Second Bite Podcast

Joe Zanca is the Managing Partner of DealGen Partners, a buy- and sell-side M&A advisory firm. In his role, he has sourced and closed over $200 million in acquisitions for private equity and strategic buyers. Joe launched, scaled, and exited OnDemandStorage, a full-service, technology-based storage company. In this episode… Private equity investment transactions can unlock untapped growth potential, but they also reveal your company's strengths and weaknesses. How can you determine if you're prepared for a transaction? Joe Zanca, Managing Partner of DealGen Partners, discusses how businesses can prepare for acquisitions. With host Todd Taskey, Joe shares how DealGen helps private equity firms uncover off-market opportunities, how founder motivations, deal readiness, and realistic expectations shape outcomes, and the importance of timing and transparency.

Matthew Rosenfeld is the Founder and CEO of Crush, which provides boutique Amazon management services for retail and DTC brands. He is also the Founder of Retail Racer, which leverages proprietary software to automate retail outreach for DTC brands. As a former Amazon seller, Matthew has launched, acquired, and sold multiple brands.  In this episode… Selling your business can unlock critical infrastructure and resources to scale, but only if the deal aligns with your vision and values. How can you find the right partner to help you scale while maintaining service quality? Matt Rosenfeld, Founder and CEO of Crush, talks about his recent acquisition. With host Todd Taskey, he shares why he pursued a transaction early in his company's life cycle, how he navigated the due diligence process, and the criteria he used to select the ideal partner.

Joel Green is the Founding Partner of Outliant, a full-service agency building digital products for brands like Amazon, Purina, and Freedom Solar. As a serial tech entrepreneur, he is the Founder and CTO of Winona, a telemedicine company, and the Co-founder of Hardsider. Previously, Joel was the Co-founder and Chief Engineer at Cintric, which was acquired by UberMedia in 2017.  In this episode… Selling an agency can catalyze opportunities, but navigating the process requires strategy, speed, and M&A partnerships. How do entrepreneurs know when it's time to make the leap? Joel Green, Founding Partner of Outliant, shares how he built an agency before selling it to private equity. With host Todd Taskey, Joel discusses how he shifted to telemedicine ventures, how he prepared the agency for sale, and the importance of transparency and fit when selecting a buyer.

Raj Khera is the Founder and CEO of MakeMEDIA, an AI-powered content marketing assistant. He is also an Executive Coach at MoreBusiness.com, a platform that helps SaaS businesses grow. As a serial entrepreneur, Raj has led three SaaS companies from startup to acquisition by public firms. He is one of the top 10 ranked SEO coaches in the US. In this episode… Entrepreneurship offers numerous growth opportunities, but knowing when to sell a business can be a complex decision. Industry consolidation, financial positioning, and market trends all play a role in timing a successful exit. How did a seasoned entrepreneur navigate multiple business sales while staying ahead of market shifts? Raj Khera, the Founder and CEO of MakeMEDIA, shares his experience building and selling successful companies. With host Todd Taskey, Raj talks about structuring equity, scaling businesses, and identifying the right time to sell.

Todd Taskey is an M&A Advisor for CEOs and Entrepreneurs at Potomac Business Capital. He has been an entrepreneur, business owner, investment banker, and business finance advisor for more than 20 years. In addition to providing M&A advice, Todd has been a founding investor, board member, or part of the management team of several business ventures. He helps CEOs and entrepreneurs develop a successful exit strategy through his knowledge of the mid-market investment banking process. In this episode… Maximizing business value through transactions requires considering factors like selecting investment bankers and partners, structuring equity, and determining your ultimate goal. How can you make informed transaction decisions for your company's growth? David Rodnitzky, Robert Glazer, Lindsay Frey of damandDrive, Kevin Wilhelm of POD Marketing, and Brian Schmidt of Court Square Capital Partners share insights on transactions in this compilation episode. With host Todd Taskey, the guests talk about the role of reps and warranties insurance, how to select investment bankers and partners, and how to structure equity in transactions.

Chris Peer is the President and CEO of SyncShow, a B2B digital marketing and sales firm. He is also the author of The Great 8 Pillars and the Founder of G8P, where he provides marketing and sales enablement consulting for manufacturers. As a serial entrepreneur, Chris has more than 20 years of experience in B2B digital marketing, lead generation, and consulting. In this episode… Private equity investment transactions are a viable opportunity for kick-starting growth in untapped areas of your business. However, you may discover alternative growth avenues during the process. What did a marketing entrepreneur discover during the transaction process that made him postpone the deal? Chris Peer, the President and CEO of SyncShow, discusses his discoveries about postponing a private equity transaction. With host Todd Taskey, Chris shares insights on value-driven growth, how to navigate the transaction process, and the outcomes of a paused transaction.

Tim Martinez is the Founder and President of The Inside Man, an independent management consulting practice. He assists CEOs and businesses in navigating growth challenges and specializes in strategic advisory, raising capital, M&A, organizational restructuring, and strategic partnership development. As a serial entrepreneur, Tim has spent 25 years owning, operating, selling, and investing in various companies in industries, including software, retail, media, advertising, and investment banking.  In this episode… Founders and CEOs are often so caught up in their daily operations that they don't consider their company's future. How should you consider strategic transactions to scale your business? Tim Martinez, the Founder and President of The Inside Man, shares how business owners can overcome growth challenges. With host Todd Taskey, Tim talks about the role of debt in transactions, the value of intentional growth, and why founders are often hesitant to sell their companies. 

Dr. James Gregory is the Founder of NYLAQ Advisors, which manages intangible assets to accelerate financial performance. With over 40 years of experience in advertising and branding, he is a leading expert in corporate brand management. Dr. Gregory has developed tools and strategies, including the CoreBrand Index, for measuring brands' impacts on corporations' financial performance.   In this episode… Is it worth it to sell your business to a holding company? While you may receive a high earnout, the process can be arduous. What should you consider when selling to a holding company? The Founder of NYLAQ Advisors, Dr. James Gregory, talks about selling his ad agency to a holding company. With host Todd Taskey, Dr. Gregory shares how he closed the transaction, his role after the sale, and why he decided to sell his agency.

In the final edition of the Agency Growth Advisor Series, seven agency advisors share their recommended resources for growth, including podcasts, books, and productivity tools. In this episode… With so many insights and resources available to agency owners, it can be difficult to find what works for you. What can you learn from top agency advisors' most valued resources in the space? Bruce Eckfeldt, Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Ian Garlic, Tim Kilroy, Aaron Levenstadt, Jason Swenk, and Joshua Johnston share where they gain their inspiration. With host Todd Taskey, they discuss how to select podcast guests, the value of listening to entrepreneurs' stories, and their recommended industry thought leaders.

David Rodnitzky is the Founder of David Rodnitzky Consulting, a boutique firm that helps agency owners scale and exit their businesses through M&A. Before becoming a consultant, he founded 3Q Digital, which he bought and sold multiple times. David is also the author of Selling Your Marketing Agency. In this episode… Selling a business requires more than valuing it and selecting a seller. What additional factors should you consider during the process? David Rodnitzky, the Founder of David Rodnitzky Consulting, shares insights from his agency sale. With host Todd Taskey, David covers trends in the agency M&A space, the importance of your gross margin, and why you should hire a law firm and investment banker.

David Rodnitzky is the Founder of David Rodnitzky Consulting, a boutique firm that helps agency owners scale and exit their businesses through M&A. Before becoming a consultant, he founded 3Q Digital, which he bought and sold multiple times. David is also the author of Selling Your Marketing Agency.   In this episode… When your initial acquisition fails, you may try again with another method. What can you learn from an entrepreneur who sold his agency three separate times? David Rodnitzky, the Founder of David Rodnitzky Consulting, talks about his agency's sales, from private equity to international buyers. With host Todd Taskey, David details the difference between selling to private equity and public companies, how he built his agency, and how he pivoted after his initial failed transaction.

In the third segment of the Agency Growth Advisor Series, seven agency owners share where their clients gain honest feedback to propel their businesses forward. In this episode… In the early stages of growth, agency owners often leverage quick hacks from people who claim to have grown from $1 to $10 million in under a year. How can you identify harmful strategies and acquire advice from those who will tell you what you need to hear? Bruce Eckfeldt, Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Ian Garlic, Tim Kilroy, Aaron Levenstadt, Jason Swenk, and Joshua Johnston share their clients' most valuable feedback sources. With host Todd Taskey, they delve into why you should seek outside perspectives, the importance of acquiring a mentor for each stage of growth, and how to implement frameworks to solve growth challenges.

In the second episode of the Agency Growth Advisor Series, Todd Taskey's guests discuss what small agencies can learn from larger agencies that have overcome challenges.   In this episode… In the early stages, small agencies may struggle to grow to the scale of more established agencies. What are the growth secrets of large agencies, and how can you harness them? Bruce Eckfeldt, Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Tim Kilroy, Aaron Levenstadt, Jason Swenk, and Joshua Johnston share strategies small agencies can learn from larger ones. With host Todd Taskey, the advisors share market leader positioning strategies, the three most common startup challenges, and how to achieve niche growth. 

Robert Glazer is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Acceleration Partners, a global partnership marketing agency. He is also the former Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of BrandCycle, which was acquired by Stack Commerce in 2021. As a serial entrepreneur, award-winning executive, best-selling author, and keynote speaker, Robert helps individuals and organizations elevate their performance.   In this episode… Every entrepreneur wants to believe their business is special, but to private equity firms, it's often just another company in the market. How can you identify and present your company's value proposition? Robert Glazer, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Acceleration Partners, talks about his experience getting acquired by private equity. With host Todd Taskey, Robert shares how he collaborated with board members to expand his service capabilities, how to partner with private equity, and how he transitioned into a new role post-acquisition. 

Robert Glazer is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Acceleration Partners, a global partnership marketing agency. He is also the former Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of BrandCycle, which was acquired by Stack Commerce in 2021. As a serial entrepreneur, award-winning executive, best-selling author, and keynote speaker, Robert helps individuals and organizations elevate their performance.   In this episode… If given the option to do a rollover with private equity, would you take it? How can you structure the deal to ensure a profitable earnout? Robert Glazer, the Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Acceleration Partners, talks about his private equity rollover. With host Todd Taskey, Robert shares how he selected a private equity firm and structured his rollover, why he partnered with private equity to accelerate growth, and the aftermath of his company's transaction.

Jamie Birch is the Founder of JEBCommerce, a digital marketing agency specializing in affiliate program management. As a serial entrepreneur, he is also the Co-founder of Renewed Horizons, a day program for adults with developmental disabilities, and EquineRevShare, which helps equine professionals generate revenue from product recommendations. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Jamie established and managed affiliate, email, and SEO campaigns at Coldwater Creek. He also hosts The Profitable Performance Marketing Podcast. In this episode… If you want to exit your business quickly, you might consider selling to your employees. How can you structure this type of deal, and what does it involve? Jamie Birch, the Founder of JEBCommerce, shares how he sold his agency to his employees. With host Todd Taskey, Jamie explains how he initiated the transaction, how he adapted to its outcome, and the sale structure.

In the second installment of the Agency Growth Advisors series, seven agency experts share what owners should consider when preparing their agency for growth.   In this episode… What does it take to propel an agency to the next stage? How can agency founders transform their current strategies into high-performing growth trajectories? Bruce Eckfeldt, Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Ian Garlic, Tim Kilroy, Aaron Levenstadt, Jason Swenk, and Joshua Johnston discuss the inquiries pivotal to improving agency performance. With host Todd Taskey, they offer insights like delegating unproductive tasks, identifying your company's revenue drivers, and strategic planning for your growth goals.

Mitch Meyers is a Partner at the medical cannabis firm BeLeaf Medical and the CEO of The BeLeaf Company, which produces high-quality CBD oils to treat epilepsy patients. Mitch is also the Co-Owner and Partner at Nature's Care Company, a Chicago-based dispensary that provides premium medical cannabis. With over 25 years of experience in the marketing and communications industries, she has built, launched, and consulted for Fortune 100 companies, startup businesses, advisory boards, and nonprofit organizations.  In this episode… Selling your agency to a public holding company can be a huge risk. How can you ensure you structure the transaction to your benefit? Mitch Meyers, a Partner at BeLeaf Medical and the CEO of The BeLeaf Company, talks about selling her creative boutique to a public holding company. With host Todd Taskey, Mitch shares how she acquired brands in the alcohol industry, the roadblocks she experienced scaling her first agency, and how to navigate transactions. 

In this introduction to the Agency Growth Advisors series, Todd Taskey sits down with seven agency owners who share how they help founders accelerate growth.   In this episode… When it comes to scaling an agency, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Strategies often depend on size, revenue, and operational structure. What insights can you learn from agency owners who work all across the spectrum? Jason Swenk, Joshua Johnston, Bruce Eckfeldt, Tim Kilroy, Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Ian Garlic, and Aaron Levenstadt talk about their methods for agency growth. With host Todd Taskey, the founders share insights like driving strategic growth, how to attract clients, and how to build an eight-figure agency.

Aaron Levenstadt is the Founder of Join Agency Alliance, an advisory board composed of former agency owners who have exited their businesses. He has built and sold multiple agencies, including Pedestal Search, which emerged from his experience as one of the original members of Google's Search Analytics team. As an investor, Aaron supports agencies and entrepreneurs through coaching, connections, and advisory board development.  In this episode… Sometimes, selling your business gives you a higher risk tolerance, especially if you execute a profitable transaction. What criteria should you focus on when evaluating the perfect deal for your company? Aaron Levenstadt, the Founder of Join Agency Alliance, talks about his agency's strategic exit. With host Todd Taskey, Aaron shares the deal's inner workings, why selling his company increased his risk tolerance, and his endeavors with Join Agency Alliance.

Adam Hanin is the Head of Business Development at eHouse, which builds and optimizes e-commerce sites for shoppers. He is also the former Founder and Operating Partner at Commerce12, which was acquired by eHouse in 2024, and the former Founder and President of Skye Associates, a full-service e-commerce company specializing in fashion brands and retailers. In this episode… Entrepreneurship requires playing the long game and anticipating failures. However, introducing innovative business models and reinventing the wheel are no easy tasks. What does it take to create value, sell multiple companies, and survive industry changes? The Head of Business Development at eHouse, Adam Hanin, talks about his entrepreneurial wins and losses, including multiple company acquisitions. With host Todd Taskey, Adam describes how his failures created profitable new ventures, the lessons he learned when negotiating transactions, and how he transformed a licensing deal into an e-commerce fashion business.

In the final segment of the PE Insight Series, eight private equity executives weigh in on what drives value in a transaction.  In this episode… What factors drive true value in a private equity transaction? How can you position your company as a profitable fit for investors? Casey Swercheck, Joshua Bilmes, Nick Moritsugu, Bill Sommerschield, Trenton Sisson, Brian Schmidt, Bill Dyer, and John Findlay talk about the top value drivers in transactions. With host Todd Taskey, they explain the importance of high-growth structures, culture and leadership, industry expertise, and product-market fit in investors' final decisions.

In this episode of the PE Insight Series, eight private equity executives talk about the primary sources of friction in deal negotiations. In this episode… Disagreements occur in many deal negotiations, but they can collapse if these disputes aren't resolved appropriately. What causes the most friction during the negotiation process, and how can you eliminate strife to ensure a smooth transaction? Casey Swercheck, Joshua Bilmes, Nick Moritsugu, Bill Sommerschield, Trenton Sisson, Brian Schmidt, Bill Dyer, and John Findlay talk about the common sources of friction during transactions. With host Todd Taskey, they discuss the value of attorney involvement, disputes around representation and warranties, and how comprehensive LOIs and due diligence reduce these friction points.

In the third installment of the PE Insight Series, Todd Taskey's guests offer a behind-the-scenes look into investment committees. In this episode… Most entrepreneurs aren't familiar with investment committees, so it can be quite daunting to approach them during a transaction. What is an investment committee, and how do they facilitate the transaction process? Casey Swercheck, Joshua Bilmes, Nick Moritsugu, Bill Sommerschield, Trenton Sisson, Brian Schmidt, Bill Dyer, and John Findlay demystify investment committees. With host Todd Taskey, the guests discuss the inner workings of these committees, how they assess companies and deals, and how they differ between large and small firms.

In the second edition of the PE Insight Series, eight private equity executives discuss the #1 factor in failed deals.  In this episode… Imagine being on the brink of closing a major transaction and having it fall apart unexpectedly. What causes a deal to crumble following the LOI, and how can you prevent a failed deal? Casey Swercheck, Joshua Bilmes, Nick Moritsugu, Bill Sommerschield, Trenton Sisson, Brian Schmidt, Bill Dyer, and John Findlay talk about the most common deal killers. With host Todd Taskey, the executives discuss the importance of transparency, how to align expectations before signing an LOI, and how visibility and performance impact deal closure. 

In the first installment of the PE Insight Series, Todd Taskey interviews eight private equity executives about how they make their initial assessment of a company. In this episode… Private equity executives often sift through thousands of investment decks each week. So what are their criteria for evaluating them, and how can business owners structure their pitches to capture interest? Casey Swercheck, Joshua Bilmes, Nick Moritsugu, Bill Sommerschield, Trenton Sisson, Brian Schmidt, William Dyer, and John Findlay share their first impression requirements. With host Todd Taskey, the private equity executives talk about their elimination criteria for investment decks, the number of investments they evaluate each week, and how to craft a compelling pitch that resonates with investors.

Kevin Buerger is the CEO of Labelium, a digital marketing and performance agency. In his role, he drives the company's growth strategy and positioning for the US market. Before Labelium, Kevin spent nearly 13 years as the Global Chief Growth Officer at Jellyfish, where he built its US presence.  In this episode… What differentiates successful companies in the market? Strategic partnerships can create valuable companies and contribute to exponential growth. How can you identify the proper fit? Kevin Buerger, the CEO of Lebelium US, talks about profitable acquisition strategies. With host Todd Taskey, he shares how he aligns values and culture for acquisition targets, his transition from an equity analyst to a digital marketing leader, and his strategic growth strategies.

Jamie Shanks is the CEO of Get Levrg, a community mastermind helping founders and CEOs navigate offshoring talent. As a serial entrepreneur, he is also the CEO of Pipeline Signals, the #1 sales methodology for account-based sellers. Jamie was previously the CEO of Sales for Life, the leading social selling training company, which he scaled to 600 global customers and 250,000 international sellers. Additionally, he is the best-selling author of Outsource To Profits. In this episode… Imagine having an influential business with 600 global clients and robust intellectual property only to discover you're $1 million in debt. How can you transform your company's infrastructure to emerge stronger than before?  The CEO of Get Levrg, Jamie Shanks, explains how he restructured his business to escape from debt. With host Todd Taskey, Jamie discusses the significance of recurring revenue, the power of strategic outsourcing, and how to cut costs without compromising service quality.

Bruce Eckfeldt is a Strategic Coach and Master Facilitator at Eckfeldt & Associates, where he works with CEOs and leadership teams to scale their businesses. As a former Inc. 500 founder and CEO, he successfully scaled and sold his business. Bruce focuses on developing leadership skills, optimizing companies for transactions, and navigating mergers and acquisitions.  In this episode… If you're wondering what comes next after strategic growth, you may want to consider transitioning from a hands-on founder to a strategic CEO. How can you navigate this transition and prepare yourself — and your business — for an exit? Strategic coach and facilitator Bruce Eckfeldt talks about his high-level coaching process for founders and CEOs. With host Todd Taskey, Bruce addresses the challenges founders face when shifting to CEO and how he helps companies scale and exit.

Kevin Wilhelm is the Founder and President of POD Marketing, a digital agency specializing in industry-specific marketing services. With a decade of experience, he has successfully led the company through dynamic growth. Kevin is also the President of several other marketing firms, including Marketing4ECPs, CITIZEN Marketing, and Lift Aesthetic Marketing.  In this episode… What's involved in negotiating a fair partner buyout in a high-value company? How can you ensure a process rooted in respect and strategic thinking? Kevin Wilhelm, the Founder and President of POD Marketing, shares how he bought out his partner. With host Todd Taskey, Kevin talks about the value of investment risks, how to navigate complex business negotiations, and how he founded a partner-led company. 

Lindsay Frey is the Co-founder and President of demandDrive, an industry leader in building sales development programs for B2B tech companies. She is also the Co-founder of Data Fuel, demandDrive's former data offering providing actionable sales data.  In this episode… Strategic acquisitions are an effective way to fast-track business growth, but how can entrepreneurs transition from the role of a seller to a buyer? Lindsay Frey, Co-founder and President of demandDrive, talks about how she gained equity ownership through a strategic acquisition. With host Todd Taskey, Lindsay shares demandDrive's founding story, how she grew the business through creative deals and strategic partnerships, and her most significant learning curves throughout the process.

In the fourth and final episode of the Founder Question Series, nine founders answer the common question of how to determine the ideal time to sell your business.   In this episode… Entrepreneurs and CEOs are often caught in the conundrum of selling now or holding out for greater value in the future. How do top business minds navigate this decision? Jon Morris, Matt Sunshine, Mike Vertal, Lance Hollander, Erin Cigich, Lindsay Frey, Peter Stavisky, Andrew Kolidas, and Kevin Biondi talk with host Todd Taskey about determining the right time to sell your business. Together, they emphasize considering market conditions and growth trajectories and the importance of capital, resources, personal aspirations, and employee welfare in timing the sale.

In the third edition of the Founder Question Series, Todd Taskey asks his nine guests when to disclose a transaction to the entire company, how to relay it to customers, and when to announce it to the public.   In this episode… One of the most crucial steps in any transaction is disclosure. When and how you communicate your transaction to your team, customers, and the public can make or break the deal. What can you learn from seasoned M&A founders? Jon Morris, Matt Sunshine, Mike Vertal, Lance Hollander, Erin Cigich, Lindsay Frey, Peter Stavisky, Andrew Kolidas, and Kevin Biondi talk with host Todd Taskey about when and how to disclose transaction details to your team, customers, and the public. Together, they discuss the impact company culture has on transaction disclosures, how to communicate a transaction to various stakeholders, and how to balance transaction disclosure timing between parties.

In the second installment of the Founder Question Series, Todd Taskey interviews his nine guests about when to alert your management team to a transaction. In this episode… When navigating a transaction, when should you inform your management team? Nine founders weigh in on how to effectively position a transaction for your team. Jon Morris, Matt Sunshine, Mike Vertal, Lance Hollander, Erin Cigich, Lindsay Frey, Peter Stavisky, Andrew Kolidas, and Kevin Biondi talk with host Todd Taskey about involving your executive team in a transaction. Together, they discuss how disclosure timing impacts equity structure, how to relay transaction plans during due diligence, and the importance of culture fit during the process.

In this exclusive episode, host Todd Taskey asks nine founders the question, “do I have a boss following a transaction.” They delve into the changes business owners will experience in their daily lives after selling their companies. In this episode… Do you have to work under an executive after selling your business? What will your day-to-day involve? Jon Morris, Matt Sunshine, Mike Vertal, Lance Hollander, Erin Cigich, Lindsay Frey, Peter Stavisky, Andrew Kolidas, and Kevin Biondi talk with host Todd Taskey about whether founders will have a boss following a transaction. 

Michael Finnegan is the President of Bradley Media Holdings and Atlantic Media, integrated publishing companies producing journals, including National Journal and The Atlantic. National Journal delivers insightful journalism to help organizations navigate policy and politics effectively.  In this episode… If you're considering selling your assets, how can you position them as attractive options to potential buyers? What role can you take on to facilitate these transactions? President of Bradley Media Holdings and Atlantic Media, Michael Finnegan, talks about how he facilitated asset sales. With host Todd Taskey, Michael shares how he transformed Bradley Media Holdings' financial operations, three ways you can prepare for a business sale, and how to increase asset value. 

Todd Taskey is an M&A Advisor for CEOs and Entrepreneurs at Potomac Business Capital. He has been an entrepreneur, business owner, investment banker, and business finance advisor for more than 20 years. In addition to providing M&A advice, Todd has been a founding investor, board member, or part of the management team of several business ventures. He helps CEOs and entrepreneurs develop a successful exit strategy by understanding the mid-market investment banking process.  In this episode… There are tremendous opportunities for growth outside the realm of your business. However, many entrepreneurs are hesitant to relinquish control of their company to another. How can you select the perfect partnership? Todd Taskey, the M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, discusses the benefits of partnership acquisitions. With guest host Chad Franzen of Rise25, Todd shares the process of business acquisitions, the external forces impacting transactions, and the companies qualifying for partnership transactions.

Robyn Siers spearheads the M&A practice at JonesSpross, representing strategic and financial buyers and sellers of all sizes, pioneering a distinctive specialization branded Speed M&A™. This method-driven approach to M&A employs cutting-edge technologies and strategic playbooks to streamline the M&A process to be more efficient and cost-effective. In this episode… Whether you're ready to retire or looking for a strategic partner to grow your business, the M&A process is intricate and diverse. What should you consider before structuring a transaction? Robyn Siers, a Partner at JonesSpross, shares the key components of a strategic M&A process. With host Todd Taskey, Robyn explains how to navigate an earnout while maximizing equity, the purpose of a letter of intent, and why you may want to consider representation and warranty insurance. 

Paul Ollinger is a writer, comedian, speaker, and host of the Crazy Money Podcast, which explores the connection between money, happiness, work, and meaning. His commentary on business and work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and Funny or Die. As one of Facebook's first 250 employees, Paul served as the VP of Sales for the Western United States.   In this episode… You can be a top executive making multiple six figures a year, but if you're unhappy, that money is meaningless. How can you identify the connection between money and happiness to attain personal fulfillment? Paul Ollinger, the host of the Crazy Money Podcast, talks about his transition from a Yahoo and Facebook executive to a professional comedian. With host Todd Taskey, Paul shares his favorite books about money, the lessons he learned from his early days at Facebook and Yahoo, and why he became a comedian. 

Dan Khabie is the Co-founder and Partner at CourtAvenue, one of the fastest-growing digital transformation companies in its industry. He began his career as the Co-founder of Digitaria, an award-winning digital agency with clients including DreamWorks and the NFL. As a LinkedIn influencer, Dan speaks frequently about innovation and marketing.  In this episode… Is it possible to start over as an entrepreneur after leaving a lucrative career behind? In this part two episode, hear how a seasoned M&A executive built a digital business through strategic transactions. The Co-founder and Partner of CourtAvenue, Dan Khabie, reveals his decision to leave a public company to launch a business. With host Todd Taskey, Dan talks about how he engaged in a risky deal to transition companies, the key criteria for getting acquired, and CourtAvenue's future M&A and growth plans.

Dan Khabie is the Co-founder and Partner at CourtAvenue, one of the fastest-growing digital transformation companies in its industry. He began his career as the Co-founder of Digitaria, an award-winning digital agency with clients including DreamWorks and the NFL. As a LinkedIn influencer, Dan speaks frequently about innovation and marketing. In this episode… If you're considering a transaction, it's vital to assess your business and identify your end goal. In this part one episode, learn the ins and outs of an unconventional transaction from an expert in the digital space. Dan Khabie, the Co-founder and Partner of CourtAvenue, talks about his decision to sell his public company. With host Todd Taskey, Dan reveals how he navigated low valuation during due diligence, his journey into entrepreneurship, and how he approached his transaction.

Todd Taskey has been an entrepreneur, business owner, investment banker, and business finance advisor for over 20 years. He is currently the M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, where he helps CEOs and entrepreneurs maximize their company's value and develop a successful exit strategy. His specialties include M&A, strategic acquisition, divestitures, and more. In this episode… According to the Wall Street Journal, private equity only raised half the money last year than it did the year prior. Yet companies with $1-5 million of EBITDA can find valuable opportunities in the market. How can agency founders leverage private equity to accelerate growth? Todd Taskey, the M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, shares the various opportunities in private equity. With guest host Jeremy Weisz of Rise25, Todd discusses how to capitalize on market opportunities for growth, the private equity criteria for agencies, and why founders shouldn't worry about the decline in private equity money.

Jeff Reynolds is the CEO of Agital, an integrated marketing agency backed by $100 million of capital. He is also the Founder of Human Growth Systems, which helps middle-market service companies develop sustainable business models to drive growth. Before Agital and Human Growth Systems, Jeff spent nearly 20 years leading a 10x growth journey for a marketing services business.  In this episode… Preparing and executing an acquisition requires experience and due diligence. Hear how a strategic acquirer analyzes businesses and their leaders for tuck-ins. Jeff Reynolds, the CEO of Agital, walks through his process for acquiring businesses. With host Todd Taskey, Jeff shares his business acquisition and integration processes, entrepreneurs' most difficult adjustments following an acquisition, and how to acquire businesses effectively.

Jeff King is the CEO of Barkley, an independent creative company that builds brands. In 2022, the company was named to W shortlist. With over 25 years of experience in advertising and marketing, Jeff began as an intern at Barkley before becoming a respected executive and CEO. In this episode… If you're considering conducting a transaction, private equity may be a viable option. How can you identify and select a suitable partner for your business? Jeff King, the CEO of Barkley, describes the process of finding a private equity partner. With host Todd Taskey, Jeff shares the benefits of partnering with private equity, how to communicate transactions to your team, and his journey from an intern to the CEO of Barkley.

Patrick Briggs is the CEO of Semify, a white-label partner for SEO, PPC, and Facebook Ads. He is also the Principal and Operating Partner at Broadtree Partners, a lower-middle market PE firm that acquired Semify. With expertise in marketing and growth, Patrick has held various leadership positions at companies, including Yumble, Jetty, and Zazzle.  In this episode… Is it possible to become a CEO without founding a company? With private equity acquisitions, you can transition into the role of CEO seamlessly. Patrick Briggs, the CEO of Semify, shares his trajectory to CEO following an acquisition. With host Todd Taskey, Patrick explains how he maximized Semify's value after the transaction, the qualities of an exceptional CEO, and how he discovered Broadtree Partners.

Lance Loveday is the Chairman of Closed Loop, a boutique digital advertising agency. The company has managed over $1 billion in digital ad spend for clients, including AWS and Intercom. As an angel investor, Lance serves on the boards of both the Sacramento Angels and Placer Robotics, a regional non-profit teaching STEM skills to local students.  In this episode… If you want to escape from the day-to-day and transition out of your business, consider acqui-hiring. This strategic transaction allows you to acquire a company's talent and take the burden off yourself. So what else is involved, and how can you benefit from this transaction? Lance Loveday, the Chairman of Closed Loop, shares his trajectory from CEO to Chairman. With host Todd Taskey, Lance shares how Closed Loop acquired a creative team through acqui-hiring, why he has declined opportunities from private equity, and how to integrate new employees following an acqui-hire.

David Slenzak is the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Broadtree Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm. With extensive experience in the search fund management process, he has both managed and exited an acquired business. David specializes in government contracting, healthcare, and technology companies.  In this episode… As a lower middle market company with less than $2 million of EBITDA, is it possible to get acquired more than once? When you partner with a strategic private equity group, you can secure the second — and even third — bite of the apple. David Slenzak, the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Broadtree Partners, talks about how he builds and scales platform companies. With host Todd Taskey, David explains how he constructs and invests in sales teams, Broadtree Partners' ideal companies, and how he navigates management transfers during growth and acquisition.

Lance Hollander is the CEO and Managing Partner of From the Future, an agency that creates sustainable growth for businesses. He is also a Co-founder and Partner at The Agency Shop. With 25 years of experience, Lance has built and sold four digital agencies, including merging Delphic Digital with Hero Digital.  In this episode… If you're considering engaging in a transaction, how can you negotiate favorable terms and conditions to enhance business value? Learn best practices for structuring a transaction from a seasoned agency founder. CEO and Managing Partner of From the Future, Lance Hollander, talks about the conditions of his merger. With host Todd Taskey, Lance explains how agency owners can navigate a non-compete agreement, how he capitalized on post-transaction opportunities, and his tips for maximizing the value of each transaction.

Ned MacPherson is the Founder and Growth Lead at Endrock, a consumer analytics and growth experimentation firm serving DTC, e-commerce, and retail brands. In his role, he leads cross-sector technical growth efforts. Before Endrock, Ned held roles including CMO, Head of Growth, and Head of Revenue at multiple e-commerce businesses. In this episode… When considering growth opportunities, you can either grow organically through transactions or by partnering with private equity. If choosing to scale through the latter, how can you position your company in front of potential buyers? Ned MacPherson, the Founder and Growth Lead at Endrock, talks about the due diligence process of his recent transaction. With host Todd Taskey, Ned describes how to assess value and structure deals, how building a relationship with his buyer helped accelerate his company, and what you should know about partnering with private equity. 

Andrew Kolidas is the Founder and CEO of Digital Impulse, a Boston-based web design and digital marketing agency. As a solutions-driven, media-savvy marketing specialist, he focuses on identifying and leveraging marketing opportunities in emerging technologies.  In this episode… Contrary to standard beliefs, business exits aren't always final. Instead, acquisitions allow you to grow and take part in a significant mission. How can you partner with the right company? Founder and CEO of Digital Impulse, Andrew Kolidas, talks about his acquisition journey. With host Todd Taskey, Andrew shares how he structured his transaction, why he leveraged a banker to navigate his acquisition, and his involvement in future deals.

Ken Fahmy is the Founder and President of Fahmy & Associates, where he has helped families, individuals, and small businesses achieve financial security since 1985. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), he has experience in a host of insurance and finance sectors. Ken has been recognized as a top financial and insurance advisor by Washingtonian magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and many more. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs build companies to leave a monetary legacy for themselves and their loved ones. Yet when the time comes to exit, business owners aren't always adequately prepared. What tax efficiency strategies can you leverage to maximize your company's value? Founder and President of Fahmy & Associates, Ken Fahmy, shares tax benefit opportunities for small business owners. With host Todd Taskey, Ken discusses investment plans for tax deductions, how to manage your finances to prepare for an exit, and the value of business beneficiary plans.