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7 hours ago
7 hours ago
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with Trent Lee, a multi-year IBBA Top Individual Deal Maker and #1 business broker in the U.S. for closed transactions. Trent breaks down how great brokers actually think about valuation, deal structure, and—most importantly—how they qualify both sellers and buyers.
From getting price and structure “bankable” for SBA lenders to using SDE, EBITDA, and adbacks the right way, Trent explains why most brokers are doing sellers a disservice and how he approaches deals very differently. He also shares exactly what buyers need to do to be taken seriously, stand out in a database of 45,000+ buyers, and get access to the best pre-market listings.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an independent sponsor, or a founder thinking about selling in the next few years, this is a masterclass in how deals actually get done in the small and lower-middle market.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
How Trent went from frustrated seller to award-winning business broker and credentialed appraiser
Why most business brokers get valuation wrong—and how that hurts both sellers and buyers
The appraisal and valuation process: SDE vs. EBITDA, adbacks, debt service coverage, and SBA guidelines
How Trent “indoctrinates” sellers with education before he ever takes a business to market
Getting sellers realistic on both price and terms (the price/terms “teeter-totter”)
Why some owners discover they’re not actually ready—or able—to exit when they first call a broker
How Trent built a 45,000+ buyer database and uses pre-market listings to drive competition
The rise of more sophisticated buyers and why “buying boring businesses” is beating startup risk
Seller financing realities: when seller notes help, when they hurt, and why he rarely recommends big carries for SBA deals
How to approach brokers the right way as a buyer (and what instantly tags you as a tire kicker)
Why being “industry agnostic” is a red flag and how to define a strong, credible buy box
The right sequencing: proof of funds, SBA pre-approval, and moving fast on non-binding offers
How to use due diligence to justify price adjustments when adbacks or owner comp are off
Trent’s Rocket Round: competitive tennis, a $19M triple-up exit story, and how he uses AI and automation to close more deals than most brokers combined
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://www.sellbusinessinlasvegas.com
Email: Trent@fcbb.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentlee
YouTube (free education for buyers and sellers): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncOtmBY1gbuE6wDyaFfwBw
Social & free buyer resources hub: https://linktr.ee/trentlee
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: http://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com.
Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – Coming October 2025, date and location TBD. This one-day event brings together operators, searchers, independent sponsors, lenders, and deal professionals for tactical sessions on deal sourcing, capital raising, quality of earnings, due diligence, and post-close operations. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket.
M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – To connect with hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa about deals, partnerships, or speaking, email: 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/
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew chat with Houston-based operator and Army veteran Raj Kankaria, owner of Lone Star Attorney Service—the largest process service company in Harris County. Raj breaks down how a career pivot and a tough life moment led him to discover a niche, recurring-revenue business, why he structured the acquisition with heavy seller financing, and how implementing EOS unlocked rapid growth from ~700–800 serves per month to ~1,200 in just a few months. We get into margins, pricing, who pays for service of process, the realities of post-close change management, and how disciplined leadership from the military translates into small-business execution.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Raj’s path: Army → Rice MBA → Investment banking → Acquisition entrepreneur
How getting served divorce papers revealed a business opportunity
What a process server actually does and who pays for it in different case types
Inside Lone Star Attorney Service: pricing transparency, sticky clients, and 25%+ margins
Deal structure: ~$1M valuation, ~4x forward EBITDA, 60% seller note, 30% seller rollover, 10% buyer equity
Why seller financing protects both parties and can create better after-tax outcomes
First-90-days playbook: immediate cultural reset, policy changes, and EOS implementation
Operational cadence: weekly L10s, issue-solving, and aligning the team to quarterly targets
Growth unlocks: InfoTrack preferred-vendor status and a tax-protest client adding steady volume
Technology collaboration with the case-management vendor versus building in-house
What’s next: organic growth, acquisitions, offshoring, and scaling statewide
Guest Contact Info:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkankaria/
Company: Lone Star Attorney Service (Houston, TX)
Email: (shared during the episode)
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: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com
M&A Launchpad Conference – Upcoming May 2, 2026 in Houston, TX. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $150 off.
Contact the Hosts – Email Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equitylaunchpad.com. Equity Launchpad helps founders and operators learn to buy, operate, and scale small businesses. Learn 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/
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with Josh Davis (JL Davis Enterprises) to unpack how he and his wife built one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in Canada—bootstrapped—then exited to a private-equity–backed strategic buyer in just three years. Josh shares the pivotal mentorship that shaped him, the asset-light pivot that unlocked scale, how custom software and ruthless scorecards drove margins, and what he learned operating under PE during a two-year earn-out. He also walks through his current family office and consulting work—helping founder-led SMBs get people, systems, and leadership right.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Josh’s origin story: entrepreneurial grandfathers, real-world mentorship, and the storm at sea that rewired his approach to leadership and preparedness
From mining to trucking: why roll-ups clicked and how a logistics pivot to asset-light changed everything
Building in-house software: dispatch → LTL consolidation → visibility → invoicing, and how “gamified” scorecards boosted GP and accountability
Scaling fast in a low-margin industry: the metrics that mattered and the hiring playbook that attracted top talent
Deciding to sell: pregnancy, capital intensity, and choosing a PE-backed strategic with operational support
Deal mechanics: two-year earn-out, integration lessons, and why the “education” was worth it
Life after exit: identity reset, launching a boutique family office, and spinning up a consulting arm for people/systems/tech turnarounds
Advice for first-time acquirers: right people/right seats, operating systems that actually run the business, and leveling up leadership
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Josh Davis 01:01 Family roots, mentorship, dropping out to care for his grandfather 02:36 The final sailing trip: crisis at sea and leadership lessons 04:27 From mining to M&A: distressed assets, turnarounds, and roll-ups 06:10 Honeymoon to startup: launching a logistics company with an asset-based vision 07:14 The pivot to asset-light and why it unlocked scale 09:00 Building the software: dispatch → LTL modules → visibility → invoicing 10:45 Gamifying operations: scorecards, metrics, and gross profit discipline 12:40 Competing in low-margin markets and earning a real-world “MBA” 13:34 Deciding to sell: capital intensity, family priorities, and going to market 14:50 Choosing a PE-backed strategic; two-year earn-out and integration 17:02 Scale at exit: office team growth and contractor network 18:23 Why an earn-out made sense for a high-growth, tech-forward platform 20:00 What PE taught him: budgeting, acquisitions, and executive rigor 23:55 After stepping down: identity, family time, and launching a family office 25:57 Founders in the weeds: building a consulting arm for people/systems/tech 28:14 AI, software, and human capital: helping SMBs professionalize 31:02 Working on the business vs. in the business 31:30 Advice for first-time acquirers: people, systems, leadership 33:18 Rocket Round: free time (boating), most memorable moment, favorite tools (mentors, AI + HubSpot) 35:58 How to reach Josh (LinkedIn, JL Davis Enterprises, DM “scale”) and close
Connect with Josh Davis
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scaling-with-josh-davis/
Company: https://jldavisenterprises.com
Additional Resources
The M&A Launchpad Conference – Join us in Houston for the 2026 M&A Launchpad Conference, a premier event designed for acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators focused on buying, scaling, and selling businesses. Expect actionable sessions, curated networking, and access to dealmakers who are actively acquiring and scaling companies. Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.malaunchpad.com — use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket.
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 https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com to learn more.
Get in touch with show 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/
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Friday Oct 17, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Grant Hensel — a seasoned entrepreneur and acquisition professional who transitioned from starting companies to buying and scaling them. Grant shares his journey from founding and exiting Nonprofit Megaphone to launching a self-funded search that led to the acquisition of a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO for personal injury attorneys. Together with his wife Julia, Grant built upon their prior entrepreneurial experience to acquire, operate, and grow the business while implementing EOS and exploring bolt-on opportunities.
Throughout the episode, Grant discusses the lessons learned from acquiring a service-based business, navigating due diligence for digital assets, managing client retention, and building operational structure with EOS. The conversation dives into how Grant and Julia identified the right target, financed the deal through seller notes, and created growth through sales, marketing, and a bolt-on acquisition. He also touches on his fund, Entrepreneurial Capital, which supports other ETA operators, and his perspective on growth, transparency, and building long-term client trust.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Self-Funded Search and Finding the Right Business
Due Diligence in Digital Acquisitions
Operating and Growing a Marketing Agency
Implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
Structuring Seller Financing and Building Trust with Clients
Bolt-On Acquisitions and Expanding Services
Investing in Other ETA Entrepreneurs
Guest Contact Info:
You can connect with Grant on LinkedIn or X (Twitter): @GrantHensel
Learn more about his fund: Entrepreneurial Capital
M&A Launchpad Conference:
The next M&A Launchpad Conference is happening in October 2025 in Chicago. Date and location details coming soon.
This is the 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.
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
Additional Resources:
Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equity-launchpad.com
Learn 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/
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, host Casey Minshew talks with Anica John, who shares her inspiring path from the tech industry to acquiring a book printing business. Anica opens up about leaving the corporate world, the lessons learned during the acquisition process, and how family support has been a driving force in her success. She also discusses the impact of tech layoffs on her decision to pursue entrepreneurship, the complexities of financing and closing a deal, and how leadership and team dynamics shape the post-acquisition journey. Whether you’re transitioning from a tech background, seeking your first acquisition, or exploring the small business space, Anica’s story offers valuable insights into the journey from employee to entrepreneur.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Anica’s journey from the tech industry to entrepreneurship
Lessons learned while acquiring a book printing business
The importance of patience during the acquisition process
How family support contributes to business success
The impact of recent tech layoffs on career choices
Navigating financing and due diligence challenges
The value of leadership and strong team dynamics post-close
Why understanding your business landscape is essential
How to hire the right people and create a strong company culture
Guest Contact Info:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anicajohn/
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 – October 25, 2025, in Chicago, IL. Premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Learn more at https://www.malaunchpad.com
Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equity-launchpad.com Learn 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: 🎧 Podcast on Apple: 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, host Casey Minshew interviews Cory Sandrock, Managing Partner of Pareto & Company. Cory shares his unique journey from theater to private equity, highlighting the nuances of independent sponsorship versus search funds and the critical role of teamwork in successful deal-making. He dives into lessons from his first acquisition, funding strategies for independent sponsors, and a detailed case study of an HVAC deal. Cory also explores the future of independent sponsorship, the importance of understanding financial health in acquisitions, and practical advice for new investors. Whether you’re an operator, investor, or entrepreneur eyeing your first acquisition, this episode provides grounded strategies and behind-the-scenes insights into the deal-making process.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Cory’s journey from theater to private equity
Independent sponsorship vs. search funds
Teamwork as a cornerstone of deal-making
The importance of assessing financial health before acquisition
Lessons from Cory’s first acquisition experience
Funding strategies for independent sponsors
Case study: HVAC acquisition and deal structuring
Incentivizing management teams for growth
How to differentiate in a competitive M&A landscape
The future of independent sponsorship and advice for new investors
Guest Contact Info:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corysandrock/
Company: https://paretoandcompany.com
Email: csandrock@paretoandcompany.com
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
M&A Launchpad Conference
The next M&A Launchpad Conference is happening in October 2025 in Chicago. Date and location details coming soon. This is the 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.
Additional Resources
Contact the hosts Casey Minshew or Feras Moussa at info@equity-launchapad.com
Looking to Buy or Sell a Business? Equity Launchpad: https://www.equity-launchapad.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/
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew sits down with Bryan Huber, Partner at SAB Capital, to explore the intricacies of sale leasebacks in the context of business acquisitions. Bryan breaks down how these transactions work, why they’re such a powerful tool for freeing up capital, and how they can improve business valuations. The conversation highlights underwriting considerations, the importance of quality of earnings, and the flexibility required when structuring deals. They also touch on lease agreement implications, financing strategies, and negotiating purchase options that protect future acquirers.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
How sale leasebacks can unlock capital in acquisitions
Why understanding the mechanics is crucial for acquirers
The role of quality of earnings in financial diligence
How sale leasebacks impact business valuation and flexibility
Underwriting considerations: tenant creditworthiness & lease structure
Geographic and market demand for sale leaseback transactions
Financing strategies that don’t limit future borrowing capacity
Negotiating purchase options to mitigate risk
Connect with Bryan Huber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bryan-huber-47453755/
Additional Resources
The M&A Launchpad Conference – Join us on October 25, 2025 in Chicago for a one-day, high-impact event designed for acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators who are serious about buying, selling, and scaling businesses. The agenda is packed with actionable sessions, curated networking, and access to industry experts who are actively doing deals. Space is intentionally limited to keep the event impactful, so attendees can connect with the right people and walk away with real opportunities. Secure your spot today at www.malaunchpad.com — use code LAUNCH for $200 off your ticket. 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
Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equity-launchpad.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
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/
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Friday Sep 19, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew interviews Paige Wiese, founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, a Denver-based digital marketing agency. Paige brings over 15 years of experience helping businesses build and execute marketing strategies that drive measurable growth. She shares her perspective on why evaluating digital marketing strategies is critical when acquiring a business, how digital assets factor into valuation, and what buyers and sellers should consider during due diligence.
The conversation dives into the importance of preparing for exits, integrating digital strategies post-transaction, and adapting to rapid changes in the digital landscape—including the rise of AI. Paige also highlights the unique opportunities and challenges in bringing digital presence to blue-collar businesses.
Key Takeaways
· The M&A Launchpad event is a must-attend for anyone buying, selling, or scaling businesses.
· Evaluating digital marketing strategies is essential for business buyers.
· Understanding digital assets can prevent costly mistakes during acquisitions.
· Financial health and quality of earnings are critical in M&A.
· A strong digital presence can significantly increase business valuation.
· Buyers should ask the right questions about digital assets before acquisition.
· Post-transaction integration of digital strategies is key to a successful transition.
· AI is changing the digital marketing landscape rapidly.
· Blue-collar businesses need to start building their digital presence early.
Connect with Paige Wiese LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewiese/ Tree Ring Digital: https://treeringdigital.com/
M&A Launchpad Conference The M&A Launchpad Conference is where acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators come together for a full day of deal-making, insights, and networking. Whether you’re buying, selling, or growing businesses, this is the event that puts you in the room with the right people.
· Learn directly from industry leaders and active dealmakers
· Gain insight into real-world acquisitions and exits
· Build relationships with capital partners, operators, and advisors
· Discover opportunities to scale through mergers & acquisitions
Chicago, IL Saturday, October 25, 2025 Tickets + info: https://www.malaunchpad.com/
Use code LAUNCH for $200 off registration.
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: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/
· Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad
· Connect with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equitylaunchpad.com · Learn more about Equity Launchpad: 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/
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome Kristie Shifflette, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate America to becoming a successful franchisee with Orange Theory Fitness.
Kristie dives into the challenges and triumphs of scaling her business to 13 locations, her experience navigating private equity, and the critical role of sales and team development in driving success. She also opens up about her post-exit chapter—new ventures in health and wellness, lessons learned, and how she’s redefining success after building and selling a thriving business.
This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, franchise operators, and anyone considering private equity partnerships or planning for an eventual exit.
Key Takeaways
· It doesn’t really matter where you start; it’s how you finish.
· Sales and people development are crucial for business success.
· Pre-sales strategies can lead to profitability from day one.
· Having control over an area can provide a competitive advantage.
· Building a strong team structure is essential for scaling.
· Private equity can provide opportunities for growth and expansion.
· Understanding your numbers is key to executing a successful business strategy.
· Self-awareness is important in recognizing when to pivot or step back.
· Creating systems and processes can make a business more attractive to buyers.
· Empowering consumers with knowledge can lead to better health outcomes.
Connect with Kristie Schifflette
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristie-shifflette-0761353/
M&A Launchpad Conference
The M&A Launchpad Conference is where acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators come together for a full day of deal-making, networking, and insights from industry leaders.
📍 Chicago, IL 📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://www.malaunchpad.com 💸 Use code LAUNCH for $200 off
Additional Resources
Watch our archive of video interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malaunchpad Contact the hosts: info@equitylaunchpad.com Learn more: https://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/
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles sit down with Jason Kruger, President at Signature Analytics (a Citrin Cooperman Company). Jason shares his journey from Deloitte to entrepreneurship, scaling Signature Analytics, and ultimately navigating its acquisition.
This conversation digs into the fundamentals of building a business with the end in mind—why intentional growth, strong documentation, and client diversification are critical to maximizing valuation. Jason also unpacks how AI is transforming accounting and decision-making, and what entrepreneurs should do today to position their companies for a smoother, more profitable exit.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or still scaling, Jason’s insights will give you a clear roadmap for creating enterprise value that lasts.
Key Takeaways
Intentional Growth – Plan for your exit early and build a company that operates independently of the founder.
Systems & Documentation – Formal processes add tangible value and buyer confidence.
Diversification – Avoid client concentration risk to stabilize revenue and valuation.
AI in Accounting – Emerging tools are streamlining reporting and empowering real-time decisions.
Connect with Jason Kruger
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-kruger/
Email: JKruger@citroencooperman.com
Don’t Miss the M&A Launchpad Conference
Join us in Chicago on October 25, 2025 for the flagship M&A Launchpad Conference—a one-day experience bringing together searchers, independent sponsors, capital partners, and M&A advisors. Networking, panels, and deal flow, all under one roof.
Register now at: https://www.malaunchpad.com Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket.
Additional Resources
Access our full archive of podcast and video interviews: https://www.malaunchpad.com/podcast
Connect with the hosts at Equity Launchpad: info@equitylaunchpad.com
Learn more about M&A opportunities: 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/