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The Deal Podcast

Joshua Wilson

Welcome to a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human and financial side of building enterprise value. Hosted by M&A advisor and executive producer Joshua Wilson, this is The Deal Podcast, brought to you by FA Mergers. We're your front-row seat to the strategies shaping today's lower- and middle-market, from the family-run business to the multi-million-dollar portfolio.


Too often, the world of mergers and acquisitions is seen as a complex, numbers-driven game. We believe it's about the people behind the deals—the bold entrepreneurs, the savvy investors, and the dedicated teams who make it all possible. Each episode, we sit down with the real players in the M&A space: from private equity sponsors and family offices to strategic buyers, serial entrepreneurs, and commercial bankers. We’ll also hear from the crucial professional teams on the front lines, including CPAs, tax and corporate attorneys, and wealth advisors, to uncover the blueprints of success.


Our conversations will delve into every facet of the deal lifecycle. We'll explore the art of acquisitions, the science of scaling through bolt-ons, the complexities of divestitures, and the long-term thinking required for portfolio optimization.


This podcast is more than a stage for thought leaders; it's a collaborative hub for anyone looking to build, scale, or prepare for their next chapter. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a successful exit, an investor looking to grow your portfolio, or a professional advisor supporting clients on this journey, our content is designed to be both educational and actionable.


Join us as we decode the deal, one conversation at a time.


Disclaimer:

The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Deal Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.


Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. As a trusted connector among founders, family offices, and investment platforms, Josh brings a relational, strategic lens to SPACs, IPOs, M&A, and private placements—blending insight, curiosity, and communication to spotlight the people and deals shaping the capital markets.


The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.


Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.


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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Monday

Episodes20

Newest first
  • Monday · 44 min

    The Hidden Asset Smart PE Firms Protect at All Costs with Jeffrey Koonce

    What separates the PE firms that build lasting companies from the ones that destroy them? Jeff Koonce says it comes down to one asset that never shows up cleanly on a balance sheet. Jeffrey Koonce is a Partner at Bernhard Capital Partners, a Baton Rouge-based services and infrastructure-focused private equity firm with more than $6 billion in AUM. A recovering CPA and former tax attorney at Phelps Dunbar, Jeff joined BCP as General Counsel and has been part of the firm's growth from its first fund close through its fifth. Co-host Scott Shea and special guest co-host Jeremy Beyt, CEO of ThreeSixtyEight, join Joshua Wilson for this conversation recorded live at ThreeSixtyEight's studio in Baton Rouge. 🎯 What We Cover: What private equity actually looks for beyond EBITDA and cash flow Why the highest offer rarely wins in a founder-owned deal How BCP uses a "blueprint" strategy before approaching any target Why safety records are a leading indicator of service company quality The role of culture in buy-and-build platform success Why founders who roll equity almost always outperform on the back end How BCP managed 23 portfolio companies through reporting and technology The difference between a PE firm and a family office Why brand and goodwill matter even in industrial M&A What Jeff asks every founder at the deal table 🤝 Connect with Jeffrey Koonce: 🌐 https://www.bernhardcapital.com 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ 🤝 Connect with Jeremy Beyt | ThreeSixtyEight: 🌐 https://www.threesixtyeight.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-beyt/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • July 27 · 1 hr 4 min

    The Family Office Playbook for Lower Middle Market Acquisitions — Erik Billet

    Erik Billet and Jude David built a family office that's done 12 acquisitions in five years — without outside investors, without a fund clock, and without ever planning to flip a single company. In this episode, Erik Billet, CFO of Kin Capital Partners and CEO of Stately Doors and Windows, joins Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA, Managing Partner at FA Mergers, to walk through how a two-man partnership grew into a multifamily office acquiring lower middle market businesses. Erik shares the operating playbook behind their model — why they evaluate 1,000 companies to buy one, why control matters more than capital, why the Buffett model beats the Koch brothers' model for them, and how a late-night phone call turned into one of the best deals of their career. 🎯 What We Cover: - Why a family office beats traditional PE for lower middle market acquisitions - The acquisition filter: 1,000 deals reviewed for every one bought - Why control investments matter more than passive capital - The Buffett model vs. the Koch brothers model - Red flags in lower middle market financials - Why three-year PE hold periods destroy good companies - Succession and the family-business question every acquirer must ask - Building a CFO function across a portfolio of companies - The deal that closed a year after the offer 🤝 Connect with Erik Billet: 🌐 https://kincp.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikbillet/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • July 20 · 43 min

    Stuck in the Founder Trap? How to Free Yourself From the Day to Day with Jeff Martin

    What happens when a buyer looks at your business and says, "The owner is too involved — we can't pluck him out"? That's the moment your exit value collapses. And it's the moment Jeff Martin has spent a career helping founders avoid. In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA and Managing Partner at FA Mergers, sit down with Jeff Martin — serial entrepreneur, four-time exiter, and founder of Company Growth Academy. Jeff shares hard-won lessons from building and selling companies across real estate, paramedical services, and DNA testing (where he was a true first mover in the franchising space). Today, Jeff coaches second-generation owners and founders running service-based businesses in the $1M–$5M range, helping them push past the development stage into real growth — and building companies that are actually sellable. Jeff, Joshua, and Jude unpack owner dependency, the value-first mindset, the difference between a business and a company, and why the biggest obstacle to growth is almost always the person at the top. 🎯 What We Cover: Why business strategy starts with exit strategy — not two years before close The "value first" mindset and why revenue and profit follow How to spot the choke points buyers will use to devalue your company Owner dependency, customer concentration, and other risk factors that crush multiples The four stages of company development — and where most owners get stuck Why "build a business to sell a company" beats "build a business to sell" The vacation test: what really happens if you disappear for 90 days Coaches vs. consultants vs. advisors — and why every operator needs one Lessons from being a first mover in DNA testing franchising How to develop your team so the company can outgrow you 🤝 Connect with Jeff Martin: 🌐 https://www.companygrowthacademy.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/companygrowthtv/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@CompanyGrowthTV 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • July 13 · 1 hr

    From Ministry to Real Estate: Lessons From a Career Pivot with John Ray Perkins

    He spent over two decades as a full-time Catholic minister. Then four kids, a tight bank account, and a global pandemic forced a pivot that would reshape everything. In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA and Managing Partner at FA Mergers, sit down with John Ray Perkins, a top-producing Realtor with Keller Williams Realty of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. After 20+ years in youth and parish ministry at St. Peter's in Carencro and St. Pius X, John Ray launched a real estate side hustle in late 2019 — just months before COVID redrew the map. Six years in, he's running a growing team and rebuilding his business as a system, not a job. This is a story about identity, calling, provision, and the shift from operator to owner — told through the lens of a guy who walked it. 🎯 What We Cover: Why he left full-time ministry after 20+ years — and the surrender moment that opened the door Hustling through financial pressure with four kids and "more month than money" How COVID reshuffled both careers in the same six months The Costco conversation that became a six-year client relationship Selling a service in a relationship-driven market without leading with religion The mindset class that rewired how he thinks, talks, and parents "You have a high-paying job — not a business" — the wake-up call from his coach Building systems, processes, and models so the business runs without the operator How he vets seller motivation before taking a listing Why he changes coaches when he hits a plateau — and how to find the right one Quality Time Remaining: the framework Jude uses with founders weighing an exit Why the best businesses to sell are the ones that don't need to sell 🤝 Connect with John Ray Perkins: 🌐 https://johnrayperkins.kw.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyheyitsjohnray/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/user/johnrayperkins 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • July 6 · 46 min

    Scaling a Law Firm Without Losing the Mission with Blake David

    What does it take to scale a plaintiff's law firm to 17 attorneys across three offices — without losing the mission, the culture, or your sanity? Blake David has done it, and he's still trying cases. In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson sits down with Blake R. David, founding partner of Broussard, David & Moroux in Lafayette, Louisiana, alongside co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA, Managing Partner at FA Mergers — and Blake's younger brother. Blake is one of the most decorated trial lawyers in the country: ranked #3 on the 2026 Top 10 Louisiana Super Lawyers list out of more than 22,000 attorneys, four-time recognized lead counsel on Top 100 jury verdicts, board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, and a Trial Advocacy professor at the LSU Law Center. He's also an active operator — co-owner of Titus Crane Services and Stately Doors & Windows — and a force in Louisiana economic development as past Chair of the Louisiana Board of Regents. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the business behind the practice: how Blake grew from two lawyers and a stack of files to a 17-attorney firm, why he implemented EOS, how he selects cases (and why he turns down 19 out of 20), and what it really takes to be a credible operator inside a courtroom and a boardroom. 🎯 What We Cover: Why "excellence is a habit" became the firm's operating principle How EOS transformed a high-performing firm into a scalable one The mentorship model that built every senior partner at the firm How Blake evaluates a case the way an investor evaluates a deal Building a referral-driven business without billboards or mass advertising Lessons from his biggest verdict — and the loss that humbled him right after Investing alongside his brother Jude across crane, door, and millwork businesses Why the Louisiana Board of Regents matters to anyone investing in the state The Litany of Humility and what it teaches founders and dealmakers Why honesty wins the long game in trials, deals, and partnerships 🤝 Connect with Blake David: 🌐 https://bdm.law/ ⚖️ https://justiceobtained.com/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • June 29 · 42 min

    How Founders Use Community Foundations to Protect Their Legacy with Missy Andrade

    What if the smartest move before your liquidity event isn't talking to your banker — it's talking to a community foundation? In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Scott Shea sit down with Missy Andrade, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA), to unpack one of the most overlooked tools in middle market dealmaking: the community foundation. Missy leads a 26-year-old organization stewarding more than $253 million in assets across roughly 1,000 component funds, working alongside CPAs, attorneys, and wealth advisors to turn liquidity events into multi-generational legacies. From donor-advised funds and complex asset gifts — appreciated stock, real estate, mineral rights, art collections, even ownership of operating companies — to the conversation founders should be having before they sign an LOI, Missy walks through how community foundations function as a strategic partner for entrepreneurs, families, and the advisors who serve them. 🎯 What We Cover: How community foundations actually work (and why they're like "a bank for donors") Why CPAs send clients to community foundations before a sale closes The case for charitable planning before liquidity — not after Donor-advised funds vs. private foundations: when each makes sense How a billion-dollar Baton Rouge company was transferred to a community foundation Complex asset gifts: stock, real estate, mineral rights, IP, art, and more Donor intent and how to protect a founder's legacy across generations The G2 and G3 succession question every fund holder should ask Why the most successful philanthropists are obsessive — and team-builders Trust-based philanthropy and why neutrality is a community foundation's superpower 🤝 Connect with Missy Andrade: 🌐 https://www.cfacadiana.org/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-bienvenu-andrade-81363b65/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • June 22 · 53 min

    Eat What You Kill: The Bet-On-Yourself Model — Mark Weber

    Mark Weber made $12,000 his first year in business. He never hired an employee. Three decades later, he's built a portfolio across life insurance, real estate, and mortgage lending — all on strategic partnerships and commission-only hustle. Mark Weber is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and CEO of Mark Weber Enterprises — a multi-layered company spanning real estate, investments, insurance, and mortgage lending. In this episode, Mark sits down with host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, Managing Partner at FA Mergers, to break down the "eat what you kill" operating model that's carried him through 30+ years of entrepreneurship without a single W-2 employee. From his first $28,000 townhouse in 1994 to co-inventing the GreatCatch soft hands trainer (licensed to Cutters Gloves and SKLZ, now sold globally), Mark shares how strategic partnerships, faith-led discernment, and old-fashioned grit built a durable boutique business — and what the next generation of dealmakers needs to hear. 🎯 What We Cover: The eat-what-you-kill model and how Mark scaled without fixed payroll How AI is reshaping life insurance underwriting (policies issued in minutes) Strategic partnerships vs. hiring — how to structure transactional back-office support Turning a $200 prototype into a $3.33 global retail product (the GreatCatch story) Why grit and work ethic matter more than credentials for the next generation How faith and discernment shape Mark's go/no-go decisions on deals The rental property playbook that started with a single $28K townhouse Teaching kids to hustle: lessons from laying sod and cutting grass Inefficient markets, value creation, and why sales skills always win Walking away from the wrong deals — and why the walk-aways matter most 🤝 Connect with Mark Weber: 🌐 https://www.leadprofessionalsgroup.com/our-team 🌐 https://donedealnow.com/staff/mark-weber/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-a-weber-a220999/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@GreatCatch08 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA — Managing Partner, FA Mergers: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • June 15 · 1 hr 1 min

    Mergers and Acquisitions in the Nonprofit World

    What if the smartest growth strategy in your community wasn't being run by a private equity firm — it was being run by a charity? Kim Boudreaux and Sarah Clement of Catholic Charities of Acadiana have spent the last two decades quietly executing one of the most disciplined nonprofit roll-up strategies in Louisiana — growing from a $1.2M agency with 23 employees into a $15M, 90-person, 14-organization platform serving eight civil parishes. In this episode, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA and Managing Partner at FA Mergers, sit down with Kim Boudreaux, Chief Executive Officer, and Sarah Clement, Chief Administrative Officer and 2023 recipient of the Catholic Charities USA National Management Excellence Award, for a candid look at how mission-driven organizations apply real M&A principles — economy of scale, sub-10% administrative rates, EOS implementation, and rigorous due diligence — to expand impact rather than profit. They open up about merging six nonprofits in a single day, navigating boards, integrating cultures, and the hard call to raise minimum wage to $15 an hour before it was cool. 🎯 What We Cover: The bishop's challenge that launched a 20-year roll-up strategy Why economy of scale matters more in nonprofits than most people think The day they closed six mergers — and what they would do differently now How to approach a nonprofit board about a merger without bruising egos Using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to scale a faith-based enterprise How they grew FoodNet 110% and Rebuilding Together Acadiana 290% post-acquisition The succession-planning angle that opens nonprofit M&A conversations Hiring people smarter than you — and the test Kim used to vet Sarah Building a culture of mutual accountability, honest feedback, and "start/stop" exercises Why the $15 minimum wage decision changed how the whole organization operates 🤝 Connect with Kim Boudreaux: 🌐 https://catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-boudreaux-186094175/ 🤝 Connect with Sarah Clement: 🌐 https://catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-clement-562b7913/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • June 8 · 51 min

    From Career to Calling: Inside Family Missions Company with Saul Keeton & Kevin Granger

    What if the Lord interrupted your career at the peak of the American dream? Saul Keeton walked away from 25 years in commercial real estate. Kevin Granger left nursing and music behind. Both said yes to something bigger. In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson sits down with Saul Keeton and Kevin Granger of Family Missions Company — the largest lay Catholic foreign missionary organization in the world — alongside co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA and Managing Partner at FA Mergers. Saul and Kevin share how the Lord rerouted their lives, what it takes to run a mission organization sending 200+ missionaries into 11 countries, and how business owners and stewards of capital can become the shaft of the spear that pushes the gospel into the world's most underserved places. This is a conversation about legacy, kingdom ROI, and what happens when ambition meets surrender. 🎯 What We Cover: Why Saul left a 25-year commercial real estate career for the mission field Kevin's journey from music major to nursing to global missions How Family Missions Company became the largest lay Catholic foreign missionary organization in the world The "tip of the spear" model — and why business owners are the shaft Running a mission organization with 20–30 staff and 200+ missionaries in 11 countries Kingdom ROI: how to think about return when souls are the metric Why 3.6 billion people have never heard the name of Jesus Gospel poverty, transparency, and how missionary funds actually flow Working yourself out of a job — building self-sustaining missions Identity rooted in being a son of the Father, not a to-do list 🤝 Connect with Saul Keeton & Kevin Granger: On IG: Saul + https://www.instagram.com/saulkeeton Kevin + https://www.instagram.com/kevinjgranger Family Missions: https://www.instagram.com/fmcmissions/ Web: 🌐 https://www.familymissionscompany.com/ 👥 https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMissionsCompany/ 🎙️ Go You Are Sent Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3as5fmjounyu6588WGO8Ek ▶️ Go You Are Sent (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@GoYouAreSent 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • June 1 · 1 hr 4 min

    From Law to the Priesthood: Discerning the Call with Father Jim Brady

    What does it actually take to walk away from a thriving career at the top of your game — and how do you do it without leaving wreckage behind? In this special episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA — Managing Partner at FA Mergers — sit down with Father Jim Brady, JCL, Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lafayette, Louisiana. Before entering the priesthood, Father Brady spent eleven years building a regional law practice as a litigation partner. He earned a BS in Accounting from Spring Hill College, a JD from the University of Mississippi, and later a Licentiate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America. His story is a master class in discernment, responsible transition, and the kind of stewardship every founder, partner, and operator eventually faces. Whether you're contemplating a sale, a career change, or the next chapter, this conversation will reframe how you think about calling, exits, and what it means to run toward something rather than away. 🎯 What We Cover: How a 29-year-old trial lawyer started hearing a different call The Holy Thursday moment that changed everything Why he gave his partners a full year to unwind the practice responsibly Building your own succession plan before you exit The "99% pay cut" — what's actually hard about a major career transition How to tell the difference between running toward something vs. running from it Discernment frameworks that apply to founders, sellers, and career changers Bringing trusted advisors into your decision instead of going it alone Running a large parish like a business — service, solutions, and the customer experience Why "small things with great love" outperform grand ambition over time 🤝 Connect with Father Jim Brady: 🌐 https://stpiusxchurch.org/staff/fr-jim-brady/ 📧 pastor@stpiusxchurch.org 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • May 25 · 1 hr 5 min

    The Opportunity Machine: Powering Louisiana's Startup Boom — Destin Ortego

    What happens when a former musician with degrees in graphic design and public relations becomes the executive director of one of Louisiana's most important startup engines? You get Destin Ortego — and a playbook that's helped founders raise $116M in venture capital and drive over $2 billion in economic impact since 2018. In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Scott Shea sit down with Destin Ortego, Executive Director of Opportunity Machine, the Lafayette-based nonprofit turning aspiring entrepreneurs into fundable, scalable founders. Destin shares how Opportunity Machine evolved from an LITE-backed initiative in 2009 into a membership-based nonprofit supporting roughly 50 active startup teams across idea, early, and growth stages. The conversation digs into what makes a company actually fundable, why customer discovery kills more bad ideas than any pitch deck, and why curiosity and "humble swag" are the two traits that separate successful founders from everyone else. Destin also unpacks the AI moment, why SaaS-only startups are losing their moat, and why marketplaces and network-effect businesses are built to win the next cycle. 🎯 What We Cover: How Opportunity Machine supports founders from idea stage through growth stage The real definition of "fundable" — and why traction beats vision every time Why customer discovery is the single most important skill for early founders The difference between leading and lagging indicators (and why vanity metrics lie) Bootstrapping, equity, and non-dilutive funding pathways like SBIR and STTR Why the average successful founder takes 3.5 tries to get it right How AI is reshaping defensibility — and why SaaS alone is no longer a moat The marketplace comeback: why network effects are the new investor magnet The mindset shift founders must make to avoid the "permanent underclass" Why buying a business may be more viable than starting one from scratch 🤝 Connect with Destin Ortego: 🌐 https://opportunitymachine.org/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/destin-ortego/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • May 18 · 49 min

    The Public-Private Partnership Playbook with Mike Tarantino

    What does it actually take to land a $1.4 billion manufacturing deal in a parish of 70,000 people? Mike Tarantino has the playbook — and he's running it in real time. In this episode, Joshua Wilson and co-host Scott Shea sit down with Mike Tarantino, President and CEO of the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation, to break down the mechanics of modern economic development dealmaking. Mike walks through how Iberia Parish, Louisiana beat out 15+ competing communities to land First Solar's 2.3 million square foot facility — now employing over 825 people and anchoring an entirely new advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Cajun country. From building the public-private partnerships that move at the speed of business, to courting site selectors, to retaining the legacy businesses that quietly built the local economy, Mike shares the relationship-driven, numbers-first approach that turns a community into a magnet for capital. 🎯 What We Cover: Why incentives sweeten deals but never make a bad deal good How Iberia Parish landed First Solar's $1.4B advanced manufacturing facility The site selector ecosystem and how to get on their radar Building public-private partnerships that move at the speed of business What drives location decisions in a remote-work, AI-enabled economy Why business retention is the unsung hero of economic development The role of generational and family businesses in regional growth Building supplier ecosystems around anchor tenants (tier 1, 2, and 3) How Marine Corps discipline translates into dealmaking focus Diversifying a legacy oil and gas economy without abandoning it 🤝 Connect with Mike Tarantino: 🌐 https://www.iberiabiz.org 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-tarantino-cecd-21693017/ 🎙️ The Mike Drop with Mike Tarantino: https://open.spotify.com/show/7KaiEyDlxpUmGyzzjSUynL 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • May 13 · 38 min

    The Pattern Recognition Skill That Built Four Exits with Steven Pivnik

    What if the same company could give you four bites of the apple? Steven Pivnik did exactly that — and nearly lost it all in between. In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson sits down with Steven Pivnik, serial founder, endurance athlete, and exit advisor who built and monetized the same software company four separate times before finally selling to a $4 billion competitor. Steven shares the real story behind the wins — and the gut-punch in the middle when he came back from a two-year contract to find fraud, falsified financials, and a company one month from bankruptcy. From immigrating from the former Soviet Union as a toddler to coding Pac-Man on a Commodore 64 to climbing Mount Everest at 55, Steven's story is a masterclass in pattern recognition, founder resilience, and the discipline it takes to actually build something worth selling. Now an executive coach with The CEO Project and exit advisor with Acresis, he helps founders avoid the mistakes that nearly cost him everything. 🎯 What We Cover: How Steven licensed the same software to IBM and Microsoft in back-to-back deals The "MBA in a box" he got working under a seasoned management team post-acquisition Why pattern recognition is the most underrated founder skill The fraud and betrayal that nearly killed his company while he was away Why he interviewed every employee on day one of his return — and cut from 30 to 8 How he made good on two missed payrolls over 12 months after coming back The KPI discipline that separated his second act from his first Bringing in a CEO for the final exit — and how to "love like you've never lost" His ideal client profile: 10+ years in business, $10M+ revenue, 90% of net worth tied up The transformation founders experience when accountability replaces "we've always done it this way" 🤝 Connect with Steven Pivnik: 🌐 https://www.stevenpivnik.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpivnik/ 🎙️ Built to Finish Podcast: https://stevenpivnik.com/podcast/ 📘 Built to Finish (Book): Available on Amazon:https://a.co/d/0g77FiBE 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • May 11 · 1 hr 6 min

    Gatr Coolers: The Story Behind the Brand with Bryan McGehee

    What does it take to turn a text message into a viral brand? Bryan McGehee, founder of Gatr Coolers, did exactly that — starting from a camper with his wife and kids, betting his house on a cooler company, and going full-time the same month COVID shut the world down. Bryan McGehee is the founder of Gatr Coolers, a premium customizable cooler and drinkware brand built out of Thibodaux, Louisiana. Bryan spent years working pipeline jobs, living in hotels and campers, before a text from his brother Mitch sparked an idea that became a decade-long entrepreneurial ride. Joining host Joshua Wilson is co-host Scott Shea, who first connected with Bryan through shared business experiences and knew his story needed to be told. In this episode, Bryan gets raw about the real cost of building a manufacturing company in South Louisiana — hurricanes, inventory tax, staffing wars with oilfield wages, and supply chain chaos that left him waiting on last year's inventory well into this year. He also breaks down the marketing playbook that helped Gatr grow to 50,000 Instagram followers, 50,000 on Facebook, and hundreds of thousands on an email list — almost entirely without paid ads. 🎯 What We Cover: How a Thanksgiving text from his brother Mitch became Gatr Coolers Why Bryan went full-time in March 2020 — and signed a building lease two weeks before COVID The "wife test" that shaped every marketing decision Gatr ever made Why he ditched influencer culture in favor of real users and user-generated content How strategic product partnerships with brands like Realtree and Benelli generated 60–80K emails at a time The hidden costs that blindside Louisiana manufacturers: inventory tax, hurricane shutdowns, insurance Why he tells college students most of them probably shouldn't start a business What it felt like when a customer cried opening a custom cup engraved with her late sister's photo His five-year vision: US manufacturing, new product lines, and changing Thibodaux's economy The brand-naming logic behind dropping the "o" 🤝 Connect with Bryan McGehee: 🌐 https://gatrcoolers.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-mcgehee-38b75268/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/gatrcoolers 📸 https://www.instagram.com/gatrcoolers/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • May 4 · 52 min

    Finding Your Highest and Best Use as an Entrepreneur — Dominic Dupré

    What if the biggest mistake you're making isn't a bad deal or a wrong hire — but spending your life doing things you're capable of instead of things you were made for? Dominic Dupré grew up watching four cousins build successful companies in Louisiana's energy corridor. He graduated into the shale boom, swung sledgehammers on a workover rig, and had his entrepreneurial dreams derailed by the 2014 oil bust — only to be called back into the family business to turn around a failing crude hauling division. What followed was one of the most clarifying journeys we've heard on this show: from survival mode to self-discovery, from operator to investor. Today Dominic is the founding member of Tule Creek Capital, a Gulf Coast investment firm focused on heavy industrial and environmental businesses. Joining host Joshua Wilson is co-host Scott Shea, who first crossed paths with Dominic when FA Mergers was working a logistics deal — and the connection stuck. 🎯 What We Cover: Growing up in a Cajun entrepreneurial family and why business was Sunday dinner conversation Why Dominic never wanted to work in the family business — and what changed The 2014 oil bust: what happened, who got hurt, and what it taught a young entrepreneur Turning around a failing crude hauling division inside Dupré Logistics How the family business exit was structured and what made the transition work Moving from operator mindset to investor mindset — and the gaps in between Why Tule Creek Capital over-indexes on culture and gut instinct in deal evaluation The key man risk problem that disqualifies most SMB sellers before diligence even starts How to know when you've found your highest and best use as a founder Rich Dad Poor Dad, Traction, and the books that shaped how Dominic thinks about wealth and growth 🤝 Connect with Dominic Dupré: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/guests/dominic-dupre/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-dupre/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • May 1 · 44 min

    The Growth by Subtraction Playbook for Middle Market Founders with Yarin Gaon

    What if the thing slowing your growth isn't what's missing — it's what you refuse to cut? Yarin Gaon sold his fourth company at 28, ran turnarounds as an Entrepreneur in Residence at a venture capital firm, mentored 400+ founders through the University of Chicago and SCORE, and has earned an MBA along the way. Today he runs Fractional Partners, where he applies a private equity-style operating playbook to lower middle market businesses stuck in what he calls the "messy middle" — the $2M to $20M range where founders have product-market fit but haven't decided what's actually worth scaling. In this episode, Yarin breaks down why most founders default to growth by addition (more channels, more customers, more SKUs) when what their business really needs is growth by subtraction. He walks host Joshua Wilson through the exact framework he uses to identify which 20% of a business is generating most of the profit — and why scaling everything else is the silent killer of EBITDA, exit multiples, and founder sanity. 🎯 What We Cover: The two mistakes Yarin made before exiting his Israeli e-commerce company at 28 Why over-built proprietary systems become a liability — not an asset — at exit The gap between MBA frameworks and how owner-operators actually run businesses Growth by addition vs. growth by subtraction — and when each one applies Why EOS solves execution problems but can't solve strategic ones How to attribute true overhead by revenue stream to expose your real profit center The mindset shift from operator to owner: resource allocation as the real job Why pausing is the hardest — and most profitable — thing a founder can do What private equity does post-close that founders should do pre-sale The Fractional Partner model: more than an advisor, less than a co-founder 🤝 Connect with Yarin Gaon: 🌐 https://www.fractional.partners/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaringaon/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fractional.partners/ 📘 Free Resource: The Clarity Playbook — playbook.fractional.partners 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • April 29 · 51 min

    The Partner You Need When You've Run Out of Gas — George Boudreaux & Nathan Rath

    He was drowning in investor debt, swinging a hammer in Houston just to make payroll — and still found a way to build something worth fighting for. This is a story about grit, partnership, and what it really takes to grow a trade business from the inside out. George Boudreaux founded Pelican Roofing Company in Lafayette, Louisiana on July 4th, 2014 — not from a place of momentum, but from a burning need to survive. After a real estate venture in Houston went sideways and left him half a million dollars in the hole, he bootstrapped a roofing company and grew it into a regional force. But after years of hurricanes, burnout, and carrying too many people for too long, he knew he needed a partner — not a buyer. Nathan Rath, a 12-year Halliburton veteran who traded oil rigs for rooftops, answered that call. Joining host Joshua Wilson and co-host Scott Shea, George and Nathan unpack the real mechanics of finding the right partner, making hard decisions, and building a business with staying power. Pelican Roofing has grown from roughly $9M to $19M in revenue — with no storm tailwind. 🎯 What We Cover: How George lost $500K in Houston and rebuilt from scratch with a roofing company Why he started Pelican Roofing on July 4th, 2014 — and what that date meant What Nathan gave up at Halliburton and why family drove him toward ownership The list George wrote in December 2022: "Find a partner by July 4th, 2023" How they structured and inked their partnership deal on August 8th, 2023 Growing from $9M to $19M with no hurricane boost — and the hard lessons in between The first principles exercise that led to layoffs right before Christmas What makes a great door-to-door roofing salesperson — and why motivation beats resume How Nathan's community roots (and a pelican suit) built Pelican's brand in Acadiana What George and Nathan are really looking for before they'd ever do a PE deal 🤝 Connect with George Boudreaux: 🌐 https://pelicanroof.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-boudreaux-64031120/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/BoudreauxGeorge/ 🤝 Connect with Nathan Rath: 🌐 https://pelicanroof.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-rath-2aa371120/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • April 27 · 48 min

    Building a Business With Your Spouse Without Losing Your Mind — Kenny & Stacy Maggard

    She thought it was total BS. Then they built a company together — and haven't looked back since. Kenny and Stacy Maggard turned a margarita-fueled conversation into Azalea Health Services, a mission-driven mental health company serving seniors in long-term care settings across Louisiana and Texas. Kenny Maggard spent 15 years as a middle market banker at Capital One before stepping into private equity and ultimately taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Stacy Maggard brought a background in marketing and public relations and traded in the stay-at-home season of life for a co-founder title she never expected — and wouldn't trade for anything. Together, they built Azalea Health Services from the ground up, embedding licensed professional counselors inside nursing homes, assisted living communities, and senior independent living facilities to meet residents exactly where they are — literally and figuratively. In just three years, they've served thousands of patients navigating grief, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and life transitions. Joining host Joshua Wilson is co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA and Managing Partner at FA Mergers, who brings his signature depth to the conversation on mission, marriage, and building something that lasts. This episode is equal parts entrepreneurship, marriage, mission, and grit. 🎯 What We Cover: How a banker and a stay-at-home mom stumbled into healthcare entrepreneurship Why Kenny chose a startup despite having zero interest in startups The management service agreement model that gave them a playbook How Azalea Health Services brings mental health counseling into senior living facilities What it's really like to run a business with your spouse — the good, the hard, and the hilarious The barbecue ministry story that became Kenny's north star for the business Scaling a healthcare company when your payer sources are Medicare and Medicare Advantage How they divide roles, navigate disagreements, and still like each other What telehealth can and can't do for a geriatric patient population The shift in mindset that changed how Stacy thinks about money, calling, and purpose 🤝 Connect with Kenny & Stacy Maggard: 🌐 https://azaleahealthservices.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-maggard-jr-89131a8/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacymaggard/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • April 24 · 48 min

    Running City Hall Like a Business with Mayor-President Monique Boulet

    What happens when you hand the keys to an $850 million government operation to someone who thinks like an operator? You get fewer barriers, faster decisions, and a city that starts acting like it has a balance sheet to protect. In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA and Managing Partner at FA Mergers, sit down with Mayor-President Monique Boulet of Lafayette, Louisiana. Monique walks through how she's running Lafayette Consolidated Government like a turnaround — stabilizing day-one operations, reorganizing a 2,000-employee workforce, and stripping out the drama that was keeping businesses and families from investing in the city. From the $200 million Johnson Street revitalization to a sewer-repair program that saved one developer $600,000 off their capital stack, Monique shares how she's removing barriers, inviting private investment, and pulling government out of the way — all while keeping faith, family, and public trust at the center of the work. 🎯 What We Cover: Why Lafayette's population stalled inside the city limits — and the playbook to reverse it The Johnson Street revitalization: a $200M+ project and how it gets funded over 7–10 years How the Bertrand proof-of-concept project is de-risking a much bigger urban redesign Rewriting sewer policy to save one developer $600K on a single project Why the inventory tax repeal (Amendment 4) matters for Lafayette Parish Reorganizing a 2,000-employee, $850M government without raising taxes The wage adjustment that filled 300+ vacancies and restored basic services What private investors and developers should know about the current climate Lessons from Kathleen Blanco on leading with faith through uncertainty How Monique makes big decisions when the outcome isn't predefined 🤝 Connect with Mayor-President Monique Boulet: 🌐 https://www.lafayettela.gov/ 🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/

  • April 22 · 56 min

    What Happens to Your Business If You Don't Make It Home Today with Taylor Davis

    What happens to your business if you don't make it home today? Taylor Davis watched his father — a top vascular surgeon making great money — die at 48 with almost no coverage after a business partnership dissolved and the insurance went with it. His mother sold her dream home and went back to work. That experience became his life's mission. Taylor Davis is a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, approaching 34 years in the business. He works with individuals and closely held businesses on succession planning, buy-sell agreements, life insurance, long-term care, and charitable giving strategies. A multi-time NAIFA Quality Award recipient and Million Dollar Round Table alumnus, Taylor has spent three decades asking the questions most business owners never get asked — and helping families avoid the financial devastation he witnessed firsthand. In this episode, Taylor shares the origin story that drove him into financial planning, the sales lessons from knocking on doors in North Dakota, and why the most important question in any business relationship is: what happens when you don't make it home? 🎯 What We Cover: Why high-income earners are often the most underprotected What really happens to a buy-sell agreement when partners stop getting along The question every business owner avoids — and why you can't afford to How to approach succession planning for a family business with kids in and out Why discovery never stops — even after 30 years with the same client The door-to-door sales lessons that still drive Taylor's practice today How to ask for referrals without feeling like you're crossing a line Long-term care planning and what COVID revealed about coverage gaps Charitable giving strategies that outlive the founder's wishes Why identity rooted in work — not faith or family — leads to bad outcomes 🤝 Connect with Taylor Davis: 🌐 https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/taylor-davis/meet-taylor 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-davis-b926564/ 💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Curious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.com Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us, Please Visit: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/