M&A Launchpad

Self-Funded vs. Independent Sponsor: Sean Smith Breaks Down the Real Numbers

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome Sean Smith, Managing Partner at Search Fund Ventures and co-founder of SMB Investor Network. Sean brings a transparent, investor-first lens to the world of small business acquisitions, breaking down what dealmakers need to know to structure successful transactions.
The conversation covers everything from capital stack nuances and risk mitigation to understanding investor preferences and step-up dynamics in self-funded search and independent sponsor models. Sean also shares his entrepreneurial journey and mission to democratize private equity for accredited investors.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:· How to structure any deal with the right capital stack· The investor mindset: what matters most in deal evaluation· Why the traditional search model might not be as successful as it seems· Comparing self-funded search vs. independent sponsor deals· How to evaluate deals using MOIC (Multiple on Invested Capital)· Why high debt levels change investor risk profiles· The role of quality of earnings in securing investor capital· How to approach investors with teaser decks and checklists· Real-world lessons from Sean’s portfolio and due diligence· Why transitioning small businesses is a national responsibility
Connect with Sean Smith:Email: sean@searchfundventures.co Website: https://searchfundventures.co SMB Investor Network: https://smbinvestornetwork.com
Additional Resources:· Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com· Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston — a premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Tickets and details at https://www.malaunchpad.com· Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at – info@equitylaunchpad.com· Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale, or sell your business? Visit: https://www.equity-launchpad.com
About The M&A Launchpad:
The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.
The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.

From Marine Corps to Building a Scalable Business with Grit with Dominick Blue

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew are joined by Dominick Blue, a former Marine turned software engineer and acquisition entrepreneur. Dominick shares his inspiring journey—launching Nostra Group, buying two businesses in under a year, and building an AI company to automate operations in home services. He opens up about transitioning from a military background to entrepreneurship, the importance of having a thesis during your search, how he structured his deals, the pitfalls of cash flow management post-close, and how leadership and grit are essential for success.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or building a holding company, Dominick’s story offers actionable advice, strategy, and serious motivation.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
· Dominick's path from the Marine Corps to launching Nostra Group
· Lessons from acquiring two companies in 2024 (including HVAC and air duct cleaning businesses)
· How to develop an effective acquisition thesis
· The realities of SDE modeling and cash flow post-close
· Navigating licensing and staffing challenges
· How military leadership skills translate into business operations
· The power of grit and persistence in entrepreneurial success
· Using AI to build digital workforces and streamline operations
· Why automation should be prioritized in lower-middle-market businesses
· Personal reflections on balancing family, business, and growth
Guest Contact Info:
· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Dominickblue/
· Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/Dominick_blue
· Email: Dominick@nostragroup.com
· Company: https://www.nostragroup.com
Additional Resources:
Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com
Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 3rd in Houston. Premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $200 off.
M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – info@equitylaunchpad.com
Explore more at: https://www.equity-launchpad.com
About The M&A Launchpad:   
The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.
The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.
Connect with M&A Launchpad: 
🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

How to Build Wealth Through a HoldCo Strategy | Dustin Carreon on Buying Businesses That Last

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with Dustin Carreon, founder of COI Holdings, for a powerful conversation on transitioning from small family business roots to building a successful self-funded HoldCo.
Dustin shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey—from collecting scrap metal with his father, to running a multi-million dollar electronics distribution company, to acquiring legacy businesses and compounding their cash flows into generational wealth. He reveals the mindset shifts, strategic decisions, and operational lessons that helped him move from hustler to long-term investor.
Whether you're considering your first acquisition or thinking about scaling into multiple businesses, this episode offers tactical insights and long-term vision from someone who’s actually done it.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
How to use your first business as a launchpad to acquire others
Building long-term wealth through a buy-and-hold acquisition model
Why culture is a competitive advantage in small business ownership
The power of cash flow compounding across multiple businesses
Connect with Dustin Carreon: · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinCarreon/
Email: dustinc@coiholdings.com · Website: https://www.coiholdings.org
Additional Resources:
O’Connell Advisory Group – Financial diligence and Quality of Earnings experts for business buyers. Website: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com
Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 3, 2025 in Houston Premier event for entrepreneurs and investors in the lower-middle market. Tickets and info: https://www.malaunchpad.com
Explore M&A investing and advisory with Equity Launchpad Website: https://www.equity-launchpad.com
Contact the Hosts, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equitylaunchpad.com
About The M&A Launchpad:   
The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.
The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.
Connect with M&A Launchpad: 
🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

Buy and Grow a Small Business with Grit and Strategy with Jon Staenberg

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Jon Staenberg, a veteran investor and expert in the search fund space. The conversation explores the growing role of search funds in the transition of small businesses across America and why now is a pivotal moment for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike. 
Jon shares his journey, from growing up in a small town to traveling the world, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on entrepreneurship. He discusses the grit and passion required to buy and operate a business, and dives into his personal ventures—including owning a winery in Argentina. With a strong belief in mentorship and community, Jon highlights the need to train the next generation of business leaders to take over the nearly 12 million small businesses facing transition. 
The conversation covers the evolution of the search fund model, global trends, integrating philanthropy, and the increasing role of technology and AI in the M&A space. Whether you're an investor looking to get into search funds or an entrepreneur exploring alternative ways to acquire a business, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways. 
In this podcast episode, we discuss: 
The rise of the search fund asset class 
Why small business transitions matter now more than ever 
How mentorship and community fuel entrepreneurial success 
The economics and models behind search funds 
Why grit and passion are critical traits in operators 
The role of AI and technology in business acquisitions 
Personal stories of taking risks and building a life through entrepreneurship 
You can connect with Jon Staenberg via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/ 
Additional Resources: 
Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—your dynamic Quality of Earnings partner. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com 
Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston — a premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Tickets and details at malaunchpad.com 
Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube 
Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at – info@equitylaunchpad.com  
Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale, or sell your business? Visit www.Equity-Launchpad.com   

Funding Business Acquisition with Your Retirement Account with Jeremy Ames

Join hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa on the M&A Launchpad Podcast as they welcome Jeremey Ames, Co-Founder and CEO of Guidant Financial. With over two decades of experience and a track record of helping 30,000 individuals step into business ownership, Jeremey brings invaluable insights to the table. Together, they explore different routes to entrepreneurship, from leveraging retirement funds to choosing between franchises and startups. Jeremey also breaks down current trends in business acquisitions, while sharing advice on navigating challenges and avoiding common pitfalls faced by aspiring business owners. Don't miss this expert-driven conversation packed with actionable tips for your entrepreneurial journey!
Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion packed with actionable takeaways for anyone involved in M&A or wealth management!
In this episode:
► Using retirement funds to become your own angel investor
► Franchises vs. Startups
► Relationship building for successful deals
► The changing landscape of business acquisition
You can contact Jeremy at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyamesentrepreneur/
Additional Resources:
Join the M&A Launchpad Community at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston. Get your tickets here: https://www.malaunchpad.com/ and use code LAUNCH for $200 Off Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com
Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad (https://equity-launchpad.com/)

Closing Sellers in an M&A Deal with Nate Pratt

Join hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa on the M&A Launchpad Podcast as they sit down with Nate Pratt, CFA, Vice President of Corporate Development at OneDigital. Nate plays a pivotal role in driving growth in the institutional and wealth advisory space through mergers and acquisitions. With a wealth of experience from leadership roles at Dimensional Fund Advisors, a $575 billion investment firm, and Strategic Investment Solutions, Nate is a seasoned expert in investment consulting and corporate strategy. 
In this episode, Nate shares his expertise on working with sellers, offering listeners a deep understanding of the seller's mindset throughout the M&A process. The conversation uncovers key strategies for navigating seller dynamics, building trust, and fostering meaningful relationships with founders during the sale of their businesses. 
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of early succession planning, the unique challenges tied to generational differences in communication, and the emotional complexities sellers face during transitions. Nate also emphasizes the critical role of face-to-face interactions and highlights the need for a well-structured wealth management plan post-sale. 
Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion packed with actionable takeaways for anyone involved in M&A or wealth management! 
In this episode:
Learn how to understand the mindset of sellers and the emotional challenges they face during M&A processes. 
Discover practical strategies for building trust and meaningful relationships with business founders 
Explore the critical role of early succession planning in ensuring smooth transitions. 
Gain insights into generational differences and their impact on communication and decision-making in M&A. 
Understand the significance of face-to-face interactions in fostering seller cooperation and closing deals. 
Hear Nate’s advice on creating a strong wealth management plan for post-sale success. 
You can contact Nate Pratt at: https://www.onedigital.com/profile/nate-pratt-cfa/  
Additional Resources: 
Join the M&A Launchpad Community at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston.  Get your tickets here: https://www.malaunchpad.com/ and use code LAUNCH for $200 Off  
Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad 
Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com 
Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad (https://equity-launchpad.com/) 

Young Couple Builds Generational Wealth By Buying A Business With SBA Loan with Meredith and Michael Schlinkert

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview Michael and Meredith Schlinkert, owners of BackgroundConnect, as they share their journey of acquiring a background screening company in Houston. They discuss their backgrounds, the search process for the right business, the challenges they faced during the acquisition, and their strategies for growth in the first year.  
The conversation highlights the importance of having the right team, understanding the business landscape, and building strong client relationships. They also reflect on their experiences and offer advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make similar moves in the business world. 
In this episode:
How Michael and Meredith Schlinkert navigated the business acquisition process while maintaining full-time jobs. 
The challenges of entering the background screening industry and how they adapted. 
Key strategies for post-acquisition growth, including technology investments and client relationships. 
How they financed their acquisition using self-raised equity and an SBA loan.
You can contact Meredith Schlinkert at mschlinkert@backgroundconnect.com  
Additional Resources: 
Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad 
Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com 
Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad (https://equity-launchpad.com/) 
Love this podcast?  Join the M&A Launchpad Community at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston.  Get your tickets here: https://www.malaunchpad.com/ 

How Independent Sponsors Buy & Scale Businesses Without a Fund with Bryan Rand

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview Bryan Rand, CEO of Rand & Co Holdings, who delves into the intricacies of being an independent sponsor. Bryan explains the dual aspects of the role: accelerating growth for small businesses and acquiring legacy companies.
Key topics include deal structuring, the benefits of private credit, and sale-leaseback arrangements. Bryan also shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and robust operational models. The discussion offers valuable tips for budding entrepreneurs and established investors alike.
In this episode:
What is an Independent Sponsor?
How does an Independent Sponsor differ from a searcher or an ETA
Sale Leasebacks and how you can use them
Take advantage of the private credit/cash flow loan explosion
How everybody wins! There’s so much opportunity in this market.
You can contact Bryan Rand on his website: https://rand-co.com/
Additional Resources:
Work with a Trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence Partner who focuses solely on Business Acquisitions: Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—Your Dynamic Quality of Earnings Partner. https://oconnelladvisorygroup.com/
Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad
Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com
Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad https://equity-launchpad.com/
Love this podcast? Join the M&A Launchpad Community at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston.  Get your tickets here: https://www.malaunchpad.com/

Doubling Revenue in a Plumbing & HVAC Company Through Acquisition with JD Beck

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview JD Beck, a successful entrepreneur in the plumbing and HVAC industry. JD, a graduate from the University of Alabama with an electrical engineering degree, went straight to the army after college. After the army, JD spent time in the corporate world before discovering the world of business acquisitions. In 2022, JD stumbled upon Mountain Valley, a local plumbing and HVAC business, which he then acquired for an incredible price. JD continues to lead and operate Mountain Valley, while simultaneously acquiring other businesses in the space.
JD discusses the challenges he faced during his transition, including the acquisition of Mountain Valley Plumbing, operational changes, and the importance of building a high-performance team. J.D also emphasizes the significance of effective pricing strategies and the role of business brokers in finding opportunities. He discusses the challenges of his first deal compared to subsequent ones, the strategies he employed to evaluate businesses, and the significance of networking through platforms like Twitter. JD also reflects on personal growth and leadership changes within his company, outlining his future goals for expansion and profitability.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:· HVAC & Plumbing Industry· Improving Operations in the First Year· Due Diligence in an Acquisition
You can connect with JD by X (Twitter) or Email: @dirtyhandsops or jd@mtnvalleyplumbing.com
Additional Resources: · Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube · Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com· Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad at https://equity-launchpad.com/

Pioneering AI and Acquisitions with Rob Carpenter

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview Rob Carpenter - an accomplished entrepreneur who got his start in AI before AI was popular and eventually exited to begin his own family office focused on home service acquisitions. Rob was born in an Eskimo village in Alaska and moved to Colorado where he launched his first software development company. After buying firms in India and London, Rob sold the business after seven years.  Soon after, Rob started Valyant AI, which sought to build holographic employees.  Although Valyant was exciting and innovative, it was too early for adapters of AI.  Rob exited and after a few ventures, decided to launch the family office to acquire and invest in other established businesses.
Throughout the episode, Rob emphasizes the importance of operational efficiencies, cash flow management, and digitization in acquired businesses, particularly in traditional industries. The discussion also explores the impact of AI and robotics on various sectors, the role of Google reviews in business growth, and the strategic decisions involved in acquisitions. Rob underscores the value of problem-solving in entrepreneurship and the lessons learned from past mistakes, offering key insights for those looking to navigate the world of business acquisitions.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
How AI is Re-Shaping the World
Too Early in AI
Running a Family Office
You can connect with Rob by email: rob@frostrivercapital.com
Additional Resources:
Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube
Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at - info@equitylaunchpad.com
Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad
Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3, 2025 in Houston, TX: Summary - M&A Conference Houston 2025