What's Your Deal? - Insights on Business Acquisitions and Management for Smart Investments

A podcast for business buyers, sellers, and investors seeking real insights into small business acquisitions. Hosted by Matt Uhler, we break down deals, success stories, and expert strategies.

From Microsoft to Military Decals: How Tim Built Freedom Through Buying Businesses - Tim Lewis 07/08/2025

From Microsoft to Military Decals: How Tim Built Freedom Through Buying Businesses - Tim Lewis What happens when a former Microsoft exec trades the corporate fast track for small business ownership? In this episode of What’s Your Deal?, Matt sits down with long-time friend and client Tim Lewis to explore his journey from tech giant to serial entrepreneur. Tim shares how he left a thriving career at Microsoft, launched a consulting firm, built and scaled a web design agency using international talent, and ultimately found financial freedom by acquiring a niche e-commerce business serving veterans and military families. Timestamps: 02:10 – Early career at Microsoft and discovering business ownership 05:00 – Leaving corporate life for Arizona and small business consulting 05:50 – Launching a web design agency without knowing how to code 08:15 – Scaling using offshore talent and building a global team 11:30 – Acquiring a business to grow fast 13:00 – Burnout, customer service issues, and quality-of-life tradeoffs 16:00 – Selling the web company and taking time off 17:00 – Evaluating businesses and what made him say no 19:30 – Buying the military decal business and scaling it 21:00 – Why reviews and customer service mattered more than tech 24:10 – Using automation and AI to streamline production 25:44 – Starting vs. buying a business: which is better? 27:50 – Advice on higher education and surviving AI’s impact 30:00 – Work-life balance, flexible hours, and redefining success 34:40 – Who helped him most in his career 38:00 – His #1 rule for success: say yes and figure it out later Resources & Links Military Grapics - https://militarygraphics.com Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/37319965

Building Wealth Through Real Estate, Systems, and Grit - Michael Yarnes 06/24/2025

Knowing When to Step Back and Let Go - Dr. Mark Costes (Part 2 of 2) 06/17/2025

Knowing When to Step Back and Let Go - Dr. Mark Costes (Part 2 of 2) In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Mark Costes returns to unpack what happens when overachievers can't stop grinding—even when they've already “made it.” Matt and Mark dive deep into the danger of moving the goalpost, why burnout is often disguised as ambition, and how business owners can either scale or stall based on their ability to let go. From lessons learned in private equity boardrooms to the truth behind blue-collar business rollups, this conversation blends hard-won wisdom with actionable insight. If you're building, buying, or thinking about exiting a business—this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:18 – Recap of Part 1 & Self-Reflection as a Superpower 01:50 – Seasons of Business and Life: When to Grind vs. When to Let Go 03:50 – Story: The Business Owner Who Couldn’t Stop (Even on His Deathbed) 05:31 – The Trap of Moving the Goalpost 06:40 – Why High Achievers Fear Reaching the Finish Line 09:37 – Grinding vs. Doing the Hard Mental Work 10:56 – Single Point of Failure: Why It Hurts Business Value 12:15 – Two Big Mistakes Owners Make Before Selling 14:26 – What Businesses Get the Highest Valuations 16:03 – Private Equity Boardrooms & the Scale Game 18:17 – Mike Rowe, Blue Collar Wealth & Trade-Based Rollups 20:00 – Matt’s Personal Journey: From No Degree to Business Owner 22:20 – The Power of Real Estate & Organic Growth 22:50 – What’s Next for AMPED Success 25:20 – Scaling Beyond Coaching Through Community & Courses 27:10 – Passing It On: Who Helped You Along the Way 28:24 – Where to Find Matt & Dr. Costes Online Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: Connect with Dr. Mark Costes Instagram @drmarkcostes 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/37028755

From Burnout to Balance: Dr. Mark Costes on Building, Losing, and Rebuilding Success - Dr. Mark Costes (Part 1 of 2) 06/11/2025

From Burnout to Balance: Dr. Mark Costes on Building, Losing, and Rebuilding Success - Dr. Mark Costes (Part 1 of 2) Description: In this powerful first part of a two-part series, Matt sits down with Dr. Mark Costes—dentist, entrepreneur, and founder of the Dental Success Institute and Dental Success Network. Mark shares the raw and inspiring journey from starting a small practice in Prescott Valley, Arizona to owning 16 dental offices. But this isn’t just a success story—it’s also a cautionary tale about burnout, loss of balance, and the wake-up call that changed everything. You’ll hear how Mark rebuilt his life and business after reaching his financial goals but feeling unfulfilled. He dives into the systems he created to regain health, family connection, and purpose—including his Four Futures framework that evaluates success beyond just the bottom line. Whether you're a entrepreneur, or someone chasing success, this episode delivers real, practical insight about scaling, failing, and ultimately finding alignment. Tune in next week for Part 2, where we go deeper into leadership, systems, and sustainable business growth. Timestamps: 00:15 - Meet Dr. Mark Costes and His Journey from Dentist to Business Leader 01:55 - Building a Life in Prescott and Powerful Local Connections 03:26 - Reflecting on Family, Fatherhood, and Entrepreneurial Growth 05:00 - Mark’s Start in Dentistry and Buying His First Practice 06:04 - Why He Chose Prescott Valley and the Strategy Behind It 06:30 - Scaling to 6 Practices and the Cracks That Emerged 07:15 - Losing Key People and Realizing He Wasn’t Systemized 10:00 - From 6 to 16 Practices: What Worked and What Didn’t 10:20 - Launching the Podcast and Building the Dental Success Empire 11:00 - Stats and Reach of Mark’s Podcast After 10 Years 13:58 - Mark’s First Business: Tacos, Cheeseburgers & an MBA 17:15 - Learning from Mistakes and Collapsing Time for Others 18:35 - Entrepreneurship, Burnout, and the Myth of Balance 20:00 - Hitting Financial Goals and Still Feeling Empty 21:45 - The Four Futures: Mind, Meaning, Muscle, and Money and How to Measure and Improve Each Quadrant 25:23 - Knowing When You’re Out of Alignment and Resetting 26:50 - Outro and What’s Coming in Part 2 Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: Connect with Dr. Mark Costes Instagram @drmarkcostes 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36940630

From Total Shutdown to Success: How Jay Koller and Vision Collective Survived the Impossible - Jay Koller 06/03/2025

From Total Shutdown to Success: How Jay Koller and Vision Collective Survived the Impossible - Jay Koller In this powerful episode, Matt sits down with longtime friend and business partner Jay Koller to unpack one of the most dramatic comeback stories in business ownership. Jay shares how he acquired Vision Collective — a high-stakes event production company — in late 2019, only to watch the entire industry collapse months later as COVID made live events illegal overnight. What follows is a raw and inspiring look at survival, leadership, and the power of company culture. Jay opens up about losing over $4 million in business in a single week, the emotional weight of leading a team through crisis, and the creative pivots — from holographic graduations to trucking logistics — that kept Vision Collective alive. He also shares how their values-first culture not only brought employees back, but turned key team members into owners and helped the business exceed its $10M goal in under five years. If you’ve ever questioned whether you have what it takes to weather the storms of entrepreneurship, this one’s for you. Timestamps: [0:01] – Matt introduces guest Jay Kohler and their partnership [2:50] – Jay’s background in entertainment and theater [4:01] – How Jay approached and acquired VX3 (roll-up acquisition) [8:00] – COVID hits: $4M in lost events and a full business shutdown [15:30] – SBA loan pressure and building an ownership group [17:31] – Survival mode: pivoting into virtual events and cloud production [23:45] – Pivoting into trucking and creative partnerships [23:23] – Hosting concerts, benefit events and holographic graduations during COVID [31:05] – Free rent, lender negotiations, and strategic financial moves [35:00] – Jay’s emotional burden as a leader during crisis [41:15] – Vision Collective hits and exceeds the $10M goal [42:23] – Jay’s plan to strengthen the company for the future [44:35] – Succession planning: giving ownership to key employees [48:09] – Reflections on those who supported him during adversity [50:15] – Jay’s first business: burrito sales at 15 after crashing a car [56:00] – Final reflections on passion, people, and showing up for your work Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36824810

Course Teaser: Should You Become a Business Owner or Stay an Employee? – Matt Uhler 05/27/2025

Course Teaser: Should You Become a Business Owner or Stay an Employee? – Matt Uhler Today, I’m flying solo to walk through a question I get all the time: “Should I leave my job and become a business owner?” Or… “Can I keep my W-2 job and run a business on the side?” This episode is an honest gut-check — not just to motivate you, but to help you avoid buying a business that might not fit your lifestyle, income needs, or stress threshold. Key Insights from the Episode ✅ Being Self-Directed Is Non-Negotiable When you’re the owner, the buck stops with you. If you can’t manage yourself or push through without someone else setting your goals, business ownership might not be the right next step. ✅ Business Owners Work Hard — in a Different Way You may already work hard in your W-2 job, but as an owner, it’s different. You don’t just put in hours — you pull the right levers at the right time. You’re responsible for direction, results, and outcomes. ✅ Know What You Need to Earn — Not Just What You Want to Earn A business has to meet your income needs. Many buyers don’t actually know their minimum income requirements. Without clarity, you risk buying a business that can't sustain your life. ✅ Financial Ability Goes Beyond the Down Payment Down payment is just step one. You’ll also need post-closing liquidity, working capital, and a plan for rainy days. Too many people buy businesses they can’t afford to weather for more than a few months. ✅ You Can’t Delegate Responsibility You can delegate tasks — but if something breaks, you’re still on the hook. Stress doesn’t disappear in business ownership; it just shows up differently than in a corporate job. ✅ Family Support Is a Game-Changer If your family isn’t behind you, business ownership will be a much harder path. You need people in your corner when the unexpected hits — and it will hit. ✅ Management and Financial Skills Are Essential You don’t need to be a CPA or MBA, but you do need to understand your financials and manage people effectively. If you’ve never done that before, get help or get educated — before you close. Final Thought You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have it all figured out. But you do need to know what you’re stepping into. This episode is meant to help you determine if business ownership aligns with your life, values, and capacity — before you make a move you regret. 🎓 This Episode is an Excerpt from an Upcoming Course This bonus episode is a sneak peek from a full course launching in the next few weeks! If you want to go deeper — and learn how to buy the right business for you — email us at and we’ll get you on the early interest list. Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36733240

Real Deal: How the “Disaster Deal” Turned Into a Win (Part 2 of 2) – Matt Uhler 05/20/2025

Real Deal: When the “Perfect” Investment Went Sideways (Part 1 of 2) – Matt Uhler 05/13/2025

Real Deal: When the “Perfect” Investment Went Sideways (Part 1 of 2) – Matt Uhler In this episode of What’s Your Deal?, Matt Uhler takes the guest seat as his business partner, Sarah Rainwater, hosts a revealing conversation about one of the toughest deals he’s ever faced—an assisted living facility bought just months before the pandemic hit. With a proven track record, experienced staff, and a strong ROI projection, it looked perfect on paper. But then everything changed. From key partner exits to devastating COVID losses and financial restructuring, this story unpacks the brutal truth about semi-absentee ownership, partner responsibilities, and how even the best deals can be stress-tested. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, showing how deep knowledge, leadership, and relentless problem-solving can turn a struggling business around. [0:01] – Intro – Matt introduces the show and the unique format for this episode [2:30] – Overview of the assisted living facility deal, including purchase date and initial setup [6:40] – Breakdown of financials: business vs. real estate, SBA loan, operating capital, and ROI [8:20] – Discussion of why this deal looked solid and was considered a "Deal" [10:44] – Early red flags with the operating partner and her eventual resignation [14:30] – Transition plan post-resignation – assistant manager and advisory team step up [18:27] – COVID hits hard – staffing, resident care issues, and facility lockdown [20:45] – Matt becomes more involved – from absentee to actively managing weekly [23:45] – Creative problem solving: infrastructure issues and operational grit [28:30] – Interest rates spike, further financial strain on the business [29:50] – Original operating partner files bankruptcy – impact on loan and technical default [33:15] – Matt negotiates limited guarantor role with lender to keep business afloat [37:00] – Purchase of the bankrupt partner’s interest from the court [40:26] – Timeline recap: 2.5 years of loss, turning the corner in Spring 2024 [42:25] – Why Matt didn’t give up – the importance of reps, resilience, and responsibility [46:30] – Closing thoughts – Part 1 ends with a transition to the success story in Part 2 Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36539880

Course Teaser: Why Buy a Business Instead of Starting One? - Matt Uhler 05/06/2025

Course Teaser: Why Buy a Business Instead of Starting One? - Matt Uhler Today, I’m flying solo to address one of the biggest questions I get as a broker and educator: "Why buy a business when you can just start one?" At first glance, starting a business seems cheaper and more exciting — but from experience, I’ve found that buying is almost always the smarter play. Less risk, faster results, and more predictable income. In this bonus episode, I’ll walk you through the real reasons why buying often beats starting. Key Insights from the Episode ✅ Financial History Creates Predictability When you buy a business, you can (and should) look at 3–5 years of financial history. That lets you see how stable the business is and forecast what to expect — unlike a startup, where nothing is proven yet. ✅ Trained Staff and Existing Customers = Immediate Revenue A running business has trained employees and customers on day one. You're stepping into something already working. Starting from scratch means hiring, training, and finding customers — all of which delay profitability. ✅ Established Systems and Location Advantage Businesses come with processes (a recipe) — from opening and closing to customer service — and often locations that are already generating revenue. Even if the location isn’t perfect, you’re not starting from zero. ✅ Financeability Makes Buying Smarter Most buyers use financing. Buying a business means buying an income-producing asset, which lenders often support. Starting from scratch means using cash or borrowing for something unproven — much riskier. ✅ Instant Revenue vs. Uncertainty When you buy right, you make money the day after closing because the business is already running. When you start a business, you don’t know when the first dollar will arrive. ✅ Saleable Asset Adds to Net Worth An existing business, even if not liquid, is a saleable asset — building your wealth over time. Final Thought Buying a business, if done right, it’s often the faster, smarter, and more reliable path to success. Starting from scratch is exciting — but buying gives you a huge head start and mitigates risk. 🎓 This Episode is an Excerpt from an Upcoming Course This bonus episode is a sneak peek from a full course we’ll be launching in just a few weeks! If you’re interested in going deeper into this subject learning everything you need to confidently buy the right business for YOU, email us at and we’ll make sure you’re on the early interest list. Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36443690

The Fighters Edge: The Main Event — How Fighters and Founders Rise, Adapt, and Win (Part 3 of 3) - John Potenza 04/29/2025

The Fighters Edge: The Main Event — How Fighters and Founders Rise, Adapt, and Win (Part 3 of 3) - John Potenza In this third and final installment of our Combat Sports x Business crossover series, Matt and 10x Martial Arts Hall of Famer John Potenza dig into "the event"—the moment when preparation meets pressure. John shares real-world strategies on how elite fighters (and business owners) manage high-stakes situations, recognize the right opportunities, stay calm under fire, and know when it’s time to push forward—or walk away. Episode Timestamps: [0:15] – Intro to John Potenza & Series Recap [2:35] – Preparing for "The Event" — How Fighters (and Business Owners) Get Ready [4:50] – Managing the Mental Fight: Excitement, Fear, and Pressure [8:55] – Base Hits vs. Swinging for the Fences (Choosing Manageable Risk) [9:42] – Choosing fights wisely. Building a Career: Why the Early Wins Matter [11:12] – Embracing risks [13:30] – Playing checkers or chess [15:45] – Understanding Your Opponent [17:00] – The Importance of Rest and Recovery Before a Big Event [20:15] – Knowing When to Take (or Walk Away From) an Opportunity [23:00] – Managing Energy and Staying Calm During the Event [24:55] – How to Handle Anger Without Losing Control [29:00] – The Power of Focus: Story of Winning a Fight After Being in Over Your Head, Relying on Strategy [35:06] – Learning from Adversity: Why Losses Make You Stronger [36:15] – How to Move On from Defeat Without Letting It Define You [39:15] – When It's Time to Walk Away — From a Fight or a Career [43:00] – Why Coaching and Mentorship Are Critical for Success Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] Connect with John: Facebook Facebook Freedom Ranch Farm Animal Sanctuary Facebook John Potenza Facebook Average Joes MMA Facebook Old School Grappling Catch Wrestling Association Instagram Average Joes MMA /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36345170

The Fighters Edge: The Battle Between Fear and Confidence in Combat Sports and Business (Part 2 of3) - John Potenza 04/22/2025

The Fighters Edge: The Battle Between Fear and Confidence in Combat Sports and Business (Part 2 of3) - John Potenza In this powerful second installment of the 3-part series, Matt and John Potenza dive into the mental side of both combat sports and business. With 45 years of martial arts experience and 10 Hall of Fame inductions, John has battled fear, overconfidence, and high-stakes pressure—both in the cage and as a business owner. This episode is all about mindset. From managing paralyzing fear and anger to building real confidence through preparation and reps, John breaks down what it takes to stay mentally strong when everything is on the line. Matt connects these lessons directly to the world of entrepreneurship, highlighting how breathing, backup plans, coachability, and courage are just as critical in business as they are in the ring. Timestamps: [0:17] – Intro to Part 2: Why mindset matters in business and combat [2:00] – Mental game in a fight [2:45] – Fear can be a good thing. It keeps you alive and keeps you sharp. The key is to channel fear into preparation and confidence [6:39] – Channeling the fear of failure into confidence [8:35] – John’s story of overconfidence, ego, and losing a match [10:40] – Why fear is necessary for sharpness and growth [12:50] – What to do when fear becomes paralyzing [16:00] – Reps, reps, reps: building confidence in high-pressure situations [18:00] – Why anger kills performance [20:30] – How to deal with aggressive energy [22:00] – Breathing: a fighter’s secret weapon for clarity [24:15] – Difference between courage and confidence [26:20] – Preparation is key [30:18] – Getting inside the fighter’s mind [32:45] – Coaching yourself through fear [37:30] – Knowing when it’s time to walk away [39:45] – John’s journey from competitor to coach [42:40] – Freedom Ranch: rescuing animals, restoring peace Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] Connect with John: Facebook Facebook Freedom Ranch Farm Animal Sanctuary Facebook John Potenza Facebook Average Joes MMA Facebook Old School Grappling Catch Wrestling Association Instagram Average Joes MMA /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36252145

The Fighters Edge: The Parallels Between Combat Sports and Business (Part 1 of 3) - John Potenza 04/15/2025

The Fighters Edge: The Parallels Between Combat Sports and Business (Part 1 of 3) - John Potenza In this first episode of a 3-part series, Matt dives into the unexpected but powerful parallels between preparing for combat sports and preparing for business. His guest, John Potenza, is a 10-time Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee with 45 years of experience, multiple world titles, and a long history of coaching elite fighters. But beyond his physical credentials, John brings something every entrepreneur needs: mental discipline, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. In this episode, they break down how success in both arenas—combat and business—comes down to how you prepare. From creating backup plans (A, B, and C) to staying calm under pressure, to knowing when to walk away from a fight (or deal), the principles are strikingly similar. Whether you're in the ring or the boardroom, the lessons here will help you get ready to win. Timestamps: [0:16] – Intro to John Potenza: 45 years of combat experience & business ownership [4:20] – Childhood inspiration: backyard fights & DIY training [4:55] – Early obsession and formal martial arts training begins [9:45] – From two mats and $800 to multiple schools & world titles [11:45] – Managing fighters: leadership, honor, and real mentorship [14:00] – Pushing yourself to improve—and why someone wants to fight [17:20] – Fighting for self-perfection (and how that compares to business) [19:00] – Business vs. fighting: learning to take a hit and recover fast [20:40] – A/B/C plans: muscle memory in the ring = backup plans in business [23:25] – A/B/Cs in business: adapting fast when things go sideways [25:10] – Taking on measured risks in both fighting and business [29:00] – Why good coaches say NO: protecting your team from the wrong fight [35:00] – It’s a team sport: how real fighters (and business owners) build support [39:20] – Coachability and mental discipline: the foundation of real growth [43:20] – Visualization, repetition, and training to win Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] Connect with John: Facebook Facebook Freedom Ranch Farm Animal Sanctuary Facebook John Potenza Facebook Average Joes MMA Facebook Old School Grappling Catch Wrestling Association Instagram Instagram Average Joes MMA /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36135875

From 27 Years as a W2 Employee to Business Owner: How Chris and His Wife Transitioned into Business Ownership – Chris Peruch 04/08/2025

From 27 Years as a W2 Employee to Business Owner: How Chris and His Wife Transitioned into Business Ownership – Chris Peruch In this episode, Matt sits down with Chris Peruch—a former W2 professional turned successful business owner. Chris and his wife juggled multiple entrepreneurial ventures while working full-time jobs before making the leap into full-time business ownership. Chris opens up about the pivotal moments that led them to buy a home remodeling business, how they secured financing, why they walked away from a car wash deal, and how they approached working together as a couple. This episode is packed with honest insights and actionable advice from someone who's done it. Timestamps: [0:15] – Chris’s background: W2 job, side hustles, and real estate investing [1:30] – Leaving W2 position, shifting into entrepreneurship [2:25] – Real estate vs. business acquisition [4:35] – Why Chris passed on a car wash deal [7:30] – Buying back his salary through business acquisition [9:00] – The business Chris and Christy bought (flooring, cabinets, etc.) [14:35] – Keeping previous owner on staff [16:05] – Getting spouse buy-in and navigating finances together [18:45] – Why this business stood out: Stable, profitable, and well-managed [19:50] – Financing the deal: SBA + seller carry [20:40] – Managing a business over an hour away [24:00] – Introducing themselves to the team and managing the transition [30:00] – Lessons learned: SBA surprises and working capital [42:44] – Mentors, leadership, and the people who made a difference Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/36042875

From Burnout to Business Owner: How Kevin Left Corporate America and Bought His Freedom - Kevin Ray 04/01/2025

From Burnout to Business Owner: How Kevin Left Corporate America and Bought His Freedom - Kevin Ray In this episode Matt sits down with longtime friend and former corporate retail manager Kevin Ray, who spent 28 years climbing the ladder in big-box retail—only to walk away and buy his freedom through small business ownership. Kevin shares his inspiring story of how he left behind 60-hour weeks, toxic leadership, and mounting anxiety to purchase two thriving businesses. You’ll hear how Kevin transitioned from W-2 predictability to entrepreneurship, creating a lifestyle where he can finally prioritize family, flexibility, and fulfillment. This is a must-listen episode for anyone on the edge of leaving corporate life for the dream of owning a business. Timestamps [00:00] Welcome & Introduction [01:20] Kevin’s start in corporate retail and rapid advancement [03:00] Why corporate promotions often required cross-state moves [07:45] Burnout, long hours, and the tipping point [10:10] Leaving corporate for good — and the family impact [17:10] Choosing small business over another corporate role [21:00] Buying Frannie's Cones & Coffee: what made it the right fit [23:37] Strategic tweaks that increased profits immediately [26:20] Lessons in analyzing what works (and what doesn’t) [27:19] The best advice Kevin received in corporate America [29:08] Buying a second business: Treat Center [31:30] Turning around an old-school operation [39:05] From W-2 anxiety to entrepreneurial freedom [40:31] What's next: Expanding into wholesale popcorn [48:39] The people who made a difference in Kevin’s journey Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/35935550

The Basics of Business Acquisition Financing: Lindsay Denton 03/24/2025

From Real Estate to Business Ownership: How Luke Built Wealth Through Smart Acquisitions - Luke McCarthy 03/17/2025

From Corporate Sales to CEO: How Keith Found Freedom in Business Ownership - Keith Sklarsky 03/10/2025

From Corporate Sales to CEO: How Keith Found Freedom in Business Ownership - Keith Sklarsky Episode Summary In this episode, Matt sits down with former client and business owner Keith Sklarsky to explore his journey from corporate sales to successful business ownership. After leaving a demanding career in sales management, Keith found his path in business acquisition, purchasing multiple businesses and leaving Corporate America behind. Keith shares how he navigated the transition into entrepreneurship, including his experience with financing, the due diligence period, and finding “off the market” roll-up opportunities — all while successfully managing multiple businesses. He reveals key insights about building strong partnerships, empowering employees, and balancing business growth with family life. Whether you're exploring your first acquisition or looking to scale your portfolio, this episode is packed with practical insights and valuable lessons from someone who’s done it — and done it well! Timestamps [00:00] Welcome & Introduction [02:06] Leaving corporate life for business ownership [04:01] Did you keep your corporate job as you transitioned into business ownership? [06:01] How did you find the first business you purchased, and did you use a broker? [10:33] What is an “add-back”? [14:05] Finding and buying an “off-market business” [14:54] Key considerations for buying a business [20:43] How to get a broker's attention [23:30] Picking the right business (avoiding purchasing a business out of town) [26:33] Purchasing your third business — what did you learn? What would you have done differently? [30:13] Having enough operating capital as you step into a newly acquired business [36:02] What’s next for Keith? [37:00] At what point will you need to expand your management team to keep up with your growing portfolio? [39:07] Managing ownership and family/personal life [41:37] Who made a difference in your life and helped you become the business owner you are today? Resources & Links Want to be a guest on the show, or have a deal that you would like for us to evaluate? Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: LinkedIn: Tiktok: YouTube: 📧 Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out at [email protected] /episode/index/show/343e699f-fcd6-415c-9a04-43c4c8149a04/id/35617225

Welcome to the "What's Your Deal?" podcast — Introducing Amped Success 03/10/2025

What's Your Deal? - Insights on Business Acquisitions and Management for Smart Investments

TOPICS