Deal Playbook with Tom Shipley

Tom Shipley
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Deal Playbook with Tom Shipley Podcast

Welcome to The Deal Playbook Podcast — the ultimate show for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and founders who want to scale their businesses, diversify risks, and unlock multiple exit opportunities through strategic acquisitions and deals. Hosted by Tom Shipley, an experienced entrepreneur with 18 successful acquisitions and exits, this podcast offers invaluable insights into the world of M&A. Each episode features expert guests who share their knowledge on how to identify once-in-a-lifetime deals, navigate the acquisition process, and engineer lucrative exits. Discover how top business leaders overcame their toughest challenges, maximized wealth, and turned obstacles into opportunities. Whether you're looking to scale your company, explore exit strategies, or learn from others' successes and failures, this podcast is packed with actionable advice, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Tune in to The Deal Playbook Podcast to sharpen your business acumen and accelerate your path to a successful exit. Ideal for anyone searching for expert guidance on mergers, acquisitions, and business exits.

Episodes

  1. Mastering LinkedIn: Build Your Personal Brand and Double Your Business with Joshua B. Lee

    1 DAY AGO

    Mastering LinkedIn: Build Your Personal Brand and Double Your Business with Joshua B. Lee

    Joshua B. Lee, known as the "Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn," shares how he’s helped businesses scale by focusing on authentic human connections. He talks about the evolution from MySpace to LinkedIn, revealing why personal brands are critical for business success today. Joshua talks about content strategies that work on LinkedIn, the importance of trust in business deals, and how AI is shaping the future of search. He also tells hard lessons he’s learned from bad deals and points out how partnerships and communication can make or break a business. Tune in to learn how to leverage LinkedIn for real growth and avoid common pitfalls. Chapters 00:00:00 - Starting Strong: The Power of Positive Polarization00:00:44 - Meet the Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn: Joshua B. Lee’s Journey00:01:49 - From MySpace to LinkedIn: A Social Media Pioneer00:04:09 - Humanizing Your Brand: Why it Matters More Than Ever00:07:53 - LinkedIn Strategies for Real Business Success00:11:25 - Building Trust on LinkedIn: Why Personal Connections Matter More Than Ever00:15:40 - The Content Game on LinkedIn: Strategies that Win00:17:43 - Storytelling & Engagement: Crafting Content that Sticks00:18:21 - Becoming a Value Aggregator: The Secret to LinkedIn Success00:21:10 - Trust and Lessons from Bad Deals: What Every Entrepreneur Should Know00:26:11 - Power of Partnerships: Communication and Collaboration00:28:58 - AI’s Impact on LinkedIn: Future Trends to Watch00:32:46 - Upcoming Event: Deal Con Live — Join the Revolution of Business Growth Links and Resources: Joshua on LinkedInStandOut AuthorityJoshua on FacebookTom Shipley Tom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator  Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    36 min
  2. Mental Health & Money: Building Hawke Media Against All Odds with Erik Huberman

    1 DAY AGO

    Mental Health & Money: Building Hawke Media Against All Odds with Erik Huberman

    In this episode, Erik Huberman, founder and CEO of Hawke Media, shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting his first business at age six to building a marketing empire that has generated over $2.9 billion in revenue for clients. He opens up about the highs and lows of running a business, including how mental health challenges nearly led him to quit. Erik also breaks down his approach to scaling through acquisitions, managing anxiety, and how he keeps pushing forward despite setbacks. If you want to hear real talk about building a business, managing tough moments, and thriving in the marketing world, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 | Igniting Progress: The Power of Forward Momentum00:30 | Meet Erik Huberman: Hawke Media’s Game-Changer00:59 | Erik’s First Steps: From a 6-Year-Old Entrepreneur to Building Empires01:53 | Mountain Peaks and Deep Valleys: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Business04:54 | Mental Health Struggles: How Anxiety Pushed Erik to the Brink10:56 | The Art of Exits: Lessons from Erik’s Early Business Sales12:45 | Scaling Hawke Media: Inside Erik’s Acquisition Strategy15:00 | The Vision: Future Goals and What It Takes to Dominate the Market21:59 | Profit Margins and Growth: Balancing Expansion with Efficiency25:23 | Integrating Teams: The Cultural Challenges of Merging Businesses29:46 | Legal Terms: How Erik Handles Attorneys and Deal Terms31:35 | Unveiling the Fund: What Hawke Ventures Looks for in Investments33:15 | Investment Strategy: From Tools to Success Stories40:31 | Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Excitement for DealCon Live in Nashville Links and Resources: Erik HubermanErik on LinkedIn Hawke MediaHawkeTalk PodcastTom Shipley Tom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator  Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    41 min
  3. Creating Deals That Win: Leveraging Media and Exiting on Top with Max Finn

    2 DAYS AGO

    Creating Deals That Win: Leveraging Media and Exiting on Top with Max Finn

    Max Finn shares his journey from early success with Facebook marketing to leading the charge on TikTok. He discusses the mindset shift required to approach deals with confidence, the importance of having options, and the fine line between abundance and scarcity in negotiations. Max also talks about key strategies for leveraging media to raise capital and the value of knowing when to walk away from a deal.  Chapters 00:00:00 - The Perils of Exciting Deals: Avoiding Costly Concessions00:00:47 - Spotlight on Max Finn: A Pioneer of Digital Marketing00:02:21 - Masterminds and Market Shifts: Max's Event During the COVID-19 Surge00:04:04 - Mastering Media: High-Quality Leads Through Precision Strategies00:07:29 - The Future of Media Buying: Innovations and AI’s Role00:10:14 - A Game-Changing Exit: Selling Startup Drugs to Russell Brunson00:13:54 - Smart Deal Crafting: How to Create No-Risk Win-Win Deals00:17:05 - The Hard Lessons: Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape00:18:22 - Investor Insights: Preferences, Deal Terms, and Hidden Traps00:20:20 - The Power of Knowledge: Leveraging Experience in Negotiations00:21:00 - Confidence in the Room: Negotiating from Strength00:23:11 - Building an Abundance Mindset for Deal-Making Success00:30:13 - TikTok Shop Revolution: New Opportunities for Brands and Creators00:32:25 - AI’s Role in Creative Generation: Where the Future is Headed00:33:14 - CEO M&A Summit: A Preview of What’s to Come Links and Resources Max Finn Max on LinkedIn Unicorn InnovationsTom Shipley Tom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator  Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    35 min
  4. How to Build an Agency Without Sales Calls with Dennis Yu

    5 DAYS AGO

    How to Build an Agency Without Sales Calls with Dennis Yu

    Digital marketing pioneer Dennis Yu shares his expert advice on how businesses can amplify their success by focusing on what works and scaling those wins. From his proven Dollar-a-Day strategy to the power of the Lighthouse model, Dennis breaks down steps for growing agencies and boosting client results. Whether you're running local campaigns or working with global brands, this conversation offers advice on using data to identify winning content, choosing the right clients, and marketing without relying on traditional sales calls. Get ready to rethink how you approach marketing and business growth! Chapters 00:00:00 - The Secret to Being 'Google-able' and Why It Matters00:01:21 - Legendary Insights: A Conversation with Digital Marketing Pioneer Dennis Yu00:02:55 - From Data Analyst to Marketing Guru: The Rise of Dennis Yu00:04:45 - A Case Study in Success: How a Religious Campaign Went Viral00:07:00 - Choosing Clients Wisely: Elevating Winners with Proven Strategies00:09:07 - Exploring the Dollar-a-Day Strategy: Maximizing Impact with Minimal Budget00:11:43 - Influencer Marketing and Organic Reach: A Game-Changer in Campaigns00:13:29 - Scaling Local Businesses: Case Studies from World Gym to Plumbing00:16:53 - Local Celebrities and the $399 Couch: A Marketing Masterclass00:19:29 - Creative Campaigns that Surprised Everyone: Turning Unexpected Successes into Gold00:21:00 - Mentorship and the Lighthouse Strategy: Building Powerful Networks00:23:28 - Lighthouse Leaders in Action: Real-World Case Studies00:26:46 - The Economic Model of Agency Growth: Revenue Sharing and Scaling00:30:39 - Creating Content that Converts: Setting Expectations and Delivering Results00:33:55 - Acquiring and Scaling Agencies: Building Legacies through Business00:38:15 - Legacy Building in Action: How Business Can Shape the Future00:40:20 - Event Highlights and What’s Next: Wrapping Up with Powerful Insights Links and Resources: Dennis on LinkedInDennis YuThe Definitive Guide to TikTok Advertising by Dennis YuTom ShipleyTom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    41 min
  5. Why Most Businesses Fail to Sell—And How to Beat the Odds

    5 DAYS AGO

    Why Most Businesses Fail to Sell—And How to Beat the Odds

    Tom Shipley and Matt Bodnar break down the world of business valuations and deal structures. They talk about how valuations are more an art than a strict science, influenced by market conditions, negotiation strategies, and individual motivations. Their discussion covers examples of how businesses are bought and sold, highlighting the strategies that can make or break a deal. With case studies and insights, they offer a no-nonsense guide to understanding the true value of a business and how to approach acquisitions with a savvy mindset. Chapters 00:00:00 - Valuation: The Art Behind the Numbers00:01:15 - Meet Tom and Matt: Masters of M&A00:02:00 - Cracking the Code: Deal Structure Essentials00:04:50 - Real-Life Valuation Stories You Need to Know00:08:17 - Unlocking Hidden Value: Key Deal Structure Tactics00:12:45 - Seller Financing and Rollover Equity: Maximizing Your Deal Potential00:17:14 - Creative Financing: Power Moves in Business Deals00:20:45 - Join Us at DealCon: Your Next Big Step in M&A Links and Resources Tom Shipley Tom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator Matt BodnarMatt on LinkedIn Science of Success Podcast Location Based Marketing for Restaurants by Matt Bodnar Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    22 min
  6. Deal Flow Secrets: How to Find Million-Dollar Deals in Your Own Network

    SEP 4

    Deal Flow Secrets: How to Find Million-Dollar Deals in Your Own Network

    Tom Shipley and Matt Bodnar discuss the often-overlooked strategies for sourcing acquisition opportunities that go beyond traditional methods. They challenge the common reliance on brokers and competitive marketplaces, advocating instead for the power of off-market deals and the value of weak ties in your network. Tom and Matt provide simple and effective steps to consistently generate high-quality leads. Whether you’re an established entrepreneur or new to acquisitions, Tom and Matt offer  straightforward tactics that can change how you approach deal-making and business growth. Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Goldmine of Backyard Deals: How Local Networks Can Lead to Big Wins00:01:09 - Meet Tom Shipley and Matt Bodnar: Serial Entrepreneurs & Deal Con Hosts00:01:52 - Why Acquisitions Are the Fastest Path to Business Growth00:02:36 - No Tech, No Problem: Simple Lead Generation Hacks for Finding Deals00:05:35 - Unleashing the Power of Networking for Deal Flow00:06:37 - The Science of Weak Ties: Your Secret Weapon in Business00:08:32 - How to Proactively Source Deals Before Your Competitors Do00:10:27 - Why Off-Market Deals Can Be Your Biggest Win00:13:25 - Next-Level Strategies for Programmatic M&A00:19:05 - Inside Events: Networking, Real Deal Stories, and High-Stakes Negotiations00:21:08 - Event Invitation: Join 100 CEOs in Nashville for Deal Con Links and Resources: Matt Bodnar Matt on LinkedInScience of Success PodcastLocation Based Marketing For Restaurants by Matt Bodnar Tom Shipley Tom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator  Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    21 min
  7. Why 90% of Agencies Are Perfect M&A Targets—And Don't Even Know It

    SEP 4

    Why 90% of Agencies Are Perfect M&A Targets—And Don't Even Know It

    This episode breaks down the immense potential that agencies and e-commerce brands hold for strategic acquisitions. Tom and Matt share their insights on why these sectors are prime for investment, highlighting the overlooked opportunities that many business owners miss. They argue that now is the time to capitalize on these opportunities, with a focus on the untapped potential in smaller agencies and brands. Through their conversation, they outline practical strategies for identifying and executing successful acquisitions, making a compelling case for why this approach could be the key to significant growth and success in today's market. Chapters: 00:00:00 The Power of Acquisitions: Transforming Brands to $100M+00:02:50 Why Agencies are the Untapped Gold Mine for M&A00:05:21 Hidden Opportunities in Underperforming Agencies00:07:42 Why Most Private Equity Firms Overlook These Profitable Agencies00:09:04 Maximizing Cross-Selling and Operational Synergies00:10:35 E-Commerce Growth: Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for Success00:12:10 Unlocking the Potential of Niche Markets: The Portable Sink Success Story00:14:43 The Risks and Rewards of Product Expansion in E-Commerce00:16:30 Crafting a Programmatic Acquisition Strategy for Long-Term Success00:18:00 Meet the Experts at DealCon: Join Us in Nashville Links and Resources: Matt Bodnar Matt on LinkedInScience of Success PodcastLocation Based Marketing For Restaurants by Matt Bodnar Tom Shipley Tom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator  Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    19 min

  8. SEP 4

    Scaling Through Acquisitions Instead of Building a Startup

    Tom Shipley and Matt Bodnar discuss the power of acquisitions as a growth strategy that can outpace run-of-the-mill methods. They share how even in the face of financial hardship, strategic acquisitions allowed their businesses to break through barriers that would have been almost impossible otherwise. They push back against the traditional strategies, showing that buying the right company at the right time can catapult your business to levels that organic growth often fails to reach. This episode will make you rethink how you approach scaling and growth, and explains the untapped opportunities that mergers and acquisitions can offer, regardless of your current business size or financial situation. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Dive into the Abundance Mindset: Scarcity vs. Opportunity00:01:00 - Meet the Masters: Tom Shipley and Matt Bodnar on Mergers and Acquisitions00:02:05 - M&A for Business Growth: Anyone Can Play This Game00:03:00 - The Atlanta Coast Brands Story: A $100M Transformation00:04:15 - Struggling and Thriving: Lessons from Financial Risk00:05:50 - Securing the Deal: Creative Funding in Acquisition00:11:50 - Small Acquisitions, Big Impact: Game-Changing Lessons00:15:00 - The Math Behind M&A: Unlocking Enterprise Value00:20:00 - Micro Acquisitions: Why You Don’t Need Millions to Get Started00:25:00 - Join the Elite: Invitation to the Exclusive CEO M&A Conference Links and Resources: Matt Bodnar Matt on LinkedInScience of Success PodcastLocation Based Marketing For Restaurants by Matt Bodnar Tom Shipley Tom on LinkedInAgency Ventures Aggregator  Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Deal Playbook? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    25 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Deal Playbook Podcast — the ultimate show for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and founders who want to scale their businesses, diversify risks, and unlock multiple exit opportunities through strategic acquisitions and deals. Hosted by Tom Shipley, an experienced entrepreneur with 18 successful acquisitions and exits, this podcast offers invaluable insights into the world of M&A. Each episode features expert guests who share their knowledge on how to identify once-in-a-lifetime deals, navigate the acquisition process, and engineer lucrative exits. Discover how top business leaders overcame their toughest challenges, maximized wealth, and turned obstacles into opportunities. Whether you're looking to scale your company, explore exit strategies, or learn from others' successes and failures, this podcast is packed with actionable advice, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Tune in to The Deal Playbook Podcast to sharpen your business acumen and accelerate your path to a successful exit. Ideal for anyone searching for expert guidance on mergers, acquisitions, and business exits.

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada