Podcast appearances and mentions of Jonathan Baker

Visit thedigitalslicepodcast.com for complete show notes of every podcast episode. Join Brad Friedman and Jonathan Baker as they chat about a topic every business owner needs to think about at some point. Having an exit strategy! Jonathan Baker heads up the M&A practice at Punctuation. He has worked on dozens of deals both inside and outside the industry and brings a unique perspective as a fellow owner who has gone through the process himself. He graduated from Emory University's Goizueta Business School in 2005. His career began working at a small boutique marketing strategy consultancy. There, he was able to do marketing strategy and positioning work for many well-known Fortune 500 CPG companies. In 2011, he left to start a craft brewery, Monday Night Brewing where his focus was on marketing, sales, and taprooms. After helping his business partners grow to 180+ employees and numerous locations, Jonathan stepped away from the day-to-day to head up the M&A practice for Punctuation. He loves cocktails, music, and hiking, and lives in Atlanta with his wife, two kids, and entitled rescue Australian Shepherd, Oscar Snugs. The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by Magai. Up your AI game at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai

Hi everyone,Mid April I had the chance to meet up with Jonathan Baker and Jukka Mononen from Panimo Tuju in Finland. Their brewey is, in my opinion, one of the most exciting breweries in Scandinavia. Come and spend about 20 minutes with us.Enjoy! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode of Kaffeen Espresso, we're joined by Jonathan Baker, head of the M&A practice at Punctuation and a former craft brewery owner. Jonathan shares invaluable insights on firm valuation, the emotional complexities of the M&A process, and why deal terms often matter more than valuation.As an expert in helping small- to mid-sized marketing services firms navigate acquisitions, Jonathan unpacks what agency owners should focus on to make their businesses sellable and scalable. Whether you're considering a future sale, planning succession, or just curious about how to increase your agency's value, this episode is packed with actionable advice.What You'll Learn:How buyers assess agency value (and what surprises most sellers).The critical importance of deal terms over valuation alone.Why agency founders need to focus on reducing their reliance on the business.The role of inbound marketing in boosting firm value.Navigating the emotional toll of selling a business and separating personal identity from the agency.Resources & Links:Visit Punctuation's website: punctuation.comCheck out Punctuation's insights: punctuation.com/insights>> Get Client Magnet: 97 Proven Strategies and Tactics to Attract New Business and Scale Your Creative Agency Revenue for FREE > Get Client Magnet: 97 Proven Strategies and Tactics to Attract New Business and Scale Your Creative Agency Revenue for FREE

Most agency owners think selling their business will be easy. The reality? Most agencies aren't even sellable.Jonathan Baker, Practice Lead, M&A at Punctuation, breaks down exactly how to make your agency valuable, what buyers actually look for, and how to avoid the biggest M&A mistakes.If you're even thinking about selling your agency, you need to start setting it up NOW.What You'll Learn:The truth about selling a digital agencyWhat's a healthy profit margin for an agency? (If it's under 20%, you're in trouble)How much should agency owners actually pay themselves? (Most get this wrong)The #1 component to scaling an agency's profit for exitWhy founder-led sales are a trap (and what to do instead)How to price your agency services (hourly rates vs. value-based pricing)The biggest growth mistake agencies make before sellingHow to find a fun AND profitable nicheConnect with Jonathan Baker:Website - https://punctuation.com/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandavidbaker/M&A Guidance - https://punctuation.com/garlic/Resources:Connect with IanDownload a Tackle Box!Supercharge your marketing and grow your business with video case stories today!Book a Discovery Call Today with Our ExpertsSubscribe to the YouTube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just two weeks ago the world learned of an asteroid that had an almost 3 percent chance of striking earth in less than a decade. Astronomers kept looking, and a team including Olivier Hainaut at ESO's Very Large Telescope at Palanar, in Chile, have managed to narrow down the uncertainty such that we now know it will definitely not hit the earth. The secret of making such observations after most telescopes could no longer see it was down to the exceptionally dark skies there. But these may be under threat. A plan has been made to build a large power plant, including sustainable hydrogen production around 11km away from the otherwise isolated site, and astronomers around the world are rallying to call for the plant to be built further away so that its construction will not spoil the otherwise unique observation conditions. One of the signatories of a petition to that effect is Julia Siedel, also of ESO, who just last week published the first 3D atmospheric analysis of an exoplanet's climate. As she explains, future similar observations using the forthcoming, co-sited Extremely Large Telescope could be thwarted before the telescope is even finished.Back on earth, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Current (AMOC) continues to bring warmer air and nutrients north towards the Arctic, and colder, denser water south in the global ocean overturn. But are reports of its collapse under climate change justified? A new paper this week suggests that for the next century at least it is stable though it might slow down. Jonathan Baker of the UK Met office explains how the winds in the south mean the cycle will keep turning, though it may slow down.Talking of the Arctic, Yoel Fink of MIT has dressed a couple of royal marines in wearable computer fibres for their current icy patrol in the north of Canada. Far from going commando, their underwear is measuring temperature and calorific burn to help them avoid frostbite and the dangers of the extreme environment. Yoel's paper this week describes the new device and the principle that in the future much of all of our healthcare will be provided by these sorts of wearable, stretchy, computing textiles monitoring our activities.Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Alex Mansfield Production Coordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth and Josie Hardy(Image: Celestial conjunction at Paranal. Credit: ESO/Y.Beletsky)

VOV1 - Đại diện UNESCO tại Việt Nam, Jonathan Baker, và câu chuyện về ý nghĩa của văn hoá, truyền thống đối với sự phát triển của mỗi quốc gia, cùng những hợp tác giữa UNESCO và Việt Nam.

Interested in selling your service business one day? Service firms can be difficult to sell, because there are so many variables and so much emphasis on the people. Never fear, it can be done - even for an amount you dream of! But, you likely have a ton of work to do to make your service business attractive for potential buyers. We wanted you to learn from a thought leader who knows the M&A space super well, so we welcomed on Jonathan Baker, the Practice Lead of M&A for Punctuation and the Co-Founder of Monday Night Brewing. He advises small-to-midsize marketing services and digital firms on transactions and preparing for sale. And as always, if you need Strategic Counsel, don't hesitate to reach out to us at: ForthRight-People.com. FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/forthrightpeople.marketingagency INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/forthrightpeople/ LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/forthright-people/ RESOURCES https://www.forthright-people.com/resources VIRTUAL CONSULTANCY https://www.forthright-people.com/shop

Jonathan Baker from Punctuation joins me, Matt Bertram, to explore strategies for maximizing business value through strategic M&A and succession planning. Learn how to enhance profitability, strengthen market positioning, and reduce founder dependency to make your business more attractive for sale. For marketing service firms, we emphasize the benefits of niche specialization and standing out in competitive markets.Selling a business is complex, involving political dynamics and nuanced relationships. Drawing from my own experience selling a business in my 20s, we discuss understanding critical deal terms like earn-outs and employment agreements, adapting to new management, and addressing stakeholder conflicts. Jonathan shares real-world examples and cautionary tales, underscoring the importance of thorough preparation to protect your interests.We also dive into agency growth and profitability, tackling strategic decisions like selling versus continued growth. Topics include fee revenue per employee, avoiding scope creep, and distinguishing personal financial contributions. Whether preparing for a sale or pursuing growth, this episode offers actionable insights for informed entrepreneurial decision-making.Guest Contact Information: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandavidbaker/- punctuation.com—---More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes Only.Support the show

#144 Jonathan Baker is the head of M&A at Punctuation – the leading authority on positioning, reinventing, and selling firms in the creative and digital space.    In this episode, we talk about the selling process. We cover:    ✅ How long does a typical sale take  ✅ How Jonathan and his team go about valuing an agency ✅ What owners need to do to prepare for the selling journey ✅ What type of agency typically is valued the highest  ✅ Why Punctuation is the right agency to partner with to sell your agency   After you have a listen and want to connect with Jonathan – reach out to him on here and get on their email list.  Connect with Pat at: pmcgovern@ascedia.com  Looking for more pods on travel? Check out: Travel Trends with Lindsey Roeschke If you like this pod, please take a minute and leave a review.  Your reviews are the green energy that powers this supertanker!  Thanks, for doing it – you're the best!  

Jonathan Baker is the Head of M&A services at Punctuation, an advisory firm that specializes in small- to mid-sized marketing services firms.In this episode, we explore the ins and outs of Mergers and acquisitions (M&A), diving into pertinent questions such as how buyers determine the value of a firm, knowing the right time to sell, and whether to prioritize the valuation itself or the terms of a specific deal. We also talk about the impact on employees of the M&A process and how to minimize that as much as possible.Links & mentions:punctuation.comjonathan@punctuation.com

Unexpected changes can happen at any moment, and having an exit strategy for your business is essential to avoid losing out on potential value. After my own journey of unexpectedly relocating and having to close my design agency, leaving money on the table, I realized the importance of having a plan. In this episode, I'm joined by Jonathan Baker, who offers valuable insights on how you can maximize the value of your business when it's time to move on. Together, we explore options beyond simply selling, such as revenue-sharing agreements and the concept of an "earn-out," ensuring you're equipped with strategies to safeguard your business's worth.Selling a business comes with its own set of challenges, distinct from selling tangible assets. With Jonathan's expertise, we explore three primary mechanisms—earn-outs, seller notes, and cash at close—each offering different levels of risk for buyers and sellers. The role of personal relationships and brand value is pivotal in this process, and we discuss how these elements can be both an asset and a challenge. Additionally, we touch on the nuances of mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing that having a well-thought-out exit plan is key to a smooth transition.Send us a textSupport the show Show Notes Apply to be featured on My Weekly Marketing!

Jonathan Baker is the head of M and A at Punctuation, a small advisory practice that helps firms with positioning, lead generation, benchmarking, valuation, and succession planning. Here, he shares the inside scoop on how to sell an agency and determine its worth. We also discuss two topics near and dear to Jonathan's heart: Australian shepherds and craft beer. Key Takeaways:- Common mistakes in creative firms- When to sell an agency- How to evaluate your agencyEpisode Timeline:1:15 The perils of living with an Australian shepherd2:30 How Punctuation helps media companies with positioning and benchmarking4:00 Considering the owner's lifestyle during the M and A process5:00 Selling a business to the right person6:45 Is there a common positioning pivot agencies are making these days?7:15 The importance of finding your niche8:30 How expertise affects pricing 9:10 The biggest mistakes creative firms are making these days10:15 How an owner's role evolves over time 12:35 When is it time to sell?15:15 The emotional toll of the M and A process17:45 The importance that EBITA plays in the evaluation 19:30 Jonathan's favorite craft brewThis episode's guest:• Jonathan Baker• Get free resources at Punctuation.com/PR360Subscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!• Join the conversation by leaving a comment!• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“We try to help the sellers understand what the buyer's long-term vision is, what changes they expect to make, and over what period of time, because all of these things have implications on the business but also on emotions.” – Jonathan Baker The finer details of this episode:Overview of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the creative agency sector.Importance of preparation for agency owners considering M&A.Insights on valuation factors influencing agency sales.Discussion on the current M&A landscape and market trends.The significance of maintaining clean financial records for M&A readiness.Exploration of deal structures and their implications, including Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).The role of agency owners post-acquisition and the need for clear communication with buyers.Timing considerations for initiating the M&A process.The impact of economic changes on agency valuations and buyer interest.Recommendations for agency owners to proactively prepare for potential sales. Episode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.summitcpa.net/summit-newsletterDigital Dollars and Cents: A Virtual CFO's Playbook to help Digital Companies Create a Financial Roadmap to Success, is now an audio book! Download it here: https://vcfo.summitcpa.net/ddcConnect with Jonathan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandavidbaker/Check out Punctuation here: https://punctuation.com/ Timestamps: Welcome to the Creative Agency Success Show (00:00:00)Introduction to the podcast's purpose and focus on agency owners looking to scale. Discussion on M&A Preparation (00:00:15)Insights from Jonathan Baker about the importance of preparation for mergers and acquisitions. M&A Landscape Insights (00:00:39)Hannah reflects on the evolving trends in the M&A landscape and its implications for clients. Importance of Understanding M&A (00:01:13)Discussion on how understanding the M&A process can aid clients in their decision-making. Preparation Equals Easier Transition (00:01:39)Jimmy emphasizes that being well-prepared leads to a smoother M&A process and better outcomes. Introduction of Jonathan Baker (00:02:52)Jonathan Baker shares his background and expertise in helping firms prepare for M&A. Jonathan's M&A Journey (00:04:07)Jonathan recounts his personal experience with M&A, highlighting its complexities and emotional aspects. Valuation Nuances in M&A (00:06:19)Discussion on non-financial factors influencing valuation in the M&A process. Timing for M&A Conversations (00:07:51)Jonathan advises when clients should start preparing for M&A, ideally 3-4 years in advance. Post-Sale Involvement (00:09:22)Exploration of the buyer's perspective on post-sale involvement and its implications for sellers. Preventative Maintenance in M&A (00:11:33)Strategies to help owners navigate the transition and maintain business integrity post-acquisition. Deal Structure Non-Negotiables (00:14:01)Jonathan outlines his strong recommendations against certain deal structures, particularly ESOPs. Understanding ESOP Risks (00:15:07)Discussion on the potential pitfalls of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) in M&A. Navigating ESOP to M&A (00:18:01)Jonathan shares the challenges and processes of transitioning from an ESOP to an M&A deal. Preparing for M&A (00:19:11)Advice on steps companies should take to prepare for a potential acquisition. Importance of Accurate Financials (00:21:20)Emphasis on maintaining clean financials to facilitate smoother due diligence during M&A. Understanding Accrual Basis Accounting (00:22:01)Importance of running financials on an accrual basis for effective M&A preparation. Trends in M&A Post-COVID (00:22:57)Discussion on inflated valuations post-COVID and current market dynamics affecting M&A. Current Market Conditions for Sellers (00:24:24)Analysis of the current M&A landscape and advice for potential sellers. The COVID Boom and M&A Opportunities (00:24:49)Reflections on the opportunities presented during the COVID boom for agencies. Fun Question About Brewery Towns (00:25:17)A light-hearted discussion on top microbrewery towns in the U.S. Cultural Significance of Local Breweries (00:26:26)Exploration of how local breweries reflect community identity and culture. Contacting Jonathan for M&A Insights (00:27:54)Information on how listeners can reach out for M&A advice and brewery recommendations. Conclusion of the Episode (00:28:05)Wrap-up of the episode and appreciation for Jonathan's insights on M&A.

In the chaotic world of marketing mergers and acquisitions, how do you ensure a "clean exit"?In this episode, Jonathan Baker, practice lead for mergers and acquisitions at Punctuation, dives into the critical intricacies of M&A in the marketing services sector. He shares the emotionally charged journey of selling a business and uncovers strategies that transcend mere financial gain, focusing instead on the value-driven aspects that make a deal truly beneficial.You'll discover…Why the emotional aspect of M&A can upend even the best-laid spreadsheetsThe curious origin story behind the name "Punctuation"The unique challenges and opportunities within the fragmented marketing services marketHow lifestyle considerations often outweigh the highest financial offersThe latest trends in M&A that sellers and buyers need to know going into 2025

Send us a text“Take the time enjoy the journey and network with those around you.” - Jonathan BakerMastering Business Exits: Insights from Jonathan at PunctuationIn this episode of the Deep Wealth Podcast, Jonathan from Punctuation brings an in-depth exploration of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for small to mid-sized marketing services firms. Sharing his journey from corporate life to founding Monday Night Brewing, and eventually becoming an M&A advisor, Jonathan emphasizes the critical aspects of selling a business including the financial and emotional dimensions. The discussion covers essential strategies such as the necessity of specialization, understanding buyer motivations, creating self-sustaining businesses, and the importance of clean financial records. 00:00 Introduction to Punctuation and Key Figures05:00 Jonathan's Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship15:46 Understanding Buyer Perspectives21:39 The Cost of Selling a Business: Budgeting Tips22:35 Preparation Time for a Successful Business Sale24:57 The Role of AI in Marketing and Business28:42 Key Advice for Entrepreneurs: Focus and Financials33:26 The Importance of Trust and Professional AdvisorsClick here to subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast to save time and effort.SELECTED LINKS FOR THIS EPISODEPunctuation WebsiteInsights | PunctuationJonathan Baker  | LinkedInLearn More About Deep Wealth MasteryFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You Can Do About It (Today)Resources To Have You Thrive And ProsperLooking to unlock your path to wealth and success? The Deep Wealth Podcast is your go-to source to extract your deepest wealth in business and life. Picture yourself mastering the foundational strategies that led our founders to a 9-figure exit. Ready to grow your profits, boost the value of your business, and optimize your life post-exit? Shoot us a quick email at insights[at]deepwealth.com with "Deep Wealth" in the subject line for more info. Click the links below to explore the resources, gear, and books that have paved the way for our guests and the high-achieving Deep Wealth team to reach remarkable success. Here's to helping you unlock the riches and success you deserve! https://www.deepwealth.com/thriveContact Deep Wealth: Client testimonials The Deep Wealth Strategy Map LinkedIn Instagram Subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast Help us pay it forward by leaving a review.May you continue to thrive and prosper while remaining healthy and safe!

It's common for merging and acquisition to be on an agency owner's mind from the very beginning, even if it is not part of their original goals. Even if you find yourself still wanting to scale your business before selling, it's never too early to start taking steps that will make the M&A process easier down the road. Jonathan Baker is here today to share how the M&A landscape looks right now, what factors into valuation decisions, the importance of patience in the process, and more. This week, episode 231 of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast is about preparing your agency for a successful acquisition!Watch our latest video training, How to Take Charge of Your Agency's Future Revenue. During this training, you'll learn how we get qualified appointments every week using tasteful and highly targeted email outreach.In this episode of The Digital Agency Growth Podcast, Jonathan Baker shares the importance of patience in the M&A process and actionable steps you can take right now to start preparing your agency for acquisition, well before valuation. Jonathan Baker is the Practice Lead of the M&A practice at Punctuation, a small consultancy focused exclusively on servicing creative, digital, and marketing services firms. After starting his carrer in marketing strategy and positioning, Jonathan left in 2011 to pursue his own business, Monday Night Brewing. Along with two business partners,he has grown the craft brewery to five locations and nto one of the largest craft breweries in the nation by volume. My focus has been on marketing, sales, and taprooms. Jonathan recently stepped out of the day-to-day at Monday Night to work with his father David to grow Punctuation.In this episode, Dan and Jonathan discuss the following:COVID's impact on agency goals due to vulnerability.Focusing on a few key lead generation activities instead of spreading yourself thin.The importance of patience in the M&A process.Challenges that can ruin a deal last minute.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about The Digitial Agency Growth Podcast at https://www.salesschema.com/podcast/ and our Video training at http://salesschema.com/takecharge CONNECT WITH JONATHAN BAKER:LinkedInPunctuationMonday Night BrewingCONNECT WITH DAN ENGLANDER:LinkedInSales Schema

Do you want to sell your agency someday? Can you imagine a profitable sale and exit agency in the future? Do you feel an acquisition is the mark of business success? Selling your agency shows you've built a robust and profitable business, which is a noteworthy achievement. Today's featured guest helps his clients get ready to find a perfect buyer and reach a deal that withstands the test of time. He'll discuss why the common reasons to sell are not necessarily the best reasons as well as why undervaluing yourself could hurt your valuation. He also shares common deal killers and deal makers. He highlights the importance of considering personal fulfillment and financial objectives when deciding to sell an agency. Jonathan Baker is the co-owner of Punctuation, an all-in-one advisory practice that helps marketing firms position themselves with lead-generation plans. In particular, Jonathan helps small to medium-sized companies get ready to sell. He discusses the process of selling marketing services firms and challenges the idea that selling is always the pinnacle of success, emphasizing that success should be what truly drives individuals. In this episode, we'll discuss: What does the $1 million mark communicate? Deal killers and deal makers. The true cost of undervaluing yourself. What if you don't want to sell?  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Why Do Most Agency Owners Choose to Sell Their Digital Agency? Many people build agencies with the ultimate goal of selling them at some point. There's an innate drive to sell and, to most people, selling seems like the pinnacle of success. However, selling is not always the right answer. According to Jonathan, success should be defined as whatever drives an individual. Common reasons to sell an agency include lack of enjoyment, approaching retirement, financial goals, burnout, or desire for a career change. Overall, selling should not be the default option and it's most advisable if you know exactly what you want to do after selling. However, if you just want to sell in order to have a ton of money or because you feel burnout, maybe it's time to start looking into some key hires to take over the tasks that are most draining for you while also increasing profits. In some cases, owners that are growing too much or too fast choose to sell. They may have started their business to do work they love and can continue to do so with a small team of employees However, when it comes to further scaling the agency and reaching maybe 100 employees, it seems impossible to manage. Burnout and frustration are scenarios that could be solved without necessarily selling and still guaranteeing you'll be able to continue to do the work you love while enjoying more free time. In the end, giving up too soon can prevent you from reaching your full potential and achieving greater success. Why the $1 Million EBITDA Translates Into a Sellable Agency How do you know when you've reached your full potential? When you build an agency with at least $1 million in EBITDA, you're definitely doing something right and most likely just inches away from greater success. Most owners encounter many obstacles in this stage, but once you start focusing on the problems and the things you don't have you start to give up. The $1 million in EBITDA goal is a common measure for a sellable agency since it'll open up the pool of buyers interested in your business. It also says something about the way you run your agency, which will create more competition among prospective buyers and, in turn, increase your multiples and price. Ultimately, it's a mark that will communicate that you're not as integral to the business as when you're running a 10-person firm. Maximizing Your Agency's Value: Key Considerations Before Selling It's important to understand that your agency's worth is not guaranteed as it is contingent on a variety of factors such as client concentration and employee retention. The way a purchase deal is usually structured is you'll get a percentage of the valuation paid upfront and the rest is earned based on hitting performance targets over the next few years. However, earnouts are also seen as a potential pitfall, as they can be designed in a way that makes it difficult for the seller to succeed. Usually, the higher the client concentration the lower you can expect to get upfront. Selling your agency means losing control over it and your performance post-acquisition could be impacted by the new owners. Hence, it is crucial for sellers to carefully consider the terms of the deal and ensure they have a level of control until the earnout is paid in full. As a seller, your primary focus should be on negotiating a deal where you're happy with the money you get upfront, since it may be the only money you'll see. Agency Acquisition Deal Killers and Deal Makers Even if you're financially sound and get a good offer, several things could still be potential deal killers. From a seller's perspective, culture plays a significant role in the success of a deal. The transition from being the boss to having a boss again can be a deal breaker if the cultural fit is not right. The earn-out period, where the seller continues to work for the buyer for a few years, can be challenging if the culture clash is too great. This can lead to the seller walking away from a potentially lucrative deal in favor of maintaining their autonomy. Additionally, the buyer's long-term plans for the agency can either make or break the deal. Even though they say all the right things at first, as negotiations progress their true intentions may become clear. Sellers need to be strategic and discerning in their interactions with potential buyers to ensure that their agency is in good hands. On the other hand, from a buyer's perspective, having clean books and transparent financial practices will be key in securing a successful deal. Buyers will scrutinize the financials of the agency to ensure that they are making a sound investment. Sellers need to be honest about their expenses and factor in any non-essential costs that may not transfer to the new owner. It's a step that can help sellers increase their EBITDA and make their agency more attractive to potential buyers. The True Cost of Undervaluing Your Agency Agencies often overestimate their financial position, which is why it is essential to seek professional guidance rather than relying solely on QuickBooks. A financial expert can analyze your numbers and pinpoint areas for improvement. A lot of agency owners think their profit is higher than it really is because they're not paying themselves enough. Once the buyer comes in and takes a look at the numbers, they'll realize replacing the agency owner will cost much more than what they're currently paying themselves. How much should you be paying yourself? It'll of course depend on a number of factors including the number of employees; however, if your agency has reached $1 million in EBITDA, that number should be above $200K. This will not only be important for the negotiations, but it will also be relevant if you sell with an earnout. If you sign up to be an employee for the next three years while a certain goal is reached, do you really want your salary to be $100K? It's a lot easier to argue for a higher salary if you've been paying yourself a higher salary all along. Navigating the Post-Sale Period with Agency Clients Once a deal is reached how long should you wait before letting clients know you're selling? It depends. Most of the time you want to wait at least six months before telling them. You don't want them to jump ship and it's better they get the news once they can see the service quality has not declined during that time and hopefully has even improved. However, if one of your clients accounts for 70% or more of the business then you'll probably want them to be on board from the get-go. It also depends on the way the buyer wants to handle the transaction. Are they trying to get the agency under a brand name immediately after purchase? Are they comfortable with not making drastic changes right out of the gate? In that case, waiting a couple of months could be the best course of action. To safeguard your interests, include a clause in your contracts that allows for the transfer of clients with written notice. This way, you'll minimize the need for client cooperation and won't risk losing the deal. What if You Don't Want to Sell Your Agency? Most agencies will never sell. If this is your case, then make the right moves to build a profitable agency that will give you the quality of life you want. A lot of the adjustments you'd have to make to attract buyers are the same things that make a good business, even if you're not selling it. If you built a profitable business, love the work, and delegate enough so you have the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, then you've already created a fulfilling business and life. Many business owners end up selling because they feel isolated and hope being part of a bigger firm will solve this problem. However, more often than not they end up creating more problems than they're solving. Instead of selling, try finding a competent number two employee you can trust. Having a strong second-in-command can make it easier to delegate tasks, make important decisions, and ultimately, grow your agency. It's not easy but once you find the perfect fit growing the agency will go back to being a fun experience. However, in case you really can't find this person, maybe it's time to question whether you're managing and incentivizing people the right way. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Summary In this episode, Jonathan Baker discusses the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), focusing on the importance of positioning, emotional aspects of selling a business, and the M&A process. He shares insights on preparing a business for sale, understanding buyer motivations, and the role of benchmarking in achieving operational excellence. Jonathan also touches on family dynamics in business partnerships and the significance of open communication. The conversation emphasizes that while every business is sellable, the journey to a successful sale requires careful planning and execution. Takeaways M&A is more about relationships and strategy than spreadsheets. Positioning your business correctly can significantly increase its value. Emotional attachment to a business can complicate the selling process. Understanding buyer motivations is crucial for a successful sale. Valuation is just one aspect; deal terms can be more important. Benchmarking helps businesses understand their operational efficiency. A total business reset can prepare a company for future success. Open communication is key in family business dynamics. Every business is sellable, but finding the right buyer is essential. Coaching can help businesses become more attractive to potential buyers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:34 The Importance of Positioning in Selling a Business 08:22 How to Diversify Your Client Base to Increase Business Value 11:34 Understanding the Valuation Process for Selling a Business 15:58 Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business 26:00 The Importance of Terms in a Deal 32:01 Preparing a Business for Sale: Benchmarking and Future-Proofing 43:54 Navigating Partnerships and Family Dynamics ----Credits:Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan RoghaarProduced by Ryan RoghaarTheme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM  The Carton:https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggsFeature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28   The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:bit.ly/eggstunes   The Plugs:The Showeggscast.com@eggshow on twitter and instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcherAlso available on Google Play Music!   Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and infodjontic.com@djontic on twitter   Ryan Roghaarhttp://rogha.ar

Is selling your agency the right move for you? What personal goals and circumstances might influence your decision? Your unique goals and circumstances should influence the decision to sell your agency or hand it over to a successor. In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, Jonathan Baker joins me to discuss the misconceptions and realities surrounding the sale of an agency. Jonathan is the head of the M&A practice at Punctuation, a small advertising practice that works exclusively with small—to mid-size independent marketing service firms on various facets of business management and growth. Don't miss this episode to learn valuable advice from an expert for agency owners considering whether to sell or continue growing their firms! Key Questions: [01:43] What and when is the actual goal and the idea behind selling an agency? [03:37] What does a typical deal structure look like in your experience for an agency owner in a small to mid-size agency? [06:15] What steps should you take to evaluate whether to sell or continue growing your agency? [09:09] What other options are there for agency owners beyond potentially selling? [13:37] In the two potential inevitabilities where someone is looking to sell, and someone isn't looking to sell, what would provide for the highest amount of money in the founder's pocket? What gross and net profit margins should agency owners target to ensure their firm's financial health and attractiveness to potential buyers? What You'll Discover: [01:51] Jonathan on the multiple triggers that cause selling an agency and why selling an agency should be a personalized goal. [03:47] The typical deal structures for small to mid-size agencies and the impact of different types of buyers on deal structures. [06:26] Why you should focus on your personal goals and the agency's profitability when evaluating whether to sell or not. [09:24] The challenges of running a creative agency with an absentee owner and the importance of having a solid number two person. [11:45] Options for agency owners who want to retain flexibility while continuing to grow their agency. [14:03] Main ways to maximize profitability to appeal to buyers or run sales mechanisms and business development. [16:41] The importance of targeting the right type of buyer based on the strengths and weaknesses of your agency. [19:03] Gross and net profit benchmarks for agencies and the importance of maintaining profitability while ensuring sustainable growth. [20:23] How to take control of your destiny and plan your future strategically as an agency owner at a crossroads. Connect with Jonathan: WebsiteLinkedInFree Copy of The Practical Agency Book.Real Life Agency Success StoriesWeekly agency tactics YouTube ChannelProfitability Accelerator Call - If you're looking to make a change today schedule your profitability accelerator call to define what is possible for your agency in the next 90 days.

Episode 194: This week on the “Dan's Talks” podcast, Dan speaks with Jonathan Baker, a Hollywood movie director and producer whose credits include Inconceivable … Read More

A successful exit strategy is essential for business owners considering selling their firms. In today's episode, we are thrilled to host Jonathan Baker, an experienced M&A specialist from punctuation.com, who shared his invaluable insights into the world of business acquisitions. Whether you're contemplating selling or simply want to future-proof your firm, this episode is packed with valuable advice to guide you through the process. Podcast Highlights: 00:00 Prologue  01:00 Introduction of the episode and guest 03:47 What factors influence a firm's valuation in an acquisition? 05:44 Why do software firms generally command higher multiples than service businesses? 08:36 What are earnouts, and how do they typically work in professional services deals? 10:39 How are M&A deals typically structured? 12:48 When might it be more beneficial to keep a business rather than sell it? 15:52 What steps should business owners take to prepare their staff for a transition? 19:09 How do clients and employees typically react to a business being acquired? 24:18 Why might business owners consider acquiring other firms? 26:48 What are some practical tips for preparing a business for sale? 29:17 Best way to get in touch with Jonathan   Connect with Jonathan Baker: Website: https://punctuation.com/ Sign up for their newsletter: punctuation.com/seoleverage LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearepunctuation/   Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com

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This episode is sponsored by Adverity. Visit Adverity.com to book a demo. In this episode, Jonathan Baker, Practice Lead of M&A at Punctuation.com shares his career journey in mergers and acquisitions for marketing firms, the M&A process timeline, key considerations for selling a company, factors influencing a good investment for buyers, trends in M&A activity, risks in transactions, deal structures, and company valuation strategies. Visit the MxA page on Punctuation.com Watch this episode on YouTube!   Follow Marketing x Analytics on social media! X          |          LinkedIn   Click Here for Transcribed Episodes of Marketing x Analytics   All view are our own.

Send us a Text Message.Jonathan Baker (@32_racing) and I chat about the importance of qualifying and some strategies to get better at it. When my last qualifying session has .62 seconds separating the top 5... I need to figure out how to get better at it if I'm going to get further up the podium in my region! If you want to support the podcast... please share, rate (5 stars), and review the podcast! 

Igor Stimac, Malcolm Christie, Roger Davies, Phil Gee alongside BBC Radio Derby's Jonathan Baker and Dominic Dietrich reflect on Derby County's promotion from League One.  

This time on Delivering #MarketingJoy Jonathan Baker talks about how buyers determine what your business is worth, why the terms of the deal might be even more important than that, and even the emotional toll selling a business can take on an entrepreneur.

Are you stuck running your marketing agency, uncertain about how to level up or when to step away? Are you overwhelmed by figuring out how much your business is worth and whether selling is right? Essential factors to consider when selling include your interest in running the business, its potential for growth, and what buyers are looking for. But before you make any decisions, you must go through several evaluations to ensure you get the best deal. That's where having an advisor comes in handy. Jonathan Baker, M&A Advisor from Punctuation, a small advisory practice working exclusively with small to mid-sized independent marketing services firms, shares how he helps hard-working entrepreneurs make crucial decisions about their agency's future. Today, he will talk about determining the actual value of your business, when it is the right time to sell, and the steps necessary to maximize the potential payout you will get. Resources Exclusive for Marketer of The Day Listeners! Punctuation Website Jonathan Baker on LinkedIn

Welcome to episode 110. This episode is for you if you're an agency owner either interested in buying agencies to grow, or selling your agency at some point. It's also enlightening if you work in an agency and you want to understand the process of mergers and acquisitions. Jonathan Baker, Practice Lead in M&A at Punctuation joins me and shares a lot of tips and insights about the buying and selling process, including: - the current state of M&A and why right now might be a really good time to sell - the impact of AI on the changing agency landscape and his advice for content marketing agencies - why cultural alignment is key to a successful transaction - the criteria buyers typically use to assess an agency they might want to purchase - how concerned sellers should be about the terms of the transaction - how far you get through the transaction before bringing in a lawyer - how and when to tell your staff about the sale - why you should ask about buyer funding if you're being bought, and so much more. Jonathan has created a special webpage just for this podcast's listeners at https://www.punctuation.com/creative and through this link you can also chat to him about anything you've heard on this episode. You can also connect with on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com//in/jonathandavidbaker Many agency owners come to me for account management skills training and to help their account managers develop an entrepreneurial mindset. And ultimately, what they are looking for are three things. They want more predictable client retention and growth, which is less expensive than pitching for new business. They want to hardwire account growth into the agency's internal processes so that account growth becomes repeatable. And they're also looking for ways to future proof their agency's business and gain a competitive advantage by offering the best client value and experience. If any of this sounds of interest, we are opening enrolments later this month for my Account Accelerator programme. It's a 12 month coaching and training programme and you can find all the details on my website: https://www.accountmanagementskills.com/account-accelerator

Punctuation's co-owner Jonathan Baker discussed the company's function as an adviser focusing on small to mid-sized marketing services organizations on this episode of "The Exit Plan" podcast. During the interview, Jonathan discussed their twin strategy of offering M&A activities, including buy-side and sell-side searches, valuations, and advising services encompassing positioning and lead generation. Baker emphasized the difficulties in valuing companies, especially those with revenues between $1 and $10 million, and stressed the significance of owner wages and the enterprise's long-term viability after a sale. The discussion also included internal transfers, where Punctuation helps customers negotiate sales with staff members and look into innovative deal arrangements. Using a sizable newsletter subscriber list, cold emailing, referrals, and careful research were among the market outreach tactics described. Baker recognized the M&A market's cyclical character and the importance of timing in locating qualified purchasers. The session ended with some insights into typical transaction arrangements, including an earn-out term of two to three years, contingent on performance measures, and an upfront payment of forty to fifty percent. Baker emphasized innovative transaction strategies for purchasers with tight budgets, looking at possibilities like seller-funded working capital and future profit-based payments. In 2024, Punctuation intends to rebrand, launch a digital benchmarking tool, and remain dedicated to offering its customers high-quality service. Emphasizing sound financials and a unique market positioning, the conversation offers insightful guidance to entrepreneurs preparing for a potential sale. Join The Exit Plan mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iC8sIY Come along to The Exit Plan Live event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-exit-plan-live-tickets-765231597307  

Jonathan Baker:  ATA All-American (2X), 2023 Grand American Champion of Champions Champ, 2023 Mississippi State Singles, Doubles, and HAA Champ, and the 2022 Grand American Junior HAA Champ joins me to discuss how he got started shooting, recap of the 2023 season, his freshman year at Mississippi State University, and a category rule change he would like implemented. Hope you all enjoy this episode!Trapshooters United SponsorsAmmunition: Fiocchi USAGun Dealer: Michael Gooch - IN Gun Club SalesReloading Supplier: AJ's SuppliesLeather: Diamond 8Pilla: Shamrock Sporting ArmsHarrod Insurance Agency: Contact Chet at 419.738.8369EEZOX CLP and Gun Care Solution: EEZOX.comDiscount CodesLuckyGunner.com - TRAPSHOOTERS-UNITED for $15 off orders $200+collegeshootingsportsrecruiting.comDISCOUNT CODE: HERSHOOTINGJOURNEYTrapshootersUnited.com - Check out Pilla, RE Ranger and apparel items. Orders here support the show!The Shooting Journal: Order on AmazonTip Jar: https://linktr.ee/trapshootersunited Support the show

On this episode I have 2023 first and second place finishers for the Honda challenge H2 championship. We have Baker and Lucas talk about unique features of Pitt race and we talk about 2024 Nationals at Utah and the unique features about that track.

Query writing is a craft in and of itself and so often, even the experts disagree on the best approach (hint: that just means there are number of ways to write an amazing query!). Today we're joined by the very talented, multi-hyphenate writer, coach, and former copy editor, reader, bookseller, and more, Jonathan Baker, who answers your rapid-fire querying questions. Learn more athttps://manuscriptacademy.com/collaborative-query-consultation

When should agency owners consider selling their business? What are buyers looking for? What's the market like in 2023? Buckle up, because today's guest, Jonathan Baker has the answers. As the Practice Lead for Mergers and Acquisitions at Punctuation (formerly, David C. Baker), Jonathan knows a thing (or ten!) about what it takes to successfully close a deal in this market, and in the agency landscape overall. Interestingly, Jonathan has experience in selling his own business, having gone through the process with his brewery company that today boasts multiple locations and close to 200 employees. So, what's brewing with M&A? While it's been a challenging year for many agency owners and deal flow has slowed down massively, there will always be buyers on the market looking to complement their offering with specialized services. This episode dives into topics like positioning and specialization, the emotional side of selling your darling, and why you should continue to act as if you weren't selling even if you were in the process. Here's what Corey and Jonathan cover in this episode: The state of agency M&A this year. When agency owners should consider selling. How agency valuations are formed. What buyers are looking for and who's buying. Who should be involved from your team in M&A talks. Here are some actionable key takeaways for agency founders: If you don't have it in you to grow your business further, perhaps it's time for M&A. M&A can be a growth lever to get access to systems and perks of a larger firm. Strong positioning, client focus, and solid processes make you more attractive for M&A. A specific expertise can help get you acquired by generalist agencies. Don't share too much too early internally because things can change dramatically. The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Here - Learn About Punctuation Here - Check out the MYOB Conference Here Join us as we explore the ropes of agency M&A.

On this episode we have 2022 National Honda challenge H2 Champion Jonathan Baker. We talk about his favorite features of his tow rig. his thoughts on nationals in terms of spares and if the lap times will change from the cross over event. Finally we talk about 6 drivers who he is making sure to keep a close eye on for the race. Who do you think they are?

Host Jennifer Zyman is joined by Peter and Rachel Kiley of Monday Night Brewing. Formerly the Assistant Winemaker at Chateau Elan, he moved to Monday Night Brewing in 2013, where he worked his way through every position in the production department from an assistant brewer to brewer to lab director and now Brewmaster. He also met his wife, Rachel, there. Rachel Kiley was the first employee hired at Monday Night in 2012 when the company operated out of co-founder Jonathan Baker's home. An integral part of the brewery's history and evolution, Kiley has gotten her hands dirty in every department—from sales to production, operations, hospitality, and marketing—her trademark wit and unparalleled attention to detail have grounded the brewery as it's grown from 2 to 137 employees; 1 taproom, to 5 locations, spanning four states. In addition to COO, Kiley is the President of the @Georgia Craft Brewers Guild and Mom. She has been married to Peter for six years. The Kileys and their team at MNB racked up many awards in the beer competition circuit last year. With 19 beers recognized with 27 awards between seven national and international beer competitions, MNB is the most decorated craft brewery in the South. MNB just launched its Neapolitan pizza programming with a crust made with the yeast culture from Monday Night brews. Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes and Apple Podcasts! Follow us on social media at @jenniferzyman and @thefoodthatbinds. Host: Jennifer Zyman, www.jenniferzyman.com Editor and producer: Carson Shanklin