Shows
Lowcountry RevolutionariesDream Big, Start SmallSend us Fan MailThe myth of the “all-in” entrepreneur is loud in startup culture—but in the Lowcountry, the tides turn fast and the bills don’t wait. The smartest founders here don’t mortgage the house on a hunch. They keep a day job a little longer, launch scrappy pilots, run experiments they can afford to lose, and treat every early setback as tuition paid, not failure.In this special mixtape episode pulled straight from the best advice moments across the podcast, you’ll hear raw, battle-tested wisdom from Charleston-area founders on how to build sus...
2026-04-2815 min
CVBBA Insights12 - Beyond the Sale Price: Tax Strategies, 1031 & Deal ValueWhen business owners think about a successful sale, many focus on the purchase price. But sophisticated dealmakers know the real question is what the seller actually retains after taxes, structure, and transition planning.
In this episode of the CVBBA Insights Podcast, host Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA sits down with Richard B. “Rick” Chess, Counselor at Law, Past President of CVBBA, to discuss practical strategies for preserving wealth in business and real estate transactions.
Together, they explore how 1031 exchanges, tax planning, and smart deal structuring can help business owners, brokers, and deal partners think beyond the headline n...
2026-04-0435 min
CVBBA Insights11 - Deal or Drama? Navigating the Hard Conversations for Smoother Business Closings
Every experienced business broker has a story about the "deal from hell"—the one that turned into a soap opera or hit a legal landmine no one saw coming. In this episode, host Colette Kemp is joined by veteran transactional attorneys Lisa Crandall and Tad Cook of PLG Law. Together, they pull back the curtain on why some deals stay clean while others spiral into expensive chaos.
Learn how to stop playing the "hero" in a failing deal and start playing the expert who spots red flags before they explode. Whether you are a broker, a buyer, or...
2026-03-1542 min
CVBBA Insights10 - Care, Compliance, & Capital: Senior Care DecodedEpisode Overview
In this conversation, Colette Kemp interviews Phil Bongiorno, an expert in the home healthcare industry. They discuss the various niches within senior care, the regulatory landscape, and the future growth of the industry. Phil emphasizes the importance of understanding compliance, operations, and the payer mix for brokers looking to navigate this sector effectively. The conversation highlights the increasing demand for home healthcare services and the opportunities available for business brokers in this evolving market.
Guest Contact Information
Phil Bongiorno
Associate Broker
Horizon Business Brokers
Call: (202) 680-8986
2026-02-1512 min
CVBBA Insights9 - CVBBA Vision 2026: A Conversation with President AJ RamseyEpisode Overview
In this episode of the CVBBA Insights Podcast, we bring you the recording of CVBBA Vision 2026, featuring incoming President AJ Ramsey.
Moderated by Colette Kemp and Heather Valeri, this conversation outlines the strategic priorities, growth initiatives, and leadership vision guiding the Carolinas Virginia Business Brokers Association (CVBBA) into 2026.
The discussion addresses industry tailwinds such as the Silver Tsunami, evolving deal dynamics, member value creation, governance, and how brokers can maximize ROI from their CVBBA membership.
Episode Agenda & Key Topics:
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Introduction to CVBBA Vision 2026 and Presi...
2026-02-0121 min
CVBBA Insights8 - Jolt! Your R.O.I. Strategies to Super-Charge Your Relationships & LinkedIn Business Development in 2026
What if your most valuable ROI in 2026 isn’t financial but relational?
In this episode of the CVBBA Insights Podcast, host Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA sits down with Larry Long Jr. to challenge how brokers, lenders, and deal partners think about growth, business development, and relationships.
Together, they redefine ROI as Return on Intention and explore why authentic, relationship-first strategies consistently outperform transactional networking, especially on LinkedIn.
Larry shares his personal and professional journey of overcoming early self-doubt, navigating business failure, and rebuilding momentum through consistency, authenticity, and purpose. The conversation blends i...
2026-01-1630 min
CVBBA Insights7 - Rescuing a Runaway Deal: How a Broker Brought a Failing Transaction Back to LifeMost brokers eventually face it: a deal that goes sideways fast. Emotions spike, communication breaks down, and what once looked like a smooth closing suddenly feels impossible.
In this episode of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, host Colette Kemp (SureStep Business Advisors) is joined by Sheryl Vazquez (CRE & Business Brokerage Specialist) to unpack a real transaction that nearly collapsed, and the exact steps Sheryl took to revive it.
From misaligned expectations to miscommunication between parties, you’ll hear how a seasoned broker navigated complexity, rebuilt trust, and guided both buyer and seller back to the closing...
2025-12-1516 min
CVBBA Insights6 - 5 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Business BrokerHost: Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA — Meridian Business Advisors
Guest: Dustin Zeher, CBI, CM&AP — Principal Broker & M&A Advisor, Horizon Business Brokers
In this new episode of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, host Heather Valeri sits down with seasoned business broker and long-time CVBBA/IBBA leader Dustin Zeher to discuss the top five lessons every new broker needs to hear.
Whether you're just getting started or you’re looking to sharpen your process, Dustin delivers real-world, actionable insights drawn from 15+ years of experience, thousands of buyer conversations, and hundreds of completed transacti...
2025-12-0330 min
CVBBA Insights5 - INSIDE THE VAULT: Unlock SBA Funding After Government ShutdownIn this special edition of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, hosts Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA of Meridian Business Advisors and Colette Kemp of SureStep Business Advisors sit down with one of the Southeast’s most trusted SBA lenders — Erica Gregg Parker, VP SBA Lending, Fidelity Bank — to unpack what the recent government shutdown really means for deal flow.
Brokers and business owners have been asking the same questions:
- Are year-end closings still possible?
- Are lenders tightening?
- Will holiday slowdowns make Q1 2026 even worse?
- What’s actually happening with underwri...
2025-11-1725 min
CVBBA Insights4 - Through the Lender’s Lens: What Brokers Miss About SBA FinancingEpisode Overview
Welcome to the CVBBA podcast “Thrive in 25.”
In this episode, host Colette Kemp is joined by Michael Goddard, Senior SBA Business Development Officer at Fidelity Bank. Together, they explore the realities of SBA financing from a lender’s perspective — what brokers often overlook, and how to navigate deals more effectively.
They discuss the effects of the government shutdown on SBA loan processing, common misconceptions business brokers hold about SBA financing, and key factors that drive successful transactions. Michael also shares expert advice on buyer screening, maintaining clear communication throughout...
2025-10-2814 min
CVBBA Insights3 - The HIRE Act: What Business Brokers Must Know Before 2026 HitsThink hiring offshore virtual assistants is safe from regulatory changes? Think again.
In this episode of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, Heather Valeri of Meridian Business Advisors joins Colette Kemp of SureStep Business Advisors to unpack the HIRE Act... draft legislation that could significantly change how business brokers and M&A advisors work with offshore talent in 2026.
You’ll hear how the proposed tariffs and new compliance measures could affect your margins, workflows, and staffing decisions, and what practical steps you can take now to stay ahead of the curve.
What You’ll...
2025-10-2812 minLowcountry RevolutionariesEmpowering Wealth Creation: Heather Valeri on Transforming Lives Through Meridian Business AdvisorsSend us Fan MailJoin Bill and his guest Heather Valeri. Heather is the CEO and founder of Meridian Business Advisors, an award-winning business brokerage and advisory firm located in Charleston. Recently recognized as the top advisory firm in South Carolina, Heather holds the prestigious distinction of Certified Business Intermediary, an elite certification held by less than 10% of brokers worldwide, and even fewer women. Heather has many certifications and has earned many awards. Her greatest satisfaction is making an impact in the lives of her clients. With over 20 years as an entrepreneur, Heather has...
2025-09-1030 min
The Daily MastermindThe Power of Entrepreneurial Spirit with Heather ValeriThe Power of Entrepreneurial Spirit with Heather ValeriGeorge Wright II is joined by Heather Valeri, founder and CEO of Meridian Business Advisors, to discuss strategies for business growth, scaling, and successful exits. Heather, an award-winning business broker, shares her journey and the importance of having a mindset aimed at problem-solving and transformation. They delve into the significance of assessments in understanding business readiness, the value of strategic growth through acquisitions, and maintaining a strong personal and business mindset. Heather emphasizes taking a holistic approach in business dealings and offers key questions for anyone...
2025-07-0829 min
CVBBA Insights1 - The Inside Scoop on the SBA's Latest SOPsWelcome to the inaugural episode of CVBBA Insights: Thrive in ‘25 – I’m your host, Heather Valeri, Board Member of the Carolinas-Virginia Business Brokers Association. It’s an honor to bring you timely insights and expert conversations to help you thrive—no matter where you are on your business journey.
Today, we’re kicking things off with a topic that impacts buyers, sellers, brokers, and lenders alike: the latest updates to the SBA’s Standard Operating Procedures. These changes can open new doors—but only if you know how to navigate them.
I’m joined by two outstanding gu...
2025-06-2752 min
Business Growth TrailblazersFrom Acquisition to Exit: Multiply Your Investment With Heather ValeriWelcome to the Business Growth Trailblazers Podcast! In today’s episode, we're going to show you how to grow your business through acquisition—and then sell it for three to ten times your original investment.Heather Valeri is the CEO and Founder of Meridian Business Advisors. She takes aspiring entrepreneurs from concept to start-up, to scaling, and ultimately selling the business. Meridian is an award winning business brokerage company serving business owners throughout the USA. Heather is the "go-to" expert at growing and selling businesses. She has over 20+ years of business expertise and several certifications. Heather is a Certified Busi...
2025-05-3018 min
The Jukebox: Radio ArchiveThe Jukebox: April 1, 2000“The All-Request Rock ’n’ Roll Jukebox,” hosted by Mike Saffran, on “99 BBF”/WBBF-FM (98.9), Rochester, N.Y. Originally aired 7 p.m.–Midnight April 1, 2000.Special note: My final show after more than five years hosting “The Jukebox”! There’s an old saying in radio: “There’s no such thing as a final show.” The meaning: Once it’s known a DJ is leaving a radio station — whether by choice (e.g. resignation) or not of their own choosing — for a variety of reasons the DJ typically isn’t allowed back on the air for a final, or “farewell,” show. So, I felt fortunate to have a “final s...
2025-04-0235 min