Do Diligence

In this episode of The Due Diligence Podcast, we sit down with Ben and Rick, the first co-CEOs at Sleeping Giant Capital, as they share their journey from corporate careers into leading two manufacturing businesses, Portland Products and Pro Stamp. With backgrounds in mechanical engineering and early entrepreneurial ventures, Ben and Rick walk through how they transitioned into acquisition entrepreneurship through the CEO-in-Residence program and what it actually looked like to move from diligence into day-to-day leadership. They reflect on the realities of stepping into ownership, from navigating the complexities of the acquisition process to adjusting expectations once inside the business. The conversation explores what life looks like as co-CEOs, balancing long-term strategy with the immediate demands of running manufacturing operations. They also share candid lessons from their experience, including the nuances of sales cycles in the industry, unexpected external pressures like tariffs, and the importance of building and trusting the right team.

In Episode 20 of the Do Diligence Podcast, Doug Lepisto sits down with Maryann Feldman and Martin Kenney, authors of "Private Equity and the Demise of the Local." They delve into a critical examination of how private equity reshapes communities and the implications of ownership on local economies. Through their research, Maryann and Martin illuminate the troubling patterns of private equity investment, showcasing how it often leads to the offshoring of jobs, diminished local control, and the erosion of community ties. They advocate for alternative investment models that prioritize local ownership and community engagement. Join them as they explore the intersection of finance, community, and the future of local economies, emphasizing the importance of place-based investment strategies as a counter to traditional private equity practices.

In Episode 19 of Do Diligence, I sit down with Kelly Conway and Rob Elliott to explore the intricate dynamics of a small business deal from both the buyer's and seller's perspectives. This episode marks a unique occasion as we bring together the insights of a buyer and seller simultaneously. Kelly, a seasoned executive, acquired Rob's company, Pondera, which specializes in leadership consulting. We delve into their experiences throughout the transaction, discussing the emotional and operational challenges they faced, the importance of communication, and the strategies they employed to foster trust. Both share valuable lessons learned during the process, including the critical role of aligning expectations and the necessity of involving key team members early on. Whether you're considering acquiring or selling a business, their insights will provide you with essential guidance for navigating these complex transactions.

What does it really take to leave a Fortune 500 job and become the owner-operator of a small business? In this episode of The Do Diligence Podcast, we sit down with Justin Murray — CEO of SignComp and Sleeping Giant Capital’s first CEO in Residence — for his unfiltered playbook on ETA: from personalizing outreach and reading seller motivations to handling deal curveballs, first-100-day leadership, and building a cadence for growth.

What really happens when a family business changes hands? In Episode 17 of The Do Diligence Podcast, I sit down with Tom Deans, author and global thought leader on family business succession, to hear his unfiltered take on succession planning — from tackling secrecy to redefining legacy.

In Episode 16 of Do Diligence, I sit down with Nick Adamy, owner and managing director of Adamy Valuation, to delve into the intricacies of building lasting value in businesses. We explore the fundamental differences between valuation and creating enduring value, drawing on Nick's extensive experience in business transitions. Nick shares insights on how his firm appraises companies, the challenges of predicting future cash flows, and the emotional dynamics that often accompany business transactions. We also discuss the complexities of EBITDA and the impact of external factors like the pandemic on valuations. Join us as we uncover strategies for enhancing business worth and navigating the valuation process with a clear, data-driven approach.

In this episode of Do Diligence, I sit down with Rick Barnett, founder of Rep-Lite and our first-ever seller on the podcast. Rick shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings and military service to building a successful hybrid talent management firm in the medical device industry. We explore the origin of Rep-Lite, the importance of grit and faith, and the hard-earned lessons from 15 years of entrepreneurship. Rick also offers a transparent look at the emotional and strategic challenges of selling a business, why he chose to partner with Sleeping Giant Capital, and what’s next in his ongoing leadership role post-sale.

In Episode 14 of Do Diligence, titled "CEO in Residence Revealed: The Role, The Roadmap, The Results," we dive into the unique journey of CEOs in residence, featuring Mitch and Kelly from our residency program. Join me as we explore their paths to entrepreneurship through acquisition, discussing the challenges and decisions that led them to leave corporate roles for the opportunity to buy and lead businesses. Mitch shares his passion for people leadership and his entrepreneurial spirit, while Kelly reveals her desire to impact leadership on a broader scale. We also unpack the day-to-day life within Sleeping Giant Capital's accelerator program, shedding light on the exciting opportunities in small business acquisitions. Tune in for an insightful conversation on taking control of one's career and future.

In today's episode, we engage in a conversation with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial and industry advocate. Jake explains how he became the Manufacturing Millennial and offers insights on how people and companies can present themselves on social media. Join us as we chat with Jake about how he is revolutionizing automation and manufacturing through digital transformation.

In today's episode, we engage in a conversation with Brent Beshore, the Founder and CEO of Permanent Equity. Brent guides us through the inception and rationale that led to the establishment of Permanent Equity. Notably, Brent shares how he has orchestrated the successful launch of two impactful conferences, delivering invaluable insights to his target audience about the realm of small businesses.

On todays episode, we chat with Peter Ciaverilla, owner and operator of Sharon's Heating and Cooling. Join us as Peter walks us through what it was like doing a self-funded search and the journey to being owner operator.

On todays episode, we chat with Bill Johnston, Chairman of Greenleaf Trust. Join us as Bill walks us through cultivating the perfect culture and what it means to thrive in long term business.

On todays episode, we explore Jens path to CEO and culture creation. Jen takes us through her journey to becoming CEO of Maestro, a learning and innovation company. Join us as Jen takes us through her steps to curating a perfect team and supportive work environment.

On todays episode we explore the world of ESOP's with Tom Olive, owner and operator of Crystal Flash. Tom lets us in on the benefits of having an ESOP structured into your business and when a business should not consider this.

On todays episode, we explore what its like to live a day in the life of Tim Hiller, owner and operator of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Walker Michigan. He explains what it means to be apart of his team daily and how decisions get made for mass efficiency. 

On todays episode we honor Women's History Month. Sleeping Giant Capital dives into the experience of what its like to lead as a female CEO. Featuring Jen Randall,  CEO and founder of Maestro, an innovative learning platform and Leigh Ann Sayen, CEO of the Peterson Company. We aim to look at the challenge and success points of their experiences in leadership roles and how important decisions are made. 

On todays episode, we explore the tax advisory world with Jim Valk. He explains the relationship building between buyers and sellers and the emotional intelligence it takes to cultivate healthy transactions. Jim also explains how exciting it can be to explore  a career in financial advising and what doors could open up to someone in his field.

On today’s episode, we explore creating and growing a family-owned business with Lynn Chen-Zhang, CEO at Zhang-Financial. We learn about Zhang’s tips for success within a family-owned business, why having clients’ best interests first matters, and advice to women on becoming C-suite executives. We hope you enjoy our conversation.

On today’s episode, we explore the M&A landscape within West Michigan with Mike Palm, a managing partner at Charter Capital Partners. We learn about what the best managing practices are for the four phases of a transaction, advice on making a deal, and how to view evaluations. We hope you enjoy our conversation.

On today’s episode, we learn about growth through acquisition with Aaron Zeigler and Dan Scheid, President and CFO of Zeigler Auto Group. We explore how Ziegler’s process of growth through acquisition transformed his automotive business, and why investing in the people and process within a company matter. We hope you enjoy our conversation.

Welcome to The Do Diligence Podcast where we explore how leaders make and execute their biggest decision. This Podcast is produced by Sleeping Giant Capital, where we bring together talent, capital, and capabilities to acquire and grow West Michigan businesses. Hosted by SGC’s Co-founders and Executives in Residence, this podcast offers expert opinions through the eyes of industry professionals and leading experts.