Why Good Deals Die: Top Mistakes That Can Kill a Transaction
Napkin Numbers
Some deals die for good reasons, but too many die unnecessarily. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman unpack the most common and avoidable pitfalls that derail M&A transactions. From financing issues and unclear legal communication to operational surprises and bad timing, they share real stories and strategies to help you navigate the deal process with clarity and confidence. You'll learn why transparency with your team matters, how to avoid holiday slowdowns, and why the right deal team makes all the difference. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or advisor,...
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Why Most Business Deals Fall Apart: The Momentum Mistake
Napkin Numbers
Tired of getting your Letter of Intent (LOI) rejected—or worse, ghosted? In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman walk through the key components of a strong Letter of Intent and what it really takes to get sellers to take you seriously. They dive into how to present your qualifications, clearly outline your process, and maintain deal momentum through thoughtful communication and structure. You’ll also hear insights on what sellers are looking for, how to build trust early, and why vague or incomplete LOIs can stall your progress. Whether you're an aspiring...
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Deal Makers vs. Deal Breakers: Who Belongs on Your M&A Team?
Napkin Numbers
In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman explore the essential players you need on your M&A deal team. From legal counsel and tax advisors to financial experts and emerging roles like exit planners, they share real-world insights and strategies for building a team of deal makers, not deal breakers. Whether you’re planning an exit or preparing for acquisition, this episode offers crucial advice to help ensure your deal crosses the finish line smoothly. The business landscape is shifting rapidly, and opportunities for growth through acquisition are more abundant...
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From Offer to Closing: What To Expect When Selling Your Business
Napkin Numbers
Ever wondered what's behind a truly successful business sale transition? It's not just about signing documents—it’s about protecting your legacy, your team, and ensuring your business thrives under new ownership. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman unpack the critical steps to achieving a seamless business transition, from negotiating the Letter of Intent (LOI) and navigating due diligence to crafting an operational transition plan that safeguards both your company’s value and its people. Tune in and learn how to confidently transfer your business—and...
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Making Your Company Bankable: Tips for Accessing Working Capital
Napkin Numbers
Struggling to secure working capital? You’re not alone. In this episode of Napkin Numbers, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman break down what it takes to make your company truly bankable. They dive into key financial ratios—leverage, liquidity, and coverage—that banks use to assess risk, and they highlight the importance of early planning and strong banking relationships. Whether you're growing or preparing for an acquisition, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the financial landscape, position your business for success, and secure the funding you need. The business...
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How to Grow Through Acquisition in a Changing Market
Napkin Numbers
In the first Napkin Numbers episode of the new year, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman dive into the unexpected trends shaping 2025. The "silver tsunami" is creating unprecedented opportunities for business acquisitions as baby boomers exit the marketplace, leaving more sellers than buyers. With interest rates dropping, access to capital is expanding, fueling stealth consolidations and strategic acquisitions across industries. They explore how fluctuating valuations and market dynamics make this a pivotal time for entrepreneurs to act. Tune in for insider strategies to navigate this shifting...
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2024 Year in Review: Insights & Highlights
Napkin Numbers
In this year-end episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman recap the key trends of 2024, from innovative deal structuring in commercial finance to the growing role of real estate syndication and electrification initiatives. They share strategies for closing financing gaps, highlight opportunities in infrastructure and skilled labor industries, and explain how their adaptive approach can help you achieve your goals in the year ahead. Financing and growth opportunities are abundant, but navigating them requires creativity and expertise. Freeman Lundt specializes in...
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Financing the Shift: How to Leverage Grants & Incentives for Business Success
Napkin Numbers
If you’re an entrepreneur navigating the world of government contracts, it’s likely you’ve struggled to secure funds to complete your project. Have you been told to simply figure it out alone, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a financial puzzle? The pain of hitting financing gaps and missing out on valuable opportunities may be all too real. But what if there's a better way to close those gaps and achieve successful financing for your projects? In this episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman reveal the secrets they’ve uncovered in financing...
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From Boom to Bust: Understanding the Shake-out, Maturity and Decline Phases
Napkin Numbers
In this episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, join Scott Lundt and Rahsaan Freeman as they guide you through the crucial last stages of the business lifecycle. From navigating the shake-out phase to thriving in business maturity, they offer actionable strategies for recognizing decline, optimizing funding, and planning your exit - because knowing when and how to step away can be just as critical as knowing how to grow. Tune in for expert insights to keep your business on the path to long-term success. Freeman Lundt is here to help you plan your business’s growth and exit from your business...
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Understanding Business Life Cycles: Launch and Growth Funding Strategies
Napkin Numbers
In this episode of the Napkin Numbers podcast, Scott Lundt delves into the intricacies of startup funding strategies and the pivotal role of business banking products. He offers insights on managing cash flow and creating financial growth plans. Scott discusses overcoming negative cash flow during the launch phase and seizing growth opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships with bankers. This episode is valuable for business owners navigating early growth stages, providing practical advice and actionable insights for strategic financial management. Freeman Lundt is...
info_outlineWelcome to Napkin Numbers, the podcast that simplifies the complex world of selling your business. If you're a small business owner who has poured your heart and soul into building your Main Street Business, you may wonder what's next. Join Scott and Rahsaan as they share ideas and insights from their combined 40 years of banking and financial experience on real-world exit strategies that can inspire your next move.
In each episode, they'll break down the process of selling a business into easy-to-understand terms, providing practical tips and advice to help you navigate this important milestone. Whether you're almost ready to transition out of your company or still have years to go, it's crucial to exit on your terms and schedule. Scott and Rahsaan are here to guide you every step of the way.