Next Venture Alliance Show

Oliver Kotelnikov
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The Next Venture Alliance Show is where experienced business owners, investors, and trusted advisors come together to share real-world insights on building, growing, acquiring, and exiting businesses. Each episode features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, M&A professionals, and industry experts exploring what actually drives successful ventures, from preparing for liquidity events and navigating acquisitions to designing life after the deal. You will learn practical experience, hard-earned lessons, and strategic perspectives from those thinking beyond today’s business and toward what comes next.

Episodes

  1. Roasted! Better Living Through Coffee with Ben Cook

    1D AGO

    Roasted! Better Living Through Coffee with Ben Cook

    What does it really take to turn a simple cup of coffee into a thriving community hub? Is the American dream of entrepreneurship still alive in today’s specialty coffee scene? And how does someone go from spinning records in nightclubs around the world to roasting coffee beans in a quiet seaside town? Behind every successful small business is a story of reinvention, risk, and resilience. True entrepreneurship often looks less glamorous than people imagine—it’s built on consistency, grit, and showing up even when the work feels ordinary. Personal background, an eye for opportunity, and a deep connection to community can turn a business into something far greater than its product, especially when adaptability and long-term commitment lead the way. In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov explores Ben Cook’s remarkable journey—from a bohemian upbringing in Berkeley and a thriving DJ career across New York and Europe, to becoming the owner of Better Living Through Coffee in Port Townsend. Together, they unpack lessons from family entrepreneurship, the influence of music and travel, the realities of staff culture, and the challenges—both literal and figurative—of running an independent café, all while debunking myths about what success really looks like. If this conversation sparked ideas about entrepreneurship, community, or redefining success, take the next step—listen to the full episode, visit or support Better Living Through Coffee, and subscribe, share, or leave a review. Guest Links: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/benjamincook2 Company: ptcoffee.com Email: ben@ptcoffee.com Connect with Oliver: Email: oliver@ibainc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance Chapters (00:00:00) - The Next Venture: What It Takes to Build a Business(00:00:38) - In the Elevator With Oliver Kotelnikov(00:01:34) - The Story of Pete's Coffee and Starbucks(00:06:42) - When Did Coffee and You First Cross paths?(00:08:12) - Top Coffee Producers on Their Coffee(00:12:39) - The Importance of the Harvest Festival(00:17:00) - How to Keep Your Place in the Business(00:18:09) - Being a rebel at school(00:26:17) - The cafe's relaxed culture(00:31:50) - The golden years of your life(00:36:51) - On Growing Up Without A Helicopter(00:38:58) - Dance Lessons For Young People In The 90s(00:41:47) - Living in the Ghettos of Oakland(00:45:31) - Talking Heads on His Discography(00:49:45) - Ben Collins on Working With Rick Rubin(00:54:28) - "For the Sake of Art"(00:55:15) - Benji On The End of His Music Career(01:00:40) - Maroon 5 on Starting a Record Label(01:06:02) - How I Learned To Stop Worrying About My Job(01:08:04) - Bailing out on a boat(01:13:10) - The culture of working in Russia(01:16:37) - "Seven Times I Went to Moscow"(01:21:04) - In the Elevator With Bernie(01:26:48) - The life of a farm hand(01:31:11) - Baristas on Buying a Coffee Shop(01:36:14) - Becoming an Owner of a Coffee Company(01:40:44) - The cafe that survived the Great Recession(01:41:52) - Bill Gates on Consistency(01:47:11) - One of the managers at Nordstrom's said(01:52:53) - Portland Coffee Roasters on their Coffee(01:57:56) - Better Living Through Coffee(02:01:39) - Sip & Coffee: Better Living Through the Coffee(02:07:10) - A Pink Floyd Song

    2h 11m
  2. How Hospitality Is Evolving: Culture, Technology, and Workforce Development, with Jason Brandt

    FEB 12

    How Hospitality Is Evolving: Culture, Technology, and Workforce Development, with Jason Brandt

    What if the evolving landscape of hospitality isn’t just about changing consumer behavior — but a signal for advisors and brokers to rethink how they guide client success? Are you equipping your clients with data-driven strategies, or relying on assumptions shaped by a different era? In this episode, Jason Brandt, President and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, along with Joseph Holcraft, hospitality M&A advisor at IBA, explore why past experience alone is no longer enough to stay ahead. Together, they unpack labor market realities, leadership challenges, and the risks of static thinking. From the quiet power of engaged teams to the growing role of innovation — including AI, tax strategy, and evolving guest expectations — the conversation highlights how authentic listening and strategic partnerships create long-term resilience. If you’re ready to move beyond hoping for better conditions — and start intentionally shaping the future of your deals and advisory practice — subscribe for more grounded conversations designed to help you grow your deal flow and strengthen your role as a trusted advisor. Guest Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmbrandt/ Company: https://www.oregonrla.org/ Email: jbrandt@oregonrla.org Connect with Oliver: Email: oliver@ibainc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance Chapters (00:00:00) - Next Venture: What It Takes to Build a Business(00:01:55) - Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO(00:05:04) - Restaurant Hotel Owners: The New Normal(00:07:54) - What Needs to Change in the Hospitality Industry?(00:11:48) - Restaurant Review: The New Model(00:23:24) - Oregon and California: Tip Credits vs. Minimum Wage(00:26:26) - Oregon's minimum wage law(00:30:06) - Oregon Tourism Jobs: Save Tourism Jobs(00:36:47) - Do Small Businesses Need SBA Financing?(00:40:55) - ORLA: What Business Owners Should Know About ORLA(00:53:13) - Restaurants and Hotels: Voices of the Industry(00:59:15) - The importance of skilled tax preparers in the hospitality industry(01:08:30) - Oregon's commitment to the hospitality industry(01:18:26) - Culinary and Business Management Teams Compete at Nationals(01:21:20) - Portland's food and culture scene(01:30:05) - Portland Business Talk: Hybrid Work(01:33:44) - What are some of the top resources in the kind of hospitality industry(01:40:53) - Setting the Table: Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential(01:46:30) - Restaurant and Lodging Industry Outlook for 2026(01:52:49) - Next Venture Alliance: Exploring the Future

    1h 53m
  3. Legal Health Check For Business Owners with Michelle Bomberger, Founder & CEO of the Equinox Business Law Group

    FEB 5

    Legal Health Check For Business Owners with Michelle Bomberger, Founder & CEO of the Equinox Business Law Group

    What if putting off your “legal homework” is actually holding back your clients’ growth—and your own? Are you approaching deals transactionally, or are you ready to become the advisor who helps entrepreneurs thrive through preparation, proactive counsel, and hard-earned trust? Winning as a broker isn’t just about managing the transaction—it’s about mindset. This episode underscores the transformational value of forward-thinking legal guidance, where preparation, candid conversations, and strategic relationships replace last-minute scrambling and fire drills. True dealmakers earn the right to advise by speaking the language of both business and risk—long before the signatures hit the page. Michelle Bomberger, award-winning attorney and CEO of Equinox Business Law Group, sits down with Oliver to unpack what proactive, business-minded legal counsel looks like. She shares real scenarios in M&A, walks through the power—and pitfalls—of letters of intent, due diligence, reps and warranties, and even AI policy. You’ll learn why the most successful brokers start building their client’s “legal data room” far ahead of the sale, how to become a true trusted advisor, and where future-ready legal strategy is headed for professional advisors. Subscribe for more practical conversations on moving from transactional to transformational—so you can grow your pipeline by helping clients build businesses buyers actually want. Share this episode with a broker or advisor ready to lead the way. Guest Links: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellebomberger/ Company: www.equinox.law Email: michelle@equinoxbusinesslaw.com Connect with Oliver: Email: oliver@ibainc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance Chapters (00:00:00) - What Does It Take to Build a Startup?(00:00:34) - In the Elevator With Michelle Bomberger(00:04:28) - Legal Innovation: Celebrating our 20th Anniversary(00:11:15) - How to Plan for the Next 6 Months?(00:16:46) - How a Lawyer Can Help Business Owners(00:21:09) - Purchase and Sale Agreement(00:25:39) - What is a LOI and Is It Binding?(00:26:16) - Five Things in an LOI That Need to Be Included(00:27:41) - The Role of the Seller in a Sale(00:30:09) - Bradley: Trust and Confidence(00:36:12) - The role of planning in business(00:37:58) - 4 Things All Businesses Should Be Prepared for(00:41:39) - Invoicing and Defending the Contract(00:44:22) - What are some of those things that it should just be a flat(00:46:08) - Should the Owner Know What the Employees Know or Don't Know?(00:52:39) - Does a Small Deal Get More Money?(00:55:17) - Should I Review or Draft the Purchase and Sale Agreement?(00:57:07) - Reasons to Judge a Property Deal's Length(01:02:06) - Commercial Brokers Association document discussion(01:05:08) - Dispute Resolution Clauses in Contract(01:06:25) - Broker Talk: Trust in the Deal(01:12:24) - Experience is important in business law(01:20:56) - An Active Advisor Model(01:22:17) - Are We Adopting an AI Policy for our Business?(01:29:06) - Lawyers on AI: Where Are the Risks?(01:36:16) - Equinox CEO on Next Step for Entrepreneurs(01:44:08) - EO and Vistage: Are You Still a Member?(01:47:50) - The Future of the Purchase & Sale Agreement(01:53:35) - Next Venture Alliance: Happy New Year!

    1h 55m
  4. Chip and a Chair: The Story of the Monday Night Poker League, with Steve Helton

    JAN 29

    Chip and a Chair: The Story of the Monday Night Poker League, with Steve Helton

    Are you approaching your business with intention—or relying on hope and momentum to carry you forward? In business, much like in poker, long-term success has very little to do with luck. It’s built through discipline, emotional control, and an honest understanding of risk. The strongest players don’t force outcomes—they know when to lean in, when to step back, and how to stay grounded through volatility. Community, trust, and resilience matter just as much as technical skill, especially when uncertainty is part of the game. In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov sits down with longtime friend and poker community leader Stevie Ray Helton to explore the striking parallels between poker and entrepreneurship. Drawing from decades of running Seattle’s underground Monday Night Poker League, Stevie shares lessons on bankroll management, ego, adaptability, diversity at the table, and why mindset and relationships often determine outcomes more than raw talent. Together, they connect these insights to business brokerage, leadership, and building sustainable success. Listen in and reflect on how you’re managing risk, relationships, and resilience in your own journey. Guest Links: Email: stevenhelton@outlook.com Connect with Oliver: Email: oliver@ibainc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance Chapters (00:00:00) - Next Venture Alliance(00:01:50) - Poker Legends: The Boom(00:05:47) - The Diversity of Poker(00:08:25) - Was the tournament poker system outdated?(00:14:36) - Poker Star on Running a Business(00:16:14) - Poker Player on The Cast of Characters(00:21:38) - Poker on a Monday Night(00:27:27) - Poker Stars: How to Manage a Bankroll(00:34:06) - "Crazy Odds"(00:34:31) - Poker Lesson: Game Theory(00:40:15) - Poker Star Mike McDermott on His Mistake(00:46:09) - Poker Players On How To Buy Bitcoin(00:49:42) - The World of Poker(00:55:39) - Poker's Nostalgia Will Always Be There(01:03:26) - Poker Stars on the Evolution of the Game(01:08:25) - Top Poker Stars on the(01:14:29) - Flipping a Straight in Omaha(01:18:12) - Poker Legends on Monday Night Events(01:21:47) - Raised Events(01:28:25) - Pro Poker Stars: Giving Back Through Events(01:33:56) - What is a Charity Poker Tournament?(01:35:45) - How to Get Out of Real Estate Hacks(01:39:20) - Real Estate: Demand for Homes, Real Estate Prices(01:45:52) - Chat GPT and Artificial Intelligence(01:51:59) - Phil Keating on Daniel Negrano's(01:57:43) - Talking Up a Good Habit(02:01:55) - Americans on the Convenience Crisis(02:03:54) - Stevie Jackson on His Next Step(02:06:41) - Poker on My Face With Nicole(02:12:12) - The Kangaroo and Nicole(02:14:57) - Lars Had A Bar Near Ballard(02:18:29) - Next Venture Alliance: Exploring the Unknown

    2h 19m
  5. You Can: Embrace the Possible with Serial Entrepreneur and Idea Man, Greg Frislie

    JAN 13

    You Can: Embrace the Possible with Serial Entrepreneur and Idea Man, Greg Frislie

    What if real growth has less to do with spending more on marketing—and more to do with knowing when to let go? Are you building a business around certainty and control, or are you willing to recognize when it’s time for a new chapter—for both the company and yourself? Indeed, true and sustainable success often comes from unexpected places. It’s not always about being the smartest person in the room or having the most polished strategy. It’s about curiosity, humility, and the courage to serve rather than simply sell. Sometimes the boldest move isn’t pushing harder—it’s stepping back so others, and the business itself, can rise to the next level. In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov sits down with serial entrepreneur Greg Frislie for a candid conversation on growth, leadership, and succession. Greg shares real-world lessons from building, scaling, and eventually stepping away from businesses like Cycle Central and Performance Footwear—offering hard-earned insights on grit, gut instinct, and knowing when to pass the baton. Together, they explore what business brokers and advisors must understand to better serve their clients—and themselves. If this conversation challenged how you think about growth and leadership, subscribe for more unfiltered insights that help you move from deal-chasing to trusted advising. And if this episode sparked a shift in perspective, share it with a broker or advisor who’s ready to see what’s possible when you lead with purpose. Guest Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-frislie-b571709 Company: https://bravenlyglobal.fluid.app/my/832c9a Email: gfrislie@gmail.com Chapters (00:00:00) - What Does It Take to Build a Startup?(00:00:33) - Venture Alliance: The Human Side(00:02:17) - How to Get Out of the Trap of Auto Sales at 18(00:06:35) - Don't Push Your Kids to Go to College(00:10:47) - Top Gen Z Business Lessons(00:13:42) - Small Business Owners on the Transition(00:18:53) - What Made Your Business So Successful?(00:23:28) - Bicycle Store opens as a Trek Franchise in North America(00:27:41) - Trek Bicycle Store Buys Local Business(00:32:01) - Enterprising entrepreneurs take over Wenatchee footwear(00:34:30) - Fitting Shoes: A Main Street Business(00:39:26) - Retailer on Covid and the End of Business(00:44:53) - Retired Store Manager on His Last Day(00:45:45) - What Makes a Startup So Successful?(00:50:13) - How Important Is Your Gut? Acquisitions and Growth(00:55:15) - Living Well With Affluent People(00:59:30) - In the Elevator With Tom Ford(01:02:05) - E-commerce: The Future of Retail Business(01:06:45) - Top Business Executives: How Are Things Going?(01:12:11) - Delegate Yourself: The Key to Success(01:14:13) - Steve Jobs on Stepping Away From the Business(01:18:59) - Why Sell a Successful Business?: Joe and Carmen(01:22:40) - Discussing the Need for a Sale(01:26:37) - Retired Bicycle Salesman on Life After Work(01:30:44) - Riding solo for the first time(01:35:08) - Employees and the transition(01:35:27) - Bob and Corbin Still running their pool business(01:39:33) - Retirement Is Overrated(01:42:55) - Tim Ferriss: Faith(01:47:31) - The issue of customer service(01:50:02) - Naturopathic Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis(01:54:53) - Own Your Business(01:59:28) - You Can't Make It(02:02:22) - Carmen's World(02:06:29) - The Next Venture: A Parenting Tip

    2h 9m
  6. From Hospitality to Pickleball: The Evolution of Commercial Real Estate with Billy Poll

    JAN 13

    From Hospitality to Pickleball: The Evolution of Commercial Real Estate with Billy Poll

    What if being a great business broker isn’t just about precision and process—but about judgment, humility, and trust? Are you leading clients through uncertainty, or relying solely on numbers and expertise to speak for themselves? The longer you’re in this profession, the clearer it becomes: the real value isn’t in having every answer upfront. It’s in knowing how to navigate ambiguity, build credibility through honesty, and say, “I don’t know yet—but I’ll figure it out.” The brokers who stand out aren’t just technically sound—they’re adaptable, people-first advisors who guide clients with integrity when outcomes aren’t guaranteed. In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov sits down with Billy Poll, a seasoned commercial real estate advisor with decades of experience in the Pacific Northwest. Together, they explore the balance between art and science in brokerage, the importance of being a well-rounded generalist, and how market surprises—even trends like the rise of pickleball facilities—reveal deeper lessons about adaptability, intuition, and client trust. The conversation also touches on mentorship, resilience, and how long-term relationships are built far beyond a single transaction. If you’re ready to move beyond spreadsheets and become a truly indispensable advisor, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more real-world insights, and share this conversation with a fellow broker who’s committed to building trust, creating lasting partnerships, and elevating their impact in the market. Guest Links: Bio: https://www.nai-psp.com/our-team/billy-poll LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-poll-60523871/ Company: www.nai-psp.com Email: bpoll@nai-psp.com Chapters (00:00:00) - What Does It Take to Build a Startup?(00:00:33) - Venture Alliance(00:07:08) - How Do You Value Your Property?(00:13:43) - Bradley: Being a Trustful Advisor(00:18:54) - Real Estate Expert: Seattle and the Pacific Northwest(00:25:15) - Seattle Pickleball Player on Climate(00:30:23) - Do Pickleball and Tennis Have a Connection?(00:35:27) - Pickleball courts in Bellevue(00:40:43) - In the Elevator With Pickleball(00:42:53) - What's the Business model of a Pickleball Facility?(00:49:34) - Coffee and Pickleball(00:51:54) - Becoming a Million-Dollar Businessman(00:56:24) - How Long Did It Take to Get Started in Real Estate?(01:02:10) - Bob Stuard on Giving Back to the Brokerage(01:05:39) - Have You Had A Mentor?(01:10:55) - Seattle restaurant and commercial real estate(01:12:00) - Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on the city's vacancy(01:17:35) - Seattle isn't walkable, but it's close(01:20:58) - Reimagining Commercial Real Estate in Seattle(01:25:21) - Advertisements for the World Cup in Seattle(01:28:00) - Living Well With Both Your Girls(01:32:46) - Expert: Getting Out of the Business(01:33:45) - How to Cope With Your Phone(01:36:39) - Next Venture Alliance: Exploring Your Next Venture

    1h 37m
  7. Navigating Transitions: Sally Bergesen on Business Exits, Life Change, and Authentic Entrepreneurship

    JAN 13

    Navigating Transitions: Sally Bergesen on Business Exits, Life Change, and Authentic Entrepreneurship

    What if the real value of a business isn’t found in the financials alone—but in the story, struggle, and identity of the person who built it? Are you truly helping clients prepare for a transition, or simply waiting and hoping the timing works out when it’s finally time to sell? Too often, deals stall or fail not because the numbers are wrong, but because the owner isn’t ready. Exit timing, emotional readiness, and personal identity are deeply intertwined—and ignoring those factors can derail even the most “qualified” opportunity. Preparing a business for sale often means preparing the owner for change, letting go, and stepping into a new chapter long before the market forces the decision. In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov sits down with Sally Bergensen for an honest conversation about what really happens behind the scenes of an exit. Together, they explore why founders wait too long to transition, how brokers can build trust beyond the transaction, and what it takes to guide clients through both the tactical and human sides of selling a business. If you’re ready to move from deal-maker to trusted advisor, subscribe for more conversations like this—and share this episode with a peer who’s willing to rethink what real success looks like in today’s business brokerage landscape. Guest Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-bergesen/ Company: https://www.ibainc.com Email: sally@ibainc.com Chapters (00:00:00) - The Next Venture(00:00:33) - Next Venture Alliance: Oliver Kotelnikov(00:01:25) - Meet Sally Bergeson(00:03:26) - How I met the man who changed my life(00:09:03) - Baked With Love: Olga Proski's Story(00:14:23) - Why Business Owners Are Leaving Their Business(00:19:40) - Cold Water Plunge(00:23:49) - How to Stop Complaining About Technology(00:27:01) - Discussing the Right Deal for Showtime(00:28:30) - The Importance of Industry Agnostic Business(00:32:52) - A Taste of the Transition(00:35:50) - Real Estate Broker: The Human Element(00:40:12) - BUSINESS BROKERS PRAYER(00:41:42) - The Whidbey Island Buyer(00:43:05) - Letting Things Breathe(00:45:59) - When to Sell a Real Estate Property?(00:48:51) - How To Sell a Physical Business to an AI Investor(00:53:16) - The Disconnect Between The Buyer and Seller(00:58:19) - Don't Know Everything About Your Business Before Talking to the Owner(01:02:29) - When to Sell Your Business?(01:06:30) - Exiting Your Business: Timing is Key(01:12:07) - How To Sell a Construction Property With a Millennial Buyer(01:15:49) - Oliver on Work-Life Balance(01:21:16) - Steve Jobs on Hard Work and the(01:26:15) - The Conditions for Entrepreneurial Success(01:30:10) - Balance in Work and Life(01:32:59) - Will AI Have an Impact on Construction?(01:37:58) - Top 5 Recommendations(01:39:05) - Steve Jobs on His Bucket List(01:43:55) - Top 3 Business Ideas of the Next 20 years(01:50:10) - Married Parents on Social Media(01:54:07) - Sally on the Next Venture Alliance Podcast

    1h 57m
  • 7 Episodes

About

The Next Venture Alliance Show is where experienced business owners, investors, and trusted advisors come together to share real-world insights on building, growing, acquiring, and exiting businesses. Each episode features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, M&A professionals, and industry experts exploring what actually drives successful ventures, from preparing for liquidity events and navigating acquisitions to designing life after the deal. You will learn practical experience, hard-earned lessons, and strategic perspectives from those thinking beyond today’s business and toward what comes next.

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