Shows
Second Bite PodcastHow To Navigate Key Staff in Your Agency ExitTodd 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… Navigating key players in a transaction is critical for agency founders looking to maximize value, but how...
2025-09-0432 minSecond Bite PodcastCreating Winning Business Deals: A Compilation of StrategiesTodd 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, an...
2025-01-3008 minSecond Bite Podcast[Agency Growth Advisors Series] Lessons From the Big Dogs: What Smaller Agencies Haven't Quite Figured OutIn 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 stra...
2024-11-1419 minSecond Bite Podcast[Agency Growth Advisors Series] An Introduction to Agency Growth: Helping Agency Owners Identify Their Biggest ChallengesIn 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...
2024-09-2622 minSecond Bite PodcastPE Insight Series: The Inner Workings of an Investment CommitteeIn 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, an...
2024-07-2532 minSecond Bite PodcastPE Insight Series: First Impressions: PE Executives' Investment CriteriaIn 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 el...
2024-07-1131 minSecond Bite PodcastThe Delicate Art of Transitioning From Founder to CEOBruce 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? Strat...
2024-06-2019 minSecond Bite PodcastThe Delicate Art of Buying Out a PartnerKevin 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 par...
2024-06-1332 minSecond Bite PodcastHow a 33% "Roll Forward" Results in 47.8% Equity OwnershipLindsay 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...
2024-06-0627 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Do I Know the Timing Is Right? (Founder Question Series)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. Toge...
2024-05-3028 minSecond Bite PodcastWhen and How Do I Disclose to My Company, Customers, and the Public? (Founder Question Series)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, Pete...
2024-05-2331 minSecond Bite PodcastWhen Do I Bring My Management Team Into the Loop? (Founder Question Series)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 st...
2024-05-1626 minSecond Bite PodcastDo I Have a Boss Now? (Founder Question Series)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.
2024-05-1027 minSecond Bite PodcastDo I Have a Boss Now? (Founder Question Series)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.
2024-05-0927 minSecond Bite PodcastGrowing from $10M to $160M to $0 SuccessfullyMichael 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 Med...
2024-05-0233 minSecond Bite PodcastAccelerate Don't Exit - A New Model for FoundersTodd 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 rel...
2024-04-2526 minSecond Bite PodcastSpeed M&A™ - The Evolution of Legal Support for TransactionsRobyn 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...
2024-03-2840 minSecond Bite PodcastLife Lessons For Entrepreneurs from an Early Yahoo & Facebook Exec Turned Professional ComedianPaul 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 pers...
2024-03-2136 minSecond Bite PodcastWhy a Public Company CEO Left the "Job of a Lifetime" To Work Out of His Sweaty Garage PT 2Dan 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...
2024-03-1424 minSecond Bite PodcastWhy a Public Company CEO Left the "Job of a Lifetime" To Work Out of His Sweaty Garage PT 1Dan 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...
2024-03-0723 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Agency Founders Are Accelerating Growth and Realizing "Full Value"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 fo...
2024-02-2931 minSecond Bite PodcastWhat Do Great M&A Strategists Really Seek From an Acquisition?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 acq...
2024-02-2230 minSecond Bite PodcastMaster Class in Selecting a Private Equity PartnerJeff 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 sh...
2024-02-1534 minSecond Bite PodcastThe Path Less Traveled to CEOPatrick 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...
2024-02-0934 minSecond Bite PodcastBecoming Executive ChairmanLance 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...
2024-02-0132 minSecond Bite PodcastCan You Really Be a "Platform Investment" at $1.25m EBITDA?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-foun...
2024-01-2536 minSecond Bite PodcastLessons and Insights From a 3X FounderLance 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 Hol...
2024-01-1832 minSecond Bite PodcastWhen Everything Works Perfectly (Really)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 Gr...
2023-12-2044 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Being Strategically Acquired Accelerated This Entrepreneur's Dream & Expanded His VisionAndrew 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...
2023-12-1437 minSecond Bite PodcastHidden Tax and Benefit Opportunities Founders Always OverlookKen 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 ow...
2023-11-3020 minSecond Bite Podcast5X Return on Fee & Strategic CoupMike Perez is the President of iLaywerMarketing, a law firm marketing company. He is also the CEO of 1Point21 Interactive, a full-service data visualization and content marketing agency. Mike specializes in SEO, SEM, web design, website video production, and video optimization. In this episode… Selling your business requires consideration for implications like job security, asset ownership, and operational changes. How can you evaluate an ideal company for the transaction, and what should you prioritize during your due diligence? Mike Perez, the President of iLaywerMarketing, shares how he navigated the legal ramifications of his busi...
2023-10-1940 minSecond Bite PodcastWhat Is Mountain Top Syndrome?Nat Berman is the CEO of Uncoached Corp, where he works with motivated individuals and teams to reach peak performance levels. As a multi-million dollar entrepreneur, he helps CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs gain clarity. Over 17 years, Nat grew a portfolio of 25 sites that reached millions of visitors each month. In this episode… Have you reached an impasse in your career? Are you feeling unfulfilled in your professional life? Learn business and life lessons from an entrepreneurial coach who built a portfolio from scratch and attained financial freedom. Business coach and CEO of Uncoached Cor...
2023-10-1232 minSecond Bite PodcastBetter Systems = Better Margins = Bigger ExitAdi Klevit is the Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group, which identifies, creates, and documents processes to help businesses scale. She has 25 years of experience as a trained industrial engineer, management consultant, and business executive. With this knowledge, Adi helps organizations and companies improve efficiency and performance. In this episode… Companies preparing for a sale often encounter inefficiencies and disorganization. Learn how implementing systems and processes can streamline operations and boost your company's valuation. Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group, Adi Klevit, explains the importance of processes and procedures to...
2023-09-2824 minSecond Bite PodcastLife After a Successful Exit - Opportunities, Excitement & New ChallengesFelix Laboy is an Advisor and Executive at Shift Digital, a leader in digital marketing program optimization. In his role, he helps develop teams, manage hospitality resources, and provide strategic focus. With three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, he founded one of the first digital marketing agencies in the hotel industry. Prior to Shift Digital, Felix served as the Founding President of Sabre Hospitality Solutions, CEO of WayBlazer, and the Executive Chairman of NextGuest. In this episode… Are you considering selling your business? Learn insights from a seasoned hospitality executive about th...
2023-09-2135 minSecond Bite PodcastThe 5-Year Earnout That Exceeded Projections, Payouts and All ExpectationsMatt White is the President of WHITE64, a full-service creative agency with clients, including Metro, Hilton, and Koons Automotive Group. He is also a Corporate Officer and board member of Port Annapolis Marina and serves on the board of several additional organizations. As an advertising and new media executive, Matt focuses on hiring quality talent, creating a positive work environment, and making every client feel special. In this episode… As an established and reputable company, how can you advance your valuation? An earnout sale allows you to profit from your business' growth. So how can you...
2023-08-0334 minSecond Bite Podcast3 Alternatives to Rapid Growth & Value CreationNed 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… How can you accelerate revenue growth without the risks associated with private equity or roll-ups? Empirical-backed experimentation is a method that involves partnering with larger, more experienced organizations. It can be a powerful option that minimizes potential risk. So how can you le...
2023-07-2736 minSecond Bite PodcastHow "Learning Habits" Leads to PE Investment, Global Clients, and Dominance in a Micro NicheRaman Sehgal is the Founder and Global President of ramarketing, a multi-million dollar and PE-backed content marketing agency. He is also the Co-founder of Lead Candidate, a specialist talent acquisition partner for the pharma and biotech outsourcing space. Raman is an international bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the host of the industry-leading pharmaceutical podcast, Molecule to Market. In this episode… When considering private equity, due diligence and partnership evaluation are crucial for sustainable growth. How can you determine if this investment medium is right for your company? Founder and Global President of ramarketing, Ram...
2023-07-2042 minSecond Bite PodcastFirst Generation Entrepreneur Executing on a $400M VisionGautam Ijoor is the Founder, CEO, and President of Alpha Omega Integration, a leading federal contracting business specializing in intelligent government IT solutions. Through three acquisitions, he has grown the firm to $137 million in yearly revenue. Before Alpha Omega, Gautam was the CEO of C3 Systems, where he handled the M&A activities and reviews on 18 potential firms while securing $10 million in funding. In this episode… Are you considering accelerating revenue through private equity? How can you evaluate, select, and nurture private equity partnerships to maximize business value? Founder, CEO, and President of Al...
2023-06-2932 minSecond Bite PodcastA Key Acquisition Accelerates Growth in an Abstrakt WayScott Scully is the Founder and CEO of Abstrakt Marketing Group, a B2B lead generation and business growth agency. In this role, he has led the company to become one of the most successful privately held marketing startups in the St. Louis region. Over the past 28 years, Scott has started, invested in, or played a major role in several companies in the marketing and lead generation space, three of which have exceeded $12 million in annual revenue. In this episode… Although earnouts are tricky to structure and settle, these transactions are mutually beneficial and highly eff...
2023-06-0834 minSecond Bite PodcastBig Fish in a Small Pond With 700 Happy, Raving CustomersRon Callis is the Co-founder and CEO of One Firefly, an award-winning marketing agency serving customer integration, security, and tech industries. As the author of numerous industry articles, he is frequently interviewed and cited as an authority in the home automation and smart building industries. Ron is also a Certified Instructor at CEDIA and a board member of Azione Unlimited. In this episode… Do you have what it takes to build a reputable, thriving business? How can you accelerate growth and value through acquisition opportunities? Co-founder and CEO of One Firefly, Ron Callis, de...
2023-05-2537 minSecond Bite PodcastHow a Richard Branson Comment Motivated a Connected TV PioneerDan Larkman is the Founder and CEO of Keynes Digital, a full-service programmatic advertising partner. He has ad operations expertise in management, leadership, international campaigns, and communications across multiple markets. Before founding Keynes Digital, Dan held various roles at SteelHouse, including Senior Director of Operations and VP of Client Services and Performance. In those roles, he managed numerous teams with direct and indirect reports. In this episode… If you're trying to grow your startup, private equity may not be an ideal approach. This funding method limits success since partners often lack the appropriate interest in your...
2023-05-0437 minSecond Bite PodcastMaster Class: How a $100M+ CEO Raised Venture Capital for a New Sports Data CompanyAli Manouchehri is the Co-founder and Chairperson at Zoomph, which offers a one-stop platform for social media intelligence, measurement, and audience analytics to maximize brand revenue. Ali leads talented IT and business minds across the public and private sectors. He has been recognized as one of Inc. magazine's "40 Under 40" and has conducted interviews with the Washington Business Journal, Washington Technology, and Forbes. In this episode… Are you looking to raise capital to fund a startup? Venture capital is effective when utilized as a series funding approach. The right planning and relationship can make this funding a...
2023-04-2041 minSecond Bite PodcastCash, Equity, a Sales Team, New Capabilities and Administrative Freedom... All After Deal #1 FailedKevin Biondi is the Managing Partner of Digital Marketing and Growth at Sproutward, a boutique marketing consultancy acquired by Power Digital. As an accomplished digital marketing and growth leader, he has over 15 years of experience in customer acquisition and retention in the online and mobile spaces. Kevin previously served as the Founder and Head of Digital Marketing and Growth at Clientside Interactive, where he advised startups and Fortune 10 companies. In this episode… When evaluating M&A transactions, strategic partnerships are important to consider for optimizing growth. However, these transactions require extensive due diligence and planning. Wh...
2023-03-3035 minSecond Bite PodcastTerror, Excitement & Reward - A Bootstrapped AcquisitionKevin Lee is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Didit, a leading digital marketing and technology firm. Over the past five years, Didit has made 11 acquisitions to transform into a full-service marketing firm. They serve Fortune 500 as well as startup businesses, performing everything from strategy to execution. As a digital marketing pioneer, Kevin gives back to the industry regularly by writing books, attending over 500 speaking engagements, and publishing over 780 columns. In this episode… Private equity is the standard method of executing M&A transactions. This approach often utilizes debt, however, which can hinder growth. How can...
2023-03-2329 minSecond Bite PodcastAcqui-Hiring To Fuel Agency Double Digit Growth: A Behind the Scenes LookAlex Rossman is the Founder and CEO of Rossman Media, an award-winning global creative and media agency focusing on social media. He founded Rossman with a mission to help consumer brands connect with their target audience on social media. Alex and his team have been named by Business Insider as the "Best New Social Media Agency" of 2020. Before founding Rossman Media, Alex spent time in sales and management for ADP and U.S. Bank where he developed his expertise. In this episode… Acqui-hiring is a viable acquisition method for startup agencies to enhance th...
2023-03-1633 minSecond Bite PodcastA 14 Month Road to Clarity, Partnership, and a Successful Deal CloseMatt Diteljan is a Board Member of NextGrad and the former Co-founder and CEO of Glacier, a higher-education advertising agency. As an innovator in the high school and youth media space, he has worked with student influencers and developed in-school ad placements and digital strategies. Matt has spoken at numerous conferences, including the American Marketing Association. In this episode… Are you considering selling your company? The acquisition process is lengthy and complex, often requiring experience that entrepreneurs don't have yet. So what does this process involve, and how can you facilitate a successful transaction? ...
2023-03-0934 minSecond Bite PodcastUnderstanding the Advantages of an "Independent Sponsor"Drew Bagot is the Founder and Managing Partner at Serata Capital Partners, a founder-friendly private equity firm that create partnerships that build lasting value for business owners and investors. As a private equity investor for over 15 years, he has founded and operated several entrepreneurial businesses. He also manages a private equity portfolio in Calidant Capital, where he is a founding partner. Before Serata Capital Partners, Drew was an Associate Director at ORIX Corporation and a Senior Analyst at Pharos Capital Group. In this episode… Private equity investments can maximize business value, but they requ...
2023-02-2234 minSecond Bite Podcast[Year in Review] Potomac Business Capital's Partnerships and TransactionsTodd Taskey is an investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, a company focused on helping businesses with company evolution, exit planning, and M&A investing. Before joining Potomac, Todd was the Principal (Certified Financial Planner) at Solutions Planning Group, Inc. Todd is also an Angel Investor for many companies, including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. In this episode… Private equity transactions are a great way to grow a business. So what should you know about the different types of transactions, and how can you leverage them to maximize your company's value? I...
2023-01-1926 minSecond Bite PodcastHow a Veterinary Roll-Up, an AT&T "Black Box," and a British Family Office Shaped a Leading Global Marketing Transformation AgencyMatthew Murphy is the founder and CEO of Fusion92, delivering data-inspired, results-driven and right-priced marketing transformation solutions for enterprise and emerging brands. He has led the company through the development of 14 patents and five groundbreaking technologies, the acquisition of six companies, the launch of a premium Web3 studio and the onboarding of capital growth partners in 2021 to further help the business scale. Matthew serves as a trusted adviser and expert growth marketer for teams and brands across B2B and B2C engagements. In this episode… Are you looking for a way to expand your se...
2022-12-2943 minSecond Bite PodcastTransactions That Created a Global Marketing Powerhouse Part 2Michael Mothner is the Founder and CEO of Wpromote, one of the fastest-growing search engine marketing firms in the country. As a thought leader in the online community, he is a frequent contributor on subjects such as digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Mike has been a columnist for Inc. magazine and has been featured on MSNBC, Fox News, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, among other prominent publications. He was also named one of Inc.'s "30 Under 30 to Watch." In this episode… What elements lead to a profitable acquisition? How can you structure yo...
2022-12-0827 minSecond Bite PodcastTransactions That Created a Global Marketing Powerhouse Part 1Michael Mothner is the Founder and CEO of Wpromote, one of the fastest-growing search engine marketing firms in the country. As a thought leader in the online community, he is a frequent contributor on subjects such as digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Mike has been a columnist for Inc. magazine and has been featured on MSNBC, Fox News, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, among other prominent publications. He was also named one of Inc.'s "30 Under 30 to Watch." In this episode… Are you looking to achieve fast yet long-term growth? How can yo...
2022-12-0332 minSecond Bite PodcastUnderstanding the Impact of Science Behind Performance MarketingNorman Brauns is the CEO and Co-founder of PACIFIC, a global performance marketing agency that grows new customer acquisition for some of the world's largest brands. As an experienced professional in the marketing and advertising industry, he is skilled in digital and marketing strategy, SEO, and MARTECH. Before PACIFIC, Norman was the Director of SEO at Steak and the Director of SEO Strategies for SEO Inc. In this episode… In performance-based marketing, delivering value to your customers is paramount. So how can you create seamless digital experiences for your clients? Founder and CEO of...
2022-11-2437 minSecond Bite PodcastCombining Internal Operating Partners at "Inflection Points" Creates Long Term ValueGlenn Oken is the Managing Director at Mangrove Equity Partners, a lower-middle market private equity fund. He specializes in originating deal opportunities and quantifying acquisition candidates. Before co-founding Mangrove, Glenn was a Tenured Partner at Florida Capital Partners (FCP). Between Mangrove and FCP, he has helped build two of the most experienced and successful private equity funds of their kind in the nation. In this episode… When evaluating a company for acquisition, what is the most essential criteria? How can you ensure a valuable transaction for all parties? Glenn Oken, Managing Partner at Ma...
2022-10-2736 minSecond Bite PodcastThe Seven Year Serial EntrepreneurJerad Speigel is the Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer at Groundswell, an IT consultancy helping federal agencies solve their most complex challenges. In his role, he is responsible for evaluating marketing trends and identifying critical areas for investment. Before joining Groundswell, Jerad was the Founder and CEO of Phase One, which was purchased by Accenture in 2017. In this episode… Are you considering selling your business? What should you assess before making an offer, and how can you navigate the process? Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer Jerad Speigel talks about how to sel...
2022-09-2239 minSecond Bite PodcastData & Data = Client ROI (And Super Profitable Agency)Moses Foster is the CEO and Founder of West Cary Group, a full-service advertising agency that focuses on performance-based marketing and communications. He also serves on the Executive Advisory Councils for the University of Richmond Robins School of Business, the Board of Trustees for HCA Chippenham/Johnston-Willis Hospitals, and the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Before founding West Cary Group, Moses was the Senior Director of Creative Development at Capital One. In this episode… Are you trying to take your business further and expand your reach? What strategies can you leverage to double your growth and...
2022-09-0839 minSecond Bite PodcastUnderstanding How Debt Enhances PE Investment ReturnsBill Dyer is the Managing Partner at Boathouse Capital, a debt and equity firm making minority and majority investments in middle market companies across the US. He is a private equity executive with over 25 years of experience, specializing in mezzanine debt and equity investments. Before Boathouse Capital, Bill was a Principal at American Capital and the Director of Business Development at MSDSonline. In this episode… Are you looking to acquire capital to fund your business? How can you determine which investment strategy is right for you? Managing Partner at Boathouse Capital, Bill Dyer, tal...
2022-08-0437 minSecond Bite PodcastUnderstanding the Hierarchy of Private Equity & the Process Behind Repeated Investment SuccessBrian Schmidt is a Vice President at Court Square Capital Partners, a middle market private equity fund. In his role, Brian is responsible for deal sourcing, growing existing investments, and overseeing the development and implementation of growth strategy. He serves as a board member for Power Digital, Connatix, and Health Union and is a Dynata board observer. In this episode… Are you considering acquiring an equity partnership? These negotiations are a great way to scale your business to the next level. So how do you structure these investment partnerships? Vice President of Court Sq...
2022-07-2844 minSecond Bite PodcastCreating Customer & Agency Value - A HubSpot PerspectiveBarrett King is the Sales Manager at HubSpot, a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that helps agencies generate recurring revenue. He has a diverse range of business and technology experience with skills in a variety of disciplines, including sales, marketing, and team leadership. Throughout his career, Barrett has been trained in the Sandler Sales Methodology and spent time in both inbound and outbound sales organizations. In this episode… Are you trying to increase your revenue? How can you provide your customers with valuable services to build, grow, and scale your agency? Sales Manager at...
2022-07-2147 minSecond Bite PodcastHow To Become an Overnight Success in 20 YearsPeter J. Stavisky is CEO and Founder of Barrington Media Group, the leading performance-based radio media company in the United States. Peter is also the former President of Talk America, the single fastest-growing direct response marketing company ever formed, where he managed a staff of over 750 people and $100 million in annual revenues. In this episode… What is the best strategy for making an acquisition? How can you make the acquisition process easier?. Peter Stavisky, CEO and Founder of Barrington Media Group, talks about his company and the nature of performance-based media. With host To...
2022-07-1439 minSecond Bite PodcastLower Middle Market M&A in the Second Half of 2022Todd Taskey is an investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, a company focused on helping businesses with company evolution, exit planning, and M&A investing. Before joining Potomac, Todd was the Principal (Certified Financial Planner) at Solutions Planning Group, Inc. Todd is an Angel Investor for many companies including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. In this episode… Are you considering selling your business for more growth opportunities? How can you ensure that your acquisition is profitable? Investment banker and M&A advisor at Potomac Business Capital, Todd Taskey, talks about how...
2022-07-0733 minSecond Bite PodcastLessons Learned From Underperforming AcquisitionsJim Price is the Chief Executive Officer of Empower, an independent creative media agency. Jim is a media visionary and engineer of trust, spearheading the media industry's first fully transparent programmatic buying solution, ClearTrade. He serves as a Board Member for the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, ArtsWave, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Board, and more. In this episode… Are you scared of adding a failed acquisition to your roster? How can you maximize your chance of success with your partnerships and deal structures? CEO of Empower, Jim Price, talks about managing business deals and acqui...
2022-06-1641 minSecond Bite PodcastExchanging a Retiring Partner for Private Equity To Fuel Growth PlansMatt Sunshine is the Managing Partner of The Center for Sales Strategy, a sales performance consulting company helping B2B organizations attract, retain, and develop the highest performing salespeople. Matt developed and launched the company's inbound marketing division, LeadG2, which helps businesses establish thought leadership and lower lead costs. He's also a writer, speaker, and moderator who offers lead generation, inbound marketing, and sales processes expertise. In this episode… What goes into private equity transactions? How can you prepare for the transaction process and ensure future growth? Managing Partner of The Center for Sa...
2022-05-2645 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Power Digital Grew From $5M EBITDA to $30M in 3 Years: The Incredible Success Story of Entrepreneur & Private Equity Partnership, Part 2Grayson Lafrenz is the Founder and CEO of Power Digital Marketing, a marketing company that helps empower brands to attract new customers and increase customer lifetime value. Having successfully brokered private equity deals, Grayson has received numerous recognitions, including the San Diego Union Tribune 2020 Leadership Award, and was a CEO of The Year Award Finalist. He is an active member of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO) and Young Presidents' Organization. In this episode… What is the most strategic process an entrepreneur can follow when considering a merger or acquisition? More importantly: how can this method ensure eve...
2022-04-2126 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Power Digital Grew From $5M EBITDA to $30M in 3 Years: The Incredible Success Story of Entrepreneur & Private Equity PartnershipGrayson Lafrenz is the Founder and CEO of Power Digital, a marketing company that helps empower brands to attract new customers and increase customer lifetime value. Having successfully brokered private equity deals, Grayson has received numerous recognitions, including the San Diego Union Tribune 2020 Leadership Award, and was a CEO of The Year Award Finalist. He is an active member of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO) and Young Presidents Organization. In this episode… Considering the ever-increasing competition in business, how can your company remain relevant and profitable? How can a strategic partnership with a private equity firm he...
2022-04-1432 minSecond Bite PodcastFirst Time Exit and Proper Positioning for Big Second BiteFred Chiang is the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Pivot CMO, a digital marketing agency specializing in growth and acquisition. With his strong marketing and software engineering expertise, he's accelerated the growth of Silicon Valley startups to scale through organic and paid acquisition strategies. Shawn Sheikh is a serial entrepreneur as well as the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Pivot CMO. At Pivot CMO, he advises several Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach startups with a focus on growth and customer acquisition. Shawn's expertise lies in growth, business and software development, and marketing. In this episode…
2022-03-3138 minSecond Bite PodcastKey Requirements for a Successful Tuck-In AcquisitionJeremy Cornfeldt is the CEO at the US division of Brainlabs, a digital marketing agency that helps businesses succeed. He has substantial experience growing agencies as well as managing mergers and acquisitions. He believes that building relationships with brands will result in new and innovative business opportunities. In this episode… Acquisitions are an effective way to grow your business, but where do you find a good acquisition target? What do you need to check before taking over another company? CEO of Brainlabs, US, Jeremy Cornfeldt, discusses what to look for when evaluating a po...
2022-03-2448 minSecond Bite PodcastHow the Seller Gets 90% Cash at Close and the Employees Get the Company 10 Years LaterMichael Brown is the Co-founder of Teamshares, a company that buys small businesses from retiring owners. He is also a Partner at Coles Bay Group and the Director at All Type Electric. Previously, Michael was the Director of Corporate Advisory at Perella Weinberg Partners and a Research Associate of Aerospace and Defense at Morgan Stanley. In this episode… It's hard to part with a small business you've spent your whole life building. When it's time to retire, how can you be sure that your life's work is in good hands? Co-founder of Teamshares, Mi...
2022-02-2437 minSecond Bite PodcastThe #1 Value Creation Idea From the Inc. 500 CEO ProjectJim Schleckser is the CEO and Managing Partner at Inc. CEO Project, a business advisory group where accomplished CEOs tackle the most challenging issues. Jim has extensive leadership experience with organizations in both public and private environments across multiple industries. He has built, acquired, and led several companies, including international businesses with multiple operating business units. In this episode… Are you a CEO that would like to achieve profitable growth for your company while raising your own level of performance? Did you know that there are firms that build advanced advisory groups for CEOs? ...
2022-02-1832 minSecond Bite PodcastHow 7-Figure License Deals Paved the Way for a Dramatic ExitSteven Pivnik is the Founder and CEO of AIP Advisory, where he helps business founders and CEOs achieve their full potential. Previously, he was the Founder and CEO of Binary Tree, which powered enterprise migrations. During Steven's 27 years of leading the company, Binary Tree was recognized as one of Inc. 500's Fastest-Growing Companies, and later, one of Inc. 5000's Fastest-Growing Companies for 7 years in a row. In this episode… It's complicated enough just to sell your business. But how do you sell a business when you have multiple 7-figure license deals under your belt? ...
2022-02-1142 minSecond Bite PodcastSuccessfully Selling Without "Ever Going to Market"Jon Morris is the Chief Executive Officer of Ramsay Innovations, which provides world-class finance management for agencies. Previously, he was the Founder and CEO of Rise Interactive, a digital marketing agency. Jon sold Rise Interactive as one of the largest independent digital agencies in the world 16 years after starting it. He attributes his success to a financial infrastructure that provided insights for sound strategic planning. In this episode… Some founders sell their company only to find out later that they could have made a lot more money out of the transaction. How do you find som...
2022-01-2736 minSecond Bite PodcastHow to Recognize the "Time to Maximize Success"Ben Edson is the Founder and CEO of VariQ. VariQ is a premier provider of cybersecurity, software development, and cloud enablement services to over 20 federal, state, and local government departments and agencies. Ben earned a bachelor's degree in eBusiness from the University of Phoenix and an MBA/MSIS in Business and IT Security from John Hopkins University. In this episode… Is it possible to acquire a company and sell your business immediately afterward? How can you iron out all the financial details in time? Founder and CEO of VariQ, Ben Edson discusses his jo...
2022-01-2051 minSecond Bite PodcastYear in ReviewTodd Taskey is an investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, a company focused on helping businesses with company evolution, exit planning, and M&A investing. Before joining Potomac, Todd was the Principal (Certified Financial Planner) at Solutions Planning Group, Inc. Todd is an Angel Investor for many companies including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. In this episode… What details matter most to buyers and sellers? What makes two companies a good fit for each other? Investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, Todd Taskey, discusses what you ne...
2022-01-1325 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Entrepreneurs Recognize Opportunity When it Appears in Unusual FormsWesley Mathews is the Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at High Level Marketing (HLM). Wesley helped scale HLM from an idea to a quickly growing company. At HLM, Wesley drives the business development strategy with strong leadership, deep care for his people, and a passion for helping small businesses grow. He also sits on the Board for EO Detroit. In this episode… How do you find the right person to continue growing your business after your exit? How do you handle the transition and, just as importantly, your employees' reactions? Co-founder and Chief Gr...
2022-01-0647 minSecond Bite PodcastAll The Stuff You Wish You Knew: Common Stock, Preferred Returns, Projections, Working Capital, Non-Compete, and MoreGregg Gallant is the CEO and President of Quantum Exploration, a privately-owned oil and gas exploration company. Previously, he was the President and CEO of Allegient IT Services, which was acquired by DMI in 2016. He has over 20 years of experience in operations, technology, and sales with quickly growing, mid-sized organizations. In this episode… Should you aim for shared equity or cash? Should you plan an earnout? What's the best way to structure the sale of your company? CEO and President of Quantum Exploration, Gregg Gallant, describes the process of selling the company and re...
2021-12-2333 minSecond Bite PodcastWhen Bad Things Happen to Good EntrepreneursTonio DeSorrento is the Co-founder and Former CEO of Vemo Education, a platform that offers sustainable financing for higher education. Tonio served in the United States Marine Corps for six years after earning a bachelor's degree from the United States Naval Academy. After his service, he earned a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. Tonio later worked as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center and a Deputy General Counsel at SoFi, a financial services app. In this episode… Starting a new business isn't cheap — so how do you raise the...
2021-12-1651 minSecond Bite PodcastCreating a $50M Business with a Unique Second BiteHugh Campbell is the President of AC4S Technologies, a hybrid cloud solutions provider. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for the BayCare Health System and the Chairman of the Board for the CEO Council of Tampa Bay. Before starting AC4S Technologies, Hugh was the Vice President of Engineering for Accelacom Inc. and the Director of Engineering for Intermedia Communications. He spent 10 years on active duty as a Communications Officer in the US Army, culminating his service as the Chief of Plans for an elite communications unit at MacDill Air Force Base. ...
2021-12-0935 minSecond Bite PodcastFrom Pokemon to $250M in Office Chairs: Lessons From the Incredible Entrepreneurial Journey of a High School StudentSean Belnick is a Co-founder of Acadia, an integrated digital marketing platform. He is also the Founder of SB Hillview Ventures and a Board Member of Belnick, Inc. Sean has over two decades of experience in e-commerce and digital marketing as a business operator. He founded his first company, BizChair, in 2001 at the age of 14. Sean grew the company into one of the largest furniture distributors for online retailers, servicing hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide before a successful exit in 2017. In this episode… How can you grow your unique ideas into a thriving business? An...
2021-12-0241 minSecond Bite PodcastCrash and Burn Lessons Create eCommerce ChampionRobert Wray is the Founder and Chief Product Officer at Whitebox, an e-commerce technology company. Robert helps clients sell products online by automating their e-commerce operations. Before Whitebox, Robert was the President and Co-founder of Mp3Car. He also served as the Community Actions Director for TED/TEDx Global Summit in 2012. In this episode… Are you feeling hopeless as you watch your business crumble around you? Is there any way to rebuild after what feels like a massive failure? Founder and Chief Product Officer at Whitebox, Robert Wray, talks about how the failure of...
2021-11-2544 minSecond Bite PodcastHow to Structure an Earn Out and Avoid Big & Expensive MistakesTodd Taskey is an investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, a company focused on helping businesses with company evolution, exit planning, and M&A investing. Before joining Potomac, Todd was the Principal (Certified Financial Planner) at Solutions Planning Group, Inc. Todd is an Angel Investor for many companies including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. In this episode… What are the advantages and disadvantages of setting up an earn-out for your business acquisition? How can you make sure you don't lose money in the process? Investment banker and M&A Advisor at...
2021-11-1834 minSecond Bite Podcast"Open Book Management:" The Key to Winning the Game of BusinessSteve Baker is an author, speaker, and Vice President of The Great Game of Business, a management consulting firm that's all about action. Steve spent over 20 years struggling to help company owners reach their goals without access to key business metrics. Learning the principles of this game we call business changed his work and inspired him to co-write the updated, best-selling book, The Great Game of Business. In this episode… Are you losing money and morale among your employees? Are you constantly stressed because you're the only one in your company dealing with your financial sit...
2021-10-2141 minSecond Bite PodcastUnderstand and Profit from The Entrepreneur's ParadoxCurtis Morley is an entrepreneur, thought leader, patent holder, and the Author of The Entrepreneur's Paradox. Curtis has started five different companies, including his latest, The Entrepreneur's Paradox, where he helps entrepreneurs take their business to the next level. Curtis has had 96 of the Fortune 100 as clients and earned multiple accolades, including Entrepreneur of the Year, 40-Under-40, and Inc. 500/5000. In this episode… Are you tired of countless sleepless nights, waking up with keyboard imprints on your face? Does your life feel like all work and no results? Do you wish there was a better way to...
2021-10-1430 minSecond Bite PodcastFrom Entry Level Strategist to Company CEO to 2X Private Equity Success StoryErin Cigich is the CEO of Perform[cb], a premier digital customer acquisition solution based in Florida. Erin has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including "40 Under 40" and "Business Woman of the Year" by Tampa Bay Business Journal and the Florida Women's Conference "Glass Ceiling Award." With Perform[cb], Erin has cultivated a company that has received Florida Trend magazine's "Best Florida Companies to Work For" for seven years in a row and mThink's Blue Ribbon Panel's "Best CPA Network" for five consecutive years. In this episode… Do you know what you need to do be...
2021-10-0740 minSecond Bite PodcastCollege Entrepreneur to Inc 500: Insights From A Seller Turned BuyerScott Bell is the CEO of High Level Marketing, a fully integrated agency dedicated to the growth of their clientele. Scott has more than ten years of digital marketing experience, outdoor and indoor media development, new product implementation, and team leadership. Throughout his career, he's become an expert at driving growth and profits through the diversification of product lines, financial management, and strategic thinking. Before starting High Level Marketing, he was the CEO of Bell Media. In this episode… Are you thinking about selling your business but don't know where to start? What are the mo...
2021-09-3045 minSecond Bite PodcastInsider View of Private Equity for Family and Founder BusinessesJamie Elias is a Partner at Trivest, one of the oldest private equity firms in the US. Jamie leads the firm's non-control investment strategies through the Trivest Growth Investment Fund and manages transaction execution. He is also a member of Trivest's Investment Committee and sits as a Chairman or Board Member at numerous Trivest companies, including GetixHealth and Northfield Industries. In this episode… Do you know how to handle a merger or acquisition smoothly? What if there was a company that wanted to partner with you for a successful transaction — would you know what it takes...
2021-09-2344 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Managing Industry Complexity Creates Niche Expertise and Valuable Agency [Going it Alone Series]Alex Porter is the CEO of Location3, a Denver-based digital marketing agency. Location3 was founded in 1999 to provide global direct response results to clients by leveraging search engine marketing and display media. During his 15-year tenure with Location3, Alex has also served as Vice President, President, and Chief Strategy Officer. His insight as an influential thought leader has been featured in publications such as BizReport, MediaPost, Adotas, and more. In this episode… With an increasing number of digital marketing agencies cropping up, how do you stand out? How do you decide exactly who you are and...
2021-09-0936 minSecond Bite PodcastHow This Founder Survived Near Death Before Mastering "The Game of Business" to Create (and Share) Outsized EBITDA [Going it Alone Series]Alex Membrillo is the CEO of Cardinal Digital Marketing, an agency with strong SEO strategies for finding quality leads. Cardinal Digital Marketing has been named one of Inc. 5000's Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. Alex has made his way to the Top 40 Under 40 list by Georgia State University and the Top 20 Entrepreneurs of Metro Atlanta list by TiE Atlanta. Alex is also an Official Member of the Forbes Agency Council, an Honors Program Mentor and Guest Lecturer of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Georgia State University, and on the Leadership Council for Junior Achievement of Georgia. I...
2021-09-0233 minSecond Bite PodcastSold Twice, Bought Several: The Remarkable Story Behind a $100M Digital BusinessMatt Wilson is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Eastport Holdings, a strategic full-service marketing agency for global brands. Matt's career spans 30 years of ownership-level management positions before launching Eastport's acquisition and start-up model, including 10 years at J. Walter Thompson as Vice President and Account Director. At Eastport, Matt is a shareholder and board member heading Eastport's growth, client retention and development initiatives, training, and new business development. In this episode… You've built up a great business, but now you're thinking it's time to sell. What should you know before talking to sellers so yo...
2021-08-2643 minSecond Bite PodcastHow an Unexpected "Knock at the Door" Resulted in a Fortune for Two First-Time EntrepreneursKorby Wright and Mark Covrig are Senior Advisors at Coforge, a global IT solutions company with a focus on AI, cloud, and insight-driven technologies to turn businesses into valuable enterprises. Korby and Mark were the Co-founders and Enterprise System Architects of RuleTek before selling the company to become Coforge. Korby and Mark are both skilled PRPC Lead System Architects. Before joining forces, Korby was a Technology Consultant at BPM Specialists and a Managing Consultant at Accenture. Mark was a Consultant at Accenture and the Owner of Covrig Enterprises. In this episode… Are you rea...
2021-08-1939 minSecond Bite PodcastFrom Bootstrapped Agency to a Trusted Growth Accelerator for Global Brands [Going it Alone Series]Reid Carr is the CEO of Red Door Interactive, a data and insight-driven advertising agency helping to optimize brand and performance marketing through paid, earned, and owned channels. Reid founded Red Door Interactive nearly 20 years ago with an extensive career in advertising and multi-channel, integrated marketing. Reid is also the host of The Marketing Remix podcast. In this episode… What steps should you take to successfully grow your company? Why might private equity create value and growth? How can you find the most successful social channel for your digital advertising? CEO of Red Do...
2021-08-1244 minSecond Bite PodcastWinning the War for Key Executive Talent: Insider Info from a Top Executive Recruiter [CEO Support Series]Brian Mitchell is the CEO and Managing Partner of GM Ryan International, a consulting and executive search firm focused on progressive software, internet, data, and security companies. Brian has led GM Ryan's team in executive recruitment success for over 15 years, with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Before GM Ryan, he ran large enterprise sales, service, and ops teams in the internet infrastructure space for 12 years. In this episode… How do you find the right executive leader for your company? When should you hire an expert for your search, and when should you take on...
2021-08-0540 minSecond Bite PodcastThe Risks and Rewards of "Selling Too Soon"Todd Taskey is an investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, a company focused on helping businesses with company evolution, exit planning, and M&A investing. Before joining Potomac, Todd was the Principal (Certified Financial Planner) at Solutions Planning Group, Inc. Todd is an Angel Investor for many companies including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. In this episode… What are the challenges of selling, and how do you know if you're selling too soon? What are the best ways to structure a deal for maximum value? Investment banker and M&A Adv...
2021-07-2927 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Rivet Logic Sold in the Middle of COVID and Birthed a Software Business - An Entrepreneur's DreamMike Vertal is the Co-founder and CEO of Crafter Software, a content management company that uses a headless+ CMS that empowers teams to innovate faster, deploy sooner, and create modern, content-driven digital products. Mike has over 28 years of executive experience in market strategy, engineering, and software, including his role as the Co-founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board at Rivet Logic Corporation. In this episode… Have you noticed a million-dollar idea spur from your company? Do you wish you could build a whole new business based on this idea? What if that idea was revolutionary so...
2021-07-2239 minSecond Bite PodcastAdvanced Ideas That Will Increase EBITDA This Year [CEO Support Series]Don Keninitz is a CPA and Partner at E. Cohen, an accounting firm that provides an integrated suite of tax, assurance, and consulting services in a wide array of industries. Don is skilled at Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Mergers & Acquisitions, and Financial Accounting. Don has been a Partner at various accounting firms over his vast career, including FedAsyst, LLC, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and Friedman & Fuller, P.C. In this episode… How many factors contribute to EBITDA after a transaction? What's the best way to negotiate your add backs? Which aspects of a pr...
2021-07-1549 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Two Sentences Could be the Difference in Making Another Seven Figures — or MoreTodd Taskey is an investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, a company focused on helping businesses with company evolution, exit planning, and M&A investing. Before joining Potomac, Todd was the Principal (Certified Financial Planner) at Solutions Planning Group, Inc. Todd is an Angel Investor for many companies including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. In this episode… How can businesses earn more from their second bites? What are the two sentences that can make or break a profitable deal? Todd Taskey knows and is here to share them with you. On...
2021-07-0826 minSecond Bite PodcastHyper-Growth Without PE Investment [Going it Alone Series]John Fitzpatrick is the President and CEO of Force Marketing, a technology-based marketing company using innovation to help dealers better communicate with their customers. He started Force Marketing 16 years ago. John is also the Founder of Fitzpatrick Realty Group and a Board Member of Bright Futures Atlanta and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. In this episode… Why are acquisitions so powerful for scaling? How can private equity impact a company's second bite? Why is control important for business owners? John Fitzpatrick will tell you. The President and CEO of Force Marketing, John Fitzpatrick, ta...
2021-07-0142 minSecond Bite PodcastHow to Successfully Prepare for a Big TransactionEmre Akkas is an entrepreneur, executive, and mentor. He was the Co-founder and CEO of Globalme, a digital marketing agency in the language space that was recently acquired by Summa Linguae Technologies in 2020. Before starting Globalme, Emre was a Localization Engineer and QA Lead at Intel and a Localization Consultant at Welocalize. In this episode… How can you be sure you're getting the best deal out of a business transaction? What should you prepare if you're trying to exit your business? Can you stay with your company after you sell? You may want to...
2021-06-2433 minSecond Bite PodcastHow Focus + Focus = Outsized ValuationDean Dutro is the Co-founder of Worth eCommerce, a company helping e-commerce stores drive new and repeat sales with email and SMS marketing. Dean is a Klaviyo and e-commerce expert with over six years of experience in the industry. Before co-founding Worth eCommerce, Dean founded many email marketing-focused companies, including Emailgrowthtraining.com, Instant Email Copy, and GobySavvy UX Reviews. In this episode… How can you be sure you're getting acquired by the right company? What happens after a business acquisition? Why is email marketing for e-commerce businesses so profitable? Dean Dutro is here to...
2021-06-2339 minSecond Bite PodcastImproving Your EBITDA with Don Keninitz of E. Cohen [CEO Support Series]Don Keninitz is a CPA and Partner at E. Cohen, an accounting firm that provides an integrated suite of tax, assurance, and consulting services in a wide array of industries. Don is skilled at Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Mergers & Acquisitions, and Financial Accounting. Don has been a Partner at various accounting firms over his vast career, including FedAsyst, LLC, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and Friedman & Fuller, P.C. In this episode… Why do buyers love entrepreneurs? Why is QuickBooks the bane of any accountant's existence? How do vacation days play into payroll? Don Ken...
2021-06-1642 minSecond Bite PodcastHow to Ensure a Successful Transaction for Your Company with Michael Quint of BluetextMichael Quint is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Bluetext, a digital marketing agency that helps companies win with strategy, branding, public relations, and more. Before co-founding Bluetext, Michael was a Partner at Qorvis Communications and held many executive positions in the digital marketing and public relations industries. In this episode… Are you hesitant about going through with a major deal for your company? How do you know if it's the right time to sell your business? What are the ways you can ensure a successful transaction? Michael Quint learned firsthand, and he's her...
2021-06-1639 minSecond Bite PodcastDeveloping a Business Exit Strategy with Todd Taskey of Potomac Business CapitalTodd Taskey is an investment banker and M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, a company focused on helping businesses with company evolution, exit planning, and M&A investing. Before joining Potomac, Todd was the Principal (Certified Financial Planner) at Solutions Planning Group, Inc. Todd is an Angel Investor for many companies including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. In this episode… What process goes into making a successful exit out of a business? Is it possible to make an exit strategy fun? Todd Taskey is here to tell you. On this first episode of th...
2021-06-0831 min