Shows
Napkin NumbersWhy Good Deals Die: Top Mistakes That Can Kill a TransactionSome deals die for good reasons, but too many die unnecessarily. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman unpack the most common and avoidable pitfalls that derail M&A transactions. From financing issues and unclear legal communication to operational surprises and bad timing, they share real stories and strategies to help you navigate the deal process with clarity and confidence. You'll learn why transparency with your team matters, how to avoid holiday slowdowns, and why the right deal team makes all the difference. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or advisor, this episode is packed with...2025-07-0712 min
Napkin NumbersWhy Most Business Deals Fall Apart: The Momentum MistakeTired of getting your Letter of Intent (LOI) rejected—or worse, ghosted? In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman walk through the key components of a strong Letter of Intent and what it really takes to get sellers to take you seriously. They dive into how to present your qualifications, clearly outline your process, and maintain deal momentum through thoughtful communication and structure. You’ll also hear insights on what sellers are looking for, how to build trust early, and why vague or incomplete LOIs can stall your progress. Whether you're an aspiring business buyer or a...2025-06-0208 min
Napkin NumbersDeal Makers vs. Deal Breakers: Who Belongs on Your M&A Team?In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman explore the essential players you need on your M&A deal team. From legal counsel and tax advisors to financial experts and emerging roles like exit planners, they share real-world insights and strategies for building a team of deal makers, not deal breakers. Whether you’re planning an exit or preparing for acquisition, this episode offers crucial advice to help ensure your deal crosses the finish line smoothly. The business landscape is shifting rapidly, and opportunities for growth through acquisition are more abundant than ever. Freeman Lu...2025-05-0513 min
Napkin NumbersFrom Offer to Closing: What To Expect When Selling Your BusinessEver wondered what's behind a truly successful business sale transition? It's not just about signing documents—it’s about protecting your legacy, your team, and ensuring your business thrives under new ownership. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman unpack the critical steps to achieving a seamless business transition, from negotiating the Letter of Intent (LOI) and navigating due diligence to crafting an operational transition plan that safeguards both your company’s value and its people. Tune in and learn how to confidently transfer your business—and your legacy—to the new owner. The busine...2025-04-0706 min
Napkin NumbersMaking Your Company Bankable: Tips for Accessing Working CapitalStruggling to secure working capital? You’re not alone. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman break down what it takes to make your company truly bankable. They dive into key financial ratios—leverage, liquidity, and coverage—that banks use to assess risk, and they highlight the importance of early planning and strong banking relationships. Whether you're growing or preparing for an acquisition, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the financial landscape, position your business for success, and secure the funding you need. The business landscape is shifti...2025-03-0305 min
Napkin NumbersHow to Grow Through Acquisition in a Changing MarketIn the first Napkin Numbers episode of the new year, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman dive into the unexpected trends shaping 2025. The "silver tsunami" is creating unprecedented opportunities for business acquisitions as baby boomers exit the marketplace, leaving more sellers than buyers. With interest rates dropping, access to capital is expanding, fueling stealth consolidations and strategic acquisitions across industries. They explore how fluctuating valuations and market dynamics make this a pivotal time for entrepreneurs to act. Tune in for insider strategies to navigate this shifting landscape to elevate your business. The business landscape is shifting rapidly, and...2025-02-0304 min
Napkin Numbers2024 Year in Review: Insights & HighlightsIn this year-end episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman recap the key trends of 2024, from innovative deal structuring in commercial finance to the growing role of real estate syndication and electrification initiatives. They share strategies for closing financing gaps, highlight opportunities in infrastructure and skilled labor industries, and explain how their adaptive approach can help you achieve your goals in the year ahead. Financing and growth opportunities are abundant, but navigating them requires creativity and expertise. Freeman Lundt specializes in helping entrepreneurs and businesses close financing gaps, leverage syndication strategies, and capitalize...2024-12-1608 min
Napkin NumbersFinancing the Shift: How to Leverage Grants & Incentives for Business SuccessIf you’re an entrepreneur navigating the world of government contracts, it’s likely you’ve struggled to secure funds to complete your project. Have you been told to simply figure it out alone, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a financial puzzle? The pain of hitting financing gaps and missing out on valuable opportunities may be all too real. But what if there's a better way to close those gaps and achieve successful financing for your projects? In this episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman reveal the secrets they’ve uncovere...2024-10-0712 min
Napkin NumbersFrom Boom to Bust: Understanding the Shake-out, Maturity and Decline PhasesIn this episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, join Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman as they guide you through the crucial last stages of the business lifecycle. From navigating the shake-out phase to thriving in business maturity, they offer actionable strategies for recognizing decline, optimizing funding, and planning your exit - because knowing when and how to step away can be just as critical as knowing how to grow. Tune in for expert insights to keep your business on the path to long-term success. Freeman Lundt is here to help you plan your business’s growth and ex...2024-09-0909 min
Napkin NumbersUnderstanding Business Life Cycles: Launch and Growth Funding StrategiesIn this episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, Scott Lundt delves into the intricacies of startup funding strategies and the pivotal role of business banking products. He offers insights on managing cash flow and creating financial growth plans. Scott discusses overcoming negative cash flow during the launch phase and seizing growth opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships with bankers. This episode is valuable for business owners navigating early growth stages, providing practical advice and actionable insights for strategic financial management. Freeman Lundt is here to help you plan your business’s growth and your exit from yo...2024-08-1208 min
Napkin NumbersNavigating Business Life Cycles and Funding AccessNavigating each business life cycle can be challenging, and it's important to understand where your business falls. From the early stages of growth, through maturity and even exiting your business, Scott and Rahsaan have it covered with this Napkin Numbers episode. They share the challenges and choices your business may face at each stage, highlight varying levels of risk, the challenges of securing funding at each of these pivotal stages, as well as the important resources available to meet these challenges. If you are considering exiting your business and would like to see what your business is...2024-07-0106 min
Napkin NumbersProtecting Your Business Assets: Lessons To Increase Your Business's ValueJoin Rahsaan Freeman and Scott Lundt as they dive into some risky scenarios that seriously affected their clients’ business’s value when it came time to sell. Rahsaan and Scott share real case studies where over-reliance on a single major customer tanked a manufacturer's revenue when that customer went under and it took them years to recover. They discuss the common temptation of using your business like a personal piggy bank and why that will slash your business’s valuation. Also, failing to protect intellectual property and document key processes - both easily avoidable mistakes that ended up costing busine...2024-06-0310 min
Napkin NumbersBuilding a Valuable Business: Lessons from An Expert Business CoachHave you heard these myths about small business exit strategies? Myth 1: The value of your business is solely based on net profits. Myth 2: Customer service is the ultimate differentiator. Myth 3: Emotion and identity play no role in business value. Want to know the truth behind these myths? In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman speak with Denver Business Coach Steve Kohnke to dispel these myths. Throughout the episode, key factors impacting a business's value are uncovered, shedding light on the risks associated with owner dependency, emotional attachment, and lack o...2024-05-0615 min
Napkin NumbersUncovering Overlooked Risks in Growing Your Business’s ValueEver feel like you're playing a risky game with your business's value? An advisor may have told you to focus solely on growing your revenue, but have you ever considered the overlooked risks that could instantly wipe out all your hard-earned value? It's frustrating to pour your heart and soul into your business only to realize that it might not be as secure as you thought. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt & Rahsaan Freeman uncover those hidden risks and show proactive steps you can take to safeguard your business's value. You will discover...2024-04-0105 min
Napkin NumbersReal Estate Mastery for Business Owners: Exclusive Buy/Sell Case StudiesIf you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of commercial real estate transactions, struggling to optimize your financial outcomes and need guidance on the best decisions, you are not alone! In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt & Rahsaan Freeman review case studies they have seen through their work at Freeman Lundt, where business owners have bought or sold real estate in connection with their business. You may have heard myths about commercial real estate transactions, such as you don’t need a commercial real estate broker and can use legal counsel to draw up an ag...2024-03-0407 min
Napkin NumbersUncovering the Risks: Do Business Owners Need a Commercial Real Estate Broker?In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt & Rahsaan Freeman are joined by Bob Fredrickson, the president of Coldwell Banker Commercial Danforth, to discuss the pivotal role of commercial real estate brokers in business property transactions. Bob's expertise shines as he discusses the vital factors that buyers need to consider, including property valuation, compliance, and market insights. He emphasizes the necessity of local market knowledge and the ability of commercial brokers to assess property value and potential risks accurately. On the seller side, Bob highlights the importance of balancing business and property value, stressing the need for...2024-02-0511 min
Napkin NumbersAcquiring A Business With Real Estate: Top 3 Reasons Why Investors & Entrepreneurs Should Consider This MoveDiscover the three compelling reasons for acquiring a business with real estate to achieve a strategic advantage. In this episode, Scott and Rahsaan shed light on the financial, strategic and legal aspects of purchasing a business with real estate and provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors to navigate this journey. Through two case studies, Rahsaan illustrates the need for expert guidance to positively impact the acquisition of a business with real estate and the potential return on investment that it brings. To gain a competitive edge in the market, listen now for the essential information on v...2024-01-0809 min
Napkin NumbersBuying A Business? 3 Essential Requirements To Find Your Perfect FitAre you tired of the same old routine? Ready for a change? Have you considered buying a business? In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott and Rahsaan explore how self-reflection can uncover hidden passions and open doors to unexpected opportunities. Don't fall for these common myths: 1) You need to be an expert in the industry to succeed, 2) Passion is the only thing that matters, and 3) Your preferences can't change over time. Listen in as we debunk these myths and reveal the truth behind identifying the right skills, passions, and preferences when buying a business. Scott and Rahsaan...2023-12-0408 min
Napkin NumbersBreaking Barriers: The Game-Changing Benefits of Certification for Diverse-Owned BusinessesAre you ready to boost your business success and open doors to new opportunities? Certifications for women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned businesses have the power to enhance your visibility, growth and access to diverse business prospects. However, navigating the certification process can take time and effort. That's why Rahsaan and Scott share efficient strategies for obtaining certifications and maximizing your business opportunities in this episode of Napkin Numbers. They also stress that obtaining certification is only the first step. To expand your business, utilizing the advantages of certification is essential. How? Scott and Rahsaan...2023-11-0609 min
Napkin NumbersMaximizing Buyer Opportunities: Why A Buy-Side Rep HelpsWould you like to grow your business rapidly by acquiring another business? Or have you tried to purchase another business, and it hasn’t been the right fit? In the latest episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott & Rahsaan present the indispensability of a buy-side representative through real-world examples. A buy-side rep can guide you through the intricacies of valuation, negotiate deals in your favor and unlock financing options you may not have thought possible. Listen as Scott and Rahsaan outline two case studies with concrete examples of how their expertise saved buyers money and helped them ac...2023-10-0209 min
Napkin NumbersUnderstanding Your Worth: Keys to Successful Business ValuationYou’ve thought about selling your business someday, but do you know how many synergistic factors are involved in that valuation process? Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of how valuation impacts the sale of your business? Are you looking for a solution when it comes to this subjective aspect of business? Look no further because this episode of Napkin Numbers has the key to unlocking your understanding of valuation and its direct impact on business sales. By providing valuable insights and strategies, Scott and Rahsaan will empower you to achieve the desired outcome in th...2023-09-0407 min
Napkin NumbersThe Importance of BankabilityThe financial institution you should work with will depend on the size and needs of your company, and these may change over time. To secure the best banking partner, you need to know how these organizations look at you from a risk standpoint so you can optimize your business’s appeal. But you must also research which institution can best serve your lending goals. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott & Rahsaan go over all the basics of bankability that will help you confidently secure credit.2023-08-0711 min
Napkin NumbersFlaws In Your Business and How It Can Impact Your Company When You're Trying To SellWhen potential buyers look at your business, 4 main categories will entice them to make an offer or scare them away. When you know how to optimize these core elements of your business, you can set yourself up for success and boost your chances of a lucrative sale. Listen in to learn how your products, workforce, industry, and customers can significantly influence your business's appeal to interested buyers.2023-07-0305 min
Napkin Numbers3 Ways To Make Your Business More AppealingAs a small business owner, we understand that you've dedicated countless hours to building your company, and when it's time to consider what comes next, chances are you will want to exit your company on your terms. This episode of Napkin Numbers delves into the three ways to make your business more appealing when preparing to sell. Drawing from our combined 50+ years of experience, we share some real-world exit strategies that could pave the way for your next move, ensuring a seamless transition and reaping the maximum benefits of your hard work. 2023-06-0504 min
Napkin NumbersTop 3 Reasons Why Business Deals Fall ThroughNot all business deals go according to plan. Rahsaan Freeman and Scott Lundt want to see business owners who wish to exit on their terms succeed, which is why they are sharing the top three reasons business deals fall through and explaining ways to prevent any roadblocks from happening. Rahsaan and Scott have a combined 40 years of experience in the banking and finance industry and currently own Freeman Lundt, a sell-side advisory firm. Whether you're almost ready to transition out of your company or still have years to go, it's crucial to exit on y...2023-05-0106 minNapkin NumbersPodcast PreviewWelcome to Napkin Numbers, the podcast that simplifies the complex world of selling your business. If you're a small business owner who has poured your heart and soul into building your Main Street Business, you may wonder what's next. Join Scott and Rahsaan as they share ideas and insights from their combined 40 years of banking and financial experience on real-world exit strategies that can inspire your next move. In each episode, they'll break down the process of selling a business into easy-to-understand terms, providing practical tips and advice to help you navigate this important milestone. W...2023-04-2904 min