David Kalow is a University of Chicago law graduate, and now focuses exclusively on intellectual property. According to David, most companies – both large and small – need help to improve their strategy for intellectual property (IP). This includes making it even more valuable, cost-effective, and revenue-enhancing. IP strategy leverages a company’s most critical assets in the 21st century global economy: ideas and creativity. Ultimately, he helps you to create and implement an effective,...

On this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, Darren Horwitz joins me to discuss his extensive experience in guiding Fortune 500 and growth global brands and how branding intersections with deals. As founder of TenTen Group, a leading brands implementation firm that helps organizations plan, build, and manage brand changes, Darren is an excellent source to understanding branding and how that translates into dealmaking, With over 35 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, professional...

In continuance with the DealQuest Podcast episode remastering project, I’m sharing with you one of my earlier solocasts regarding licensing deals. In this episode, you’ll find not only the basics of licensing deals, but the various types of deals that can be executed through licensing, including large complex mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, joint ventures, strategic alliances, real estate, affiliate ship deals, and more. Furthermore, the potential for recurring income through the...

As is the case with many guests of the DealQuest Podcast, this week’s guest, Richard Parker, never envisioned himself as a dealmaker. Parker's journey into the world of dealmaking, however, began early at the age of 12 when he launched his first business endeavor, delivering newspapers and selling subscriptions in his local community. This early venture instilled in him the fundamentals of sales and marketing, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Throughout his career, Parker has...

Mergers and acquisitions, one of the best ways to grow your business, but sometimes it feels like trying to assemble a puzzle in a hurricane - exhilarating, chaotic, and you might end up missing a few pieces. That’s why I’m excited to have Scott Bushkie on this episode of the DealQuest Podcast. Scott is a managing partner and Founder of Cornerstone Business Services, a firm that specializes in offering exit strategies, managing sell- and buy-side transitions, and providing valuations within...

On this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I have guest Stephen Speer, the founder and CEO of eCommerce Lending Inc., a firm specializing in financing acquisitions, advisory, and search services in the online space. With a lending career spanning decades, Stephen and his team have utilized their expertise in assisting hundreds of entrepreneurs in achieving business acquisition success. As an e-commerce lender, guest speaker, and M&A instructor, he and his firm have funded over 500...

Negotiation: Not just a pivotal element in dealmaking, but a crucial skill to possess. Mastering the skill of negotiation can lead to deal-driven growth and success. The repercussions of failed negotiations, however, can be dire, often resulting in strained relationships, missed opportunities, and financial losses. On this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I want to focus on the top six reasons negotiations fail. Understanding these reasons can help business owners, executives, and leaders...

Hey there, it's Corey Kupfer, your host at DealQuest, and I'm bringing yet another enlightening conversation your way. In this episode, I had the pleasure of engaging in a lively dialogue with none other than entrepreneur and best-selling author Mike Michalowicz. Together, we covered some pivotal aspects of entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal fulfillment.Welcome back to DealQuest, where we dive into the minds of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Today, I was beyond...

This week on the DealQuest podcast, we have impressive guest, Jon Ostenson on. Jon is the CEO of FranBridge Consulting, a top 1% franchise consultant, and the best-selling author of Non-Food Franchising: The Better Path to Ownership. With over 35 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, professional negotiator, and attorney, Jon draws on his background as a former Inc 500 franchise president and multi-brand franchisee to help his clients select their franchise investments. He is a...

DealQuest community, this week I’m happy to have guest John Prothro on the DealQuest Podcast. John is an experienced executive with a background in M&A, operations, and multinational business leadership. As the CEO of Foot Solutions Inc, a foot wellness franchisor, John shares his insights on entrepreneurship – from valuable perspectives on growing a business, navigating deal opportunities, to finding fulfillment in both professional and personal endeavors. DEAL-DRIVEN GROWTH AND THE...

To continue with our DealQuest Podcast project of remastering key episodes in the DealQuest Podcast library, I am bringing you a remaster of another early episode, a solocast that discusses the importance of patience, pacing, asking questions, and maintaining relationships in negotiations. This remaster couldn’t come at a more perfect time, either, as many of the recent episodes have heard from our amazing guests on these exact topics. This remastered episode serves as a timeless reminder of...

Fellow entrepreneur, dealmaker and podcast host, Noah Graff, joins us this week for a discussion on treasure-hunting, brokering M&A deals, and roles of relationships in business. Noah is multi-faceted and experienced dealmaker, having traversed around the globe, procuring and distributing used machinery. Beyond his jet-setting global deals, Noah’s prowess extends into the realm of M&A, with his company, Graff-Pinkert, orchestrating numerous successful acquisitions and mergers in the...

This week’s guest, Gina Cocking, is a highly accomplished CEO with a wealth of experience in investment banking, finance, and executive leadership. With a career that spans prestigious firms, such as Kidder Peabody, Madison Dearborn Partners, J.P. Morgan & Co., and Colonnade Advisors, Gina has honed her expertise in financial services and business operations. Her extensive background includes serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Cobalt Finance and Healthcare Laundry Systems, where...

Matt Putra is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer with a proven track record of scaling, transforming, and financing small and medium-sized businesses. As an accomplished Fractional CFO specializing in eCommerce companies and agencies, Matt brings invaluable financial expertise to the table. His impressive portfolio includes successful collaborations with Eightx, Tru Earth, The Turmeric, and Lusomé, where he played a crucial role in ensuring their financial prosperity. Beyond his role as a...

In my journey as the host of the DealQuest Podcast, I've delved into a myriad of deals, engaging with diverse personalities. Every episode is put together with the intent to share strategies for business growth, aiming to enrich and empower entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders like you. My mission is to explore untapped avenues and innovative approaches to business growth, ensuring every listener is equipped with insights and tools to expand their horizons and elevate their enterprises...

Note: I want to share a brief content warning to my readers and listeners regarding this episode with guest Elliot Kallen. While Elliot’s story is powerful and important, there is discussion of teenage mental health and self-harm. If you or someone you know is struggling, please see below for resources. Elliot Kallen stands as an exemplar of leadership, leveraging a profound wealth of expertise amassed over three decades in entrepreneurial endeavors and financial advisory services. With a...

Ryan Tansom's remarkable journey from reviving his family's $21 million business to its 8-figure sale in 2014 exemplifies his entrepreneurial prowess. As the founder of Arkona and creator of the Intentional Growth™ Framework, he has redefined how entrepreneurs manage their businesses as financial assets, combining educational training with fractional CFO services. A mentor to over 400 entrepreneurs and a sought-after speaker at prestigious forums like Vistage Worldwide and Entrepreneurs...

As the leader of Dynasty Financial Partners' Investment Banking division, Harris brings over 15 years of financial services experience to the table. His career journey is marked by significant achievements, including a successful stint at UBS Investment Bank, where he played a pivotal role as an Executive Director in the Financial Institutions Group. During his time at UBS, he was instrumental in originating, leading, and executing strategic M&A and capital market transactions exceeding...

With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Brian Meegan has been a formidable presence in corporate law, representing U.S. and multinational clients with finesse in a multitude of business transactions. His expertise encompasses M&A, business structuring, contract negotiation, and a suite of other corporate matters including real estate, financing, and governance. Brian's acumen has not only been recognized by his peers but also by prestigious rankings, with his former firm,...

DealQuest Community, as the holiday season approaches, I find myself contemplating the concept of an ideal life. It's a question that often lingers in our minds, especially during this time of year when we reflect on the past and look towards the future. The truth is, tomorrow is not promised, and we have witnessed countless examples of this in our own lives and in the world around us. It serves as a stark reminder that we must strive to live our ideal lives now, rather than waiting for some...

DealQuest Community, several episodes ago, I introduced a project we’ve been working on – remastering early episodes of the DealQuest podcast into new life. I’m excited to bring you yet again another remastered episode from the start of this podcast. This episode is with a good friend of mine, David Bach, owner of FinishRich Media, and 10x New York Times Bestselling Author.David has authored 13 books, including bestsellers like Smart Women Finish Rich, Smart Couples Finish Rich, and The...

This week on the DealQuest Podcast, I had the pleasure to host guest Brett Martin, co-founder of Kumospace, a virtual office software for teams and events. Kumospace takes the unique experience of in-office work – where there is culture and community – and brings it to a post-COVID world, where working from home is commonplace. Furthermore, he is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Charge Ventures, a pre-seed-focused venture fund. When it comes to business in the technology age, success...

Opening Your Dealmaker’s Mindset for Better Deals On this podcast we discuss the dealmaker’s mindset often. It’s important to know there is no one singular way to achieving an efficient and successful mindset, however, there are plenty of core principles that help to grow your dealmaking skills. In turn, you can fix yourself to become a better dealmaker. In this episode, I want to discuss both the pitfalls many fall into, and ways to help you avoid those pitfalls - we’ll delve deep to equip...