M&A Launchpad

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

From Property Management Startup to Acquiring a Service Business

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview Brittney Orellano, who shares her inspirational journey of starting a real estate property management company and later acquiring a garage and gate service business in Kansas City. Brittney discusses the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with family life, including working with her husband while raising four children.  Like many in this M&A space, Brittney discovered the world of ETA through the teachings of Codi Sanchez and other M&A podcasts.  After starting a company, she decided that an acquisition would be her next challenge.  Brittney and her husband currently own and manage both SCUDO RE + PM (property management company) and Radio Controlled Garage Door & Gate (garage door and gate service company). 
The conversation dives into the logistics of acquiring a business, including financial structuring, seller financing, and the integration of new technology. Brittney reveals the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey and offers invaluable insights and lessons learned. The episode also highlights Brittney’s excitement for AI implementation in her business and her passion for continued growth.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Starting VS Buying a Company
Diving Into New Industries
Acquisition Challenges
You can connect with Brittney by Email: brittney@rcgdg.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
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 happening May 3, 2025 in Houston TX!  Learn more at malaunchpad.com

SBA Lending Tips & Tricks from Expert Lender "SBA Ray"

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa interview Ray Drew, known to many in the M&A space as “SBA Ray”.  Ray hosts his own podcast called “The Art of SBA Lending” and provides an in-depth exploration of the SBA lending program, particularly the 7(a) loan. He has 13 years of experience in the lending space and is currently with Truliant Federal Credit Union as an official SBA 7(a) lender.  Key topics discussed include the dos and don'ts of SBA lending, loan structuring for business acquisitions, and recent changes to SBA guidelines.
Ray offers valuable takeaways for business buyers and how lenders make money. From a lender perspective, we discuss how money can be made as an SBA lender.  More importantly, from a buyer’s perspective, we dive deep into all aspects of the SBA product line, from the benefits to an SBA loan, to the recent guideline changes that buyers should be aware of.  The episode concludes with a deep dive into the nuances of SBA loans, including debt service coverage ratio, collateral requirements, and typical borrower mistakes.
 
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
 
Dos and Don’ts of SBA Lending
Loan Structuring for Business Acquisitions
Recent SBA Guideline Changes
Risk of Debt on a Business
 
You can connect with Ray by:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raydrew4589
Website: sbaray.com
X (twitter): @sbaray
 
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
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

Secrets to Raising Capital with Dr. Thomas Powell

In this episode, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa, of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, interview Dr. Thomas Powell, a serial entrepreneur and investor.  Dr. Thomas Powell has over 35 years of experience in banking and finance and has developed a deep understanding of the industry and raising capital. Tom has raised billions of dollars in his career for oil and gas, real estate and business ventures. In his spare time, he is a ski instructor in Nevada. He recently received his law degree in order to fight against the SEC, which we discuss in this episode.  
 
The discussion covers facing adversity, raising capital, the importance of taking calculated risks, and the value of staying connected with investors. Dr. Powell shares his extensive experience in business, detailing his journey from starting his first business at age 12 to becoming a key investor and advisor in various ventures.
Dr. Powell also highlights his lawsuit against the SEC promoting freedom of speech for entrepreneurs. This episode provides valuable insights into the real-life challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
 
Thomas is the Senior Advisor at The Brehon Group, an international consulting firm focused on helping startups raise capital and ensure compliance. He specializes in asset protection strategies, guiding clients in safeguarding wealth within complex legal and business environments. Thomas has extensive experience in securities laws, compliance, and financial structuring for both startups and large projects.
If you want to hear more from Dr. Powell, check out his podcast: Home - The Powell Perspective
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Raising Capital
Fighting the SEC
Enjoying Life While Running a Business
Making Good Investments
You can connect with Thomas by LinkedIn: Thomas J. Powell, LP.D - The Brehon Group | LinkedIn
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
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

Buying & Growing a Power Washing Franchise with Nick Heye

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Nick Heye.  Nick talks about his experience entering the franchise world with Rolling Suds, a power washing and exterior cleaning company. Nick was the fourth franchisee in a new system that has now grown to nearly one hundred, and shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of building a business from the ground up.
We discussed the importance of a good franchisor, lessons learned, and the pros and cons of franchising, as well as Nick's personal journey from finance to entrepreneurship. This is one of the only discussions that we had surrounding a franchise, and it is interested to hear the pros and cons compared to other entrepreneurship routes.  Nick gives good insight to making the proper decisions, how to treat others, and tips into running a quality business set to grow and succeed. 
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Transition from Finance to Franchising
How to Franchise
Marketing Strategies to Grow
You can connect with Nick by Twitter (X): @hokieheye
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
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

Acquire a Local Retail Garden Center with Rory Tyer

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Rory Tyer. This past year, Rory bought a retail garden center in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. Although Rory had a career before his dive into ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition), he spent several years searching for the right type of business to buy. Rory’s previous career ventures included being a singer/song writer, videographer, and even in the seminary. Once Rory found the business, the work began to secure, acquire, and operate. We dive deep into the intricacies of searching for and acquiring a business, as well as what challenges Rory faced in this process. Besides owning and operating the South Pleasantburg Nursery, Rory spends time as an executive coach. Rory drops many coaching tips throughout the episode.
 
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
· Owning a Nursery
· Executive Coaching Tips
· Working With A Seller
· How Life Changes in ETA
 
You can connect with Rory by LinkedIn or Twitter (X): @rorytyer
 
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. Quality of earnings service provider · 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