The Deal Podcast

Joshua Wilson
  • 5.0 (7)
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Welcome to a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human and financial side of building enterprise value. Hosted by M&A advisor and executive producer Joshua Wilson, this is The Deal Podcast, brought to you by FA Mergers. We're your front-row seat to the strategies shaping today's lower- and middle-market, from the family-run business to the multi-million-dollar portfolio. Too often, the world of mergers and acquisitions is seen as a complex, numbers-driven game. We believe it's about the people behind the deals—the bold entrepreneurs, the savvy investors, and the dedicated teams who make it all possible. Each episode, we sit down with the real players in the M&A space: from private equity sponsors and family offices to strategic buyers, serial entrepreneurs, and commercial bankers. We’ll also hear from the crucial professional teams on the front lines, including CPAs, tax and corporate attorneys, and wealth advisors, to uncover the blueprints of success. Our conversations will delve into every facet of the deal lifecycle. We'll explore the art of acquisitions, the science of scaling through bolt-ons, the complexities of divestitures, and the long-term thinking required for portfolio optimization. This podcast is more than a stage for thought leaders; it's a collaborative hub for anyone looking to build, scale, or prepare for their next chapter. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a successful exit, an investor looking to grow your portfolio, or a professional advisor supporting clients on this journey, our content is designed to be both educational and actionable. Join us as we decode the deal, one conversation at a time. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Deal Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. As a trusted connector among founders, family offices, and investment platforms, Josh brings a relational, strategic lens to SPACs, IPOs, M&A, and private placements—blending insight, curiosity, and communication to spotlight the people and deals shaping the capital markets. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.

  1. Why the Smartest Lawyers Kill the Fewest Deals

    19H AGO

    Why the Smartest Lawyers Kill the Fewest Deals

    What does nearly five decades of business law teach you about deals, people, and life? Veteran attorney Joe Giglio has spent 49 years in the trenches of business litigation, shareholder disputes, and M&A transactions — and the lessons he's learned go far beyond the courtroom. In this episode, Joe sits down with Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David to share the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of navigating high-stakes business conflicts, mediating shareholder disputes, and advising deal makers through some of the toughest decisions of their careers. From surviving Louisiana's oil and gas depression of the 1980s to building a thriving practice at Lisko and Lewis, Joe reveals how saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities — and knowing when to say "no" — shaped his entire career. Topics discussed in this episode: Why the best lawyers listen more than they talk — and how that applies to deal makingHow Louisiana's 1980s oil crisis forced Joe into business law and transformed his careerThe single rule Joe follows in every client relationship and why it worksBusiness divorce: navigating shareholder disputes when partners can't agreeThe Aesop's Fable analogy every deal maker needs to hear before going to courtTexas Shootout provisions — how they work and when they backfireHow to identify whether someone across the table is trustworthy or a "scorpion"Why your client is always smarter than you in their fieldThe power of in-person meetings to save deals and build trustMentorship, faith, family, and building a legacy that outlasts your careerJoe's priority framework: faith, family, friends, community, and travelWhether you're a business owner navigating a partnership dispute, an attorney looking to sharpen your deal-making instincts, or a future deal maker seeking wisdom from someone who's seen it all — this episode delivers. 🔗 Website: https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ Joshua Wilson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadwilson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast Powered By: FA Mergers https://www.famergers.com/ 📩 Want to be a guest or have a topic suggestion? Reach out via LinkedIn or our website. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review so you never miss an episode!

    1h 2m
  2. He Sold His Family Business for Millions, Then Bought It Back 10 Years Later With His Son

    4D AGO

    He Sold His Family Business for Millions, Then Bought It Back 10 Years Later With His Son

    Walter Hidalgo Jr. built a chemical company from scratch in 2001, sold it at the perfect time in 2014 (right before oil crashed from $120 to under $20/barrel), and felt completely lost after the exit. After a detour into the restaurant business, he reunited with his 25-year-old son to relaunch the original brand and this time, they're doing it together. In this episode, Walter opens up about the emotional reality of selling a business you built with your own hands, why cold calling strangers has always worked better for him than calling people he knows, and how his son keeps him from chasing every shiny opportunity that crosses his path. Whether you're building your first company or thinking about your exit, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom from a serial entrepreneur who's been through the full cycle build, sell, lose yourself, and start again. Topics covered:  How he spotted a business opportunity from a customer's truck bed Selling at the peak (luck vs. preparation) The identity crisis every founder faces after an exit Cold calling 101: "A little rejection never killed anybody" Father-son dynamics: visionary vs. integrator → Why you should stay in what you know after a liquidity event Advice for the next generation of deal makers Guest: Walter Hidalgo Jr.: Founder, Enviro Chem  Host: Joshua Wilson Co-host: Jude David, FA Mergers 📩 Got a question for a future guest or want to be on the show?  Visit TheDealPodcast.com

    56 min
  3. Why Bankers Are The Least Greedy Partner In A Deal

    FEB 9

    Why Bankers Are The Least Greedy Partner In A Deal

    In this episode, we sit down with veteran banker and operator Brady Como for a masterclass on debt, risk, and long-term dealmaking. With decades of experience spanning commercial banking, business liquidations, oilfield services, and real estate investing, Brady shares lessons most dealmakers only learn the hard way. This conversation explores: Why banks are often the least greedy partner in a transactionThe real difference between consumer debt and producer debtHow underwriting teaches discipline in dealmakingWhy experience collecting money matters more than lending itHow purpose, patience, and people shape long-term successWhat separates producers from consumers in capital allocationWhy retirement without purpose is a dangerous ideaThis episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and the next generation of dealmakers who want to understand how capital actually works in the real world.

    46 min
  4. From the Teller Line to the CFO Seat: How Trust Drives Better Deals

    FEB 7

    From the Teller Line to the CFO Seat: How Trust Drives Better Deals

    In this episode, we sit down with Tim Prevost, a third generation banker who worked his way from shredding paper and serving as a teller to becoming CFO of a community bank. Tim shares a rare inside look at how deals are evaluated from the banking side, why relationships still matter more than spreadsheets, and how judgment, timing, and trust influence lending, acquisitions, and long-term outcomes. This conversation covers: What commercial bankers actually look for in dealsHow teller-line experience shapes better decision-makingWhy valuation starts with comparable sales, not gut feelThe parallels between treasure hunting and dealmakingMoving from commercial banking into the CFO roleHow banks measure success beyond profitWhy community banks move faster and think differentlyThe importance of trust, follow-through, and doing the next right thingThis episode is for founders, dealmakers, operators, and finance professionals who want to understand how capital decisions are really made.

    29 min
  5. Putting Private Equity On Chain: The Future of Capital, Liquidity, and Ownership

    FEB 6

    Putting Private Equity On Chain: The Future of Capital, Liquidity, and Ownership

    In this episode, we sit down with Joris Delanoue, founder of Fairmint, to unpack how tokenization and blockchain are reshaping private markets. Joris explains how Fairmint helps companies put their equity on chain by transforming cap tables into smart contracts, removing unnecessary intermediaries, and unlocking new paths to liquidity while preserving compliance and investor protections. This conversation covers: What it actually means to put equity on chainHow private company cap tables become smart contractsWhy over intermediation hurts founders and investorsThe role of transfer agents in a blockchain worldHow tokenization blurs the line between public and private marketsLiquidity, tender offers, and secondary transactions for private equityWhy knowledge-based accreditation may replace wealth-based rulesHow regulators, founders, and investors can all win with better railsThis episode is for founders, private equity firms, family offices, investors, and operators who want to understand where capital markets are heading next.

    53 min
  6. Building a Business on Faith, People, and Patience

    FEB 4

    Building a Business on Faith, People, and Patience

    In this episode, we sit down with Marvin Travasos, founder of Coastal Pumping Equipment, to unpack what it really takes to build a durable, multi-location industrial business rooted in faith, leadership, and long-term thinking. Marvin shares his journey from welder to owner, growing Coastal from a single operation into a four-location company serving oilfield, municipal, and disaster-response markets. More importantly, he explains why investing in people, accountability, and culture created real enterprise value. This conversation covers: Building a capital-intensive business from the ground upWhy learning the trade matters more than chasing shortcutsScaling from one location to four through necessity and executionHow training and developing people drives long-term valueWhy accountability is the missing ingredient for most ownersFaith as a leadership foundation, not a sloganBuilding a company that runs without youWhy patience is the hardest and most valuable skill in businessThis episode is for founders, operators, family business owners, and leaders who want to build something real and lasting.

    57 min
  7. Building a Family Business That Lasts: Marriage, Risk, and Nine Locations Strong

    FEB 2

    Building a Family Business That Lasts: Marriage, Risk, and Nine Locations Strong

    In this episode, we sit down with Jared and Rachel Doise, husband-and-wife founders of Legends Born Grill, a nine location restaurant and bar concept built over more than 20 years in Acadiana. This is a real conversation about building a business together, navigating risk, staying grounded in values, and choosing sustainability over ego-driven growth. Jared and Rachel share how they balance vision and discipline, emotion and logic, faith and execution. This conversation covers: How a career detour led to building a nine-location businessWhy Rachel’s conservative financial discipline kept the company aliveHow to grow without losing culture or valuesThe role of faith, humility, and gratitude in leadershipManaging risk without chasing scale for scale’s sakeWhy launching people matters as much as launching locationsHow marriage survives pressure when business gets hardThis episode is for founders, family business owners, operators, and couples building something together who want to grow without losing what matters most.

    59 min
  8. Why Culture, Not Strategy, Determines Whether Deals Actually Work

    JAN 30

    Why Culture, Not Strategy, Determines Whether Deals Actually Work

    In this episode, we sit down with Kristine Goebel, founder of Accompany Suite, to unpack the real reasons companies struggle during growth, acquisitions, and exits. Kristine shares how emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership behavior directly impact profitability, retention, and deal outcomes. Drawing from her experience with Toyota, wealth advisory firms, and middle-market companies, she explains why most operational problems are actually people problems. This conversation covers: Why emotions quietly limit scale and valuationHow fear, anger, and risk show up in leadership behaviorThe hidden culture risks in mergers and acquisitionsWhy work-life balance is the wrong conversationHow transparency builds trust before an exitWhat private equity groups often miss during integrationWhy mindset determines whether change actually sticksThis episode is essential listening for founders, operators, private equity teams, and family offices focused on sustainable growth and successful exits.

    52 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human and financial side of building enterprise value. Hosted by M&A advisor and executive producer Joshua Wilson, this is The Deal Podcast, brought to you by FA Mergers. We're your front-row seat to the strategies shaping today's lower- and middle-market, from the family-run business to the multi-million-dollar portfolio. Too often, the world of mergers and acquisitions is seen as a complex, numbers-driven game. We believe it's about the people behind the deals—the bold entrepreneurs, the savvy investors, and the dedicated teams who make it all possible. Each episode, we sit down with the real players in the M&A space: from private equity sponsors and family offices to strategic buyers, serial entrepreneurs, and commercial bankers. We’ll also hear from the crucial professional teams on the front lines, including CPAs, tax and corporate attorneys, and wealth advisors, to uncover the blueprints of success. Our conversations will delve into every facet of the deal lifecycle. We'll explore the art of acquisitions, the science of scaling through bolt-ons, the complexities of divestitures, and the long-term thinking required for portfolio optimization. This podcast is more than a stage for thought leaders; it's a collaborative hub for anyone looking to build, scale, or prepare for their next chapter. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a successful exit, an investor looking to grow your portfolio, or a professional advisor supporting clients on this journey, our content is designed to be both educational and actionable. Join us as we decode the deal, one conversation at a time. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Deal Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. As a trusted connector among founders, family offices, and investment platforms, Josh brings a relational, strategic lens to SPACs, IPOs, M&A, and private placements—blending insight, curiosity, and communication to spotlight the people and deals shaping the capital markets. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.

Information

  • Creator
    Joshua Wilson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Deal Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Deal Podcast