M&A Launchpad
Welcome to The M&A Launchpad Podcast hosted by Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa with Equity Launchpad. On this podcast, you will gain insights on acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to m...
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On the show
- Jason Hunt1 ep
- Joseph Cruz1 ep
- Mike Krupit1 ep
Also: John Blanchard, Nick Saloom, Mark Hartmann, Betsy Kauffman, Sequoya Borgman, Christopher Burke, Andrew Kurzrok
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Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
4.2K to 38K🎙 ~2x weekly·100 episodes·Last published yesterday - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
8.3K to 75K🇺🇸100% - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
4.6K to 41K
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/22/26 | From Failed Search to a Successful Acquisition with Megan McGee | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome Megan McGee, owner of Virginia Guest Houses, a 50-year-old vacation rental management company in Charlottesville, Virginia. Megan shares her journey through nearly four years of entrepreneurship through acquisition, from raising $500,000 from 13 investors and contacting more than 7,500 businesses to navigating failed deals, due diligence challenges, and ultimately acquiring a business through a self-funded search. Megan discusses the realities of operating and growing a vacation rental management company, including managing guest and property owner expectations, building a strong team, and balancing daily operations with long-term strategy. She shares how she has grown the business from approximately 75 properties toward 100, while exploring geographic expansion, strategic acquisitions, and AI to improve efficiency and customer experience. The episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business buyers on navigating the search process, finding the right acquisition, and building a sustainable business. In this podcast episode, we discuss: Traditional Search vs. Self-Funded Search Raising Capital and Managing a Search Fund Lessons Learned from Failed Acquisitions and Due Diligence Proprietary Deal Sourcing and Building Relationships with Sellers Acquiring and Operating a Vacation Rental Management Business The Realities and Challenges of Small Business Operations Growing Through Organic Expansion and Strategic Acquisitions Leveraging AI to Improve Efficiency and the Customer Experience Building a Team and Scaling a Business for Long-Term Success Connect with Megan McGee: Email: [email protected] Megan advises students and alumni on entrepreneurship through acquisition at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. Additional Resources: Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube. Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at [email protected]. Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale, or sell your business? Visit Equity Launchpad. 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/ | 38m 13s | ||||||
| 10/15/26 | Sub-$100M Deals as an Independent Sponsor with Ian Reynolds | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with fellow Houstonian Ian Reynolds of Thesis Capital Partners. Ian shares how he bought his first business, scaled it from about 15 to more than 200 employees in four and a half years, and turned that experience into an operations-focused independent sponsor named one of Axial's top 20 independent sponsors two years running. In this episode, we discuss: Ian's path from startups and Houston energy finance to buying a software services business through a self-funded search Why Ian partners with proven operators first, then builds an investment thesis and finds the business around them What a clear seller catalyst looks like, and why most deals need one to negotiate a reasonable price Building the capital stack under $100M TEV: under-levering, over-equitizing, and using banks, SBICs, and BDCs Seller alignment through notes, rollover equity, and earnouts (typically 25% to 30% of purchase price) How independent sponsors get paid: deal fees, management fees, the 6% to 8% pref, carried interest tiers, and management incentive pools Guest Contact Information Ian J.H. Reynolds Founder & Managing Partner, Thesis Capital Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianjhreynolds/ Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.thesiscapital.com Additional Resources Thinking about buying a business? Connect with the Equity Launchpad team to learn more about acquisition entrepreneurship and upcoming opportunities. Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] Explore more: 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/ | 35m 04s | ||||||
| 10/9/26 | QoE Over $3M, 10% Down & the New SBA Rules with Sarah Andrews | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Sarah Andrews, SBA Senior Business Development Officer at Northwest Bank, who reviews 200 to 300 acquisition deals a year with her partner Lisa Forrest. Sarah shares what lenders look for in buyers, how to pitch a deal to your bank, and what the latest SBA rule changes mean for acquisition entrepreneurs. In this episode, we discuss: Why lenders now weigh the buyer as heavily as the business, and why grit matters How to stand out to a lender with a one-to-four slide summary instead of the broker's CIM New SBA rules on QoE for deals of $3M or more, the 10% equity requirement, seller notes, and investor distributions Loan deferrals, the 75% SBA guarantee, and the 20% rule for trusts in the cap table Guest Contact Information Sarah Andrews SBA Senior Business Development Officer, Northwest Bank LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-andrews-22a78364/ Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Every Wednesday at noon, covering all things SBA and the Northwest process Additional Resources Thinking about buying a business? Connect with the Equity Launchpad team to learn more about acquisition entrepreneurship and upcoming opportunities. Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] Explore more: 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/ | 39m 11s | ||||||
| 10/1/26 | Make It Recurring: Building a Scalable Service Business with Antoine Campbell | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Antoine Campbell, founder of CEO 929 Business Solutions, to talk about building the back end of a service business so it's ready to scale, take on capital, or sell. Antoine has been a full-time entrepreneur since 2013, starting with a tag and title agency that grew to three locations, then moving into real estate before launching CEO 929 to build marketing systems, custom CRMs, and software for established service businesses. The conversation covers the low-hanging marketing fruit most new owners miss, why recurring revenue should be the first lever you pull, and a real case study: an AI-powered quoting and checkout tool built for a plumber who specializes in hot water heaters. Antoine also shares how he's now applying that playbook to acquisitions through his new firm, Maurant Ventures including an automated underwriting system and a three-part strategy for sourcing deals directly from sellers. In this episode, we discuss: Why understanding your customer and increasing lifetime value comes before spending more on acquisition Turning one-off customers into recurring revenue with continuity offers, from plumbing maintenance plans to flat-rate slow-day pricing at a barbershop Moving off generic, out-of-the-box software and building custom CRMs and lead-capturing tools tailored to the business A case study: an AI tool that scans a water heater's data plate, recommends replacements, and gives customers an all-in, out-the-door price they can pay on the spot Building an automated underwriting system that screens deals for seasonality, cash reserves, and treasury management before you sink weeks into them Three ways to source deals: marketplace scanning, direct-to-seller outreach drawn from real estate, and an education funnel for owners who aren't yet ready (or financeable) to sell Guest Contact Information Antoine Campbell Founder, CEO 929 Business Solutions Website: ceo929.com Instagram: @ceo929 Additional Resources Thinking about buying a business? Connect with the Equity Launchpad team to learn more about acquisition entrepreneurship and upcoming opportunities. Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] Explore more: 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/ | 29m 41s | ||||||
| 9/17/26 | Building a $360M Bank in 23 Months with Hazem Ahmed | Hazem Ahmed co-founded a bank in 2007, grew it to $800M, and sold it. Then he did it again — building Integrity Bank, SSB from scratch into a $360M institution in just 23 months, one of only seven de novo bank charters approved nationwide in 2024. In this episode, Hazem breaks down what it really takes to charter a bank (an 1,800-page application, a 14-15 month approval process, a $40-50M capital raise) and why he measures success in relationships and reputation, not just the balance sheet. In this podcast episode, we discuss: Hazem's path from a reluctant banking intern to a 25-year career banker, building and selling the original Integrity Bank (2007, grown to ~$800 million, sold to a North Texas regional bank) What it actually takes to charter a de novo bank: an ~1,800-page regulatory application, 14-15 months to conditional approval, and raising a $40-50 million minimum capital target amid a shifting 2024 market Being one of only seven de novo banks chartered nationwide, opening in October 2024, and reaching ~$360 million in total assets by month 23 Why “familiarity” and local ownership are Integrity Bank's edge over national institutions, and how Hazem measures success through relationships and reputation rather than just balance sheet growth Guest Contact Info: Hazem Ahmed, Founder & President, Integrity Bank, SSB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazema/ Additional Resources: Thinking about buying a business? Connect with the Equity Launchpad team to learn more about acquisition entrepreneurship and upcoming opportunities. Contact Casey Minshew: [email protected] Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com Save the Date: M&A Launchpad Conference is coming May 8, 2027. Learn more at malaunchpad.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/ | 36m 28s | ||||||
| 9/10/26 | personal guaranteesmall business acquisitions+4 | Jason Hunt | Ink InsuranceSBA | — | personal guarantee insuranceSBA loans+5 | — | 33m 15s | ||
| 9/3/26 | self-funded searchSBA loan+4 | Joseph Cruz | Fifth ThirdBizBuySell | — | business acquisitionSBA loan+6 | — | 32m 29s | ||
| 8/27/26 | business scalingleadership coaching+3 | Mike Krupit | Trajectify | — | business scalingleadership+5 | — | 35m 24s | ||
| 8/13/26 | capital stacksearch funds+4 | — | SBASBIC | — | capital stacksearch fund+6 | — | 30m 35s | ||
| 8/7/26 | tax planningbusiness sale+4 | John BlanchardNick Saloom | Engineered Tax Mitigation | — | tax reductionbusiness sale+5 | — | 44m 03s | ||
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 7/30/26 | M&Abusiness brokerage+4 | Mark Hartmann | HartmannRhodesThe Sweat Equity Payday | — | M&Abroker+5 | — | 35m 42s | ||
| 7/9/26 | leadership coachingacquisitions+4 | Betsy Kauffman | Cross ImpactThe Fix | Charlottecommercial design firm | leadershipacquisition+4 | — | 31m 00s | ||
| 6/25/26 | independent sponsor modelacquisitions+3 | Sequoya Borgman | Borgman CapitalBig Four | Milwaukee | acquisitionsindependent sponsor+5 | — | 31m 46s | ||
| 6/18/26 | scaling businessesmanagement buyout+4 | Christopher Burke | Brickendon ConsultingHybridHero+1 | — | management buyoutscaling+4 | — | 34m 34s | ||
| 6/11/26 | self-funded searchbusiness acquisition+4 | Andrew Kurzrok | Hopewell Sheet Metal Manufacturing | Hagerstown, Maryland | self-funded SBA dealindependent sponsor+4 | — | 36m 13s | ||
| 6/4/26 | Inside the ER Rollup Serving 1.5 Million Patients with Kevin Baker | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Kevin Baker of Emergency Care Partners (ECP) to unpack the business side of emergency medicine and the acquisition strategy behind one of the country’s fastest-growing emergency care platforms. Kevin shares how ECP scaled from a Louisiana-based merger into a 10-state organization serving more than 1.5 million patients annually, while breaking down how hospital emergency departments are actually operated behind the scenes. The conversation dives into physician practice acquisitions, healthcare EBITDA valuations, recurring revenue, liquidity events, and how buyers structure recapitalization deals that keep doctors invested in future growth. Kevin also shares practical insights into sourcing acquisition opportunities, building relationships with industry advisors, and why consistent outreach is critical for long-term pipeline development. In this podcast episode, we discuss: The surprising business structure behind hospital emergency departments and outsourced physician staffing Why succession planning and liquidity are major drivers for physician practice acquisitions Common EBITDA adjustments in healthcare acquisitions and how buyers evaluate recurring earnings Why recurring revenue and operational stickiness command higher EBITDA multiples What buyers look for during Quality of Earnings and confirmatory diligence Guest Contact Info: Website: https://www.ecp.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmb23/ Additional Resources: Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at [email protected] Explore more: 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/ | 38m 21s | ||||||
| 5/28/26 | Why 20% of Small Business Owners Close Instead of Sell | Mike Ehrle | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles sit down with Mike Ehrle, founder of FinParency, to discuss one of the most overlooked problems in the lower-middle market: business owners who simply lock the door and walk away rather than securing a proper exit. Mike draws on his experience watching UnitedHealth Group complete 65 acquisitions and leading companies through multiple private equity and family office transactions to explain how FinParency is building a platform to get small business owners exit-ready, match them with the right buyers from a pool of 4,500+ private equity groups and 4,000+ family offices, and bridge the knowledge gap that causes so many deals to fall apart. In this podcast episode, we discuss: Why roughly 20% of small business owners in their 60s plan to shut down rather than sell -- and what's driving that trend How FinParency's platform diagnoses a business, scores its exit-readiness, and flags red flags before buyers ever see them What business owners need to understand about add-backs, working capital, and cleaning up financials before going to market How cutting costs (especially benefits and insurance) directly increases your exit multiple Inside look at how strategic buyers like UnitedHealth Group approach acquisitions differently than private equity How FinParency matches sellers with the right buyers -- PE groups, family offices, and individual investors -- and when to bring in a banker Guest Contact Info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeehrle/ Email: [email protected] Website: finparency.ai or finparency.com Additional Resources: Thinking about buying or selling a business? Connect with the Equity Launchpad team to learn more about acquisition entrepreneurship and upcoming opportunities. Contact Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles: [email protected] Explore more: 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/ | 29m 22s | ||||||
| 5/22/26 | How PE-Backed Companies Scale Fintech Revenue with Robert Checchia | **Please note: There are periodic audio distortions. Thank you for bearing with the tech glitches. In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Robert Checchia, CFO of Benzinga, to discuss what happens after private equity acquires a fast-growing media company and how leadership teams reposition businesses for long-term enterprise value. Robert shares how Benzinga evolved from a financial media platform into a fintech and data licensing company, why recurring revenue and sticky data products matter, and the operational playbook he uses when stepping into PE-backed businesses. In This Episode We Discuss: How Benzinga transitioned from financial media into a fintech and data licensing company Robert’s 30-60-90-180 day CFO framework after joining a PE-backed acquisition Why cash flow management and centralized data are critical after acquiring a business The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling and productizing companies Guest Contact Info: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-g-checchia-cfa Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Benzinga: https://www.benzinga.com Additional Resources: Equity Launchpad helps acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators learn how to buy, scale, and grow businesses through strategic acquisitions. Explore educational resources, podcast episodes, and investment insights at https://www.equity-launchpad.com or contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at [email protected] 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/ | 26m 30s | ||||||
| 5/14/26 | Legal Mistakes that Kill Acquisitions with Fareed Kaisani | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Fareed Kaisani of MW Law to discuss the legal side of buying businesses and the costly mistakes that can derail acquisitions. Fareed shares insights from working on lower middle market deals ranging from SBA-funded acquisitions to private equity rollups, including why buyers should engage counsel early, how working capital disputes kill deals, and why trying to save money on legal or QoE support can backfire. In this podcast episode, we discuss: • Why buyers should engage experienced M&A counsel before signing an LOI • How working capital, holdbacks, escrows, and seller notes impact transactions • The legal and financial mistakes that commonly blow up deals before closing • Why AI-generated LOIs and “cheap” legal advice can create major problems for buyers Guest Contact Info: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fareed-kaisani/ • Email: [email protected] Additional Resources: • Thinking about buying a business? Connect with the Equity Launchpad team to learn more about acquisition entrepreneurship and upcoming opportunities. • Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] • Explore more: 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/ | 33m 54s | ||||||
| 4/23/26 | Scaled a Business to $30M After a Brutal First Deal | Joe Van Deman | He went from working at Google to driving trucks at 3AM after a brutal first acquisition—then turned those hard lessons into a business that scaled to nearly $30M. Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com Serious about buying a business? Start your acquisition journey here: https://equity-launchpad.com/invest-with-us/ In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles sit down with Joe Van Deman of Circle City Capital Group to break down what it actually looks like to buy and operate small businesses. After reviewing more than 1,200 deals, Joe and his partner acquired an overnight trucking business that looked great on paper but quickly became a grind of middle-of-the-night routes, missed drivers, and operational chaos. Instead of walking away, they stabilized it, grew it, and exited using that experience to reshape their entire strategy. From there, they built a diversified portfolio across e-commerce, bookkeeping, and manufacturing, including scaling an American-made denim platform to nearly $30M in revenue. Their approach is simple: buy stable businesses, improve operations, and focus on long-term value, not hype. In this episode, we discuss: Reviewed over 1,200 businessesand still got the first deal wrong• Bought a “great on paper” business that had them driving trucks at 3 AM • Doubled the business in year one and exited to a strategic buyer • Scaled a niche denim manufacturing business from under $2M to ~$30M • Built a portfolio by buying overlooked businesses most people ignore Guest Contact Info: Joe Van Deman Email: [email protected] Website: https://circlecitycapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joevandeman/ Additional Resources: Contact Casey Minshew, Ben Suttles and Feras Moussa at [email protected] 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/ | 47m 16s | ||||||
| 4/17/26 | 100 Days to Unlock Millions? How Sale-Leasebacks Work | Tyrell McGee | Most investors leave millions locked inside their deals because they don’t understand how to turn real estate into usable capital through sale-leasebacks. Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com Looking to buy a business or scale through acquisition? Submit your information here: https://www.equity-launchpad.com In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew sits down with Tyrell McGee, a commercial real estate expert specializing in sale-leaseback transactions. Ty shares how investors use real estate as a strategic tool to unlock capital, solve financing challenges, and accelerate growth. This conversation breaks down how sale-leasebacks work, when they make sense, and how operators, searchers, and private equity firms use them in real deals. From credit and EBITDA thresholds to lease structure and long-term risk, this episode gives a clear, practical look at one of the most powerful tools in M&A. In this episode, we discuss: What a sale-leaseback is and how it works in M&A How investors use real estate equity to fund acquisitions and growth A real-world example of solving a debt maturity using a sale-leaseback Minimum EBITDA and deal size thresholds that make deals viable How credit quality and operator strength impact deal structure The role of market rent and how lease rates are determined Risks of long-term lease obligations and overburdening the business When sale-leasebacks make sense for searchers vs private equity sponsors How to think about real estate as a strategic lever in acquisitions Guest Contact Info: Tyrell McGee Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrellmcgee/ Additional Resources: Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com | 39m 02s | ||||||
| 4/10/26 | Infinite Banking for Business Buyers with Erica Neal | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Erica Neal, an infinite banking practitioner, real estate investor, and acquisition entrepreneur. Erica breaks down how infinite banking works, how cash value life insurance can be used as a financial tool, and how she is applying these strategies to acquire and scale a CPA firm. This episode connects liquidity strategy with deal execution, showing how entrepreneurs can build capital, protect assets, and deploy funds into acquisitions more efficiently. In this episode, we discuss: What infinite banking is and how it differs from traditional banking How cash value whole life insurance functions as a private banking system Borrowing against your policy while continuing to earn compound growth Asset protection strategies and why policies act as a financial “vault” Using life insurance to meet SBA liquidity and collateral requirements Erica’s strategy for acquiring a CPA firm The difference between buying a firm vs. a book of business How she sourced deals using niche brokerage platforms Negotiation dynamics including SBA delays and non-compete structuring CPA firm valuation multiples and how timing impacted pricing Using policy loans for down payments and maintaining control of capital Turning your policy into a revolving source of capital for future deals The role of masterminds and accountability in scaling a business Guest Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Additional Resources: Equity Launchpad – A platform for acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators focused on buying and scaling businesses. Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. This is a one-day, high-impact event focused on real deal execution. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off tickets: https://malaunchpad.com Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] 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/ | 36m 37s | ||||||
| 4/2/26 | Why Most Business Deals Fall Apart | Drew Eckman | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Drew Eckman, founder of SMB Loan Support. Drew shares his journey from M&A attorney to operator to advisor, and how he now helps acquisition entrepreneurs successfully finance and close deals. They break down one of the most overlooked aspects of buying a business—structuring and financing—and why having the right team early can make or break your deal. Drew also dives into common mistakes buyers make, how lenders really think, and why working capital can quietly destroy an otherwise great acquisition. If you're serious about buying a business, this episode is packed with real-world insight on how to actually get deals across the finish line. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why building the right deal team early is critical to closing successfully The hidden risks in financing structures and how lenders actually evaluate deals Working capital mistakes that can kill your business after closing How to stand out in a competitive market when buying a business Guest Contact Information LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-eckman-15918613/ Website: https://smbloansupport.co/ Additional Resources Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Use code: LAUNCH for $150 off. Event details: https://www.malaunchpad.com/event/Houston2026/summary Equity Launchpad – Resources, community, and support for acquisition entrepreneurs looking to buy, scale, and operate businesses. Website: https://www.equity-launchpad.com Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] 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/ | 36m 09s | ||||||
| 3/27/26 | Stop Wasting Time Searching for Deals with Liz Macrae | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Liz MacRae, co-founder of Village Wealth, a deal management platform built specifically for acquisition entrepreneurs and self-funded searchers. Liz shares how her experience as a business broker exposed major inefficiencies on the buy side—and how Village Wealth was created to solve them. From building credibility with brokers to organizing deal flow, underwriting opportunities, and leveraging AI to accelerate the acquisition process, this episode breaks down how serious buyers are gaining an edge. The conversation also dives into the evolving M&A landscape, why it’s getting harder to stand out with brokers and sellers, and what it actually takes today to compete for quality deals. In this episode, we discuss: How Village Wealth helps buyers organize, evaluate, and accelerate their deal search Why credibility with brokers is critical—and how to stand out in a crowded market How AI and structured processes are changing how deals are sourced and underwritten The realities of today’s acquisition market, including competition, proprietary sourcing challenges, and where opportunities still exist Guest Contact Info: Email: [email protected] Additional Resources: Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Use code: LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com Ready to start your acquisition journey or scale faster? Work directly with the Equity Launchpad team to source deals, structure acquisitions, and raise capital alongside experienced operators. Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] Explore more: 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/ | 28m 45s | ||||||
| 3/17/26 | Independent Sponsor Deals: Structure, Capital, and Risk with Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa | In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa unpack one of the biggest topics in the acquisition world right now: the independent sponsor model. They walk through what an independent sponsor actually is, how the model compares to ETA and SBA-backed acquisitions, and why larger deals often require a completely different capital strategy. They also get practical about how these deals come together in the real world, from seller conversations and LOIs to Quality of Earnings, lender outreach, data rooms, and the long timeline it can take to build credibility in the market. If you are trying to understand how independent sponsor deals are structured, how sponsors get paid, and what it really takes to close one, this episode gives you a grounded look at the path. In this episode, we discuss: What an independent sponsor is and how it differs from a traditional private equity fund Why bigger deals often fall outside the SBA and classic ETA model The tradeoff between control, risk, and upside in different acquisition structures How independent sponsors get paid through upfront fees, management fees, and promote Why SBIC lenders matter and how they can bring both debt and equity to a deal What it takes to structure an LOI, align with a seller, and package a deal for capital partners Why Quality of Earnings, a teaser, an NDA process, and a data room are all critical to fundraising How long it can take to build traction as an independent sponsor and why patience matters What lenders and equity partners want to see before they back a sponsor Additional Resources: Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: [email protected] Explore more at Equity Launchpad: 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/ | 27m 16s | ||||||
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Chart history for M&A Launchpad
Peaked at #145 in SA, currently #145 in SA.
| Market | Genre | Peak | Current | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA | — | #145 | #145 | — |
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.