Top M&A Entrepreneurs

The 100% Tax-Free Exit - Kevin McGee & QSBS

I wanted to know more about QSBS… So I found someone who used it—not just read the IRS page.Kevin McGee is an attorney who bought a craft brewing company. He used QSBS to eliminate capital gains tax on the exit.We sat down and talked about:How QSBS works (and what most buyers get wrong)New rule changes in 2025 that make it even more powerfulThe legal landmines that can kill your QSBS eligibilityHow to set up a C-Corp to acquire a business and still qualify Why compliance isn’t optional—it’s everythingThis might be the most overlooked tax strategy in SMB acquisitions right now.

From Chiropractor to $20M Exit: Neal Cobb’s Startup Story

What do crawfish, Walmart, and 7-Eleven have in common?Neal Cobb.He started as a chiropractor. Then built a delivery startup that scaled to 35 states, raised $20M, and was acquired by 7-Eleven. In this episode, Neal shares how he turned down $10M, powered through COVID, and now buys legacy businesses with big EBITDA and long-term upside.Chapters:00:00 From Chiropractor to Startup Founder05:38 Scaling with Walmart11:26 Raising Capital & COVID Pivot17:06 Acquired by 7-Eleven22:41 EquityX: Buying Legacy Businesses

She’s Sold 400 Businesses. Here’s What Most Buyers Get Wrong.

👉 How Ready Are YOU to Buy a Business?  Take the free 5-minute quiz:https://www.dealflowsystem.net/bbr-score  🎯 Get your score. Spot your blind spots. Fix them before they kill your deal.Jackie Hirsch has sold over 400 businesses since 1998. In this episode, she breaks down the most common mistakes first-time buyers make—and what separates the ones who close from the ones who never will. We talk due diligence, adbacks, cultural fit, SBA financing, and why most buyers blow it before they even submit an LOI.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Business Brokerage and Jackie Hirsch03:01 Jackie's Journey into Business Brokerage05:58 The Importance of Using a Business Broker09:00 Common Mistakes of First-Time Business Buyers11:58 Understanding Financials and Due Diligence15:01 Navigating Seller Motivations and Cultural Fit18:07 The Role of Adbacks in Business Valuation21:10 Quality of Earnings and Its Importance23:53 Market Trends and Buyer-Seller Dynamics32:06 Navigating the Current Market Landscape35:07 The Importance of Buyer Preparedness39:14 Understanding Business Ownership Dynamics40:51 Challenges in Long-Term Deals46:04 Investor Expectations and SBA Regulations49:08 The Shift Towards Online Businesses56:13 Reflections on a Long Career in Business

Buying Family Businesses to Hold for 50 Years — Inside the North Park Group Model

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  Summary This guy’s bought SIX companies in just THREE years. And he’s not flipping them. He’s holding for 50 YEARS.In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Sullivan from North Park Group—and if you’re in the M&A game (or want to be), you need to hear this.Ryan’s not chasing shiny objects. He’s quietly building a portfolio of small, family-run manufacturing businesses—with one goal: long-term, boring, predictable cash flow.We’re talkin’:How to build real trust with sellers (not just “run the numbers” and throw out LOIs)Why SBA loans are a powerful tool if you know how to use themThe surprising red flags he watches for in deals (like customer concentration and operational chaos)Why they only target businesses with 30+ employees (and you probably should too)The emotional side of buying businesses—and how to handle it when stuff hits the fanYou’ll also hear why patience beats pressure, how to manage investors the smart way, and why some owners just want a better life… not a better EBITDA.If you want to buy a business—and actually sleep at night after you do—this conversation is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to North Park Group01:33 The Formation of North Park Group04:10 Philosophy of Long-Term Ownership08:50 Funding and Investor Relations12:09 The Unique Partnership Model15:59 Acquisition Strategy and Deal Sourcing19:02 Evaluating Potential Acquisitions24:34 Challenges in Small Business Acquisitions33:13 Navigating Business Acquisitions34:51 Understanding Valuation and Offers37:27 The Importance of Patience in Acquisitions40:33 Identifying Consistency in Business43:39 The Lifestyle of Business Owners46:31 Financing and Managing Investors48:25 De-risking Acquisitions54:14 Top Rules for Debt Management58:00 The Emotional Side of Acquisitions

How Independent Sponsors REALLY Buy Businesses (M&A from the Inside)

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  What Happens When a Guy with Grit Takes on M&A Without a Giant PE Firm Behind Him?In this episode, Casey Minshew lays it out—no fluff.He walks us through his real-world journey as an independent sponsor—finding deals, funding them, and figuring it out as he goes. No Wall Street suits. Just persistence, smart due diligence, and a crew he trusts.We talk lessons learned (some the hard way), how to avoid rookie mistakes, and why your network can make or break your next deal.You’ll also hear how Casey’s using tech to gain an edge—and what legacy businesses are hiding in plain sight for anyone paying attention.If you're thinking about buying a business—or want to raise capital without writing a massive check—don’t miss this one.Plus, we dive into what’s happening at the M&A Launchpad Conference and how it’s shaping the future of small business ownership.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Casey Minchew and Equity Launchpad01:41 Understanding Independent Sponsorship04:46 Lessons from the First Acquisition09:56 Navigating Challenges in Business14:35 The Importance of Team and Transparency19:34 Transitioning to Independent Sponsorship24:36 Capital Structure and Deal Sourcing29:57 Building a Business with Integrity35:22 The Journey of Networking and M&A36:16 Navigating Business Acquisitions38:53 The Importance of Networking Capital40:54 Learning from Past Mistakes44:04 Understanding Different Business Models49:18 Compressing Time in Deal-Making51:15 Exploring New Business Opportunities54:15 The Role of Seller Financing55:54 Building Relationships in Business01:02:26 Creating a Community through M&A Launchpad01:04:43 The Future of M&A and Market Trends