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Are you treating your M&A integration like a rigid building code or a dynamic leadership challenge?

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, sits down with Sandy Matthews, Director of Integration at Salas O’Brien. Sandy shares her unique journey from structural engineer at a 35-person firm to leading post-acquisition efforts for one of the most acquisitive firms in the AEC space.

Sandy brings a refreshingly human perspective to a process often dominated by spreadsheets, explaining why true value creation happens at the intersections of alignment, empathy, and “One Team” collaboration.

This podcast discusses:

• The “E-Bike” Lesson: What a 14-year-old’s request for freedom taught Sandy about listening to the true “why” behind an acquired firm’s needs.
• The One-Team Vision: How to move beyond service pillars to create a cohesive environment where every partner firm is “icing on the cake.”
• The Power of the Pause: Knowing when to “rip the Band-Aid off” and when to hit the pause button on branding or ERP transitions to protect a firm’s unique niche.
• The Cultural Litmus Test: Why the “Dinner Test” remains the most accurate predictor of long-term partnership success.
• Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast: Applying Navy SEAL philosophy to ensure your internal team is ready to scale at the pace of modern M&A.

Whether you are a seller wondering how your legacy will be preserved or a buyer looking to build a scalable integration playbook, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for aligning hearts and minds after the deal closes.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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Your firm’s balance sheet tells your earnings story, but your data archive is your firm’s memory. If that memory is trapped in an unsearchable digital graveyard, you’re leaving significant deal value on the table.

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Nick Decker, Director of AEC at Egnyte, to discuss the critical intersection of AEC valuation and data.

Nick shares a frontline perspective on why “tech-ready” firms are commanding higher multiples and how leadership teams can turn their data environments into a strategic advantage rather than an operational risk.

This podcast discusses:

• The “20% Tax”: Why billable engineers spend one day a week on a “scavenger hunt” for information—and how to fix it.
• The Closing Dinner Snub: Why IT leadership belongs at the table before the deal ink dries.
• The AI Gap: Moving AI past “writing emails” and into actual project delivery, drafting, and closeout.
• Matching Blood Types: Why tech integration is a talent retention issue, not just a software transition.
• The Five-Year Outlook: What will separate the most valuable, scalable AEC firms from the rest of the market.

Whether you’re preparing for a sale or looking to maximize synergies on the buy-side, this conversation explores how to move beyond simple storage to unlock the true intellectual property of your firm.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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Are you prepared for the moment your internal succession plan meets the reality of a “missing generation” in leadership?

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Frank Ternasky and Mike Asaro, former principals of the San Diego-based architecture firm Delawie.

After years of operating as strategic buyers themselves, Frank and Mike share the transparent story of why they pivoted to an external sale. We dive deep into their decision to partner with Hennick & Company —a family office— and Leo A Daly, exploring why this unique model provided the cultural alignment and “long-run” stability that traditional private equity could not.

Listen to learn:

• How being an acquirer prepared them for their own immaculate due diligence (and why “there was no pea” to find).
• The Family Office difference and why a less “heavy-handed” investment model was the key to preserving a 60-year design legacy.
• The strategic reasoning behind The Power of the Pause —hitting the “pause button” on a deal when business growth outpaces valuation.
• Why the “beer test” and cultural fit remain the ultimate deal-breakers, regardless of the financial offer.
• Insights from the first 100 days of integration and the value of a “best practice” conversation over a forced transition.

Join us as we explore M&A, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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What’s your AEC firm really worth? While it’s tempting to look at market multiples, the true value of your business lies in a much deeper story of risk, potential, and strategic fit. Misunderstanding this value can stop a great deal in its tracks.

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by two leading valuation experts: Tracey Eaves, Managing Director of Transition Services at Zweig Group, and Becky Carlson, Director of Value Advisory at Stambaugh Ness.

Together, they pull back the curtain on the art and science of AEC firm valuation, revealing what buyers and sellers must understand to navigate a transaction successfully.

Listen to learn about:

• The critical difference between fair market value, strategic value, and final offer price.
• Why income-based approaches are far more important than book value for professional services firms.
• Common (and costly) misconceptions about EBITDA multiples, working capital, and deal terms.
• Practical steps you can take now to maximize your firm’s value for a future sale.

Accelerate your success in AEC. Book a meeting with us to discuss your M&A future.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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Join Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, for "From Legacy to Leadership: AVID's Path Through AEC M&A." Former AVID Group owner Tracy Scott shares her powerful journey: stepping into unexpected leadership after tragedy and successfully guiding her firm's sale to McAdams.

This unscripted conversation goes beyond transactions, revealing the critical human element of M&A. Discover firsthand insights on preparing for a sale, navigating due diligence, ensuring cultural alignment, and achieving seamless integration. This episode offers vital lessons on resilience and strategic transitions for any AEC firm.

Accelerate your success in AEC. Book a meeting with us to discuss your M&A future.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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What's it really like to sell your AEC firm? For founders, it’s more than a transaction—it’s a personal and professional milestone shaped by decades of hard work, innovation, and legacy-building. The path to sell your architecture or engineering firm can be emotionally charged and strategically complex.

In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness, speaks with Jay Wolverton, the founding principal and former CEO, and Joe Macrina, the former COO, of Wolverton & Associates.

Together, they share their real-world journey through ownership transition—from exploring internal succession to ultimately selling to private equity-backed CHA Consulting.

Listen to learn about:

• Key consideration when internal succession isn’t the right path.
• Understanding the strategic and operational aspects of being acquired by a PE-backed platform.
• What life looks like after the acquisition for founders and minority owners.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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Is your AEC firm positioned for financial success after the deal? In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, we dive into Wealth Management for AEC M&A. Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Brian McCarver and Jonathan Freeman from Stonebridge Financial Group to provide expert insights for AEC firm leaders.

Brian and Jonathan share their decades of experience, offering critical guidance on:

• Pre-sale financial planning to maximize deal value
• Strategies for managing wealth post-transaction
• Mitigating financial risks and securing your legacy

Learn how to navigate this crucial aspect of M&A and ensure your financial future is as strong as your business.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰

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For AEC firms seeking significant growth, M&A has become a strategic necessity. This episode of AEC Unscripted features Ashraf Jahangir, Chief Strategy Officer at Verdantas, a leading firm that has experienced growth under the ownership of two different private equity firms.

Ashraf, with over 30 years of experience in the AEC industry, provides unique insights into the role of M&A in driving growth.

Listen to learn:

• How private equity is transforming the AEC landscape and creating new opportunities for growth.
• Key strategies for successful M&A partnerships, from due diligence to integration.
• Proven methods for integrating acquisitions while maintaining a high-performing culture and employee engagement.
• How to leverage private equity to fuel organic growth and drive innovation.

Ashraf also shares his personal journey from engineer to strategist, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and AEC professionals.

🔔 Don't miss out! Subscribe to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition on your favorite podcast platform. Let's explore the M&A landscape, unlock growth potential, and achieve deal success. Ready to dive deeper? Let's go! 🤝💰