Like A Champion Podcast | M&A Mastery with Wes Shelton

Wes Shelton
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Monthly

Don't Leave Money on the Table Discover insider knowledge that drives successful M&A deals, builds businesses and drives growth - professionally and personally - through the unique insights M&A veteran WES SHELTON and his guest list of experts, happy clients, and successful entrepreneurs and leaders bring to each episode of Like A Champion.   For over a decade, Wes Shelton has successfully represented sellers in the lower-middle market with deals ranging from smaller private acquisitions to eight-figure transactions. He knows what it takes to get his clients the best deal with the right buyer – and he’s excited to share those insights with you.    ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT & FOLLOW***  Enjoy more great stories, actionable tips and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.  WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@likeachampionpodcast Considering selling your business?  GET A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH WES: https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/   Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

Episodes

  1. 12/10/2025

    Tim Petrillo | Building Successful Restaurants: Real Estate, Concepts & Consistency #17

    Restaurant veteran Tim Petrillo joins Wes Shelton to share the strategic foundation behind The Restaurant People’s success—from securing the right real estate to designing concepts that fit the market to enforcing operational consistency across every location. Tim recounts the early struggles of his first restaurant, the game-changing review that saved it, and the disciplined leadership lessons that shaped TRP’s growth into a multi-concept hospitality group. He offers candid insights into today’s restaurant landscape, including labor dynamics, rising costs, the push for authenticity, and why guest expectations have evolved dramatically. Tim also discusses mentorship, partnerships, postmortems, and what it takes to sustain excellence in one of the toughest industries. This episode delivers practical wisdom for operators, founders, and anyone who wants to understand how great restaurants are built—and how they survive. ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 16m

  2. 10/22/2025

    Sean Hutchinson | Fire Yourself! Exit Planning Done Right #16

    Think your business is ready to sell? Think again. Sean Hutchinson, veteran exit planning advisor, reveals why 70-80% of your wealth may be trapped in an illiquid asset - and the single most common mistake that's destroying your business value right now. In this eye-opening conversation, discover why most baby boomer business owners are dangerously unprepared, what buyers REALLY look for when evaluating your company, and the counterintuitive strategy that can pump your valuation by 40%, faster than you think. Whether you're planning to exit in 2 years or 10, this can change everything. The question isn't, "What's my business worth?" - it's "What am I doing to make it worth more?" Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2kyUgQKch4I ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    2h 14m

  3. 08/29/2025

    Bruce Marks | SBA Loan Secrets & Tips | Cash Flow is King #15

    Bruce Marks is a veteran in M&A and an expert in SBA lending. As Senior Vice President at the First Bank of the Lake, and 35 years of experience in the world of acquisitions and entrepreneurship, Bruce has seen what does - and what doesn't - get across the acquisition finish line.  With over 1,200 SBA deals under his belt, Bruce explains why cash flow—not collateral—is king, how to navigate the J-Curve after acquisition, and what makes sellers say yes to one buyer over another. 🚀 You’ll learn: 💰 SBA loan secrets and financing tips 😬 Why 80% of first-time buyers struggle ⚠️ Deal breakers that derail acquisitions 🏡 How to prepare your business for a successful sale 🌊➡️👨‍💼 The “Silver Tsunami” opportunity: 12,000 owners retiring daily **TRIGGER WARNING:* This episode includes a tragic story that mentions self harm/suicide. Skip the section from 00:09:57 to 00:15:32 if you wish to avoid it. ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 57m

  4. 07/25/2025

    Kevin Couper | Ditching Wealth Management, Buying a Plumbing Company and Owning His Future #14

    Former wealth-manager Kevin Couper discusses why he walked away from finance and used Acquira’s “search-funder” playbook to buy 30-year-old Kyle Plumbing transforming it from construction-heavy and paper-based to service-focused, tech-driven, and rapidly scaling.  He and host Wes Shelton unpack their experience from two years ago when Wes served as a sell-side advisor for Kyle Plumbing, discussing the process, overcoming its challenges, tips and insights from their experiences and other great business minds like Gary V and Alex Hormozi. They also talk through some of the successes that followed, like Kevin rolling out ServiceTitan and AI chatbots, as well as the straight-talk KPIs & culture moves he made that keep top plumbers on the team.  If you’re looking to sell, are considering buying or just crave more control over your career—you won’t want to miss this episode of Like A Champion. ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 26m

  5. 05/30/2025

    Paige Held of The Yoga Joint | Manifesting Success from Welfare to Wealth thru Wellness #13

    She went from food stamps to multi-million-dollar deals building The Yoga Joint.  Wes talks with his friend Paige Held as she shares the raw truth behind building The Yoga Joint. They discuss everything from the process of learning how to choose the right business partner and building a team that maximizes your strengths to the power of believing in yourself and not taking 'no' in business for an answer. Hear how Paige turned passion, vision boards and discipline into a nationally expanding yoga and fitness empire—and why yoga is more than just exercise, it’s a way of life. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton More from Paige Held:  @Watchmegrowpod   ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 24m

  6. 05/08/2025

    Keith Costello | Bank CEO Discusses the Power of Perseverance, Community & Giving in Business #12

    Keith Costello has built and exited multiple banks. Working daily with entrepreneurs and business owners in South Florida for decades has given him a unique perspective and a lot of great insights into what makes for a successful business and life. He's also big into philanthropy and deeply values giving back to his community, including his friend's non-profit, Sebastian Strong, created to help families like his when having a child battling cancer.  Connect with Keith and give to Sebastian Strong: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/keithcostello1_help-kids-with-cancer-do-i-need-to-say-more-activity-7325201645145911297-CazM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAuRUcBJdD35UpTJbcWzG__59Fuf64Rn4s FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Find Keith's Podcast, "Making Bank" at: https://localitybank.com/podcast/ ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 2m

  7. 03/28/2025

    Danny Kanell | Coaching Drama, College Football Evolution, FSU, the Dolphins & Sports Broadcasting #11

    In this episode of Like A Champion Podcast, Danny Kanell returns to talk with Wes about his broadcasting career, the ever changing landscape of college and professional football, and what kind of car goes best with a turtleneck. They dive into the rapidly changing landscape of college football, from the introduction of NIL deals and the transfer portal to the expansion of the college football playoff. Danny shares insights from his journey as a professional athlete into full-time broadcaster, and reveals his tricks for staying relevant in the competitive sports media world. They also delve into the challenges of balancing sports analysis with family life, the impact of AI on broadcasting, and the evolving role of college football coaches in this new era. Whether you're a fan of college football, sports broadcasting, or the business side of sports, this episode is packed with valuable insights and some behind-the-scenes stories.  ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 32m

  8. 02/27/2025

    David Black | Avoid Deal Pitfalls & Learn Sale Must-Haves from an Expert M&A Attorney | Like a Champion Podcast #10

    Join M&A attorney David Black of Berger Singerman, a seasoned expert with decades of experience, as David shares insider legal strategies that help businesses avoid costly pitfalls when selling. In this must-watch conversation with Wes, David reveals invaluable insights that could transform the way you approach business transactions. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an investor, you won't want to miss the wisdom that can help you navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. 00:00:00   Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:01:18   Dave's Background and Journey into M&A 00:02:24   The Fun and Challenges of Sell-Side M&A 00:04:37   Building the Right Team for a Liquidity Event 00:11:33   The Importance of Specialized M&A Attorneys 00:20:36   Common Deal Killers and Financial Pitfalls 00:31:42   Engaging Advisors Early and Exit Planning 00:35:50   Handling Key Employees and Management During a Sale 00:38:00   Navigating Sign and Close Deals 00:38:31   Managing Employee Communication During M&A 00:41:03   Legal Risks in M&A Transactions 00:42:42   Tax Implications of Asset vs. Stock Sales 00:46:16   Impact of AI on Legal and Business Practices 00:51:56   FTC Ban on Non-Competes: Implications and Opinions 00:55:27   Career Advice for Aspiring M&A Lawyers 01:04:41   Personal Insights and Recommendations ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 10m

  9. 01/09/2025

    Tom & Steve Shelton | Building & Selling a Luxury Dealership Dynasty | Like A Champion Podcast #09

    This special episode with Steve and Tom Shelton - Wes's father and uncle - explores their history in South Florida with building the number one Ferrari dealership in North America, their love of racing, and the overall experience of building and selling their multiple high-end dealerships across multiple transactions.  ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 35m

  10. 12/05/2024

    Dr. Rick Harris | Selling a Mental Health Practice | Like A Champion Podcast #08

    Considering selling your business? ****GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH WES**** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ *NEW EPISODE* with Dr. Rick Harris | Hear why Dr. Harris, alongside his business partner and wife, used an M&A advisor. Glean insights from what they learned and how Wes and his team were able to increase the practice's valuation and find the perfect buyer. *To listen on your favorite apps like Spotify & Apple go to:*  https://likeachampionpodcast.com ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 17m

  11. 11/07/2024

    Joseph Safina | Building & Selling Businesses, Racing, Music & More | Like A Champion Podcast #07

    Joseph Safina has lived an incredible life - from starting his first investment firm in his early twenties to an illustrious career in the music industry to getting caught in a burning car on a racetrack - and there's still a lot left to be done. Learn about the biggest mistakes sellers make, how to position your business to sell, insights into the worlds racing, the value of a great mentor, and living a life of success and substance. Join Joe and Wes Shelton for the whole fascinating conversation or use the timestamps below to jump around to what you find most interesting! *Please be aware that some explicit language is used in this episode. Considering selling your business? ***GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** for more great stories, actionable tips and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:11 Did I Get Life Wrong? 00:04:40 The Early Days in New York 00:09:22 Starting an Investment Firm at 24 00:13:25 Losing Everything...And Then Some 00:19:12 The Power of a Mentor 00:22:58 He Threw a Wrench at Me 00:25:17 I'm Not a Hero, I'm a Driver 00:33:26 Collaboration & Community in Racing 00:34:40 "Racing Gives Me Grace" 00:38:55 Back to Business 00:41:56 "Sometimes You Gotta Go For It" 00:46:35 Tin Cans, Missiles & a Music Career 01:04:58 A Baker's Dozen Businesses 01:08:30 Turnkey Business or Full Restoration 01:09:44 How M&A Advisors Can Help 01:15:59 Top Mistakes Sellers Make 01:18:22 Handling Employees During the M&A Process 01:20:44 Flames, Race Cars & Insurance Policies Don't Mix 01:27:30 Handling Partnerships 01:38:42 Writing a Best-Selling Cookbook: Amici del Lago 01:49:27 Meditations, Charity, Mentorship & Society 02:02:10 No Business Before Family Love Italian cuisine as much as we do? Get Joe's bestseller, Amici del Lago, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/27tPHIu ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    2h 4m

  12. 11/07/2024

    Bob Denison | Building & Selling Denison Yachting | Like A Champion Podcast #06

    Bob Denison of Denison Yachting shares about his 3rd-generation family business, its sale to One Water, and some valuable life lessons in this episode of the Like A Champion Podcast with his longtime friend, Wes Shelton. ***The rain in the background fades after a few minutes and is gone by minute 10.*** *Please be aware that some explicit language is used in this episode. Considering selling your business?  ***GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** for more great stories, actionable tips and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 The Story Behind the Pants 00:04:19 Denison Family Business History 00:07:36 South Florida Marine Industry 00:08:46 Denison Yachting 00:11:33 Capitalizing on Strengths 00:19:18 Running, Reading & Leading 00:28:24 Growth Strategy 00:30:38 International Travel & Marriage 00:31:43 International Business Challenges 00:33:22 Learning from Failure 00:34:28 Landmark Moments for Denison Yachting 00:36:08 Taking Risks with New Tactics 00:40:05 Delta Crowdstrike Apology 00:41:06 Handling Betrayal in Business 00:46:46 Strength in Forgiveness 00:51:25 Selling Denison Yachting to OneWater Marine 00:59:08 Handling Key Employees 01:05:19 Pre-Sale Communication with Employees 01:08:28 Family Legacy 01:14:41 Books, Sharks & Cars In the market for your first or next boat? Check out  @DenisonYachting  ***GET A ONE-ON-ONE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with WES*** https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/ ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW*** Hear more great stories, actionable M&A tips, and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests. FOLLOW WES: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shelton-fll https://x.com/wwshelton Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

    1h 29m
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Don't Leave Money on the Table Discover insider knowledge that drives successful M&A deals, builds businesses and drives growth - professionally and personally - through the unique insights M&A veteran WES SHELTON and his guest list of experts, happy clients, and successful entrepreneurs and leaders bring to each episode of Like A Champion.   For over a decade, Wes Shelton has successfully represented sellers in the lower-middle market with deals ranging from smaller private acquisitions to eight-figure transactions. He knows what it takes to get his clients the best deal with the right buyer – and he’s excited to share those insights with you.    ***LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT & FOLLOW***  Enjoy more great stories, actionable tips and leadership insights from Wes Shelton of SM2 Advisors and his guests.  WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@likeachampionpodcast Considering selling your business?  GET A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH WES: https://sm2advisors.com/like-a-champion-podcast-request-a-meeting/   Sponsored by SM2 Advisors (https://sm2advisors.com) and Rebel Motor Company (https://www.rebelmotorclub.com) Produced by DTM Creative Solutions (https://dtmcreativesolutions.com) Logo & Website Design by PixelWorks (https://pxlwrx.com)

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