What's Your Deal? | Buying Businesses, Business Acquisitions, Investing & Exit Strategies

Most business owners over 40 have never posted on social media — and it's not because they don't know how. It's fear. Matt Uhler sits down with Beau Bullard, founder of Bullard Media, to unpack why attention is today's most valuable currency, why iPhone content outperforms professional cameras by up to 800%, and how business owners (and the buyers who acquire their companies) should think about personal brand, legacy, and authenticity on social media.   Connect with Beau Bullard:   https://bullardmedia.org/   https://www.instagram.com/beaubullardaz     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

Tax attorney and wealth advisor Nik Agharkar of Crown Point Tax joins Matt to unpack the difference between tax evasion, tax deferral, and legitimate tax strategy — and why so many business owners unknowingly torch their company's sale value with aggressive write-offs. They dig into the "Costco conversation," why most CPAs aren't equipped to strategize (only to prepare). A must-listen for anyone planning to sell a business — or just tired of overpaying Uncle Sam.     Connect with Nik Agharkar:   https://www.crownepointtax.com   Social media     https://www.instagram.com/nikagharkar/   https://www.instagram.com/crownepoint_tax/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikagharkar/     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

Most business owners spend decades building their company but almost no time planning what happens after they sell it. In this episode, Matt sits down with Anthony Perez of Harvest Wealth Strategies to talk about "knowing your number," why owner dependency is the #1 deal killer, and how to turn business equity into lasting personal and generational wealth — before it's too late to plan.   Connect with Anthony Perez:   Phone: 619-241-6336 Email: [email protected] Social media   @harvestwealthstrategies - Instagram   @harvestwealthstrategies - YouTube   www.linkedin/in/anthonyperezj     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

This week's episode flips the script — Beau Bullard, who's never bought a business himself, turns the tables and interviews Matt with the exact questions first-time buyers ask most. They cover finding your core competency, why profitable businesses go up for sale, how valuations really work, SBA loan qualification, seller-carried notes, blue sky, employee retention, and what actually makes a Main Street business tick. If you're buying — or selling — this is the FAQ episode you need.     Connect with Beau Bullard:   www.bullardmedia.org   https://www.instagram.com/beaubullardaz/       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.    

Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director of SpySide Equity, joins Matt Uhler to break down how private equity firms evaluate, acquire, and transform manufacturing businesses.    Eric shares the "fix and build" framework his firm uses to grow EBITDA and scale revenue, how they handle underperforming key employees, why smaller businesses struggle to execute transformation, and what a five-to-seven-year hold period means for deal strategy. A must-listen for anyone curious how PE thinking differs from Main Street business ownership.   Connect with Eric Wiklendt:   https://speysideequity.com/team/eric/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwiklendt       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

Nearshoring is reshaping how U.S. companies build teams — and Brian Samson, founder of Plug Technologies, has spent over a decade helping businesses do it right. In this episode of What's Your Deal, Brian joins Matt Uhler to break down why nearshoring has become a go-to strategy for outsourced talent.   Brian shares firsthand experience building an 80-person remote team from the ground up, the real cost breakdown between hiring domestically versus nearshoring, and how his company handles everything from sourcing and vetting to compliance and IP protection — while stepping back so clients build direct relationships with their hires.   Whether you're a small business owner considering your first remote hire or scaling a larger team, this conversation offers a practical, no-nonsense look at how nearshoring works — and whether it's the right move for your business.       Connect with Brian Samson:   https://plugg.tech   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

In this special episode, Sarah turns the tables and interviews Matt about an exciting new project: a community built for anyone thinking about buying a business. This new space opens the door for the masses to get questions answered live, weekly, with everything archived and searchable. Buying a business doesn't have to be guesswork. Get direct access to a business broker with nearly 30 years of experience in The Dealmakers Hub!   This is a community built for people actively exploring business acquisition.     Inside you'll get:   Weekly live Q&A calls with me (Matt Uhler) Exclusive self-guided course "Don't Just Buy a Business, Buy the RIGHT Business" Real-world acquisition insights A growing library of call recordings Most of all… COMMUNITY!   Learn alongside other buyers, ask your questions, and see what's actually working.     As part of our inner circle, you get 7 days completely free. Please note that to reserve your spot you'll enter your payment info, but you won't be charged a thing until the trial ends. Cancel anytime before then and you owe nothing.     Space in this first group is limited, and if you are serious about buying a business this is the place to be.   Get 7 Days FREE Here!   See you on the inside!    -Matt

Eben and Ali Hartzenberg arrived in America with nothing, started from scratch, and built a portfolio of nine retail businesses.   In this episode, they open up about facing fear, the power of data over intuition, what makes their marriage-meets-business-partnership work, and the red flags that tell them to walk away from a deal.   Connect with Ali and Eben Hartzenberg:   [email protected] [email protected]     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

Most business owners exploring an exit only hear one pitch: sell to private equity or a strategic buyer. Matt Middendorp, Director of ESOP Consulting at VisionPoint Capital, joins the show to make the case for a third path — selling to your own employees.   Matt breaks down what an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) actually is, the biggest misconceptions owners have about price, control, and legacy, and why ESOP companies often outperform their non-ESOP peers on growth, retention, and productivity. We get into eligibility rules, vesting, valuation, timelines, and one of the most overlooked ESOP tax benefits — one that can mean a tax-free exit for the right seller.   If you're a business owner weighing your exit options, or just curious how employee ownership actually works in practice, this episode lays it out in plain terms.   Connect with Matt Middendorp: www.esopready.com [email protected]  715.897.0879       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.  

Most business owners think they're making rational decisions. Robin Afinowich says otherwise. In this episode, Matt sits down with Robin Afinowich — a clinically trained mental health counselor, national speaker, and daughter of M&A legend Jim Afinowich — to unpack how unresolved stress and trauma quietly shape the decisions business owners make every day. From childhood adversity to burnout in leadership, Robin breaks down the science behind why high performers overwork, over-please, and struggle to stay present — and what to do about it. You'll learn why the "fawn" response is the most common (and most dangerous) pattern among executives, why stress and trauma leave the same physical fingerprint on the brain, and why the body always tells the truth even when the mind is "holding it together." This isn't a therapy session — it's a practical look at the inner drivers behind outer success, and why ignoring them eventually costs founders their health, relationships, and joy.     Connect with Robin Afinowich: Trauma & Resilience Professional Training-Development-Speaking visit: https://trauma-forward.com     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.  

What actually creates lasting wealth? And why do so many entrepreneurs hit a ceiling despite working harder than ever?   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and marketing strategist Alexa D'Agostino to discuss the uncomfortable truths behind scaling a business, building wealth, and transitioning from founder to owner.   Alexa has built and exited multiple companies, helped generate billions in revenue, and created the exclusive Wealth Mastery Summit, where high-level entrepreneurs, investors, and operators gather to solve real business challenges.   Together they explore why wealth isn't built through one lucky break, how founders unknowingly become the biggest bottleneck in their businesses, why finding the right "Number Two" is critical for growth, and how successful entrepreneurs know when to pivot instead of stubbornly pushing forward.   If you're building a business—or planning to acquire one—this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, identity, and long-term success.     Connect with Alexa:   https://www.alexadagostino.com Instagram: @dralexadagostino http://wealthmasteryevents.com     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

Most business owners spend years building income through their business, but far fewer create a strategy to turn that income into lasting wealth.   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with wealth advisor Ted Young of Anasazi Investment Group to discuss the financial decisions that can make or break a business owner's future.   Ted shares the biggest mistakes he sees entrepreneurs make, why diversification matters, how to prepare for a successful exit, and what it really means to become "work optional."   The conversation also explores retirement planning, investment strategies, tax considerations, market volatility, and the emotional challenges many owners face after selling their businesses.   Whether you're actively growing a company, preparing for an exit, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this episode provides practical insights on building wealth that lasts.     Connect with Ted Young:   Anasaziinvestmentgroup.com [email protected] 602-953-8802     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

What happens when one of the most influential financial educators of all time sits down to talk business, investing, and the mindset behind wealth creation?   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler welcomes Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and founder of the Rich Dad brand. With more than 40 million books sold worldwide, Robert has spent decades challenging conventional financial wisdom and encouraging people to think differently about money, investing, debt, and entrepreneurship.   Robert shares the lessons he learned from having both a "rich dad" and a "poor dad," why rejection is a necessary part of success, and how developing entrepreneurial thinking can change the trajectory of your life. He discusses the importance of financial education, the difference between consumer debt and income-producing debt, and why he believes understanding cash flow is one of the most valuable skills anyone can learn.     Connect with Robert Kiyosaki   Website: RichDad.com Instagram: @therealkiyosaki X: @theRealKiyosaki YouTube: The Rich Dad Channel       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

What if you could build multiple streams of income through ownership in small businesses — without running every business yourself? In this solo episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler breaks down the exact framework he used to build ownership interests in more than 20 businesses across multiple industries through strategic equity deals and partnerships.     If you are interested in learning more about the Multiple Streams of Income Framework please email - [email protected]      Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]     Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

What if the biggest threat to your business isn't competition, the economy, or a bad deal—but your own operating system?   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt and Audrey Uhler sit down with performance strategist and executive coach MJ Gordon to discuss why so many high-performing entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stuck in a constant state of stress.   MJ has worked with leaders from organizations like Adidas, the NFL, and NerdWallet, helping them improve performance without sacrificing their health, relationships, or quality of life. Together, they explore the hidden costs of operating in perpetual fight-or-flight mode, the impact of cognitive overload, how ADHD and brain wiring affect entrepreneurs, and why recovery may be the missing ingredient in sustainable business growth.   Whether you're building your first business, managing multiple companies, or simply trying to keep up with life's demands, this conversation offers practical strategies for creating more capacity, clarity, and long-term success.       Connect with MJ Gordon   https://www.mj-gordon.com Instagram: @marinjayden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinjayden/ YouTube: @marinjayden       Connect with Matt and Audrey Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/   Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

  What does it really take to build a successful life without sacrificing your health, family, happiness, or purpose along the way? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with legendary entrepreneur and speaker David Meltzer for one of the most powerful conversations we've had on the show. David shares the lessons he learned after losing over $100 million, rebuilding his life through faith and purpose, and dedicating his mission to empowering over 1 billion people to be happy.     Connect with David Meltzer Instagram: @davidmeltzer LinkedIn: David Meltzer YouTube: @DavidMeltzer Podcast: The Playbook Podcast     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/   Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with longtime business partner Kristian Gose and private lending veteran Bill "Billy A" Anastopoulos for an inside look at the world of private money lending, hard money loans, fix-and-flip financing, bridge loans, and real estate investing. With more than 80 years of combined experience and thousands of funded transactions between them, this conversation dives deep into how private lending actually works behind the scenes — from funding deals in as little as 48 hours to evaluating risk, protecting investors, and helping borrowers capitalize on opportunities traditional banks simply can't move fast enough to support. Timestamps: 00:17 – Introduction 02:51 – 80 Years of Combined Lending Experience 04:44 – Lessons from Entrepreneurship & Starting Over 06:39 – How the 2008 Crash Changed Lending 08:02 – What Is Hard Money Lending? 08:59 – Why Private Money Can Be Better Than a Partner 10:17 – Why Investors Pay for Speed 12:01 – How Fast Closings Win Real Estate Deals 14:44 – Bridge Loans & Buying a Dream Home 16:20 – Lessons Learned from Bad Real Estate Cycles 18:17 – Why Local Market Knowledge Matters 20:34 – Owner Builder & Barndominium Financing 21:25 – How Private Money Deals Get Funded 23:08 – How Investors Earn 8–12% Returns 24:40 – What Happens When a Deal Goes Bad 28:46 – Deals They Immediately Turn Down 31:56 – Using Real Estate to Fund Business Growth 33:12 – Understanding Exit Strategies & Risk 35:06 – Experience Matters in Real Estate Investing 39:21 – The 3 Things Every Lender Looks For 40:22 – A Real Example of a Successful Loan Structure 41:52 – Tax Benefits, Depreciation & 1031 Exchanges 43:42 – People Who Changed Their Lives 45:34 – "When the Tide Goes Up, All the Boats Go Up"     Connect with Bill "Billy A" Anastopoulos 520-299-4878 [email protected] www.billya.com     Connect with Kristian Gose 520-403-8588 [email protected]     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]     Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Lindsey Quinn, founder of HeartWise Collective to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in business today: artificial intelligence. Lindsey shares how she went from running a traditional consulting business in the orthodontic industry to building AI-powered systems that help business owners save time, improve efficiency, and create better workflows without adding more staff or burning themselves out. Matt and Lindsey break down how small business owners can start using AI in practical ways, from creating branded content and marketing systems to analyzing financial data, improving sales conversations, building SOPs, and reducing repetitive computer-based tasks. Lindsey also explains the difference between basic generative AI and more advanced AI agents, while keeping the conversation grounded for business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the technology.     Timestamps   01:30 — How Lindsey pivoted from consulting into AI systems   04:00 — Lindsey's background in orthodontic consulting and business systems   06:35 — Avoiding AI cringe and making content sound authentic 10:00 — How business owners can begin implementing AI systems 12:16 — Using AI to work on the business instead of in the business   15:46 — Training AI like you would train a new employee   18:38 — How AI agents can read, edit, download, and organize files   21:00 — AI overwhelm and knowing what applies to your business   23:00 — Creating a "Conversion Coach" for sales calls and team training   25:30 — Why the right AI tool matters for the right task   27:28 — How Lindsey used AI to build a webinar, funnel, and coaching program   31:21 — Comparing AI adoption to the shift from typewriters to computers   36:48 — First steps for business owners who want to start using AI 39:30 — Lindsey's RCRQ prompting framework 43:38 — Final thoughts on using AI to improve quality of life and business efficiency       Connect with Lindsay:   https://www.heartwisecollective.com Email: [email protected]   Phone Number: (928) 925-4190   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartwise_collective?igsh=OGlsaHhxcG94bTln       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Connect with Amped Funding Advisors:  https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/ Phone number: 1-800-569-8974     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]     Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.      

What does it really take to get approved for an SBA loan when buying a business? In this episode of What's Your Deal? with Matt Uhler, Matt sits down with SBA lending expert Steve Johnston and financing specialist Lindsay Denton to break down the truth about SBA loans, business acquisition financing, and why most buyers get it wrong. If you've heard horror stories about SBA loans taking forever—or getting declined at the last minute—this episode will completely change your perspective. They cover what lenders are actually looking for, how deals get approved (or denied), and why the story behind the deal matters just as much as the numbers. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, this conversation will help you avoid costly mistakes and position yourself to get funded the right way.     Timestamps:   00:16 – Meet Steve Johnson & Lindsay Denton   03:14 – Why SBA loans get a bad reputation   04:20 – The biggest misconceptions about SBA lending   05:00 – How long SBA loans actually take (real timelines)   06:00 – Why lenders are NOT all the same   08:15 – Real story: Approved → then declined (what happened)   11:15 - PLP vs GP lenders explained   13:00 – Inside how banks actually make decisions   16:00 – The truth about "pre-qualifications"   17:15 – What lenders look for immediately   19:40 – The 3 biggest deal killers (liquidity, experience, collateral)   21:00 – Why the STORY matters more than the numbers   23:00 – How to present a deal to get approved   25:00 – Building projections that make sense   26:25 – Adjusting deals to make them fundable   27:45 – Why most deals get declined (and how to avoid it)   29:30 – How underwriters really think   32:27 – Can a declined deal be saved?   34:50 – Why momentum matters in approvals   36:24 – What buyers should do BEFORE looking for a business   37:45 – Real example of unrealistic buyers   40:00 – Why the BUSINESS matters more than the buyer   44:15 – Character vs numbers in lending decisions   47:30 – How to connect with Steve & Lindsay     Connect with Steve:   [email protected]   Phone number: 480-363-6174       Connect with Amped Funding Advisors:    https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/ Phone number: 1-800-569-8974     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.    

What does it take to build a business that scales beyond you?   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with franchising expert and entrepreneur Jeff Dudan to unpack what makes franchise ownership work, how to scale a business through systems, and why great businesses are built with the end in mind.   Jeff shares how he built and scaled AdvantaClean to over 240 locations before a successful exit, and how he now helps franchise brands grow through HomeFront Brands.     Timestamps:    1:16 Jeff Dudan's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins   4:42 Building AdvantaClean from Startup to National Brand   7:50 The Inflection Point That Led to Franchising   12:42 Partnership Lessons Every Business Owner Should Know   17:55 Choosing the Right Partners and Avoiding Common Mistakes   19:38 How to Scale a Business Into a Franchise Model   24:23 Reverse Engineering Growth and Building for Outcomes   29:24 Territory Strategy, Resales & Creating Franchise Value   33:35 How to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity Before You Buy   36:05 Why Skills, Fit and Leadership Matter More Than Passion Alone   38:40 The "Business Athlete" Mindset and Discernment in Decision-Making   42:06 The Four C's of Business Growth: Comfort, Competence, Commitment & Capital   47:03 Why Capital Isn't Usually the Real Constraint   48:56 Mentorship, Experience and Learning From People Ahead of You     Connect with Jeff:      Homefront Brands: https://www.homefrontbrands.com       Jeff Dudan's website: HTTPS://www.jeffdudan.com       Jeff free digital copy of his book: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment       Jeff's socials:   https://www.instagram.com/jeffdudan?igsh=MWZuMjBoNGV0c2xibg==     https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios     https://youtube.com/@unemployablewithjeffdudan?si=uk72VObKgiSvdjZp         Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.   Amped Funding Advisors: https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/    

What happens when a key employee becomes one of the most valuable partners in a small business? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with longtime business partner Ryan Carr to discuss small business ownership, business partnerships, leadership, entrepreneurship, company culture, employee management, and business growth. Ryan shares his journey from employee to owner after starting with a Northern Arizona commercial property maintenance company in 2016 and becoming a business partner in 2018. Today, he helps lead one of the top commercial property maintenance companies in Arizona, providing parking lot sweeping, pressure washing, fleet washing, portering services, snow removal, and exterior maintenance services.     Timestamps:      01:35 - How the business sale and partnership came together     04:25 - Ryan's transition from employee to owner     05:40 - Ryan's background before joining the company     07:05 - Why confidentiality matters during a business sale     08:05 - How ownership changed Ryan's mindset     09:15 - Ryan and his wife working together in the business     10:55 - Working on the business vs. in the business     12:00 - Why blue-collar businesses are strong opportunities     13:10 - Managing people, personalities, and company culture     14:00 - COVID, staffing shortages, and leadership challenges     15:00 - Learning to delegate and stop micromanaging     17:40 - Why toxic employees can damage a company     19:40 - The importance of making difficult decisions quickly     20:40 - Business growth, profitability, and company culture     21:35 - Choosing the right business partners     22:50 - How their partnership structure works     24:20 - The value of passive partners and advisors     25:00 - Ryan's toughest moments in business     26:40 - Labor shortages and hiring struggles after COVID     27:30 - Why the company is stronger today     28:00 - Delegating more responsibility to the team     28:50 - Snow removal and managing a 24/7 business     30:40 - Taking pride in the company and community impact     32:00 - Supporting employees through difficult times     35:00 - Why treating employees like people matters     35:50 - Advice for people who want to own a business     36:40 - Family sacrifice, business ownership, and success     37:50 - Ryan's gratitude for his family and support system       Connect with Ryan   Email - [email protected]    SweptAwayAZ.com      Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

In this special anniversary episode of What's Your Deal?, the mic flips as Sarah interviews Matt Uhler on one of the most requested topics yet—how to build multiple streams of income through small business ownership.   After producing 40+ episodes covering buying, managing, and exiting businesses, this conversation dives into the strategy Matt has personally used to build a portfolio of 20+ income-producing businesses—what he calls his own "business mutual fund."   Matt breaks down the Faucet Framework, a proven system for creating diversified, predictable income without relying on a single source. From minimizing risk to structuring partnerships the right way, this episode gives you a real-world blueprint for financial stability and long-term freedom.   If you're a: Business owner looking to diversify Investor exploring small business opportunities W2 employee wanting more control over income This episode is for you!   If this topic interests you, fill out this form to get early access and details on our upcoming Multiple Streams of Income Mastermind.     Timestamps:     2:30 – What Matt actually does (business "mutual fund")     5:00 – Where the idea came from (childhood + time limitation)     9:30 – The danger of one income stream     13:00 – The faucet analogy     18:00 – Current portfolio + results     20:00 – Base hits vs home runs     25:00 – Deal criteria & filtering     26:45 – Faucet Framework explained     28:30 – Recipe concept     31:00 – Boots on the ground     35:00 – Financial feasibility     38:30 – Accountability     42:00 – Future: webinar + live event     44:30 – Personal story + mom     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

What does it really take to leave a stable career and step into business ownership? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Kevin Mizell, a former government construction engineer manager who walked away from a high-level career to buy a small business—right in the middle of the pandemic. Kevin shares the real, unfiltered truth about what it's like to go from a W2 job to owning a business. From taking on large debt for the first time, to navigating labor challenges, to realizing that "passive income" isn't what most people think—it's all here. If you've ever thought about leaving your W2 job and buying a business, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to succeed. This isn't theory. This is what it looks like in the real world.     Timestamps:    02:00 – Leaving a stable career for business ownership   06:00 – Early entrepreneurial thoughts and risk considerations   10:00 – Choosing the right business (and core competency)   13:00 – Navigating the acquisition process   18:00 – Transitioning into ownership   22:00 – Employee challenges and leadership realities   26:00 – Buying during COVID uncertainty   28:00 – Managing debt and financial pressure   31:00 – Work ethic, integrity, and long-term mindset   36:00 – Advice for aspiring business owners   41:00 – Working with brokers and evaluating deals   44:00 – The reality of "owning vs. working in" a business   47:00 – Gratitude and closing thoughts     Connect with Kevin Mizell     Email - [email protected]   Phone Number: 928-515-9663   Bennett Glass: https://www.bennettglassandmirror.com     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.  

What does it really mean to be a great leader?   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with leadership coach Keith Cowling to unpack what most people get wrong about leadership—and how to actually build influence that lasts.   Keith shares lessons from over 30 years of working with business owners, teams, and individuals, revealing why leadership starts internally—not externally. From letting go of ego to learning how to truly develop people, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice.   If you've ever struggled with managing people, holding others accountable, or balancing leadership at work and at home—this episode will challenge how you think and lead.   This isn't about control. It's about growth, influence, and becoming the kind of leader people choose to follow.     Timestamps     01:49 – Why most leadership stays surface-level   02:36 – Keith's early struggles with leadership and control   04:09 – The turning point: focusing on people over productivity   08:40 – Leadership vs. success: why they're not the same   09:50 – Why leadership is about others, not yourself   12:45 – Internal vs. external validation explained   18:17 – Why being "whole" matters more than being perfect   21:02 – Leading at home vs. leading at work   24:33 – The mirror question: what would your spouse say about you?   27:30 – The difference between paid respect and earned influence   29:06 – Winning respect from your family   32:17 – Ego, leadership, and servant mindset   34:31 – Accountability: control vs. development   36:12 – Why someone must hold the standard   40:08 – Clarity in leadership and team expectations   41:31 – What it really means to "level up"   44:00 – Content vs. implementation (why most people stay stuck)   45:40 – Gratitude and who helped shape Keith   50:52 – How to connect with Keith     Connect with Keith Cowling   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Email - [email protected]   Phone Number: (291) 306-0568     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith.cowling/   Website: Ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.  

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with repeat guests Luke McCarthy and Colton Imming to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in today's world—Bitcoin. This conversation goes far beyond crypto hype. It dives into the fundamentals of money, inflation, asset ownership, and long-term wealth strategy. Luke and Colton share why they've shifted their focus from traditional assets like real estate into Bitcoin, how they're using it to protect their wealth, and what it means for the future of investing. If you've ever questioned how money actually works—or why it feels harder to get ahead—this episode will open your eyes.   Timestamps   02:10 – Bitcoin vs Cryptocurrency: What's the Difference?   03:25 – Bitcoin vs Gold: Understanding Scarcity   04:45 – The Hidden Truth About Money & Inflation   10:45 – How Bitcoin Changes Your Understanding of Money   11:50 – Why Inflation Doesn't Always Look Like Inflation   14:40 – The Growing Wealth Gap Explained   16:10 – Why Governments Will Keep Printing Money   18:15 – Real Estate vs Bitcoin: A New Perspective   19:20 – Do You Really Own Your Assets?   20:30 – Bitcoin as a Portable & Sovereign Asset   25:20 – Using Bitcoin in Business Strategy & Treasury   27:00 – Why Holding Cash Can Cost You   28:30 – Everyone Knows the Dollar Is Losing Value… Now What?   30:00 – Where to Start: Dollar Cost Averaging Bitcoin   33:30 – How They Personally Invest in Bitcoin   34:40 – Why Price Drops = Buying Opportunities   36:45 – How Bitcoin's Supply Actually Works   40:45 – Risks of Bitcoin & What Could Go Wrong   44:10 – Why Long-Term Thinking Is Critical   46:20 – Book Recommendation: The Price of Tomorrow       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: Ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/   Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.  

What happens after you sell your business? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Paul Hickey, CEO of Legacy Wealth Management, to talk about one of the most overlooked parts of business ownership: what comes next after the exit. Paul shares insights from decades of experience in global finance, investment banking, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and entrepreneurship. Together, Matt and Paul unpack why so many business owners focus on getting out of the business but fail to prepare for life after the sale. They discuss the emotional side of exit planning, the identity shift many owners face, how to avoid blowing through hard-earned wealth, and why creating a life plan is just as important as creating a financial plan. Paul also explains the value of starting early, building a team before the sale, and using strategic planning to reduce taxes and generate sustainable income after an exit. This is a valuable conversation for business owners who want to sell wisely, protect their future, and build a true legacy for the next generation.     Timestamps     0:16 – Matt introduces Paul Hickey and his background   2:01 – Paul's journey from tech entrepreneur to IPO to investment banking   4:10 – What Legacy Wealth Management and Legacy Exits actually do   5:30 – Why exit readiness is only part of the equation   6:42 – The emotional side of selling a business   8:02 – What business owners often do wrong after a successful exit   9:50 – Paul's advice: protect a baseline income before taking new risks   12:17 – When owners should begin exit planning   13:58 – Why selling a business is more like an Ironman than a 5K   15:26 – Reducing taxes and increasing income after a sale   18:43 – The difference between average returns and intentional wealth strategy   19:16 – What "non-correlated investments" means   22:25 – Who qualifies as an accredited investor   24:02 – What legacy really means   25:30 – The danger of generational wealth without structure   28:56 – Family bank concepts and distributing wealth responsibly   30:02 – How deep legacy planning can go   30:40 – Helping business owners who have everything tied up in the business   32:17 – Lessons from The Millionaire Next Door   34:38 – Dreamscaping and defining what financial freedom actually looks like   37:11 – The surprising mentor who helped Paul most   40:33 – Where to find Paul Hickey     Connect with Paul Hickey:   Legacywealthmg.com   [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulchickey/     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: Ampedsuccess.com   Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/   Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.  

On this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Jeff Tomasulo, founder and CEO of Vespula Capital Management.   Jeff brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial markets as an investor, trader, and risk manager. In this conversation, he breaks down the mindset behind protecting capital, building wealth beyond your business, and using smarter strategies to reduce downside risk while creating long-term opportunity.   This is an important episode for business owners, investors, and sellers who want to think more intentionally about what happens to their money before, during, and after a business transition.       Timestamps:    02:23 Why many business owners keep too much wealth in their business   04:28 Matt's experience building multiple income streams   06:13 What new investors need to understand first   07:18 Why most people are taught average investing strategies   11:43 Why investing feels confusing and intimidating   14:03 Bias in financial advice and decision making   18:00 Systems and process for better investment decisions   19:18 Protecting the downside to grow long-term wealth   21:04 The importance of surrounding yourself with the right advisors   24:43 Validation vs. actually making money   27:04 Learning from mistakes and improving over time   30:06 What hedge funds actually are   32:06 Accredited investors and access to investment strategies   33:52 Options explained in plain English   36:01 Using different tools to reduce risk and grow wealth   36:48 How Jeff's fund compares to the S&P 500 during down markets   38:47 Advice for someone just getting started   41:18 Jeff shares who gave him a hand up       Links & Resources:      Connect with Jeff Tomasulo:   https://vespulacapital.com TacticalIncome.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftomasulo/ Instagram: @jefftomasulo     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: Ampedsuccess.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/   Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: [email protected]   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Carlos Salguero, President and Founder of CS3 Investments, to break down why multifamily real estate isn't just "real estate"—it's an income-producing business.   Carlos shares his journey from growing up in Ecuador working in his family's print shop to building and exiting multiple businesses, and ultimately scaling into commercial multifamily—now totaling 1,900+ doors. Together, Matt and Carlos connect the dots between buying businesses and buying properties, including how experienced operators find opportunities in deals that developers often leave on the table.   They also walk through the mindset shift many entrepreneurs face after realizing that owning rentals can turn into the "triple T's" (tenants, toilets, and termites)… and how syndications can provide a more truly passive route for business owners looking to diversify beyond their primary company.       Timestamps:      00:16 – Introducing Carlos Salguero: From Ecuador to 1,900+ Multifamily Doors   02:42 – Why Multifamily Is Just Another Income-Producing Business   05:26 – From Duplexes to Class A Trophy Assets   06:36 – $150M Acquired in 15 Months: Scale & Strategy   09:03 – The "Triple T's" (Tenants, Toilets & Termites) vs. True Passive Investing   12:14 – Why Carlos Invests His Own Capital First   15:37 – Ownership Mentality & Aligning the Team   16:56 – Early Lessons: Working for Free to Build Equity in Relationships   23:03 – Finding the McKenzie Deal (251 Units, Class A)   25:30 – Why the Deal Fell Out of Contract (Twice)   27:30 – Hidden Value: Monetizing Amenities & Missed Income Streams   31:15 – Buying Multifamily Like a Business (NOI = EBITDA)   32:59 – Conservative Debt & Avoiding Lender "Re-Trades"   35:05 – Inside a $72M Acquisition Structure   37:30 – Operational Upside & Rent Growth Strategy   40:21 – Gratitude, Faith & Parental Influence   45:05 – Final Takeaways: Never Forget Who Helped You Get There         Connect with Matt & Amped Success   Website: https://www.ampedsuccess.com   General Inquiries: [email protected]     Follow Matt & Amped Success:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampedsuccess   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amped-success   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmpedSuccess           Connect with Carlos Salguero   Website: https://www.cs3investments.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cssalguero/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcarlosinfinite/         Want to Be a Guest or Sponsor the Show?   If you have a deal you'd like to break down on the podcast, a business story worth sharing, or are interested in sponsoring an episode of What's Your Deal?, we'd love to connect.   Reach out directly at: [email protected]           Subscribe & Review   Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.   If you found this episode valuable, please leave a review — it helps more entrepreneurs and investors discover the show.

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with John Bowens, Director of Head of Education & Investor Success at Equity Trust, to break down one of the most overlooked wealth tools for entrepreneurs and investors: self-directed retirement accounts.   John explains what "self-directed" actually means, why most retirement money stays locked in mutual funds by default, and how investors can use IRAs, 401(k)s (and even HSAs) to invest in real estate, private lending, private equity, pre-IPO stock, cryptocurrency, and precious metals—all while keeping the tax advantages of retirement accounts.   They also dive into the ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) structure and how some buyers use retirement funds to acquire a business without triggering taxes and penalties—plus the common mistakes and prohibited transaction rules that can trip people up if they don't understand the guardrails.   If you've ever wondered how to put your retirement money to work in the assets you actually understand—this episode is your roadmap.   Timestamps:      1:30 – What Equity Trust does + what "self-directed" means     3:40 – John's background and how he got into this industry     6:40 – Why investors choose self-directed accounts (diversification + taxes)     9:20 – Clearing up a misconception: contributing vs investing     12:15 – Liquidity: short-term vs long-term alternative investing     16:50 – Matching strategy to age, goals, and skill set     20:20 – ROBS overview: using retirement funds to buy a business     29:50 – Costs + when it does/doesn't make sense financially     38:45 – Common mistakes + prohibited transactions     41:30 – John's "hand up" story + mentors         Resources & Links   Connect with John:      Website: https://www.trustetc.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnbowenscisp   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bowens/       Connect with Matt:      Follow Us on Social Media     Instagram: @AmpedSuccess     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess     YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us: [email protected]

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler interviews Larry Yatch — former U.S. Navy SEAL officer turned entrepreneur strategist and high-performance coach — about the unseen survival patterns that drive decisions in business, money, leadership, and relationships.   Larry explains why most people misunderstand trauma: it's not about the event — it's about the subconscious strategy your brain adopts to survive when your perception of control is taken away. Those strategies can create success… but they can also create burnout, misalignment, and self-sabotage if they remain unrecognized.   Matt ties this directly to what he sees in real deals: sellers backing out at the finish line, leaders who can't rest even when they "have everything," and entrepreneurs who keep grinding because their subconscious equates love, worth, or identity with pain.   If you're building a business, leading a team, negotiating deals, or trying to grow your income — this conversation will help you understand what might be running the show underneath your conscious intentions.     Timestamps     0:01 Intro + Larry Yatch background     2:57 SEALs, injury, entrepreneurship as "freedom" (and why that's often a lie)     10:25 Trauma: why most people hear the word wrong     11:54 Trauma comes from survival, not the experience     14:34 "Perception of control" and how survival lessons get formed     17:21 Subconscious vs conscious: why we feel stuck     20:35 Deals falling apart: sellers torpedoing outcomes     22:05 Trauma size = dysfunction today (not what happened)     26:35 Creating external fights to validate internal struggle     28:30 CEO trauma as the limiter of a "structurally sound" company     30:11 The 4 domains where trauma shows up (money, relationships, health, purpose)     33:22 You don't need to relive the worst moments to change behaviors     36:19 SEAL story: fighting to deploy — why perception of control matters     40:00 Matt's personal story: success rising, panic rising     46:27 Where to find Larry + his work (financial trauma)     48:04 Gratitude + who helped Larry start healing     Resources & Links     Connect with Larry:      Website: https://financialtruepath.com   Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/larryyatch   https://www.instagram.com/larryyatch   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryyatch   trupathmastery.com     Connect with Matt:      Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Colton Imming, to unpack what it really looks like to leave a W2 career behind, bet on yourself, and step into business ownership.   Colton shares his path to a private equity environment that rewarded performance — and how a long-term plan with his wife, Katie, helped them prioritize freedom, family, and control over their time. That journey eventually led to Colton partnering with two others to build a holding company focused on acquiring and stewarding small businesses.   From there, the conversation goes into the real-world lessons you only learn after closing: why proximity matters, what happens when you lose a major client, why "easy upside" improvements like adding a CRM can be a much heavier lift than expected, and the critical importance of being well-capitalized so you're making decisions for the long-term — not just trying to survive payroll.   Matt and Colton also discuss a topic buyers rarely hear addressed openly: the reality of working with the listing broker when there's no separate buyer representation, and how trust, communication, and education can make or break the process.   To close, Colton gives a high-level preview of his perspective on Bitcoin — not as a trend, but as a deeper conversation about money, value, and long-term thinking — and shares who gave him a "hand up" on his path.     Timestamps:     00:16 – Colton's background (E&Y → PE → family-first move)   03:25 – Leaving the W2 ladder: mindset + planning for freedom   08:16 – Quitting PE: notice, golden handcuffs, betting on himself   11:06 – Starting an accounting firm + investing alongside it   12:29 – Forming the 3-partner holding company (CEO/COO/CFO lanes)   16:57 – What they looked for in an acquisition (local + recurring revenue)   18:48 – Lessons after closing: trucks/fleet, culture upgrades, professionalism   25:40 – Tech + systems: CRM implementation is heavier than expected   29:56 – Losing a major client + why working capital matters   33:00 – Listing broker dynamic: buyer-side trust + efficiency   41:35 – Colton's advice to buyers: capitalization > everything   43:42 – Bitcoin philosophy: money, value, and long-term thinking   49:28 – "Hand up" gratitude segment + closing       Resources & Links     Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In this special "Deal or No Deal" episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with returning guest Keith Sklarsky to dissect a real $5.5 million logistics business — and decide whether it's worth pursuing.   On paper, the business checks some important boxes: multi-million dollar revenue, strong recent growth, and nearly $1 million in projected discretionary earnings. But as Matt and Keith dig deeper, the red flags begin to surface.   From fluctuating earnings and aggressive marketing spend to questionable independent contractor classifications and unrealistic valuation multiples, this episode is a masterclass in disciplined deal evaluation.   If you're considering buying a business — or want to avoid making a million-dollar mistake — this conversation will help you think like a seasoned operator.     Timestamps   02:10 – Why real deal breakdowns matter   04:30 – Overview of the $5.5M logistics brokerage   06:00 – First guardrails: region, size, and impact   09:45 – Revenue growth vs. sustainability   11:00 – SDE vs EBITDA — which metric matters?   12:30 – Independent contractors vs employees (major red flag)   17:00 – Risk, audits, and payroll exposure   18:45 – Marketing spend: $1.2M+ — scalable or dangerous?   22:30 – The importance of core competency   23:20 – Line-by-line financial analysis   25:30 – Understanding add-backs (and when not to accept them)   29:00 – Expense inconsistencies and anomalies   31:30 – Human resources and family dynamics in acquisitions   36:00 – Financial feasibility and debt service reality   40:00 – Valuation multiples that don't pencil   42:30 – Capital deployment strategy: Is this the best use of funds?   46:45 – Final Vote: Deal or No Deal?   48:00 – Gratitude, partnership, and paying it forward     Resources & Links     Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Keira Hamilton, a former high school English teacher with a master's in education from UC Berkeley who made an unexpected leap into business ownership.   Keira and her husband bought their first business — a San Francisco laundromat — in 2023, learned fast why "passive income" is often a myth, and then sold the laundromat in 2024 after improving systems and operations to make the business more transferable. From there, they moved to San Diego and acquired their next business: Sunshine Window Cleaning, an off-market service company they found through cold outreach.   Keira breaks down what most buyers underestimate (especially proximity, staffing realities, and operating complexity), how transparency builds trust in a transaction, and why "perfect certainty" isn't a requirement to buy — but courage, skill-building, and runway management are.   If you're exploring your first acquisition, thinking about "semi-absentee" ownership, or trying to understand what makes a business easier to buy, run, and sell — this one is packed with real-world insight.   Timestamps:  0:16 – Meet Keira Hamilton: teacher → business owner   2:16 – Pivot from real estate to buying a business   5:27 – Finding the laundromat + broker challenges   8:02 – Cash offers, family financing & SBA realities   12:36 – Valuation: art vs science + speed matters   14:24 – Laundromat myth-busting & proximity lessons   19:23 – Why they sold the laundromat after 16 months   22:18 – Selling fast through transparency & systems   25:24 – Increasing value with SOPs and organization   32:38 – Off-market window cleaning acquisition   35:38 – Knowing when to stop searching & take the leap   44:10 – No industry experience & surviving the transition   50:55 – Working with a spouse + partnership lessons   55:59 – Gratitude, support systems & final takeaways   Connect with Keira:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/keirahamilton?   https://sunshinewindowcleaningsd.com/   https://www.instagram.com/ahigherflow?igsh=MXM5aXV2YjFyZDljYQ==   https://www.instagram.com/sunshinewindowcleaningsd?igsh=ZWE5c3djazBwMjE3   https://youtube.com/@keira_hamilton?si=WJy79JRLHIcr_GCO Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us:   Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email [email protected]        

Most business owners spend years building something valuable — yet never prepare it to be sold. In this shorter episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler and Sarah Rainwater break down why exit readiness is one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) strategies in business ownership. Preparing your business for exit isn't just about selling — it's about running a healthier, more profitable, and more valuable business today, while preserving the option to exit when and how you choose. Matt shares real-world experience from decades of buying, selling, and advising business owners, including why most businesses are not ready to sell when owners think they are, how small financial decisions multiply at exit, and why time and preparation dramatically change outcomes. Whether exit is on your radar now or years away, this conversation will help you start thinking like an owner — not just an operator — and treat your business like the asset it truly is.   Timestamps:      00:16 – Why exit readiness matters for every business owner     00:51 – The role of repetition ("reps") in building strong businesses     01:40 – Running a business like it will be sold     02:39 – Matt's journey from janitorial business to business ownership     03:43 – The "silver tsunami" and missed exit opportunities     04:20 – Why businesses are assets, not just jobs     05:26 – The untapped world of business buying and selling     06:26 – Why exit readiness impacts retirement outcomes     07:30 – Why valuation reality matters     08:16 – The importance of knowing where your business truly stands     08:59 – How long exit preparation really takes     10:19 – Why coaching and accountability change results     11:55 – Seeing blind spots and staying on track     12:47 – Operating for ownership vs. operating for exit   13:34 – What happens when owners wait too long     14:45 – Why owners delay exit preparation     16:01 – What's included in an exit readiness evaluation     17:40 – Financial mistakes that reduce exit value     18:36 – How multiples amplify financial decisions     19:21 – Monthly coaching, KPIs, and value creation     20:11 – When and how to start preparing for exit     21:45 – Where to learn more about exit readiness         Follow Us on Social Media     Instagram: @AmpedSuccess     LinkedIn: Amped Success     Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess     YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us:     Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email [email protected]

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt breaks down real estate through the lens of business acquisition with August Biniaz, Co-Founder and CIO of CPI Capital. This conversation goes beyond property investing and gets into what it really means to acquire, operate, and scale assets like a business. August shares how he evaluates deals, raises capital, structures deals, and manages risk—principles that directly mirror buying operating companies, not just real estate.   TIMESTAMPS:   00:16 Meet August Biniaz + CPI Capital overview     01:55 From broker → fix & flips → becoming the GC     03:25 Homebuilding in Vancouver/Toronto and the desire to scale     04:05 Why August moved into private equity + the motivation behind CPI     05:25 Why CPI pivoted toward U.S. deals for Canadian investors     07:17 Funds vs. syndications: how the capital-raise process works     08:48 Why CPI likes multifamily: demand, rent-to-value ratios, and scale     13:12 CPI's strategy: multifamily value-add and "forced appreciation"     16:24 Build-to-rent (BTR): what it is and how CPI approaches it     19:55 Stabilization timelines and what "lease-up" really looks like     21:26 CPI's BTR approach: partnering locally + selling to investor buyers     22:10 Timelines: entitlements, permits, and project milestones     24:27 Structuring deals: SPVs, U.S. master fund + Canadian feeder fund     25:46 Tax complexity, investor psychology, and cross-border challenges     28:49 When deals fall apart—and why walking away can be the best move     31:33 2026 goals: deal flow challenges and where opportunity is forming     34:17 1031 exchanges: do exchange buyers impact CPI's acquisitions?     36:26 Who helped August most: his mother + early lessons on real estate       Connect with August:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/ https://www.instagram.com/augustbiniaz/ https://www.facebook.com/soheil.biniaz https://x.com/CPI_Capital   https://www.youtube.com/@realestateinvestingdemystified         Follow Us on Social Media     Instagram: @AmpedSuccess     LinkedIn: Amped Success     Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess     YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us:     Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email [email protected]      

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with returning guest Dana DeVito, coach and consultant with Elite Performance Associates, to tackle one of the most common — and costly — problems business owners face: becoming the bottleneck in their own business. Many owners start their companies because they're great technicians. But as the business grows, that same strength becomes the very thing that limits scale, profitability, and freedom. Dana and Matt unpack why owners struggle to let go, how perfectionism and micromanagement quietly hold businesses hostage, and why delegation without accountability always fails. If you want a business that can grow, operate, and eventually sell without you being involved in everything, this episode is a must-listen.     Timestamps:      01:00 – Why owners become bottlenecks without realizing it   02:30 – Technician vs. owner mindset   04:30 – Perfectionism and the fear of letting go   06:30 – Micromanagement: when it helps and when it hurts   08:30 – "I can outwork anyone… but not everyone"   9:00 – The dopamine hit of being the hero   12:00 – How owners create their own burnout   13:30 – Why businesses improve when owners step away   15:00 – Building people instead of controlling outcomes   17:00 – Replacing yourself without losing relevance   19:30 – Delegation, accountability, and leadership discipline   22:00 – Where owners should actually spend their time   24:55 – Why checking boxes feels productive but isn't   27:00 – The "plate spinner" analogy for leadership   28:50 – Motivation vs. discipline   31:00 – Why coaches matter at every level   34:00 – Small steps that unlock big change   36:00 – Building discipline through repetition   39:00 – Stacking wins and avoiding burnout   43:00 – Gratitude, mentorship, and giving others a hand up   49:00 – Final thoughts on bottlenecks and ownership   Connect with Dana:    Instagram: @dana_devito   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-devito/   eliteperformanceassociates.com   [email protected]   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   📧 Contact Us:   Interested in sponsorship opportunities or being a guest on What's Your Deal? Email [email protected]    

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Maxwell Nee, Chairman of Family Office Insider. Maxwell specializes in capital structuring, partnerships, and large-scale growth opportunities. Maxwell shares how he moved from an unfulfilling corporate banking career into high-level dealmaking across industries like renewable energy, mining, waste processing, and advertising. This conversation dives deep into the mindset behind raising capital, structuring partnerships that actually work, and why clarity, resourcefulness, and communication matter more than money.     Timestamps:      01:20 – Maxwell's background and Family Office Insider     03:40 – Core competency and knowing your role     05:30 – Why partnerships get a bad reputation     08:32 – Deal-making mindset and resourcefulness     13:50 – Capital raising mistakes entrepreneurs make     18:40 – Why subtlety beats aggressive pitching     21:25 – Fun, freedom, flexibility — and thinking bigger     26:20 – Why large deals are often smoother     30:10 – Structuring growth and expansion capital     37:37 – Why raising capital is a full-time job     40:30 – Transparency, bad news, and investor trust     43:15 – Mentorship, patterns, and long-term success       Resources & Links     Connect with Maxwell:     Instagram: @maxwellprincenee   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellnee/     Connect with Matt:    Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Email [email protected]

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with Eric Tastet, whose journey took him from 20 years in ministry to becoming VP of Client Strategy at Aspire Tour—and the lead instructor for Aspire's Tax-Free Crypto Education program. Eric breaks down what he's learned about human dynamics, why most people get stuck in "learning" instead of actually taking action, and how relational equity is often the real currency behind influence and results. They also dig into the mindset shift between being a contributor vs. a creator, why consistency beats motivation every time, and how self-directed strategies can open the door to building wealth with more ownership and intention.     Timestamps:   00:16 Meet Eric: ministry background + current role at Aspire Tour   01:15 Transitioning from ministry to business (and why it happened)   04:13 "Now I know why you're there…" (real talk moment)   05:35 Eric's two roles at Aspire: client strategy + crypto education   09:15 Human dynamics: why people get stuck and how to change trajectories   12:51 Culture shapes perspective   15:24 Relational equity: "Win the person before you win the argument"   19:07 The gym membership analogy: why people don't get results   24:29 Knowledge vs. wisdom: "You can't gain wisdom without experience"   27:49 Ownership creates accountability—and growth pains are real   29:44 Contributor vs. creator + Blue Ocean Strategy (Cirque du Soleil example)   33:50 Balance + time management while traveling constantly   39:00 Tax-Free Crypto explained simply    44:16 Gratitude + mentorship: who helped Eric most   49:40 Wrap-up + how to be a guest on the show     Resources & Links   Connect with Eric on X  - @TFC_Guy website - www.taxfreecrypto.com   Connect with Matt:    Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Email [email protected]  

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt is joined again by one of our most-listened-to guests, Lindsay Denton. For the past seven years, Lindsay has worked side by side with Matt arranging financing for business acquisitions inside the brokerage. Now, through Amped Funding Advisors, she is assisting buyers and sellers nationwide structure deals for approval and funding.    They break down why business financing is nothing like getting a car loan or a mortgage, why SBA loans come with so many rules, and how to navigate those rules without losing your mind or your deal. Lindsay walks through what really goes into a strong lending "package," why projections and business plans matter so much, and how her team scrubs deals before an underwriter ever sees them.     Timestamps:    01:29 Brokerage financing vs. nationwide funding advisory: what's different   03:15 What's in a "package"? Buyer/seller financials, skeletons in the closet, and sourcing funds   04:55 Why you can't just walk into an SBA lender and apply like a normal loan   06:15 Real example: insurance triples mid-deal and blows up projections   07:00 Scrubbing documents, liens on homes/portfolios, and avoiding ugly surprises   10:05 Projections & business plans: building lender-ready stories buyers can simply edit   14:50 Deal killers vs. preparation: how experience keeps deals from dying   18:25 Biggest mistakes buyers make: liquidity, IRAs, borrowed funds, HELOCs, gift money   21:33 SBA rules vs. conventional loans — and why lenders often prefer the SBA guarantee   24:55 COVID-era financials, timing, cash vs. SBA, and why operating capital is everything   30:30 Why SBA forces better homework and leads to fewer defaults than seller carry/cash-only   33:46 How to start with Lindsay: discovery calls, vetting deals, and 60–90 day expectations   38:21 How to contact Lindsay & why brokerage experience gives Amped Funding Advisors an edge   40:09 Paying it forward: helping her stepson launch a trailer rental business     Resources & Links   Connect with Lindsay: [email protected]   https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/   Connect with Matt:    Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Email [email protected]  

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with close friend and colleague Steve Williams, CEO of Aspire Family Bank, to unpack a powerful alternative to traditional estate planning: the Family Bank. Steve shares his journey from growing up in generational poverty to climbing the corporate ladder— and then walking away to build a boutique real estate development firm with his wife. Along the way, he learned the hard lessons of leadership, doing hard things, and raising kids who have accountability instead of entitlement. Covering topics like—why whole life insurance are the only vehicles that truly power Family Banks. Steve explains how families can create generational security (not just generational wealth). You'll hear how family constitutions, governance, and loan-based support can give your kids a "silver hammer instead of a silver spoon"—so they build their own purpose, while your legacy lives on for generations.   Timestamps    00:16 – Meet Steve Williams: Corporate background & entrepreneurial shift   02:13 – Corporate structure vs. creativity and accountability   05:15 – Moving from sales to sales leadership at Sprint   06:20 – Becoming the youngest district manager & leading older teams   07:49 – Hard conversations, performance plans, and leadership grit   09:45 – Teaching kids to "do hard things" and build resilience   12:39 – Why doing everything for your kids robs them of fulfillment   13:25 – What a Family Bank is: Rockefeller vs. Vanderbilt   17:15 – Why whole life insurance powers a Family Bank   19:58 – Policies on each child & how loans get repaid   22:31 – Family culture, accountability, and generational responsibility   26:19 – Steve's epiphany: The missing piece in traditional estate planning   30:39 – Loans vs. handouts: The "silver hammer" philosophy   32:39 – Peace of mind and living well while you're alive   38:10 – Who can (and should) start a Family Bank?     Resources & Links   Connect with Steve: [email protected]   Connect with Matt:    Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In this heartfelt episode, Matt sits down with his wife, Audrey Uhler, for an unfiltered conversation about marriage, blended family life, and the realities of running multiple businesses together. They share how they've navigated financial stress, busy travel schedules, parenting transitions, and the constant pull between work and family. Matt and Audrey open up about what it takes to keep both a marriage and a business thriving through seasons of change. They also talk about the emotional shift that comes with an emptying nest, rediscovering purpose, and dreaming up their next chapter together.   Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction   03:07 – Dating an Entrepreneur   05:10 – From Single Parents to Blended Family   09:04 – Working Vacations That Actually Work   11:40 – The Excitement and Exhaustion of the Deal Life   13:54 – The Swamp Leak Story   18:41 – The "Fun-Money" System   20:45 – Empty-Nest Emotions & New Identity   24:04 – Vision vs. Logic   34:25 – Designing Their Desired End State   37:10 – The "Hand-Up" Question     Resources & Links   Connect with Audrey on Instagram: @audreyuhler    Connect with Matt:    Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In this episode, Matt sits down with longtime friends Steve and Michele Sullins — two powerhouse restaurateurs who've built, bought, and sold multiple restaurants and retail stores over the past 35 years. Michelle started with a coffee cart in Sedona and grew it into a thriving restaurant empire, while Steve worked his way up from dishwasher to opening restaurants for major resort brands like Hyatt and Loews. Together, they've mastered the balance of systems, leadership, and partnership — both in business and marriage. From promoting employees into management to scaling multiple locations at once, they share how they've built lasting success in one of the toughest industries around. Now, they're taking that experience to Prescott with The Copper Note, their newest concept bringing elevated, scratch-made "world comfort food" to the downtown Prescott area.   Timestamps:  0:00 – Intro and why Steve & Michele chose restaurants in the first place   3:34 – Michele's first restaurant purchase in Sedona   4:25 – How she knew it was time to sell   5:09 – Building a 6–7k sq ft restaurant from scratch   8:10 – Opening restaurants inside major resorts (scale, budgets, staffing)   10:14 – Bringing corporate systems into a mom-and-pop shop   11:46 – Launching a business together (and becoming partners)   13:40 – How they work as a married team without clashing   16:33 – Running multiple restaurants and multiple retail stores at once   17:51 – Their leadership structure and how they build a team   20:13 – Promoting from within vs. hiring outsiders   22:58 – How they train and grow future managers   25:30 – Selling Sedona locations and moving to Prescott   28:02 – Why they bought (not built) the new Prescott location   30:39 – The Copper Note: concept, menu, and "world comfort food"   31:12 – Reusing what works from past successful menus   32:35 – Why location matters more than most buyers realize   34:31 – The lifecycle of a restaurant and when to rebrand   37:16 – Is year one really the "best year" for a restaurant?   39:25 – Their full pre-opening / relaunch process (mock runs, critique, soft open)   44:38 – Who gave them a hand up and shaped how they lead     Resources & Links   Connect with Michele and Steve on Instagram: @thecoppernote    Connect with Matt:    Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]  

Matt shares the origin story behind his career in business brokerage and ownership: growing up with a single mom working seven days a week, taking third-shift janitorial work at 13, and starting his first company at 17. A shop teacher's nudge ("why not start a business doing what you already know?") led to a janitorial company that scaled from one account to 40 employees across New Hampshire and Massachusetts.   That first exit came with hard lessons—especially around reading P&Ls and not letting the business "run" the owner. The sale also revealed a bigger truth Matt has seen for 27 years: buying a good business can change a family's trajectory overnight. Since then he's completed over 800+ deals, evaluated thousands more, and taken ownership stakes in 35+ companies (about 20 active today), partnering with "boots-on-the-ground" operators and stepping in most deeply when there's a fire to put out.   Matt talks balance, rhythm, and family. Ownership gives freedom to choose where to spend time—but responsibility can't be delegated. Matt's vision for Amped Success is simple: turn 27 years of lessons into one-to-many education so buyers and sellers avoid preventable pain and make better, faster decisions.     Timestamps:     02:00 – Early Work Ethic — Single-mom household, third-shift janitor at 13     05:03 – First Company at 17 — Teacher's advice, starting a janitorial business     07:45 – Scaling & Lessons — From 1 account to 40 employees; P&L wake-up call     09:08 – First Exit & Insight — Corporate buyer "buys a job"; why buying works     10:45 – 27 Years Brokering — 800+ transactions, 35+ ownerships, 20 active     13:50 – What Brokers Actually Do — Valuation, financeability, structure, licenses     17:20 – One-to-Many Vision — Why Amped Success exists     20:50 – Partnership Model — Boots-on-the-ground operators, when Matt dives in     26:30 – Hardest Seasons — 2008–10 crash, inventory vanishing mid-deal     29:30 – Emotions in a Deal — Families, kids on payroll, employment agreements     33:50 – Favorite Win — From no cash to multi-business millionaires in ~10 years     36:50 – Balance & Rhythm — Boundaries, identity, responsibility vs. authority     46:55 – Why Amped — Giving back; education that prevents costly mistakes     50:00 – Mentors & Inflection Points — Teachers, Tony Robbins, sobriety decision     Resources & Links     Connect with Matt:    Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]  

Today we welcome Dana De Vito, a longtime business owner, franchise operator, and co-founder of Elite Performance Associates. From owning Jack in the Box and Scooter's Coffee franchises to coaching business leaders, Dana shares his insights on responsible growth, the difference between consulting and coaching, and why defining a desired end statematters more than tactics. This conversation digs into lessons learned from franchising, building culture, and balancing ambition with life outside of business.     Timestamps:    00:01 – Intro & welcome to the show     00:32 – Meet Dana De Vito: from teacher-track to consulting     03:02 – Moving to Prescott & buying Jack in the Box franchises     04:55 – Lessons from fast food ownership & team development     06:03 – The ups and downs of franchising relationships     07:36 – Why Scooter's Coffee: leadership culture & systems     10:10 – Consulting vs. coaching: the real difference     13:38 – Why some owners act—and others never do     18:14 – Crisis survival: losing 97% of revenue & bouncing back     20:50 – Expanding reach: writing books & people-first profits     24:30 – Speed kills: when growth gets ahead of control     27:48 – Start with desired end state, not tactics     28:50 – Matt's personal lesson: ambition vs. family balance     38:15 – Who believed in Dana: lessons from his parents     43:33 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Dana     Resources & Links   Connect with Dana:    Instagram: @dana_devito   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-devito/   eliteperformanceassociates.com   [email protected]     Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In part two of our series on preparing your business for sale, Matt is once again joined by Lindsay Denton. Together they dive deep into the often-overlooked details that can make or break a deal: commingled entities, lease negotiations with landlords, environmental and maintenance concerns, and the importance of correctly titled assets. Packed with real-world stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for business owners looking to maximize their exit value — and for buyers who want to understand the hidden risks behind the numbers.     2:25 – Preparing for sale: beyond financials into entity structures     3:45 – The problem with commingled entities (and how it kills deals)     7:20 – Real-life examples: when businesses can't be valued or financed     10:00 – How separation delays, amendments, and CPA involvement stall deals     12:00 – The effects of messy financials and tax returns     16:05 – Landlord dynamics: renewals, greed, and lease assignments     19:10 – How one owner lost a million-dollar asset to a landlord decision     21:00 – Securing leases: timing, documentation, and buyer confidence     25:15 – Environmental concerns, site visits, and being "guest ready"     26:50 – First impressions matter: maintenance, lighting, and presentation     29:40 – Titling of assets: vehicles, real estate, and estate issues     32:30 – Costly mistakes when titles aren't transferred properly     34:30 – Education and preparation: why the little things matter most     37:00 – Closing thoughts and preview of the buyer-preparation series       Resources & Links   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

Part 1 of a two-episode series on preparing your business for sale. Today, Matt is joined by Lindsay Denton (Financing Specialist at WCI Business Brokers) to break down what sellers must have dialed in before they list.   Timestamps:  1:00 – Why seller preparation matters   3:10 – Business financing vs. home financing   5:50 – The importance of organized financials   7:55 – Real-world examples of deals derailed   15:10 – When sellers change their minds mid-process   19:30 – Hidden obligations & underlying debt issues   23:15 – Momentum: keeping deals moving forward   26:30 – Seasonality, stale financials & timing mistakes   32:30 – P&L vs. tax return mismatches   36:45 – Inventory adjustments & self-induced problems   41:00 – Add-backs 101: what counts and what doesn't   46:00 – Non-bankable expenses (ads, trade shows, etc.)   48:50 – Off-books income & why it destroys value   51:30 – Gratitude question & Lindsay's story     Resources & Links   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Cristian Cruz, a former Miami firefighter who walked away from a secure career and pension to pursue entrepreneurship and business ownership. Cristian shares his bold decision to leave behind stability for opportunity, his first steps into startups, and why he's now focused on buying an established business instead of building from scratch. This candid conversation dives into risk, motivation, family legacy, and how Cristian is approaching his first acquisition with patience, direction, and clarity. If you've ever wondered what it takes to leave the safety of a W2 job and step into the uncertain but rewarding world of business ownership, you'll find inspiration and practical lessons here.   Timestamps 0:16 – Introducing guest Cristian Cruz and his background   1:49 – Becoming a Miami firefighter at 21 and "winning the lottery" career   4:02 – Starting his first business in credit repair   5:26 – Jumping from a secure W2 to entrepreneurship   6:32 – Understanding risk: firefighting vs. business ownership   8:10 – Hitting the career ceiling and choosing entrepreneurship instead   10:00 – Why Cristian shifted from startups to buying an existing business   12:14 – The overwhelm of too much information when starting the search   13:43 – Discovering the cleaning industry as a realistic acquisition target   14:50 – Matt explains the Buyer's Acquisition Formula   16:46 – Learning to compress timelines by asking questions and seeking mentors   18:32 – Realizing acquisitions take longer than expected   20:00 – Avoiding deadline pressure and rushed decisions   21:47 – How Cristian is sustaining himself financially during the search   23:29 – Different circumstances: supporting a family vs. pursuing solo   24:50 – Why Cristian prefers direct outreach over online business listings   28:56 – Stacking capital and preparing for a larger acquisition   30:10 – Matt shares his roots in the janitorial industry and how it led to brokerage   31:20 – The role of family and parents' sacrifices in Cristian's motivation   36:40 – Biggest lesson learned: not every "guru" is worth listening to   38:34 – Compressing time by learning from others' mistakes     Resources & Links   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]  

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with longtime client and friend Chad Cook—a true serial entrepreneur who has started, grown, and sold 12 businesses over the last 34 years. From his humble beginnings running a paper route and selling donuts to owning large-scale Family Fun Centers and a statewide Dippin' Dots distribution business, Chad shares the real stories behind his business ventures, including the wins, the lessons, and the near-bankrupt moments. Matt and Chad discuss the strategic mindset required to build sellable businesses, the importance of family support and faith, and how Chad's ability to maintain calm and rhythm through both recession and rapid growth has led to a fulfilling life—personally and professionally. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or seasoned operator, Chad's story is a blueprint for creating legacy, freedom, and peace through entrepreneurship.   00:16 – Meet Chad Cook: 12 businesses, 34 years, and one donut-selling paper route   01:13 – How Chad built trust and relationships with buyers over the years   02:51 – Why Chad started his first business without a safety net   03:41 – Navigating weekends and family time in a Family Fun Center business   04:45 – A rundown of Chad's business ventures over the decades   06:49 – Building and operating Castle Golf and Freedom Station   08:21 – Making big financial commitments in capital-heavy businesses   10:40 – What is a game route business and why it's nearly passive   12:17 – Why game routes are one of the most passive models Chad's found   13:15 – Involving the kids: How Chad built family into his businesses   14:40 – Strategy or opportunity? How Chad chose his businesses   18:20 – Designing businesses to be sellable assets   19:18 – How Chad and Brenda decide when it's time to sell   20:50 – Why selling a business takes years—not months   24:38 – Treating businesses like kids: Chad's approach to growth and exits   25:44 – The importance of relationships in business and family   27:41 – Chad's toughest business challenge: The Great Recession   30:40 – Surviving on credit cards—and the decision to go debt-free   33:15 – How income-producing debt differs from consumer debt   35:50 – Selling a business to his son—and watching him scale it fast   39:00 – Balance or rhythm? Chad's approach to work-life integration   44:01 – Who gave Chad a hand up? The mentors and loved ones who believed in him       Resources & Links   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with David Davis—an academic-turned-entrepreneur who transitioned from a PhD and professorship in hospitality to launching not one, but three service-based businesses. David shares his real-world startup journey, including the shift away from higher ed, the grit it took to build Fuse Topline Solutions, Boundless Hospitality, and a commercial laundry operation, and the financial realities of building a business from scratch. This conversation is packed with wisdom on balancing family and business, managing investor relationships, and knowing when to pivot.      Timestamps:    00:01 – Introduction to David Davis and his extensive academic background   01:13 – David's early struggle with college and how it led him into hospitality   03:47 – Why academia lost its appeal and why he transitioned out   06:26 – The organic beginning of his first business   11:17 – How he manages his business today and its current success   12:13 – The second startup and the impact of economic shifts   14:46 – Why he pivoted into commercial laundry—and what makes the model viable   16:46 – Lessons learned from launching multiple startups   21:39 – What a realistic startup phase looks like   23:34 – The importance of involving your spouse and lessons from personal relationships   26:48 – Creating a family business dynamic and including his wife in key decisions   30:27 – His 12-month goals: profitability, expansion to Tulsa, and a scalable vision   33:20 – Why he's not chasing ambition but rather building resilience into his businesses   35:48 – His relationship with his investor and what a "strategic investor" really means   38:52 – Why banks weren't the answer and what he learned about funding   39:45 – Balancing time, family, and leadership—why intentionality matters   42:03 – Defining purpose and building accountability into your work   43:17 – Who helped him get here: from his parents to professors, bosses, and peers   47:20 – Final thoughts and appreciation for the power of team support   Resources & Links   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]

What happens when a former Microsoft exec trades the corporate fast track for small business ownership? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with long-time friend and client Tim Lewis to explore his journey from tech giant to serial entrepreneur. Tim shares how he left a thriving career at Microsoft, launched a consulting firm, built and scaled a web design agency using international talent, and ultimately found financial freedom by acquiring a niche e-commerce business serving veterans and military families.     Timestamps:  02:10 – Early career at Microsoft and discovering business ownership   05:00 – Leaving corporate life for Arizona and small business consulting   05:50 – Launching a web design agency without knowing how to code   08:15 – Scaling using offshore talent and building a global team   11:30 – Acquiring a business to grow fast   13:00 – Burnout, customer service issues, and quality-of-life tradeoffs   16:00 – Selling the web company and taking time off   17:00 – Evaluating businesses and what made him say no   19:30 – Buying the military decal business and scaling it   21:00 – Why reviews and customer service mattered more than tech   24:10 – Using automation and AI to streamline production   25:44 – Starting vs. buying a business: which is better?   27:50 – Advice on higher education and surviving AI's impact   30:00 – Work-life balance, flexible hours, and redefining success   34:40 – Who helped him most in his career   38:00 – His #1 rule for success: say yes and figure it out later   Resources & Links   Military Grapics - https://militarygraphics.com   Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Apply here   Follow Us on Social Media   Instagram: @AmpedSuccess   LinkedIn: Amped Success   Tiktok:  @Ampedsuccess   YouTube: @AmpedSuccess 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected]