In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews Matt Dean, founder of Scare the Bear Capital. They discuss the unique aspects of the government contracting (GovCon) market, the investment strategies employed by Scare the Bear, and how they help small businesses grow through non-controlling investments and advisory support. Matt shares insights on the importance of filling gaps in business operations and the role of strategic connections in facilitating growth. The conversation also touches on the current state of the GovCon industry and offers key takeaways for M&A advisors.

Takeaways

• Scare the Bear Capital focuses on non-controlling investments in small GovCon businesses.
• The unique market of GovCon is often overlooked by larger investors.
• Advisors at Scare the Bear must invest their own money and time into portfolio companies.
• The firm helps small businesses appear larger to achieve better valuations.
• Investment strategies are tailored to help motivated managers grow their companies.
• Talent acquisition is a critical component of business growth in GovCon.
• The federal government remains a significant buyer of services, despite market fluctuations.
• Filling operational gaps is essential for successful partnerships between investors and businesses.
• The firm aims to create ownership mindsets within small businesses to attract investment.

About the show:

• The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice.
• The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more.
• With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scare the Bear Capital

07:36 Understanding the Government Contracting Market

13:18 Investment Strategies and Non-controlling Interests

20:29 Advisory Support and Talent Acquisition

25:12 Collaborative Growth Among Portfolio Companies

30:23 Navigating Challenges in the GovCon Industry

34:40 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Keywords

GovCon, private equity, small business growth, investment strategies, advisory support, talent acquisition, government contracting, M&A

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen interviews John Phillips, a veteran and M&A firm owner, who shares his unique journey from military service to the world of mergers and acquisitions. John discusses how his military background has shaped his leadership style, the importance of building resilient businesses, and the critical role of team dynamics and culture in M&A. He also offers valuable insights on negotiation under pressure and provides advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship.

Some Key Takeaways Include:

• John's military background has been instrumental in his approach to M&A.
• Leadership lessons from the military emphasize discipline and mission clarity.
• Building a resilient business requires a strong management team. • Trust and relationships are key in the M&A process.
• Culture is a critical component of organizational success.
• Negotiation skills developed in the military are applicable in business.
• Continuous training and education are essential for success.
• Team dynamics play a vital role in achieving M&A goals.
• Veterans possess valuable skills that translate well into entrepreneurship.

About the show:

The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to M&A and Military Background

02:58 Transitioning from Military to Business

05:55 Leadership Lessons from the Military

09:05 Building High-Performing Teams

11:58 The Importance of Culture in M&A

14:51 Negotiation Skills and Trust

18:05 Future Goals for Walden M&A

20:55 Advice for Veterans in Entrepreneurship

Keywords:

M&A, military background, leadership, business resilience, team dynamics, negotiation, culture, entrepreneurship, mergers and acquisitions, veteran advice

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen welcomes back Rob Margeton to discuss the intricacies of screening buyers in M&A transactions. They explore various buyer types, including search funders, independent sponsors, private equity, and family offices, and how each impacts the deal structure. Rob shares strategies for effectively screening buyers, the importance of the LOI process, and how to manage client expectations throughout the transaction. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough research, communication, and understanding the emotional aspects of selling a business.

Some Key takeaways include:

• Screening buyers is crucial for successful M&A transactions.
• Different buyer types have unique characteristics and financing structures.
• Private equity firms typically have committed capital and a faster closing process.
• Family offices may be more flexible with customer concentration issues.
• The LOI process is essential for setting clear expectations and terms.
• Effective communication with clients can minimize emotional stress during the sale.
• Research tools and relationships are vital for identifying potential buyers.
• Management meetings are key to assessing buyer fit and intentions.
• Understanding the buyer's track record can influence the seller's decision.
• A streamlined process can lead to quicker closings and fewer surprises.

About the show:

The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice.

The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more.

With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to M&A and Buyer Screening

01:53 Understanding Buyer Types

12:35 The Role of Private Equity and Family Offices

18:52 Screening Buyers: Strategies and Tools

27:53 Navigating the LOI Process

31:07 Managing Client Emotions During the Process

Keywords: M&A, buyer screening, private equity, family offices, LOI process, due diligence, investment banking, buyer types, screening strategies, client management