M&A Launchpad

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

Military to First Acquisition with John Murphy

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest John Murphy. John shares his transition from a military career to working at a Fortune 50 company, investing in real estate, and ultimately buying his business.  John received his college degree and decided to serve his country in the military.  After his time in the military, he began to pursue a career in corporate America.  Like many of the listeners to our show, John read about the M&A space and decided to pursue his own acquisition.  After a few attempts in the ETA space, John finally landed on Dave Cole Decorators which he currently owns and operates.
John discusses the leadership skills he transferred from his military experience to entrepreneurship, the challenges of managing cash flow, and the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in his company. The conversation also covers the importance of networking, due diligence in business acquisitions, and strategies for long-term growth and stability in a commercial painting business. 
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
Taking Military Skills into Entrepreneurship
Stress of Cash Flow Management
John’s Acquisition Story
Operating in the Commercial Painting Industry
You can connect with John by email: john@dcd-inc.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!
 

Buying & Selling Digital Businesses with the CEO of Flippa

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Blake Hutchison, the CEO of Flippa. Blake has been running Flippa for six years and shares many insights into how finds the edge to stand out as a giant in the industry.  Flippa is a marketplace that allows buyers and sellers to transact on technology-backed businesses.
The discussion explores how the landscape of digital business acquisitions has evolved, particularly through Flippa's unique marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of digital assets. Feras reminisces about the early days of Flippa in 2009 and reflects on its transformation into a diverse platform for acquiring digital assets such as websites, SaaS products, apps, YouTube channels, and more.
Blake shares insights into current market trends, multiples for different asset classes, and examples of successful acquisitions facilitated through Flippa. The episode provides valuable information for anyone interested in the potential of digital assets to enhance or pioneer their entrepreneurial ventures.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
How to Acquire Digital Businesses
Improving Your Business Through Digital Assets
A New World of ETA
Current Investor Opinions in the M&A World
You can connect with Blake by LinkedIn: Blake Hutchison - Flippa.com | 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
Come and see us at the M&A Launchpad Conference

Bootstrapping SaaS Company from $0 to $40M Exit with David Sinkinson

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest David Sinkinson. David and his brother Chris founded AppArmor. David discusses his experience founding and growing this public safety software company with his brother. The discussion navigates through their journey from bootstrapping the startup, achieving significant revenue growth, overcoming setbacks, and eventually negotiating a major acquisition by Rave Mobile Safety in 2022. However, that is not the end of the story. Soon after their first exit to Rave, Motorola acquired the business for over $500 million.
David shares key insights on startup methodologies like the lean model canvas, iterating and scaling efficiently, managing customer feedback, and effective strategies for achieving a successful exit. The episode also offers a glimpse into the acquisition process, from initial approaches and negotiations to due diligence and closing the deal, providing valuable lessons for both aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs.
In this episode we discuss:
Bootstrapping to a Successful Exit
Working with Your Brother
Unconventional Routes to Growing a Company
Equity Later or Payout Now
You can connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsinkinson/
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
Attend an upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: https://www.malaunchpad.com

Roll-Up in the HVAC Industry with Jordan Hammond

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Jordan Hammond. Jordan shares his journey from experiencing the failure of his first business to building a successful business through strategic acquisitions.
After a successful second start-up, Jordan decided that rather than deploying his cash into real estate, as many of his friends did, he would pursue the M&A industry. The discussion touches on the rollup strategy he employed, the challenges of integrating new businesses, and the transformational growth achieved. The roll-up strategy is seen as a great way to quickly and efficiently grow the top line in order to become a larger force in the market. On top of growing through acquisition, Jordan discusses his organic growth strategy that he is currently focused on to reach the next level.
 
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
 
· Wealth Preservation vs Growth
· Roll-Up Strategy
· Gaining a Competitive Advantage
You can connect with Jordan by LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-hammond-9a79562a/
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
Come and see us at the M&A Launchpad Conference

Ups & Downs of the CEO Life with Steve Divitkos

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Steve Divitkos, discussing the challenges of launching and growing a search fund. Steve shares his experiences as a first-time CEO, the emotional toll, strategic decisions, and the eventual exit from his company.  Steve dives deep into what it’s like to be a CEO.  For example, the challenges he faced around the perception of young CEOs, as well as the decision process between firing and hiring top talent.  At the end of the day, Steve states that the path to growth is not line, smooth, nor easy. 
 
The podcast also highlights Steve’s current venture, Mineola Search Partners, his own podcast “In the Trenches”, and his perspective on investing in search funds. Steve is the type of person that, if you are looking to acquire a business, or invest in one, is a great guide/resource to talk to.  The episode provides valuable insights if you are looking to acquire a business or invest in a search fund. 
 
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
 
Life as a CEO
Self-Awareness as a Business Leader
The ETA Community 10 Years Ago
Leveraging Your Network
 
You can connect with Steve by his podcast: In The Trenches Podcast - Apple Podcasts
 
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
Come and see us at the M&A Launchpad Conference