In this episode, Jake and Sam talk with Stephen Owens, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who shares his transition from the corporate world to small business ownership. Stephen dives into how his background in chemical engineering and time at companies like Koch Industries shaped his approach to buying and running a business. Listen...
45. Learning to Lead: Insights from a First-Time Business Owner
Tune in for real value in this episode as Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman chat with Ashley Comeau. Find out what it was really like for Ashely buying a business with no prior ownership experience. She talks about why she and her husband chose to purchase an existing business instead...
44. Unlocking Exit Value: Why 3 Years of Prep Pays Off
In this high-value episode, Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman are joined by Sean Kennedy of Adams Brown for an in-depth discussion on how sellers can unlock hidden value in their businesses years before a sale. Sean shares actionable strategies on de-risking, financial preparation, business transferability, and navigating buyer expectations in...
43. Don’t Kill the Deal: Smart Tips for Sellers
In this episode of How to Buy and Sell a Business Successfully, host Sam Foreman teams up with co-host Jacob Weman to chat with Neil Miller, M&A attorney at QC Rock in Kansas City. Together, they delve into the critical importance of assembling the right deal team, the often-missed value...
42. Why Last-Minute Planning Kills Business Value (and How to Avoid It)
In this insightful episode, M&A attorney Pat Linden joins hosts Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman to uncover how early preparation, deal structuring, and assembling the right team can dramatically impact outcomes in business sales. Pat pulls back the curtain on common seller misconceptions, the dangers of treating legal and financial...
41. Scaling, Exiting, and Paying it Forward: John Wadsworth’s M&A Playbook
In this episode, seasoned business owner and advisor John Wadsworth shares how he built, scaled, and exited his company through an ESOP, turning lessons from a decades-long entrepreneurial journey into a mission to help others do the same. Joined by hosts Sam Foreman and Jacob Wayman, John offers powerful advice...
40. Don’t Overlook Insurance on Your Deal
In this episode Sam Foreman interviews Tyler Fee from Fee Insurance Group to explore the often-overlooked but essential role insurance plays in the M&A process. Tyler discusses key topics such as the importance of tail policies, the risks of last-minute insurance planning, and how hidden coverage gaps or past claims...
39. Serial for Breakfast: Managing Growth and Acquisitions With Multiple Businesses
In this episode, Samuel McVay, a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey of starting and managing over 14 businesses since 2012. Samuel discusses with Jacob Wayman and Sam Foreman the ups and downs of business growth, highlighting the challenges of scaling too quickly and the importance of finding the right partners...
38. Culture: True Success Beyond The Closing
Ryan Bond, Chief People Officer of Thrive Restaurant Group, shares with Jacob Wayman and Sam Foreman, every acquisition begins with an invitation: an open hand to join a shared story built on respect, relationships, and growth. Instead of imposing their way, Thrive patiently integrates new teams by honoring what already...
37. Buy Your Own Boss: Building Leadership and Legacy
In this episode, Maddie Butler, co-owner of Kent AV, joins Jacob Wayman and Sam Foreman, and shares her journey from employee to entrepreneur and the challenges that come with taking ownership of a business. She talks about the importance of setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, creating a...