Defenders of Business Value

Ed Mysogland
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The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines over 30 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business.

  1. 1H AGO

    EP 145: Avoid Paying the Deal Distraction Tax

    Picture this: You're a business owner ready to sell your company. Your focus starts to shift from running the business to managing the deal. Soon, your numbers start to dip. The buyer notices and begins to question the value of your business. In this episode, Ed Mysogland breaks down the concept of the "Deal Distraction Tax. Whether you're in the middle of a deal or preparing to sell in the future, Ed shares crucial strategies for protecting your business value during this critical time.   In this episode, you will: Find out how distractions during a sale can lead to a decline in business value Understand why owner-centric businesses are at higher risk during the deal process Learn strategies for safeguarding your business's performance throughout the sale process   Highlights: (00:00) Introducing the deal distraction tax (05:38) Price adjustments and deal retrades (07:28) How to protect your value during a deal   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    11 min

  2. MAR 25

    REPLAY: The Story That Sells Your Business with Charlie Stanton

    In a business appraisal, the numbers will always matter — but how they're communicated can have just as much impact on value. Charlie Stanton, CFA and founder of Stanton Valuation Advisors, believes every valuation tells a story. Drawing from his work in estate planning, litigation, and succession, he explains how storytelling can transform the way a business's worth is understood. This episode explores the eight elements every appraisal story should include, why owning your narrative builds buyer trust, and how a clear, consistent story can make your business more saleable. In this episode, you will: Learn how to communicate risks without hurting your valuation Understand the impact of transfer restrictions and illiquidity on appraisal outcomes Understand why regulatory appraisals differ from deal-market valuations   Highlights: (00:00) Meet Charlie Stanton (03:01) Why every valuation is really a story (09:31) Building trust with a transparent narrative  (14:52) Valuation for different purposes (17:14) Fair market value vs. market value explained (21:00) Understanding control and marketability discounts (27:44) The difference between appraisers and deal advisors (33:22) Advice for owners who want to increase business value   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/   Follow Charlie: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-stanton-cfa-b8172591/  Email: charlie@stantonvalue.com  Learn more about Stanton Valuation Advisors: https://stantonvalue.com/    Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    37 min

  3. MAR 18

    EP 144:  Indiana Business Investor Edition

    One of the best things about running my own podcast is the freedom to experiment. Over the years, I've been first on a few things — building our original website from scratch, launching our first newsletter, and starting the podcast. Today, I'm trying something new again. I loaded several of our current business teasers into AI, and it generated a podcast episode around them. But here's what makes this more than a novelty: in the show notes, you'll find a direct link to the full business profile and NDA. Why does that matter? Buyers tell me constantly that they hear about good opportunities too late. This format fixes that. The same listing hits the web, the email, and now the podcast — all at once, all with a clear path to learn more. If this is a format you'd like to see continue, let me know.   Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to The Defenders of Business Value (02:17) Central Indiana Commercial Electrical (05:27) Dental Equipment Service (05:51) Remotely Operated Publishing Franchise (08:19) Multi-location Market and Restaurant (10:02) Established Plumbing and HVAC Solutions (11:24) Freestanding Retail Center (13:22) Boutique Fitness Franchise (15:00) Relocatable Pest Management Franchise (16:45) Two Warehousing Fulfillment & Logistics Companies (18:49) Well-established Prototyping Company (19:30) Well-established Sub and Pizza Shop   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Learn more about Central Indiana Commercial Electrical: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/commercial-electrical-contractor/    Learn more about Dental Equipment Service: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/dental-equipment-service-business/   Learn more about the Remotely Operated Publishing Franchise: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/established-and-remotely-operated-publishing-franchise/   Learn more about the Multi-location Market and Restaurant: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/established-multi-location-market-restaurant/    Learn more about the Established Plumbing and HVAC Solutions: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/established-plumbing-and-hvac-solutions-provider/    Learn more about Freestanding Retail Center: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/retail-center-with-two-franchises/   Learn more about Boutique Fitness Franchise: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/premium-boutique-fitness-franchise/    Learn more about Relocatable Pest Management Franchise: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/relocatable-pest-management-franchise/    Learn more about Two Warehousing Fulfillment Logistics Companies: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/two-warehousing-fulfillment-and-logistics-companies/    Learn more about the Well-established Prototyping Company: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/well-established-prototyping-company/    Learn more about Well-established Sub and Pizza Shop: https://indianabusinessadvisors.com/acadp_listings/well-established-sub-and-pizza-shop/    Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    22 min

  4. MAR 11

    EP 143: Women Entrepreneurs Breaking the Mold with Gabrielle Rubenstein

    Many people think that once you buy a business, you're set for life. But the reality is, there's a lot of hard work that comes before you can reap the rewards. In this episode, Gabrielle Rubenstein takes us through her first year as an entrepreneur after acquiring Ace-Pak Products in 2024. From navigating the challenges of scaling to overcoming the growing pains that come with ownership, she shares the lessons learned, the surprises along the way, and how she's turned her acquisition into a thriving, growing business. Tune in for an honest conversation about the ups, downs, and everything in between in that crucial first year after buying a business.   In this episode, you will: Learn how to evaluate acquisition risk using worst-case scenario analysis Understand how SBA leverage can amplify returns and risk Discover why systems and clean financials drive business value   Highlights: (00:00) Meet Gabrielle Rubenstein (03:42) Women navigating entrepreneurship (10:59) Financial sensitivity and customer concentration (14:56) SBA leverage and return expectations (19:53) Moving from Sage to QuickBooks (23:37) Competing with industry giants (25:39) Credit apps and transition mistakes (28:08) Using advisors for smoother integration (29:27) Growth strategy and ideal customer profile (32:49) Systems, SOPs, and clean financials   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/   Follow Gabrielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-rubenstein/ Learn more about Ace-Pak Products: https://ace-pak.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    35 min

  5. MAR 4

    EP 142: How Chris Fredericks is Reinventing Small Business Ownership

    Selling your business to a new buyer isn't the only way to exit. What if you could transition ownership to your employees, rewarding their hard work while securing your legacy?  In this episode, Chris Fredericks, CEO at Empowered Ventures, discusses Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and how they offer a powerful alternative to traditional exit strategies. Chris explores the advantages of ESOPs and other employee ownership models, such as co-ops and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). He shares examples of how these models help businesses thrive and create lasting value for both owners and their teams. If you're considering your exit options, this episode offers valuable insights into the potential of employee ownership.   In this episode, you will: Learn the nuances of ESOPs, Co-ops, and EOTs for employee ownership Understand the process of transitioning a company to employee ownership Learn how to navigate the legal and compliance aspects of ESOPs   Highlights: (00:00) Meet Chris Fredericks (02:35) ESOP vs Co-Op vs EOT (05:17) Succession and transition to ESOP (08:34) Life after the ESOP (19:34) Deal sourcing through brokers vs direct outreach (23:09) The pressure & culture shift of employee ownership (24:55) Scaling ESOPs: employee-led demand & policy momentum   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/   Follow Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickschris/  Learn more about Empowered Ventures: https://empowered.ventures/  Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    36 min

  6. FEB 25

    EP 141: David Barnett on Selling Smart: Blind Spots, Buyer Psychology, and Real-World Value

    There's a common belief that selling a business is the ultimate jackpot—a one-time windfall that guarantees wealth and success. But is that the reality? In this episode I sit down with David C. Barnett, three-time best-selling author, entrepreneur, and former business broker, to unpack the realities behind buying and selling small and mid-sized businesses. David's journey began in advertising sales before he launched multiple ventures, including a commercial debt brokerage. That path eventually led him into business brokerage and private transaction consulting, where he has spent more than a decade advising entrepreneurs around the world. Drawing from his experience as the author of How to Sell My Own Business and seven other books, David challenges the common myths around exits. We discuss: Why selling a business is often a strategic outcome, not a guaranteed jackpot What actually makes a business sellable How leverage, risk, and market timing influence outcomes Why many owners misunderstand market dynamics The evolving role of technology in business transactions How to build a company that is transferable, even if you never intend to sell This conversation is practical, direct, and grounded in real-world deal experience. Whether you are planning an exit, considering an acquisition, or advising business owners, David offers insights that may reshape how you think about preserving and transferring business value.   In this episode, you will: Learn how AI tools can speed up deal sourcing and buyer profiling Understand how to assess and manage risk when financing a business purchase Hear the limitations of exit planning and the importance of execution   Highlights: (00:00) Meet David C. Barnett (02:18) Exit planning reality check (09:57) AI and valuation (18:32) Overpriced listings & unrealistic expectations (20:48) Shifting buyer demographics (26:38) SBA leverage: low defaults, big hidden risks (35:56) Seller financing, internal successors, and trust-based deals   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton/  Explore his website: www.DavidCBarnett.com Subscribe to his YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidCBarnett Learn more about Advantage Liquidity Partners Ltd.: https://www.businessandassetvalues.com/  Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    44 min

  7. FEB 18

    EP 140: Today's Business Valuation and Dealmaking Environment

    The small business market is stabilizing, but the story beneath the surface is complex.  In this episode, host Ed Mysogland breaks down the Q1 2026 data from BizBuySell and DealStats, revealing trends in transaction volumes, valuations, and buyer behavior. From the rise of new buyers to the influence of AI, Ed explains what these numbers mean for business owners considering a sale and how size, industry, and financing influence value.   In this episode, you will: Understand how small business transactions are trending in 2026 See which industries and deal sizes are commanding premiums Identify financing and buyer trends that affect sale strategies   Highlights: (00:00) Overview of Q1 2026 market data and trends (01:16) What stabilization in the market means for owners (04:09) The impact of AI and "corporate refugees" (05:48) Interest rates, private equity, and big money in small business (11:50) Key insights on valuation and market opportunities (13:58) Next steps for owners preparing to sell Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Explore the BizBuySell Insight Report 2026: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMKmrgmwzl4il2wVcRTbsxXw-CotSPjq/view?usp=sharing  Explore the DealStats Value Index Q1 2026: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fPT-Hdzs9DMlb701IJ9FSv_8p1Y8w-S-/view?usp=sharing  Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    15 min

  8. JAN 21

    EP 139: From Operator to Architect: The Shift That Makes Businesses Transferable using Output Thinking with John Seiffer

    Being a hands-on business owner is not the humble brag you think it is. To buyers, it signals a red flag: decisions bottlenecked at the owner, undocumented processes, fragile customer relationships, and a business that struggles to function without constant oversight. John Seiffer, founder of CEO Boot Camp and author of Output Thinking, explains why owner dependency drastically limits growth, transferability, and exit value. After decades of coaching founders across industries, he shares how many businesses run well day to day but break down during a transition. He introduces output thinking as a way to define results instead of tasks, replacing intuition-driven execution with repeatable outcomes.   In this episode, you will: Understand why hands-on ownership reduces value and complicates exits Learn how output thinking helps businesses scale and transfer See how systems and defined outcomes make a business more attractive to buyers   Highlights: (00:00) Meet John Seiffer (05:43) Stages of business growth (15:35) Output Thinking: a new approach (17:33) What to look for when hiring employees (19:13) Defining quality and documenting operating procedures (24:48) Building trust and transitioning leadership (29:58) Preparations to make your business exit-ready (33:33) Division of labor in sales (35:18) Evolving business ownership   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/   Follow John: Connect via email: john@ceobootcamp.com Learn more about CEO Boot Camp: https://ceobootcamp.com/ Learn more about Output Thinking by John Seiffer: https://a.co/d/am77udg Learn about the Exit-Ready Intensive program: https://rgahub.samcart.com/referral/zw7Z7UJK/b23xiwJ0paFyeSlt    Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines over 30 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business.

Information

  • Creator
    Ed Mysogland
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Myso, Inc. All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Defenders of Business Value

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