M&A Launchpad

Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa
  • 5.0 (12)
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Gain insights on acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, The M&A Launchpad Podcast equips you with the knowledge and guidance to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad Apply to be a guest: https://forms.gle/pqNb8xrzyFzVYxzq6 Join The M&A Launchpad Conference- https://www.malaunchpad.com/

  1. MAR 5

    Franchising as a Wealth Engine with Jeff Dudan

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Jeff Dudan, CEO of HomeFront Brands, to break down why franchising can be one of the most powerful wealth-creation models in the lower middle market. Jeff shares how he built a restoration business into a national franchise, scaled it to 240 locations across 37 states, and ultimately exited the company—plus what he learned about building durable systems and strong operator relationships along the way. They also get tactical on what it really takes to franchise a concept the right way, including the operational proof required before selling franchises, what franchise fees actually cover, and why undercapitalized franchisors create failure downstream. If you’re evaluating a franchise acquisition, considering a franchise as an alternative to a standalone SMB purchase, or thinking about turning your business into a franchise system, this episode is packed with practical context. In this episode, we discuss: · Franchises vs. independent businesses: when a proven system wins · The franchisor mindset: building relationships, engagement, and operator success · How Jeff scaled AdvantaClean to 240 locations and exited the business · What makes a franchise concept “ready” to franchise (proof, KPIs, and a second location run by someone else) · The real cost of franchising: legal docs, operations manuals, and the capital needed to support owners · Why initial franchise fees don’t “fund growth” (and what they actually pay for) · What private equity is doing in franchising: moving from brands into the boxes · Multi-brand ownership: when it works, when it doesn’t, and why focus matters · Typical franchise royalty ranges and what buyers should expect   Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan Website: https://www.jeffdudan.com FranMastery: https://franmastery.com HomeFront Brands: https://homefrontbrands.com   Additional Resources: · Register for the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas: https://malaunchpad.com. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket · Have a question for the hosts? Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equitylaunchpad.com · Visit Equity Launchpad — a Houston-based investment and acquisition firm that buys, scales, and grows established lower-to-middle-market businesses while providing opportunities for investors: https://equity-launchpad.com   About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    51 min

  2. FEB 26

    How to Buy Online Businesses in 2026 with Blake Hutchison

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa, to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital M&A. Flippa is one of the largest marketplaces to buy and sell online businesses, with over 1.6 million registered users and transactions ranging from $10,000 to $10 million. Blake shares insights into current valuation trends across e-commerce, SaaS, and content businesses, how AI is reshaping deal sourcing, and what today’s buyers need to understand about skill sets, brand equity, and community-driven business models. If you're considering buying your first digital asset or integrating digital distribution into an existing company, this episode delivers practical guidance and forward-looking strategy. In this episode, we discuss: · What Flippa is and how the marketplace works · Deal size ranges on Flippa: $10K to $10M · Valuation multiples for e-commerce, SaaS, and content businesses · Why brand equity and community matter more than ever · What skill sets buyers need when acquiring digital businesses · Financing options including SBA loans, seller financing, and syndicates · Using digital assets as owned media and distribution channels · Lauren AI: Flippa’s AI-powered off-market deal sourcing tool · How AI is changing the M&A lifecycle · Flippa’s partner directory and M&A ecosystem support Guest Information: · Email: blake@flippa.com · Website: https://flippa.com Additional Resources: · Register for the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas: https://malaunchpad.com. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket · Have a question for the hosts? Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equity-launchpad.com · Visit Equity Launchpad — a Houston-based investment and acquisition firm that buys, scales, and grows established lower-to-middle-market businesses while providing opportunities for investors: https://equity-launchpad.com   About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    40 min

  3. FEB 19

    She Bought a 60-Year-Old HR Firm: A Self-Funded Acquisition Story with Marci LaRouech

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Marci LaRouech, CEO and owner of Seay HR, to unpack her path from two decades in HR outsourcing to buying a 60-year-old HR consulting firm. Marci shares how she narrowed her search, why she chose a self-funded acquisition, what she actually bought (a book of fractional HR clients and a strong team), and how she modernized operations while keeping the business stable for long-tenured clients.  In this podcast episode, we discuss:  How Marci discovered entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) through the PEO world and mentors in Hawaii  Why she chose a self-funded search (and what she was aiming for: ~$250K–$1M in SDE)  How her deal came together through a warm intro—and closed fast after months of reps  What she bought: an asset sale, a sticky book of business, and a seasoned team delivering fractional HR  Post-close approach: “do no harm,” stabilize first, then upgrade contracts, pricing, and client experience  Modernization moves: monday.com as a CRM, better tracking, an HR hotline, and AI-powered research tools  PEO valuation multiples (as she saw them in 2023–2024) and why that market didn’t fit her goals  The emotional side of ownership: responsibility, pressure, and why she loves being back in the seat    Guest Contact Info:  Email: marci@seay.us  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mLaRouech/    Additional Resources:  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. Use code: LAUNCH for $150 off. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com  Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equitylaunchpad.com. Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  M&A Launchpad Conference – Upcoming in October 2025 Date and Location TBD  About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    40 min

  4. FEB 12

    Business Brokerage and SBA Loans with Clint Fiore

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Clint Fiore, Founder and CEO of Dealonomy, to break down what really happens behind the scenes in lower middle market mergers and acquisitions. Clint shares how his journey started with a simple goal: buy a business. That curiosity led him deep into the world of business brokerage, deal structuring, and valuation — and ultimately to building Dealonomy, a firm designed to bring more education, transparency, and alignment to the transaction process. The conversation dives into the biggest misconceptions buyers and sellers have, how SBA financing actually works in practice, and why many deals fall apart. Clint also explains why Dealonomy does not charge sellers and how that approach shifts incentives in meaningful ways. If you are considering buying your first business, selling a company, or building a career in M&A, this episode provides practical insight from someone who has structured and supported real transactions. In this podcast episode, we discuss: · How Clint Fiore built Dealonomy after exploring business ownership himself · The truth about business valuation and why education matters for sellers · Navigating SBA loans, deal terms, and common financing pitfalls · How broker incentives shape transactions and why Dealonomy does not charge sellers Guest Contact Information Clint Fiore Founder & CEO, Dealonomy Website: https://www.dealonomy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintfiore/ Additional Resources Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, TX. This event brings together serious buyers, sellers, brokers, lenders, and operators who are actively closing deals. Use code LAUNCH for $200 off your ticket. Register at: https://malaunchpad.com To learn more about working with Equity Launchpad on acquiring, scaling, or exiting a business, visit: https://www.equity-launchpad.com For direct inquiries, email: info@equitylaunchpad.com About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    43 min

  5. JAN 30

    How R&D Tax Credits Impact Acquisitions with Bob Stabell

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles sit down with Bob Stabell of Think Tax Strategies to discuss how R&D tax credits, revitalized and expanded under the One Big Beautiful Bill, are creating real leverage for business buyers. Bob breaks down what qualifies today, how credits can be accessed retroactively in certain situations, and why these incentives matter far beyond traditional manufacturing or technology companies. This conversation is especially relevant for buyers navigating acquisitions in the lower and middle market, where tax strategy can materially impact deal economics, post-close cash flow, and negotiations with sellers. In this episode, we discuss: How R&D tax credits actually work and why they differ from deductions What types of businesses qualify today, including service and field-based companies How buyers use credits as negotiation and cash-flow tools in acquisitions What the process looks like and how Bob’s team supports CPAs and buyers Guest Contact Information Bob Stabell Think Tax Strategies Website: thinktaxstrategies.com Email: robert@thinktaxstrategies.com Additional Resources Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket. Learn more at: malaunchpad.com Contact the M&A Launchpad team at: info@equitylaunchpad.com Explore more resources at: equity-launchpad.com Chapters        00:00 – M&A Launchpad Conference invitation + code LAUNCH for $150 off 00:57 – Introducing Bob Stabell and the opportunity created by the “Big Beautiful Bill” 02:28 – Bob’s background: 30+ years in tax incentives and R&D credits 04:12 – “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep”: why buyers should care 04:26 – What changed under the Big Beautiful Bill (retroactive access and timing) 06:16 – R&D credit history and how “new to you” expanded eligibility 07:30 – Credit vs. deduction: why the math works differently 09:09 – Superseding returns vs. amendments and how refunds get processed faster 10:10 – Service business examples: how companies qualify without “creating widgets” 11:24 – Field fixes and prototypes: what counts as qualified activity 12:38 – What you need to provide (tax returns, payroll, financials) and what the team does 13:03 – Real-world results: six-figure credits and how they carry forward 14:10 – Acquisition structure, stub years, and how credits create negotiation leverage 15:40 – Ongoing benefit: lowering quarterly tax payments and improving cash flow 18:34 – Audit defense and why the technical report matters 20:48 – Other strategies buyers miss: cost segregation, 179D, and “out of matrix” review 22:14 – How big is this program? Budget growth and who benefits most 24:57 – How Bob works with CPAs to get filings done correctly 28:21 – Fees and billing: retainer + percentage of credits collected (typical ROI framing) 31:07 – Is it permanent? How the credit became part of the tax code long-term 32:54 – How to reach Bob for a quick fit-check call 33:18 – Rocket Round

    38 min

  6. JAN 22

    Mastering Deals, Capital and People with Kevin Ramsier

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Kevin Ramsier, founder of Sier Capital, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a private equity platform. Kevin shares his journey from leaving a stable corporate career to launching a firm built on disciplined deal sourcing, strong relationships, and flexible investment structures. He explains why private equity success hinges on three core pillars—equity, deals, and people—and how an imbalance in any one area can limit growth. The conversation goes beyond theory and dives into execution, highlighting the realities of sourcing deals, structuring investments, and surrounding yourself with people who elevate the business. Kevin also reflects on risk-taking, adaptability, and the personal growth that comes with entrepreneurship in the M&A space. Key Topics Discussed Transitioning from corporate stability to entrepreneurship Why people are the true unfair advantage in private equity The three legs of the private equity stool: equity, deals, and people Relationship-driven deal sourcing strategies Flexibility in deal structuring and investor alignment Lessons learned from scaling a private equity firm Risk, vision, and adapting to changing market conditions Contact: Kevin Ramsier  Founder, Sier Capital  kramsier@siercapital.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askramsier/ Additional Resources Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group.   Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com  M&A Launchpad Conference – May 2, 2026, Houston, Texas. Use Code: LAUNCH for $150 off Learn more: https://malaunchpad.com  Contact the show hosts: Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equitylaunchpad.com Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  Chapters 00:00 – M&A Launchpad Conference overview  01:21 – Meet Kevin Ramsier and his background  02:59 – Leaving corporate and betting on entrepreneurship  07:43 – The three legs of private equity: people, deals, and capital  10:40 – Deal sourcing and relationship-driven growth  19:13 – Recent deal structures and financing strategies  23:44 – Investment flexibility and aligning with investors  28:39 – Favorite types of businesses and future goals  31:06 – Rocket Round About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    38 min

  7. JAN 16

    Bought a $450K Company - Grew It to $5M with Enrique Rodriguez

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles sit down with Enrique Rodriguez, owner of Mag General Power Solutions. Enrique shares how he went from electrical engineer, master electrician, and professional engineer to business owner by acquiring an electrical contracting business for $450,000 in an all-cash deal in September 2024.   In this podcast episode, we discuss:  Deal terms: the $450K all-cash purchase and what was included (equipment, limited backlog/contracts, and accounts receivable)  Quality of Earnings: where small-business financials can mislead buyers (add-backs, credit cards, and lines of credit)  Post-close reality: managing cash flow, people, and growth capital in a contracting business  Scaling from roughly $1.3M revenue at close to a $5M annual run rate and what that growth required  Culture as a growth constraint: why growing too fast can change a company’s DNA  Guest Contact Info:  Email: enrique@maggeneralinc.com  Additional Resources:  Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com.  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston.  Use code: LAUNCH for $150 Off. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com  Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equitylaunchpad.com. Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    31 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    What No One Tells You About Buying Manufacturing Businesses with Casey Minshew

    In this episode, the M&A Launchpad Podcast hosts, Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew, share the unfiltered story behind their acquisition of H&M Plating, an industrial chrome plating company with multiple locations and a large operational footprint. They walk through how the deal was sourced off-market, how the capital stack evolved after a significant appraisal gap, and what it took to operate the business post-close. This is a candid look at the realities of buying and running a heavy manufacturing business—and the lessons they learned the hard way.   Key Topics Discussed: · Sourcing an off-market manufacturing acquisition · Structuring a $20M deal when valuations change · AR lending, seller notes, and earnouts · Reps & warranties in equipment-heavy businesses · Navigating the post-acquisition J-curve · ERP implementation, culture change, and leadership turnover   M&A Launchpad Conference Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference happening in May in Houston. This one-day, high-impact event is designed for acquisition entrepreneurs serious about sourcing, structuring, and closing deals. Use code LAUNCH for $200 off. Learn more at: https://www.malaunchpad.com Sponsor Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—your dynamic Quality of Earnings partner. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com. About Equity Launchpad Equity Launchpad helps acquisition entrepreneurs move from interest to ownership through education, content, community, and real-world deal experience. Through conferences, podcasts, and insights from active buyers, Equity Launchpad supports those serious about buying and operating businesses. Learn more at: https://www.equity-launchpad.com Reach out to Casey and Feras at info@equity-launchpad.com   About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    36 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Gain insights on acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, The M&A Launchpad Podcast equips you with the knowledge and guidance to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad Apply to be a guest: https://forms.gle/pqNb8xrzyFzVYxzq6 Join The M&A Launchpad Conference- https://www.malaunchpad.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    M&A Launchpad

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