum of tactics to captivate buyers and the art of nurturing long-term relationships with business owners. Trever shares his expert knowledge on proactive strategies and mainta...

Jun 20, 202452 minEp. 39

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 38 - Sell Side Reps & Warranty Insurance

In this week’s installment, join host Nick Olsen as he sits down with Rob Margeton, Co-Founder of Ryco Advisors as they delve into the dynamic world of M&A transactions and unveil the game-changing benefits of sell-side reps and warranty insurance policies. Unlock the secrets of how these policies, steeped in historical significance, revolutionize deal timelines and empower sellers to navigate the complex landscape of negotiations with confidence and finesse. Rob sheds light on the strategic...

Jun 13, 202431 minEp. 38

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 37 - What are the Components of a Perfect Acquisition?

In this episode Nick Olsen sits down with Ben Mackay from Evolve Capital. Together, they discuss the essence of the perfect business or opportunity in the M&A landscape. Unraveling the complexities of acquisitions, they uncover the key attributes and components that transform a business into the holy grail of acquisition targets. Some of the key takeaways of this episode include: The importance of relationships in the M&A industry Key attributes and components that make a business an ide...

Jun 06, 202435 minEp. 37

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 36 - M&A Market Update Q1 2024

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Bob Dunn from GF Data about the latest trends in lower and middle market M&A. They discuss the GF Data reports, which provide valuation information across different transaction sizes and industries. Some key takeaways from the conversation are: 1) Deal volume is recovering, with a significant increase expected in the coming quarters, driven by private equity exits. 2) Interest rates are stabilizing, which is positi...

May 30, 202433 minEp. 36

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 35 - Sale Leasebacks in M&A

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Dan Andrews, the managing partner and CEO of Tempus Realty Partners, about sale leasebacks in M&A transactions. They discuss the benefits and considerations of sale leasebacks, the timing and planning involved, and the potential tax advantages. Andrews emphasizes the importance of understanding the real estate involved in a transaction and determining if a sale leaseback is a good fit. He also highlights the limite...

May 16, 202439 minEp. 35

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 34 - How AI helps in M&A research

Join us for an insightful episode of The M&A Mastermind Podcast featuring Nevin Raj, COO and co-founder of Grata. Nevin delves into the indispensable role of software and intelligence in the M&A realm, shedding light on their significance in deal origination and business development. Learn firsthand why forging meaningful relationships and pinpointing the ideal companies upfront are pivotal for triumph in this competitive landscape. Discover how AI is revolutionizing the industry, automa...

May 09, 202440 minEp. 34

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 33 - All things buy side

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Bobby Lewis, a partner at Business Acquisition and Merger Associates (BAMA), about the challenges and benefits of the buy side of M&A. Bobby shares insights on the importance of being a hunter and having strong sales and marketing skills in the buy side practice. He also emphasizes the need for a dedicated team and efficient tools to be successful in the buy side. Bobby discusses the importance of building relationships...

May 02, 202436 minEp. 33

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 32 - Two Critical Business Decisions you Need to Get Right

In this episode of the True North M&A podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Don Montgomery, founder of True North M&A, to explore the critical roles and characteristics necessary for taking a company to the next level. Drawing from his 10 years of experience, Don shares insights into the role of a "hunter" in business development, emphasizing qualities such as integrity, adaptability, and empathy. As they delve deeper into the discussion, Don reveals the importance of cultural fit and ...

Apr 18, 202444 minEp. 32

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 31 - Utilizing Business Assessments for Client Acquisition

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Ryan Buist, a partner at Portage M&A Advisory, about the importance of business valuations in the M&A process. They discuss how valuations can help business owners plan for retirement, involve trusted advisors in the process, and ensure a smooth sale. Buist emphasizes the need for early valuations to allow for tax planning and value enhancement strategies. He also highlights the importance of building trust with cli...

Apr 12, 202430 minEp. 31

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 30 - Are Projections Necessary?

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, your ultimate destination for navigating the latest industry trends and strategies to elevate your M&A practice. I'm your host, Nick Olsen, Managing Director of Cornerstone International Alliance, the premier international alliance of M&A firms specializing in the lower middle market. In this episode, we're joined by a true mastermind in the world of M&A, Teddy Saltzstein, Partner at Six Pillars Partners based...

Mar 28, 202432 minEp. 30

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 29 - The Importance of Networking

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Mark Stephenson, President and Co-founder of Cube Business Media, to explore the intricate world of M&A events, conferences, and trade shows. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Mark shares invaluable insights into the dynamics of networking and strategic planning within the M&A landscape. From his journey in the events and trade show business to founding Cube Business Media in 2015, Mark prov...

Mar 21, 202441 minEp. 29

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 28 - Increasing your effectiveness with business owners

Welcome to The M&A Mastermind Podcast, where industry expert Nick Olsen engages in an illuminating discussion with Dr. Allie Taylor, a leading authority in business psychology. In Episode 28, listeners are treated to a deep dive into the art of client engagement and communication, as Dr. Taylor shares her invaluable insights on understanding and connecting with business owners on a profound level. As the conversation unfolds, Dr. Taylor and Nick explore practical strategies for advisors to n...

Mar 14, 202441 minEp. 28

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 27 - Goodwill: What is it and how will it affect my deal?

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, your go-to resource for exploring the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. In this episode, host Nick Olson welcomes Bob McCormack, founder of Murphy McCormick Capital Advisors, for an in-depth discussion on the complexities of goodwill in M&A transactions. Together, Nick and Bob dissect the concept of goodwill, delving beyond tangible assets to uncover its true significance in company valuations. Drawing fro...

Mar 07, 202430 minEp. 27

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 26 - When might an ESOP be an option

Join host Nick Olsen as he delves into the world of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) with expert Jeremy Huish, Vice President at Corporate Transition Consulting. In this insightful episode, Jeremy shares his vast experience and knowledge, offering invaluable insights into how ESOPs can be an option in the realm of M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions). Discover the nuances of ESOP implementation, its benefits, and why it's a viable alternative for businesses considering succession planning or...

Feb 29, 202432 minEp. 26

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 25 - Mastering Attention Management for M&A Success

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen engages in a deep dive with Maura Thomas, an expert in productivity and attention management. Maura, a pioneer in the concept of attention management, shares insights into her revolutionary approach to productivity and work-life balance. Nick and Maura explore the challenges faced by M&A advisors in a world filled with distractions and constant demands for attention. Maura emphasizes the importance of shifting from traditiona...

Feb 22, 202433 minEp. 25

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 24 - Mastering M&A Strategies with Peter Lehrman on Axial

Join Nick Olsen, host of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, as he delves into the world of mergers and acquisitions with Peter Lehrman, CEO and founder of Axial. In this insightful episode, they explore key strategies and industry insights to help elevate your M&A practice. Here's what you'll learn: Introduction to Axial: Discover the largest online platform for M&A deal sourcing and marketing, founded over a decade ago by Peter Lehrman, a Stanford University Business School graduate. The I...

Feb 15, 202447 minEp. 24

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 23 - Having Access to the Right Buyer Information

In this episode of The M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen and mastermind Andy Jones dive deep into the world of mergers and acquisitions, offering valuable insights and strategies for navigating the ever-changing landscape. Drawing from his extensive experience in the industry, Andy discusses key topics such as data integrity, relationship building, deal flow management, and industry trends. Nick and Andy begin by focusing on the importance of reliable data in M&A transactions, high...

Feb 09, 202438 minEp. 23

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 22 - Navigating a Cross-Border M&A Deal

Join host Nick Olsen on the M&A Mastermind Podcast as he delves into the world of cross-border mergers and acquisitions with special guest Jeff MacKenzie, partner at Confederation M&A. In this episode, Jeff shares insights from his recent experience leading a cross-border deal for Confederation M&A, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and opportunities encountered along the way. Discover how relationships and referrals played a pivotal role in connecting a Canadian fi...

Feb 02, 202446 minEp. 22

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 21 - M&A Trends in the Canadian Market

Join us in this insightful episode as Nick Olsen engages Trisha Mossey, an M&A expert from Confederation M&A, in a deep dive into the Canadian M&A landscape. Travel back to the highlights of 2023, where Confed M&A experienced its busiest year, closing 17 deals. Trisha shares her perspective on the bustling Canadian market, contrary to some industry reports suggesting a slowdown. As they transition into discussing the current state and future trends for 2024, discover the factors ...

Jan 26, 202439 minEp. 21

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 20 - The Difference Between Valuation & Assessment

The M&A Mastermind Podcast is a deep dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions, led by Nick Olsen with guest Joe Orlando. In this episode, they explore the differences between a valuation and a business assessment, drawing from Joe's rich background in business valuations. The conversation delves into Joe's journey into the profession, starting with his experience in investment banking and gradually transitioning into fundamental valuation. He shares insights from his time in the indus...

Jan 18, 202439 minEp. 20

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 19 - The Unsolicited Offer

Welcome to a captivating episode of The M&A Mastermind Podcast, where Nick Olsen, Managing Director of Cornerstone International Alliance, hosts Craig Castelli, founder of Caber Hill Advisors. In this riveting conversation, Craig unveils the intricacies of unsolicited offers, drawing from his wealth of experience in sales, business development, and the world of mergers and acquisitions. As Nick and Craig delve into the episode, you'll discover the fascinating journey of Craig, a Chicago-base...

Jan 18, 202446 minEp. 19

The M&A Mastermind Podcast - Episode 18 - Navigating M&A and the Holidays

In this episode of The M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Deborah Agrafojo, a seasoned M&A professional, to discuss the intricacies of managing M&A deals during the busy holiday season. Deborah shares her journey into the world of M&A, emphasizing the importance of structuring deals at various stages for optimal efficiency. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of managing multiple deals simultaneously, exploring strategies to maintain a he...

Jan 18, 202437 minEp. 18

The M&A Mastermind Podcast – Episode 17 – State of the Healthcare Market

In This Episode: Rebecca Springer, lead analyst for PitchBook, discusses the state of the healthcare market and the impact of the pandemic on the industry. She highlights the unique pressures and challenges faced by healthcare companies, including overleveraging and declining reimbursement rates. Springer also identifies hot and emerging segments in healthcare, such as behavioral health, and discusses the outlook for the industry in the next 12 to 18 months. She emphasizes the importance of outc...

Jan 18, 202436 minEp. 17