South Florida M&A Advisors Podcast

Buyers aren’t just buying your EBITDA. They’re buying your risk profile, and IT is a huge part of what makes a deal feel safe or scary. I sit down with Matt Kinsey of IT Fusion to unpack how IT readiness impacts valuation, deal multiples, and transaction certainty in the lower middle market, especially for businesses in the $2M to $20M range. If you’ve ever assumed “we’re too small to be a target,” this conversation will change how you see diligence. We dig into the IT due diligence surprises that spook buyers fast: weak access controls, missing multi-factor authentication, undocumented patching, untested backups, and the bigger issue behind all of it, a lack of repeatable process. Matt explains why mature IT practices make your numbers more believable and your operations easier to replicate, which is exactly what buyers want after closing. We also talk about hidden cyber risk, including the uncomfortable reality that attackers can sit inside a network for a long time before triggering a breach, leading to holdbacks, retrades, or even a buyer walking away. From there, we get practical. Matt shares what a deal-ready environment looks like, how to prioritize in the last 90 days before going to market, and why a third-party IT readiness assessment can uncover quick wins that don’t require massive spend. We cover key compliance and regulatory exposure, including HIPAA, PCI compliance, FTC Safeguards, and Florida privacy requirements, plus why frameworks like NIST can show “reasonable” cybersecurity governance. We close with post-integration pitfalls like messy data integrity and missing admin access that can derail timelines and budgets if they’re not cleaned up early. If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with a fellow owner or advisor, and leave a review so more sellers can avoid preventable IT and cybersecurity risks before a transaction.

A family-run plumbing leader just closed a $14M sale—and the real story isn’t the number, it’s the blueprint behind it. We open the hood on how a commercial contractor in South Florida turned disciplined operations, clean financials, and smart deal structure into a win for founders, successors, and their new private equity partner.We start with the hard truths of valuation. Commercial construction can scale fast but swings hard when projects slip, so buyers discount uncertainty. That’s why this team’s meticulous books, reliable revenue recognition, and documented backlog mattered more than hype. When a wave of delayed starts dragged the trailing twelve months, the deal didn’t die. It evolved—shifting to a mix of cash, seller financing, earnouts, and rollover equity that kept the headline value intact while protecting both sides. Along the way, we unpack why “go ugly early” during diligence saves time, trust, and multiples.There’s a reason private equity is racing into the trades. AI can optimize bids and schedules, but it can’t install pipe or trench a site. That hands-on moat, paired with fragmentation and roll-up potential, is drawing serious capital. The catch is labor. Without a bench of skilled technicians and strong supervisors, even the best backlog stalls. We talk leadership layers across divisions, owner roles post-close, and how a cultural fit with the buyer can be worth more than the highest upfront check—especially if you’re aiming for the second bite when the platform exits at a higher multiple.If you own a service business and think a premium exit is out of reach, this conversation will change your mind. We map the steps: invest in accounting that approaches GAAP, document SOPs, close your months on time, disclose issues early, and plan your exit the day you open your doors. Ready to turn an illiquid asset into a personal balance sheet you control? Hit play, subscribe for more real-world M&A breakdowns, and tell us: what’s the one change you’ll make this quarter to boost your future multiple?

Selling a company isn’t a decision you make on a Monday and close by Friday—it’s a campaign that starts years earlier, with the right team and a clear plan. We unpack a practical, four-advisor framework that helps owners protect hard-won value: a seasoned M&A advisor to run the process, a CPA or fractional CFO to make your numbers PE-ready, an M&A attorney who speaks the language of deals, and a wealth advisor who designs a tax-smart path from illiquid to liquid.We dive into the realities of private equity diligence and why GAAP alignment, revenue recognition, and a clean quality of earnings matter more than glossy pitch decks. You’ll hear where owners get tripped up—Q4 income games to save taxes, cash off the books, sloppy working-capital management—and how a fractional CFO can model normalized working capital so your LOI, QoE, and final true-up align. We also get candid about legal strategy: why a generalist can slow a deal to a crawl, and how a true M&A attorney can shorten the path to close while protecting you on reps, warranties, escrows, and earnouts.On the back end of the transaction, we explore wealth strategy with an eye toward today’s markets: capital gains exposure, deferral tools like a deferred sales trust, diversification beyond the traditional 60/40, and building a resilient portfolio that matches your new risk profile. Along the way, we talk mindset—bringing in a battle-tested coach, embracing humility, and letting experts lead—so the process is demanding but not derailing. If you’re aiming for a life-changing exit, this conversation gives you the roadmap, the warnings, and the confidence to start early and finish strong.Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share it with a fellow owner, and leave a quick review with your biggest exit question—your note could shape a future episode.

The mysterious world of mergers and acquisitions can feel like navigating a labyrinth blindfolded for business owners facing their first exit. This eye-opening conversation with veteran M&A attorney Marc Solomon pulls back the curtain on what really happens when selling your business to sophisticated buyers.Marc brings a rare perspective most attorneys lack – having personally built, sold, and managed a business before returning to legal practice. "I've been a small business owner, I've been through an exit transaction, I've been a corporate executive, and I've been a business attorney," he explains, allowing him to understand client objectives from multiple angles.The discussion reveals critical details many sellers overlook until it's too late. When that attractive purchase price appears in a letter of intent, few business owners recognize how much of it might be tied up in promissory notes, rollover equity, or future earn-outs. As Solomon pointedly observes, "It's not necessarily what the price is at closing – how much of that money do you really collect several years down the road when you look back at the deal?"From the psychological pressure of due diligence (humorously described as "the colonoscopy" of business deals) to the technical complexities of working capital adjustments, disclosure schedules, and tax reorganizations, the podcast illuminates why having the right advisory team is non-negotiable. Private equity firms approach acquisitions with armies of professionals who do this work daily, while most sellers are experiencing it for the first time.Perhaps most valuable are the practical insights on escrow holdbacks (typically 5-10% for 12-18 months), representation and warranty insurance for larger deals, and ensuring rollover equity doesn't come with hidden disadvantages. Solomon's explanation of how seemingly standard contract language about GAAP compliance can create massive post-closing liabilities shows why expert review matters.Ready to navigate your business sale with confidence? Connect with Marc Solomon and the South Florida M&A Advisors team to build your transaction support system before entering negotiations with sophisticated buyers.

The mystery of how businesses actually find serious buyers is revealed in this candid exploration of M&A strategy. Forget everything you thought you knew about selling a business - this isn't about listing it online and hoping for inquiries. Russell Cohen pulls back the curtain on the sophisticated methods M&A advisors use to connect sellers with qualified buyers who will pay premium valuations.Discover the substantial investments advisors make in specialized research platforms - from Private Equity Info to Pitchbook, Source Scrub to Grata - each costing thousands annually but providing crucial access to buyer information. Cohen explains how these resources allow advisors to identify private equity groups, family offices, and strategic buyers that match a seller's specific industry, size, and objectives. Beyond the technology, learn how professional relationships developed through organizations like ACG and M&A Source create direct connections with decision-makers at acquisition-minded companies.The conversation highlights a critical reality for business owners: attempting to sell without professional representation severely limits your options and leverage. When sellers rely solely on their immediate network of accountants and lawyers, they access less than 1% of potential buyers. As Cohen colorfully illustrates, negotiating against professional buyers without representation is "like a junior high football player trying to sack Tom Brady." The right advisor not only maximizes your valuation through competitive bidding but helps identify buyers who represent the best cultural fit and growth opportunity. Whether you're seeking a complete exit or a "second bite of the apple" with future equity participation, hearing these insider insights could be worth millions in your upcoming transaction.

Ever wonder what happens when the numbers don't add up during a business sale? When the quality of earnings report lands, it can either confirm your business valuation or send your deal into a tailspin of renegotiations.Russell Cohen pulls back the curtain on what he calls "a colonoscopy on steroids" - the intensive financial investigation that private equity groups conduct before finalizing an acquisition. This critical phase exposes the gap between how entrepreneurs manage their books and the GAAP accounting standards institutional investors expect, often revealing uncomfortable truths about a business's true financial performance.The podcast explores the red flags that commonly trigger post-QOE price adjustments: declining revenue trends, miscalculated job costs, improper worker classifications, inadequate insurance coverage, and ownership structures where real estate complicates valuation. Through real-world examples from his current deals, Russell demonstrates how these issues play out in practice and shares creative solutions for keeping deals alive despite financial discrepancies.What becomes clear is that leverage in these sensitive negotiations often comes down to a simple question: who wants the deal more? A motivated buyer facing pressure to deploy capital by year-end may accept compromises that preserve headline valuations while adjusting payment structures. Conversely, a seller without urgency maintains significant power to hold firm on price or walk away entirely.For business owners years away from selling, the message is simple but crucial: start preparing now. Invest in professional accounting, build management depth beyond yourself, ensure comprehensive insurance coverage, implement proper employee benefits, and maintain regulatory compliance. These foundations, established at least three years before a planned exit, create resilience that can withstand the scrutiny of acquisition due diligence.Ready to start your exit planning journey? Contact Russell to begin positioning your business for a successful sale, whether your timeline is measured in months or years.

Discover the essential role of data rooms in the world of mergers and acquisitions in our latest episode. As we unpack the intricacies involved in organizing, securing, and managing crucial documents, you'll learn firsthand why a well-structured data room can significantly impact the efficiency of M&A transactions. Join us as we share vital tips and real-world examples of what a successful data room entails, how to anticipate buyer requests, and the importance of preparation for business owners considering a sale. Russell Cohen emphasizes the need for meticulous organization from the outset, suggesting that business owners should not delay in getting their documentation in order. We delve deep into the challenges associated with document requests, discuss ways to enhance security, and even explore how the latest technology trends, including AI, may transform the data room landscape. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or new to the M&A scenery, this episode offers invaluable insights and strategies that can pave the way for a smooth transaction process. Tune in for expert advice, engage with our community, and ready yourself for successful negotiations. Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with us!

Unlock the secrets of successfully selling your business with insights straight from the trenches of mergers and acquisitions. Ever wondered how to find a buyer who truly respects your company’s culture and values? This episode promises to equip you with the essential knowledge to safeguard your business's legacy and protect your employees. We navigate the landscape of potential buyers, from private equity groups to strategic buyers and publicly traded companies, sharing compelling real-life examples of what happens when the match is just right—and the consequences when it isn’t.As your hosts, we go into the operational challenges that can derail a sale, emphasizing the importance of being prepared. Learn from cautionary tales of buyers who failed due to lack of involvement and discover why having the right accounting practices and advisory team is pivotal. We spotlight the critical role of timely, specialized legal support, sharing how delays can jeopardize deals. Our approach to marketing and vetting potential buyers ensures that only serious inquiries come through, making your transition as smooth as possible. Get ready to arm yourself with expert strategies that turn the complexities of selling a business into a seamless process.

Unlock the secrets of roofing industry acquisitions with the South Florida M&A Advisors Podcast! Ever wondered why larger companies are snapping up smaller, locally recognized roofing firms like Earl Johnston Roofing? Join our host, Russell Cohen, as he explores the strategic mindset of add-on acquisitions. We delve into the personal motivations behind such sales, including the seller's health considerations and the perfect timing for transitioning business ownership. Learn how maintaining a brand's local identity can be a game-changer in achieving economies of scale and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.Gain valuable insights into the complex world of valuing and selling a roofing company in Florida. This episode sheds light on the seller's decision to prioritize immediate cash over potentially lucrative earnouts and seller financing, with the aim of securing a swift exit. We highlight the crucial role of having expert legal and professional support in place, alongside the lessons learned about the importance of patience and experienced advisement. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of successful M&A strategies in this dynamic sector.

What if the right M&A advisory team could make or break the success of your business sale? Join hosts Russell Cohen and Jeremy Wolf as we uncover the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, focusing on assembling the ultimate team of experts to guide you through the process. From understanding the pivotal role of a fractional CFO in ensuring financial clarity to navigating complex negotiations with seasoned attorneys, we promise to equip you with insider knowledge that will enhance your M&A experience. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger organization, this episode reveals how a specialized advisory team can transform the daunting task of selling into a seamless journey.As we approach 2025, the M&A landscape is evolving with rising interest rates and increased liquidity from private equity groups. With these changes, having stable financials and a knowledgeable advisory team is more crucial than ever. We discuss current trends and their impact on deal-making, emphasizing the importance of selecting advisors with the right experience and integrity. Our conversation also highlights why every business should engage M&A-specific attorneys to tackle complex transactions. Tune in to gain valuable insights into leveraging these trends and learn how to prepare for the future with confidence.

Join Russell Cohen and myself, Jeremy Wolf, on a journey to the heart of financial finesse in the fast-paced world of private equity-backed M&A transactions. We pledge to uncover the layers behind pristine financial records that are essential when courting private equity buyers—think of it as financial matchmaking where only the cleanest, GAAP-compliant books win hearts. We'll dissect the significance of the trailing 12-month performance and just why every tick and tock of the quality of earnings report can make or break your EBITDA's credibility. For business owners playing the long game, our dialogue serves as a treasure map to the 'X' marking the sweet spot for your post-transaction salary expectations and company valuation.Sail with us into the strategic waters of exit strategies, where timing and commitment post-sale are more than just mere details—they're the anchors that can secure future fortunes through rollover equity. Our conversation charts the course every savvy business owner should navigate before setting sail on their M&A voyage. With a seasoned advisory team as your crew and an M&A advisor as your captain, we illustrate how to steer clear of the common storms that besiege sellers. For most, this transaction is not just a business deal but the culmination of a lifetime's work, a pivotal moment that demands expert navigation to ensure their legacy—and financial future—is preserved.

Unlock the enigma of company valuation with us, Russell Cohen and my co-host Jeremy Wolf, as we dissect a mammoth $100 million M&A deal. Ever wondered what really drives the price tag of a business? We're peeling back the layers of EBITDA, uncovering how this financial cornerstone influences a company's market value and why the multiples of EBITDA are the heartbeat of negotiations, particularly when private equity groups enter the fray.Journey through the labyrinth of valuation methods with us; from assets to income to market comparisons, we illuminate each path. Our conversation ventures into the territory of platform investments and add-on acquisitions, decoding how these classifications can make or break the deal. Whether you're a business mogul or an aficionado of high-stakes finance, our exploration through the valuation landscape, complemented by real-world examples, offers a wealth of understanding. Tune in and equip yourself with the wisdom to navigate the complex world of M&A valuations.

Unlock the secrets to multi-million dollar deal-making with M&A maestro Russell Cohen in our latest podcast episode. He's peeling back the curtains on the recent $100 million roofing company acquisition, revealing the pivotal role of funding structures in large-scale M&A. This is not just another business talk; it's a rare opportunity to absorb the wisdom of a seasoned professional who has navigated the high seas of private equity groups and lived to tell the tale.Russell, alongside your co-host Jeremy Wolf, dissects the critical differences between private equity groups with committed capital and those scrambling for funds. This discussion is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to understand what it takes to secure successful funding and why having an ace M&A advisor by your side is non-negotiable. Tune in for a masterclass on the art of the deal and equip yourself with the insider knowledge to ensure your next business move is not just a step, but a giant leap forward.

Unlock the mystery behind working capital in M&A deals with Russell Cohen and me, your co-host Jeremy Wolf, as we dissect our colossal $100 million roofing company transaction. Grasp the concept that often spells the difference between a successful sale and a deal gone awry. In our latest podcast episode, Russell, an M&A maestro, breaks down the fundamentals of working capital in a way that's accessible to all. From explaining the calculations on a business's balance sheet to emphasizing the crucial timing for assessing it, we leave no stone unturned. This is not just a recount of our biggest deal to date; it's a masterclass in ensuring your financials are robust and 'PE ready' for that major sale.Ever wondered why some business owners walk away from a deal feeling victorious while others are left scratching their heads? The answer often lies in the nuances of working capital. Join us as we shed light on strategies for managing this key aspect and why it's imperative to have seasoned advisors, like CPAs or fractional CFOs, in your corner. With Russell's expertise, we explore how growth trends affect financial health assessments and how this knowledge can lead to a smoother journey to the closing table. Get ready to be equipped with valuable insights that could significantly influence the payout of your next big deal.

Imagine clinching a deal that not only shatters records but also cements your reputation as a titan in the M&A field—that's exactly the story Russell Cohen unfolds in our latest conversation. As he returns to the South Florida M&A Advisors podcast, we get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his monumental $100 million deal, an 11-month saga that tested the limits of resilience and showcased what it truly takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions.Joining forces with co-host Jeremy Wolf, Russell gives us the inside scoop on the intricacies of the Campany Roofing sale—a narrative filled with suspenseful near-misses and triumphant recoveries. From overcoming the challenges of securing financing with a fledgling private equity group to the delicate dance of negotiations that kept the deal alive against all odds, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance and ingenuity. Tune in for a real-world tale of ambition and strategy, as Russell and his team prove that with the right mindset, even the most daunting of deals can be sealed.

Do you ever wonder how the world of mergers and acquisitions operates? Have you thought about how a company's worth is determined or what the process of bringing on a new client entails? If so, you're in luck. Join us, Russell Cohen and Jeremy Wolf, as we pull back the curtain on the intricate, complex, and fascinating world of M&A. From the initial meetings with potential clients to the final stages of engagement, we break down the journey. We share how we get to know a business, its industry, and competitors, and how we gather and analyze crucial financial documents to determine business valuations.But that's not all. We dive into the delicate art of pricing, the influence of the economy and interest rates on multiples, and the detailed process of setting expectations for business owners. Understand the importance of the owner staying on post-acquisition and the necessity of providing working capital for the new buyer. We also discuss the engagement process and why a retainer is essential for producing an executive summary. Discover how we prepare a buyer list and the tools we use to find potential buyers. Prepare for a rich, insightful discussion which serves to illuminate the many facets of this intricate field. Whether you're an investor, a business owner, or simply an intrigued listener, this episode promises to unravel the complexities of the M&A process for you.

On the inaugural episode of the South Florida M&A Advisors Podcast, Russell Cohen, the host, touches upon the business and recounts his professional journey that led him where he is today. Additionally, he discusses his motivation behind launching the podcast and outlines his aspirations for what lies ahead.