In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Will Fry, the founder and CEO of MainShares, a platform dedicated to supporting individuals in acquiring and operating small businesses. The conversation explores the mission of MainShares, the challenges faced by business owners during transitions, and the importance of training and preparing buyers for success. Will discusses the capital markets aspect of the business, the types of buyers they work with, and the significance of individual buyers in maintaining a vibrant small business economy. The episode also touches on industry focus, economic challenges such as tariffs, and how listeners can connect with MainShares for future opportunities.

Takeaways

• MainShares aims to support a thriving independent small business economy.
• The platform connects individual buyers with investors for business acquisitions.
• Training and preparation are crucial for buyers to succeed in acquisitions.
• MainShares has a network of 1,300 investors to support capital needs.
• The company focuses on keeping businesses local and independent during transitions.
• MainShares helps buyers understand market terms and deal structures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MainShares and Its Mission

02:49 Understanding the Business Model and Buyer Pool

06:11 Supporting Business Owners in Transition

08:56 Training and Preparing Buyers for Success

11:46 Capital Markets and Funding Solutions

14:58 Types of Buyers and Their Characteristics

17:47 The Importance of Individual Buyers

20:52 Industry Focus and Market Trends

23:59 Navigating Tariffs and Economic Challenges

27:07 Connecting with MainShares and Future Opportunities

Keywords

MainShares, business acquisition, small business, individual buyers, M&A, training, capital markets, business transition, entrepreneurship, investment

Summary

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen discusses the importance of industry research with guests Matt Murphy and William Curtis from IBIS World. They explore how IBIS World provides comprehensive reports on over 1400 industries, focusing on current trends, financial ratios, and the impact of tariffs on various sectors. The conversation delves into the methodology behind IBISWorld's research, the effects of tariffs on the economy, and how M&A advisors can utilize this information to make informed decisions for their clients. The episode also highlights the importance of staying updated with timely data and the tools IBIS World offers to navigate the current economic landscape.

Takeaways

• IBISWorld covers over 1400 industries with detailed reports.
• The research team at IBIS World consists of over 40 analysts.
• Timely updates on industry reports are crucial for M&A advisors.
• Tariffs have a significant impact on various sectors of the economy.
• IBISWorld provides tools to analyze the effects of tariffs on industries.
• Understanding financial ratios is essential for benchmarking companies.
• The economic climate is currently volatile due to tariff uncertainties.
• M&A activity may be put on pause due to the current economic conditions.

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

Keywords: IBIS World, industry research, tariffs, M&A, economic analysis, market trends, financial ratios, business strategy, economic forecasting, research methodology

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, Nick Olsen interviews Tony Szczepaniak, CEO of LEA Global, an international accounting association. They discuss the mission of LEA Global, which focuses on creating opportunities for member firms through collaboration and strategic alliances.

The conversation highlights the importance of building trust and relationships, leveraging global partnerships for client success, and preparing clients for business exits. They also explore the role of education in enhancing service provider relationships and the potential for growth in the accounting sector through collaboration.

Some key takeaways include:

• LEA Global is a business membership organization for accounting firms.

• The heart of LEA is the individuals within member firms.

• Creating opportunities for member firms enhances their strategies.

• Trust is essential for collaboration among member firms.

• Strategic alliances can help firms maintain independence.

• Global partnerships provide clients with comprehensive services.

• Education is key to developing relationships in the accounting sector.

• Collaboration leads to better client outcomes.

• Firms can leverage each other's strengths for mutual benefit.

• Proactive engagement is crucial for client success.

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 LEA Global and Its Mission

02:54 The Ecosystem of Collaboration in Accounting

05:49 Building Trust and Relationships Among Member Firms

08:56 Leveraging Global Partnerships for Client Success

11:57 The Importance of Strategic Alliances in M&A

14:50 Enhancing Client Services Through Collaboration

18:00 Opportunities for Growth in the Accounting Sector

20:55 Preparing Clients for Business Exits

24:07 The Role of Education in Service Provider Relationships

26:59 Conclusion and Future Collaborations

Keywords: LEA Global, accounting, collaboration, M&A, strategic alliances, trust, client services, global partnerships, business exits, education