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The M&A Mastermind Podcast

The M&A Mastermind Podcast

By: Nick Olsen
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About this listen

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.Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • From CEO & Business Sale to Financial Advisor – Episode 120
    Feb 5 2026

    In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nate Collins shares his journey from being a CEO of a theatrical licensing company to becoming a financial advisor. He discusses the challenges and surprises he faced during the sale of his business, the importance of having a solid exit plan, and the value of working with experienced advisors. Nate emphasizes the need for clarity in financial planning and the significance of preparing for a business sale well in advance.

    Key Takeaways

    • Nate Collins transitioned from CEO to financial advisor.
    • He sold his licensing company after significant improvements.
    • The importance of technology in maximizing business value.
    • Investment bankers can significantly increase sale value.
    • Surprises in the selling process can be overwhelming.
    • Get everything in writing during negotiations.
    • Clarity in financial planning is crucial for business owners.
    • Exit planning should start as soon as a business is established.
    • Many businesses are sold under duress, highlighting the need for preparation.
    • Working with experienced advisors can prevent costly mistakes.

    About the Show

    The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement now to become a master in M&A.

    Tune in Every Week

    Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ

    Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/

    Keywords

    Mergers & acquisitions, business exit, financial advisory, M&A, investment banking, exit planning, business sale, tax strategy, wealth management, entrepreneurial insights, licensing company

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    38 mins
  • How CEPAs & M&A Advisors Can Work Together – Episode 119
    Jan 29 2026

    In this episode, Scott Snider, president of the Exit Planning Institute, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in exit planning. He discusses the importance of the CEPA designation for advisors, the value acceleration methodology, and the need for business owners to prepare for life after selling their businesses. Scott emphasizes the significance of building relationships with business owners, aligning business and personal goals, and the common pitfalls in M&A transactions. He also introduces the STEP framework for personal planning and highlights the resources available through the Exit Planning Institute.

    Key Takeaways

    • Scott Snider's journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in exit planning.
    • The importance of planning for life after selling a business.
    • CEPA designation helps advisors align business, personal, and financial goals.
    • M&A advisors benefit from understanding the value acceleration methodology.
    • Building relationships with business owners is crucial for advisors.
    • Empowering conversations can lead to better outcomes for business owners.
    • Aligning business and personal goals is essential for successful exit planning.
    • The STEP framework helps owners clarify their personal goals.
    • Preparation is key to navigating M&A transactions successfully.
    • The Exit Planning Institute offers various resources for advisors.

    About the Show

    The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement, now, to become a master in M&A.

    Tune in Every Week

    Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ

    Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/

    Keywords

    Mergers & acquisitions, exit planning, CEPA, M&A, business growth, value acceleration, personal planning, business owner relationships, professional advisors, entrepreneurship, Scott Snider

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    48 mins
  • The Power of Multiple Offers – Episode 118
    Jan 22 2026

    In this episode, Scott Bushkie discusses the mindset of business owners when it comes to selling their businesses, highlighting key findings from a recent survey. He emphasizes the importance of exit planning, understanding the true value of a business, and the advantages of working with M&A advisors to navigate the selling process. The conversation also covers the significance of multiple offers in maximizing sale value and the common regrets business owners face after selling.

    Key Takeaways

    • Business owners often lack knowledge about the selling process.
    • Many business owners plan to exit only when unable to continue.
    • A significant percentage of owners have never had a business valuation.
    • Exit planning is crucial to avoid regrets after selling.
    • Understanding all exit options can prevent poor decisions.
    • The market is seeing a surge of baby boomer business owners looking to sell.
    • Multiple offers can significantly increase sale value.
    • Buyers often control the process without an advisor's help.
    • Education and preparation are key to a successful sale.
    • Working with an M&A advisor levels the playing field for sellers.

    About the Show

    The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement, now, to become a master in M&A.

    Tune in Every Week

    Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ

    Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/

    Connect with our guest, Scott Bushkie:

    https://www.cornerstone-business.com/white-paper/unsolicited-offers-vs-the-power-of-multiple-offers/

    https://scottbushkie.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbushkie/

    Keywords

    Mergers & acquisitions, business owners, exit planning, selling process, business valuation, M&A advisory, private equity, survey findings, business mindset, multiple offers, financial freedom

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    42 mins
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