255: 2025 Business Deals: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know with Ami Kassar
Release Date: 01/28/2025
The Business of Meetings
We are excited to welcome Lil Roberts, the Founder of Xendoo, as our guest today. Lil is an exceptional entrepreneur with a sharp instinct for people and the confidence to speak the truth. She has served as President of the South Florida chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and recently published a book called Small Business Defined: The Ultimate Guide for Small Business Owners. Stay tuned to hear about her inspiring journey and learn how Xendoo makes accounting easier for small business owners. Connect with Eric Rozenberg Connect with Lil Roberts On
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Today, Eric tackles the truth about uncertainty. Many business owners and entrepreneurs find uncertainty unbearable. Eric points out that if you, as a business owner, do not learn the art of navigating uncertain times, you may need to reconsider whether it is genuinely the right industry for you. Uncertainty Feels Tougher Without a Plan A friend of Eric, living in Israel, recently made the striking observation that he finds frequent missile alerts easier to handle than the uncertainty of running a business. That is because he has prepared himself for those situations. So, when an...
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We are delighted to have Eric Moeller, the founder of Freewyld, joining us today. Known for his clear mind and sharp perspective, Eric has never been afraid to challenge the status quo of big corporations or industry transformations. Join us to hear about Eric’s impressive career journey and the bold steps he is taking to revolutionize the hospitality industry. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Eric Moeller On
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We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Hinton as our guest today. Kevin, who has over 20 years of experience in the global meetings and travel industry, was appointed as Managing Director of Group Travel for the U.S. Travel Association last year. He joins us today to share his career trajectory and dive into the significant role he now plays within the organization. Tune in today to hear about his impressive career and learn how he is shaping the future of group travel. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Kevin Hinton On
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We are honored to welcome the distinguished Dr. Stanley K. Ridgley, author of the recently released book DEI Exposed, as our guest today. Dr. Ridgley is a well-traveled and highly respected educator with a reputation for delivering insight with clarity and impact. In his book, he addresses one of the most widely discussed and contentious topics in our industry today, substantiating his arguments with well-researched factual evidence. Silence implies complicity, so Eric never shies away from tough conversations, especially with those who can back their ideas with proven facts. Join us to...
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We are delighted to welcome Barbara Dunn as our guest today. Barbara is one of the top legal experts in our industry and an absolute powerhouse in her field! She joins us today to share her professional journey and explore the realities of owning and running a business. Stay tuned for Barbara’s valuable insights on the legal aspects every business owner must consider to thrive in the current dynamic and competitive business landscape. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Barbara Dunn On her
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Today, Eric dives into the importance of self-care and focusing on mental health, particularly during times of uncertainty. Stay tuned as Eric shares practical ways to remain grounded and support your well-being, even when things feel unpredictable. A Late-Night Emergency in Sardinia While organizing a sales meeting for a medical device company in Sardinia, Eric experienced a powerful reminder of why health must come first. In the early morning, as his team was wrapping up video edits for a final presentation, he found a man lying unconscious with blood coming from his head. The...
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We are delighted to have Didi Aurelia as our guest today. Didi is an educator, psychologist, speaker, and the author of 100 Days to a More Aware You. Having spoken recently at the World Economic Forum about the role of AI in supporting conscious decision-making, Didi is the ideal person for business owners and those seeking to integrate more mindful decision-making processes into their practices to consult with. Stay tuned for Didi’s thought-provoking insights on using AI to enhance awareness and support intentional choices. Bio: Didi Aurelia: Author of ‘100 Days to...
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In times of uncertainty, like we are facing now, small business owners must stay focused and be proactive. Today, Eric shares three of his tried and tested strategies for helping small business owners remain steady during times of uncertainty within the industry. Stay tuned to learn how to turn uncertainty into opportunity with three proven strategies to keep your business moving forward in unpredictable times. 1. Review Your Finances Start by examining every expense in your business, line by line. Go through all your credit card statements and monthly charges, especially those...
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Today, we are delighted to welcome Amanda Gore, an Australian powerhouse from the Speaker Hall of Fame, as our guest. Amanda is a phenomenal communicator who blends her sharp insights with humor and heart, offering fresh perspectives on joy, emotional intelligence, change, management, and leadership. Get ready to laugh and learn as Amanda shares her story and powerful insights that have inspired her audiences worldwide. Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important than technical skills in leadership and life. EQ helps people navigate conflict, build trust, and...
info_outlineThe Business of Meetings – Episode 255 - 2025 Business Deals: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know with Ami Kassar
We are delighted to welcome Ami Kassar, the founder and CEO of MultiFunding, as our guest today. Ami is a member of the EO and the president of the EO Philadelphia chapter, and he brings a wealth of expertise and experience.
With the shift in administration, most business owners are curious about the future of mergers and acquisitions for small businesses. Some owners are considering selling, while others are looking to buy. Ami is here to shed light on this important topic and share his insights. Join us for his expert perspective on what lies ahead for small businesses.
Founding MultiFunding
In 2010, after losing his corporate position as Chief Innovation Officer at the largest credit card issuer for small businesses, Ami started MultiFunding. During the Great Recession, he got laid off by the company he was working for after helping them terminate 960 employees. It was a sobering experience he vowed never to repeat. On his first day unemployed, Ami withdrew his home equity credit line and founded MultiFunding to help entrepreneurs access optimal debt solutions while maintaining control of their businesses.
Core Values
The core value at MultiFunding is to deal with entrepreneurs in the same way their team members would prefer themselves. That principle underpins every decision, from hiring to firing. The company fosters a transparent culture where employees either thrive within three months or move on. MultiFunding always upholds the standard of only offering advice that the team would follow themselves.
The SBA Loan Advantage
Today, 95% of their work at MultiFunding involves Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, which are often the best option for entrepreneurs seeking to grow responsibly. SBA loans allow lenders to offer riskier loans with government guarantees, typically up to 75% of the loan value in case of default. Ami clarifies that being declined by one lender does not mean disqualification from SBA programs, as many institutions with varying criteria participate in that market.
Challenging Top-Line Growth Celebrations
Ami challenges the focus on top-line growth, as celebrated by rankings like the Inc. 5000. He argues that many fast-growing businesses are unsustainable, leading to burnout or collapse. Instead, he proposes a Sleep 5000 award to reward entrepreneurs who achieve sustainable revenue targets while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Selling and Buying Small Businesses
Ami advises business owners to identify their target buyers clearly, whether they are private equity, strategic investors, or individuals, and set realistic expectations for valuation. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the minimum cash required to close a sale.
Economic Outlook for 2025
Predicting economic trends for 2025 is challenging, especially with uncertainties in interest rates, tariffs, and federal policies. Ami warns against relying on forecasts, given the unpredictable domino effects of COVID-era policies and upcoming political changes. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on financial discipline and adaptability rather than chasing speculative predictions.
Bio:
Ami Kassar, founder and CEO of MultiFunding and author of The Growth Dilemma, has earned a national reputation as a thought leader in business finance. An in-demand speaker and trusted advisor to growth-focused business leaders, he has helped thousands of business owners achieve ambitious growth goals through creative and personalized funding solutions.
Connect with Eric Rozenberg
On LinkedIn
Connect with Ami Kassar
On his website