Playing Offense or Defense With Your Company's Value with Ben Vance

Should you grow your business or protect it? The answer depends on one number — and most owners don't know theirs.In this episode, Joshua Wilson and co-hosts Scott Shea (FA Mergers) and Jeremy Beyt (CEO, ThreeSixtyEight) sit down with Ben Vance, CPA, Director at Faulk & Winkler, who brings nearly 20 years in business valuation, transaction advisory, and family office work. Ben unpacks the difference between "playing offense" and "playing defense" with enterprise value, why the legacy bill-by-the-hour CPA model leaves owners exposed, and how starting the exit-planning process seven years out beats scrambling at the ninth hour. A candid, operator-level conversation on selling your business, deal readiness, and building value that survives due diligence — from the Baton Rouge Podcast Tour.🎯 What We Cover:Offense vs. defense: when to grow value and when to protect itThe "windshield vs. rearview mirror" shift every owner needsWhy the bill-by-the-hour CPA model fails growth-minded ownersOrganized planning vs. controlled chaos in a sale processThe add-backs owners don't realize they're sitting onHow buyers actually value people vs. systemsWhy most deals die — and how early prep keeps them aliveUsing AI to build a real-time data room and Q of E modelReading momentum: when to take chips off the tablePreparedness as a founder's superpower🤝 Connect with Ben Vance: 🌐 https://fw-cpa.com/🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/🙏 Special thanks to Co-Host Jeremy Beyt, CEO of ThreeSixtyEight, for hosting our Baton Rouge Podcast Tour. 🌐 https://www.threesixtyeight.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-beyt/💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcastCurious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.comDisclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.Let's Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/To Contact Us, Please Visit:https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/