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...

From Sheepskin Boots to Billion-Dollar Success with Brian Smith DealQuest Community, I am so grateful to each of you for allowing the DealQuest Podcast to grow over the last few years. We’ve had so many incredible guests since day one, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. This is why I’ve chosen to remaster many of our older episodes into new life… And what better way to do that than with the story of Brian Smith, Founder of the internationally icon brand UGG®? Brian is so much more than...

The Fundamental Equation of Business Success with Kevin Stansfield When it comes to entrepreneurship, many people take the bold step of leaving their jobs to pursue their dreams of becoming their own boss. Too often, these aspiring entrepreneurs end up becoming proverbially enslaved to their own businesses. Kevin Stansfield is a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach on a mission to liberate fellow entrepreneurs from the shackles of their businesses. He witnessed his father's life consumed...

Wealth, Legacy, and Investment with Salvatore Buscemi In a world where wealth and success are often pursued with relentless ambition, Salvatore Buscemi stands out as a financial expert with a unique perspective. With a remarkable 20-year career spanning a diverse range of financial domains, Salvatore's journey has taken him from the illustrious Goldman Sachs to the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, as well as becoming an investor for the 0.001%. Along this extraordinary path, he has...

Freedom is a term we often come across, yet its meaning varies significantly from person to person. In the entrepreneurial world, freedom takes on a myriad of dimensions, from financial autonomy to the liberty of choice, and the flexibility of time. In essence, freedom in the entrepreneurial landscape is a tapestry of diverse elements – financial independence, time flexibility, decision-making autonomy, operational liberty, and the freedom to take risks. Each entrepreneur, with their unique...

 From the hallowed halls of West Point in 1990 to the bustling floors of stock trading, Jeff Evenson's journey through the corporate maze has been nothing short of remarkable. With an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis under his belt, Jeff navigated the world of stocks at a brokerage firm, managed diverse portfolios, oversaw pension funds, and played a key role in facilitating acquisitions for a prominent Fortune 50 company. But it's not just his corporate pursuits that set him...

  In the latest episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I have the privilege of hosting Bill Snow, a towering figure in the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). With a rich career spanning over three decades, Bill boasts unparalleled expertise in myriad facets of M&A, including business sales, capital raises, and buy-side services, especially for middle-market companies. Having delved into sectors as diverse as automotive parts, medical supplies, security, apparel, and many more, his...

Matthew Khalili is a first-generation immigrant whose journey into entrepreneurship began when he was born in this country. With a career spanning back to 2003, he embarked on a path of leadership, notably as Senior Marketing Director for an online technology supplier and solution provider, earning the company recognition as an Internet Retail Top 500 and an Inc. 500 Fast Growing Direct Sales Organization. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a fashion technology platform, securing...

Folks, this week I’m bringing you another solocast of the DealQuest Podcast. This week, I want to share with you some of the valuable lessons and experiences I had at the Echelon Deal and Dealmakers Summit – an event that holds a permanent reservation in my calendar every year. The Echelon Deal And Dealmaker Summit is one of the premier M&A conferences in the investment advisory and wealth management space. Dan Siebert and his team at Echelon Partners — a respected investment banking firm...

Meet Orrin Klopper, the CEO of Netsurit, a thriving Managed Service Provider (MSP) firm with a remarkable journey of growth. Under his leadership, Netsurit has evolved into a $40 million enterprise, boasting a team of over 100 professionals. What sets Orrin apart is not just his impressive business acumen but also his commitment to fostering a unique company culture. He's the driving force behind the globally awarded Dreams program, an integral part of Netsurit's aspirational ethos. As a...

Few people stand out as a loud innovator as Jay Goldman in the technology and design space. Not only is he a New York Times best-selling author of The Decoded Company, but he also proudly wears the hats of a Forbes Technology and HBR Advisory Council Member. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Sensei Labs, Jay embodies the intersection of leadership, design, and technology. His passion for reimagining the Future of Work shines through not just in his leadership at Sensei Labs but also in his...

The wealth management space demands experts who not only understand its intricacies but also prioritize the interests of those they represent. Enter Jessica Polito, a seasoned professional who has dedicated her career to offering M&A advice exclusively within the wealth management realm. Recognizing the need for a shift from the conventional investment banking paradigm, Jessica founded Turkey Hill Management in 2021. Jessica is shaking up the M&A landscape, especially in the wealth...

DealQuest Community, on this episode, I’d like to delve into a crucial aspect of deal-making that can be both an art and a negotiation: Determining when and what information to share with potential deal partners. Balancing transparency with confidentiality is essential, and this decision-making process involves attorneys, accountants, and strategic evaluation.   THE NECESSITY OF NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS AND BEYOND While Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are one solution, they may not cover...

In the world of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become an essential strategy for growth and market consolidation. Lowell Ricklefs is the CEO and founder of Traction Advising, a company that specializes in helping B2B SaaS companies with more than $5 million ARR get acquired. Lowell's impressive career includes roles as a startup co-founder, CEO, Chairman, COO of a public company, and Global VP of a Fortune 500 company.   With experience as a global...

On this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I’m excited to bring you a renaissance man of SaaS finance and accounting – Anthony Nitsos. With an impressive and diverse background in manufacturing process improvement, large-scale ERP implementations, and controllership of a Japanese company (which  achieved a remarkable 10x revenue growth in just three years), Anthony’s expertise is unparalleled.   Anthony serves as a fractional CFO for numerous SaaS startups, contributing to two unicorn exits....

In the world of mergers and acquisitions, due diligence plays a critical role in ensuring the success and sustainability of a deal. It involves scrutinizing financial data, examining operational aspects, and identifying potential risks and opportunities before finalizing an agreement.   Bill Wiersema, an experienced audit principal with Miller Cooper, is a highly regarded M&A advisor specializing in closely held middle-market businesses and private equity groups. With a wealth of...

DealQuest Community, as we reach the midpoint of 2023, it's time to take a closer look at the state of the deal market. We'll explore the key trends and factors influencing deal-making in various sectors during the first six months of the year. From venture capital funding to mergers and acquisitions, and even the real estate market.   2023: THE UPS AND DOWNS Most certainly, in 2023 there have been ups and downs that warrant careful analysis. I’d like to share some specific numbers that...

Effective communication and relationships are essential for business success. Brian Sparkes, an Executive Communication Coach and Head of Communications for Bay Angels, understands the significance of communication and community. With vast experience supporting corporate leaders, startups, and HR departments worldwide, Brian excels in preparing clients for important conversations, refining their messaging, and enhancing delivery skills. He is also actively involved in the higher education...

DealQuest community, once again, we are overjoyed to curate and share some of the more interesting moments from The DealQuest Podcast with a “Best Of” episode.   This time around, we've compiled a collection of recent interviews with extraordinary guests, each revealing the stories behind their very first deals. Whether it was a childhood endeavor or an early career milestone, these anecdotes are sure to captivate and inspire you, soo get ready to dive into the exciting world of our guests'...

DealQuest Community, I am happy to have the pleasure of having Scott Hallman on the DealQuest Podcast. Scott is known as the “silent assassin” who is sought after by business owners to unearth hidden profits and unleash rapid growth. With an impressive track record, Scott's companies have twice earned coveted spots on the Inc. 500 list, ranking among the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. Notably, he co-founded an IT Consulting firm that skyrocketed from zero to a staggering...

In recent months, the wrestling and fighting world has been abuzz with news of the merger between WWE and UFC, forming a newly created publicly traded company under the control of Endeavor Group. With Endeavor owning 51% and WWE shareholders holding 49% of the equity, there are several intriguing aspects to this deal. Primarily when discussing market reactions, risks, and reputations.   REACTIONS IN THE MARKET AND FROM THE PUBLIC Upon the announcement of the merger, both WWE and Endeavor...