What's Your Deal? | Business Buying, Business Acquisitions, Investing & Exit Strategies

Matt Uhler

What's Your Deal? with Matt Uhler is a podcast for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners looking to buy businesses, build multiple streams of income, and prepare for a profitable exit. Throughout the show, we break down real-world business deals, small business investing strategies, business financing—including SBA loans and owner financing—and exit planning, so you can make confident decisions, reduce risk, and build long-term wealth through small business ownership. From first-time buyers to experienced investors, we cover how to find the right business to buy, structure deals, secure financing, grow cash flow, and position your business exit. If you're serious about buying a business, investing in small businesses, scaling income, and creating financial freedom through ownership and exits, this podcast is for you. New episodes weekly. Subscribe and start building your path to business ownership and long-term wealth.

  1. How AI Can Help Small Business Owners Save Time & Build Better Systems - Lindsay Quinn

    6D AGO

    How AI Can Help Small Business Owners Save Time & Build Better Systems - Lindsay Quinn

    In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Lindsey Quinn, founder of HeartWise Collective to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in business today: artificial intelligence. Lindsey shares how she went from running a traditional consulting business in the orthodontic industry to building AI-powered systems that help business owners save time, improve efficiency, and create better workflows without adding more staff or burning themselves out. Matt and Lindsey break down how small business owners can start using AI in practical ways, from creating branded content and marketing systems to analyzing financial data, improving sales conversations, building SOPs, and reducing repetitive computer-based tasks. Lindsey also explains the difference between basic generative AI and more advanced AI agents, while keeping the conversation grounded for business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the technology.     Timestamps   01:30 — How Lindsey pivoted from consulting into AI systems   04:00 — Lindsey's background in orthodontic consulting and business systems   06:35 — Avoiding AI cringe and making content sound authentic 10:00 — How business owners can begin implementing AI systems 12:16 — Using AI to work on the business instead of in the business   15:46 — Training AI like you would train a new employee   18:38 — How AI agents can read, edit, download, and organize files   21:00 — AI overwhelm and knowing what applies to your business   23:00 — Creating a "Conversion Coach" for sales calls and team training   25:30 — Why the right AI tool matters for the right task   27:28 — How Lindsey used AI to build a webinar, funnel, and coaching program   31:21 — Comparing AI adoption to the shift from typewriters to computers   36:48 — First steps for business owners who want to start using AI 39:30 — Lindsey's RCRQ prompting framework 43:38 — Final thoughts on using AI to improve quality of life and business efficiency       Connect with Lindsay:   https://www.heartwisecollective.com Email: lindsay@heartwisecollective.com   Phone Number: (928) 925-4190   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartwise_collective?igsh=OGlsaHhxcG94bTln       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success: Instagram: @ampedsuccess Website: ampedsuccess.com Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Connect with Amped Funding Advisors:  https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/ Phone number: 1-800-569-8974     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com     Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    45 min
  2. SBA Loans Explained: Getting Approved and Avoid Costly Mistakes - Steve Johnston & Lindsay Denton

    MAY 6

    SBA Loans Explained: Getting Approved and Avoid Costly Mistakes - Steve Johnston & Lindsay Denton

    What does it really take to get approved for an SBA loan when buying a business? In this episode of What's Your Deal? with Matt Uhler, Matt sits down with SBA lending expert Steve Johnston and financing specialist Lindsay Denton to break down the truth about SBA loans, business acquisition financing, and why most buyers get it wrong. If you've heard horror stories about SBA loans taking forever—or getting declined at the last minute—this episode will completely change your perspective. They cover what lenders are actually looking for, how deals get approved (or denied), and why the story behind the deal matters just as much as the numbers. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, this conversation will help you avoid costly mistakes and position yourself to get funded the right way.     Timestamps:   00:16 – Meet Steve Johnson & Lindsay Denton   03:14 – Why SBA loans get a bad reputation   04:20 – The biggest misconceptions about SBA lending   05:00 – How long SBA loans actually take (real timelines)   06:00 – Why lenders are NOT all the same   08:15 – Real story: Approved → then declined (what happened)   11:15 - PLP vs GP lenders explained   13:00 – Inside how banks actually make decisions   16:00 – The truth about "pre-qualifications"   17:15 – What lenders look for immediately   19:40 – The 3 biggest deal killers (liquidity, experience, collateral)   21:00 – Why the STORY matters more than the numbers   23:00 – How to present a deal to get approved   25:00 – Building projections that make sense   26:25 – Adjusting deals to make them fundable   27:45 – Why most deals get declined (and how to avoid it)   29:30 – How underwriters really think   32:27 – Can a declined deal be saved?   34:50 – Why momentum matters in approvals   36:24 – What buyers should do BEFORE looking for a business   37:45 – Real example of unrealistic buyers   40:00 – Why the BUSINESS matters more than the buyer   44:15 – Character vs numbers in lending decisions   47:30 – How to connect with Steve & Lindsay     Connect with Steve:   sjohnston@mwregionalbank.com   Phone number: 480-363-6174       Connect with Amped Funding Advisors:    https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/ Phone number: 1-800-569-8974     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    49 min
  3. Franchising, Business Ownership & Scaling Wealth - Jeff Dudan

    APR 29

    Franchising, Business Ownership & Scaling Wealth - Jeff Dudan

    What does it take to build a business that scales beyond you?   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with franchising expert and entrepreneur Jeff Dudan to unpack what makes franchise ownership work, how to scale a business through systems, and why great businesses are built with the end in mind.   Jeff shares how he built and scaled AdvantaClean to over 240 locations before a successful exit, and how he now helps franchise brands grow through HomeFront Brands.     Timestamps:    1:16 Jeff Dudan's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins   4:42 Building AdvantaClean from Startup to National Brand   7:50 The Inflection Point That Led to Franchising   12:42 Partnership Lessons Every Business Owner Should Know   17:55 Choosing the Right Partners and Avoiding Common Mistakes   19:38 How to Scale a Business Into a Franchise Model   24:23 Reverse Engineering Growth and Building for Outcomes   29:24 Territory Strategy, Resales & Creating Franchise Value   33:35 How to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity Before You Buy   36:05 Why Skills, Fit and Leadership Matter More Than Passion Alone   38:40 The "Business Athlete" Mindset and Discernment in Decision-Making   42:06 The Four C's of Business Growth: Comfort, Competence, Commitment & Capital   47:03 Why Capital Isn't Usually the Real Constraint   48:56 Mentorship, Experience and Learning From People Ahead of You     Connect with Jeff:      Homefront Brands: https://www.homefrontbrands.com       Jeff Dudan's website: HTTPS://www.jeffdudan.com       Jeff free digital copy of his book: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment       Jeff's socials:   https://www.instagram.com/jeffdudan?igsh=MWZuMjBoNGV0c2xibg==     https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios     https://youtube.com/@unemployablewithjeffdudan?si=uk72VObKgiSvdjZp         Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode? If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com   Listen & Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.   Amped Funding Advisors: https://ampedsuccess.com/amped-funding-advisors/

    55 min
  4. Boots on the Ground: From Key Employee to Business Owner - Ryan Carr

    APR 22

    Boots on the Ground: From Key Employee to Business Owner - Ryan Carr

    What happens when a key employee becomes one of the most valuable partners in a small business? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with longtime business partner Ryan Carr to discuss small business ownership, business partnerships, leadership, entrepreneurship, company culture, employee management, and business growth. Ryan shares his journey from employee to owner after starting with a Northern Arizona commercial property maintenance company in 2016 and becoming a business partner in 2018. Today, he helps lead one of the top commercial property maintenance companies in Arizona, providing parking lot sweeping, pressure washing, fleet washing, portering services, snow removal, and exterior maintenance services.     Timestamps:      01:35 - How the business sale and partnership came together     04:25 - Ryan's transition from employee to owner     05:40 - Ryan's background before joining the company     07:05 - Why confidentiality matters during a business sale     08:05 - How ownership changed Ryan's mindset     09:15 - Ryan and his wife working together in the business     10:55 - Working on the business vs. in the business     12:00 - Why blue-collar businesses are strong opportunities     13:10 - Managing people, personalities, and company culture     14:00 - COVID, staffing shortages, and leadership challenges     15:00 - Learning to delegate and stop micromanaging     17:40 - Why toxic employees can damage a company     19:40 - The importance of making difficult decisions quickly     20:40 - Business growth, profitability, and company culture     21:35 - Choosing the right business partners     22:50 - How their partnership structure works     24:20 - The value of passive partners and advisors     25:00 - Ryan's toughest moments in business     26:40 - Labor shortages and hiring struggles after COVID     27:30 - Why the company is stronger today     28:00 - Delegating more responsibility to the team     28:50 - Snow removal and managing a 24/7 business     30:40 - Taking pride in the company and community impact     32:00 - Supporting employees through difficult times     35:00 - Why treating employees like people matters     35:50 - Advice for people who want to own a business     36:40 - Family sacrifice, business ownership, and success     37:50 - Ryan's gratitude for his family and support system       Connect with Ryan   Email - ryan@sweptawayaz.com    SweptAwayAZ.com      Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    41 min
  5. The Faucet Framework: Creating Multiple Streams of Income - Matt Uhler

    APR 13

    The Faucet Framework: Creating Multiple Streams of Income - Matt Uhler

    In this special anniversary episode of What's Your Deal?, the mic flips as Sarah interviews Matt Uhler on one of the most requested topics yet—how to build multiple streams of income through small business ownership.   After producing 40+ episodes covering buying, managing, and exiting businesses, this conversation dives into the strategy Matt has personally used to build a portfolio of 20+ income-producing businesses—what he calls his own "business mutual fund."   Matt breaks down the Faucet Framework, a proven system for creating diversified, predictable income without relying on a single source. From minimizing risk to structuring partnerships the right way, this episode gives you a real-world blueprint for financial stability and long-term freedom.   If you're a: Business owner looking to diversify Investor exploring small business opportunities W2 employee wanting more control over income This episode is for you!   If this topic interests you, fill out this form to get early access and details on our upcoming Multiple Streams of Income Mastermind.     Timestamps:     2:30 – What Matt actually does (business "mutual fund")     5:00 – Where the idea came from (childhood + time limitation)     9:30 – The danger of one income stream     13:00 – The faucet analogy     18:00 – Current portfolio + results     20:00 – Base hits vs home runs     25:00 – Deal criteria & filtering     26:45 – Faucet Framework explained     28:30 – Recipe concept     31:00 – Boots on the ground     35:00 – Financial feasibility     38:30 – Accountability     42:00 – Future: webinar + live event     44:30 – Personal story + mom     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    48 min
  6. From Government Job to Business Owner - Kevin Mizell

    APR 8

    From Government Job to Business Owner - Kevin Mizell

    What does it really take to leave a stable career and step into business ownership? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Kevin Mizell, a former government construction engineer manager who walked away from a high-level career to buy a small business—right in the middle of the pandemic. Kevin shares the real, unfiltered truth about what it's like to go from a W2 job to owning a business. From taking on large debt for the first time, to navigating labor challenges, to realizing that "passive income" isn't what most people think—it's all here. If you've ever thought about leaving your W2 job and buying a business, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to succeed. This isn't theory. This is what it looks like in the real world.     Timestamps:    02:00 – Leaving a stable career for business ownership   06:00 – Early entrepreneurial thoughts and risk considerations   10:00 – Choosing the right business (and core competency)   13:00 – Navigating the acquisition process   18:00 – Transitioning into ownership   22:00 – Employee challenges and leadership realities   26:00 – Buying during COVID uncertainty   28:00 – Managing debt and financial pressure   31:00 – Work ethic, integrity, and long-term mindset   36:00 – Advice for aspiring business owners   41:00 – Working with brokers and evaluating deals   44:00 – The reality of "owning vs. working in" a business   47:00 – Gratitude and closing thoughts     Connect with Kevin Mizell     Email - kevin@bennettglassandmirror.com   Phone Number: 928-515-9663   Bennett Glass: https://www.bennettglassandmirror.com     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: ampedsuccess.com   Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    51 min
  7. Leadership Isn't What You Think: Internal Validation, Accountability & Growth - Keith Cowling

    APR 1

    Leadership Isn't What You Think: Internal Validation, Accountability & Growth - Keith Cowling

    What does it really mean to be a great leader?   In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with leadership coach Keith Cowling to unpack what most people get wrong about leadership—and how to actually build influence that lasts.   Keith shares lessons from over 30 years of working with business owners, teams, and individuals, revealing why leadership starts internally—not externally. From letting go of ego to learning how to truly develop people, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice.   If you've ever struggled with managing people, holding others accountable, or balancing leadership at work and at home—this episode will challenge how you think and lead.   This isn't about control. It's about growth, influence, and becoming the kind of leader people choose to follow.     Timestamps     01:49 – Why most leadership stays surface-level   02:36 – Keith's early struggles with leadership and control   04:09 – The turning point: focusing on people over productivity   08:40 – Leadership vs. success: why they're not the same   09:50 – Why leadership is about others, not yourself   12:45 – Internal vs. external validation explained   18:17 – Why being "whole" matters more than being perfect   21:02 – Leading at home vs. leading at work   24:33 – The mirror question: what would your spouse say about you?   27:30 – The difference between paid respect and earned influence   29:06 – Winning respect from your family   32:17 – Ego, leadership, and servant mindset   34:31 – Accountability: control vs. development   36:12 – Why someone must hold the standard   40:08 – Clarity in leadership and team expectations   41:31 – What it really means to "level up"   44:00 – Content vs. implementation (why most people stay stuck)   45:40 – Gratitude and who helped shape Keith   50:52 – How to connect with Keith     Connect with Keith Cowling   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Email - cowlingk@gamil.com   Phone Number: (291) 306-0568     Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith.cowling/   Website: Ampedsuccess.com   Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/     Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    53 min
  8. Bitcoin, Inflation & The Truth About Money - Colton Imming and Luke McCarthy

    MAR 25

    Bitcoin, Inflation & The Truth About Money - Colton Imming and Luke McCarthy

    In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with repeat guests Luke McCarthy and Colton Imming to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in today's world—Bitcoin. This conversation goes far beyond crypto hype. It dives into the fundamentals of money, inflation, asset ownership, and long-term wealth strategy. Luke and Colton share why they've shifted their focus from traditional assets like real estate into Bitcoin, how they're using it to protect their wealth, and what it means for the future of investing. If you've ever questioned how money actually works—or why it feels harder to get ahead—this episode will open your eyes.   Timestamps   02:10 – Bitcoin vs Cryptocurrency: What's the Difference?   03:25 – Bitcoin vs Gold: Understanding Scarcity   04:45 – The Hidden Truth About Money & Inflation   10:45 – How Bitcoin Changes Your Understanding of Money   11:50 – Why Inflation Doesn't Always Look Like Inflation   14:40 – The Growing Wealth Gap Explained   16:10 – Why Governments Will Keep Printing Money   18:15 – Real Estate vs Bitcoin: A New Perspective   19:20 – Do You Really Own Your Assets?   20:30 – Bitcoin as a Portable & Sovereign Asset   25:20 – Using Bitcoin in Business Strategy & Treasury   27:00 – Why Holding Cash Can Cost You   28:30 – Everyone Knows the Dollar Is Losing Value… Now What?   30:00 – Where to Start: Dollar Cost Averaging Bitcoin   33:30 – How They Personally Invest in Bitcoin   34:40 – Why Price Drops = Buying Opportunities   36:45 – How Bitcoin's Supply Actually Works   40:45 – Risks of Bitcoin & What Could Go Wrong   44:10 – Why Long-Term Thinking Is Critical   46:20 – Book Recommendation: The Price of Tomorrow       Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:   Instagram: @ampedsuccess   Website: Ampedsuccess.com   Email: admin@ampedsuccess.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/   Want to be a guest or sponsor an episode?   If you'd like to be a guest on What's Your Deal? or are interested in sponsoring an episode, reach out to: admin@ampedsuccess.com   Listen & Subscribe:   Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    50 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

What's Your Deal? with Matt Uhler is a podcast for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners looking to buy businesses, build multiple streams of income, and prepare for a profitable exit. Throughout the show, we break down real-world business deals, small business investing strategies, business financing—including SBA loans and owner financing—and exit planning, so you can make confident decisions, reduce risk, and build long-term wealth through small business ownership. From first-time buyers to experienced investors, we cover how to find the right business to buy, structure deals, secure financing, grow cash flow, and position your business exit. If you're serious about buying a business, investing in small businesses, scaling income, and creating financial freedom through ownership and exits, this podcast is for you. New episodes weekly. Subscribe and start building your path to business ownership and long-term wealth.

You Might Also Like