The Deal Podcast

Joshua Wilson
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MANAGEMENT

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. How Smart Exits Eliminate Capital Gains and Preserve Momentum

    1D AGO

    How Smart Exits Eliminate Capital Gains and Preserve Momentum

    In this episode, we sit down with Brett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, to unpack how founders, investors, and advisors can exit assets without watching 20–50% disappear to capital gains taxes. Brett breaks down the Deferred Sales Trust and explains how it differs from traditional strategies like 1031 exchanges, why timing and flexibility matter more than ever, and how smart exits preserve momentum for the next chapter. This conversation covers: Why capital gains tax is the biggest hidden cost in exitsDeferred Sales Trust vs. 1031 exchangesHow founders, Bitcoin holders, and real estate investors exit strategicallyWhy most “passive income” strategies still trap ownersHow exit planning impacts legacy, estate taxes, and family wealthWhy solving tax problems helps M&A advisors win more dealsThis episode is essential for founders, dealmakers, M&A advisors, real estate investors, and anyone preparing for a major liquidity event.

    15 min
  2. From Louisiana to Leading Global Capital Markets

    3D AGO

    From Louisiana to Leading Global Capital Markets

    In this episode, we sit down with Rip Reeves, CEO of Institutional Investor, to unpack the evolution of global investing, asset allocation, and the allocator–manager ecosystem. Rip shares his journey from a first-generation college student in South Louisiana to Wall Street, portfolio management, and ultimately leading one of the most influential platforms serving CIOs, asset managers, and allocators worldwide. This conversation covers: How a single college class changed Rip’s career trajectoryWhat Wall Street looked like before email, LinkedIn, and automationWhy grit and networking still outperform credentials aloneHow institutional investing has become truly globalThe convergence of public markets, private markets, and private wealthWhy relationships and communities matter more than productsWhat young allocators and future CIOs need to focus on nowThis episode is for allocators, asset managers, investors, and professionals who want a deeper understanding of how capital really moves and how long-term careers are built in global finance.

    34 min
  3. How Banks Really Evaluate Middle Market Deals

    6D AGO

    How Banks Really Evaluate Middle Market Deals

    In this episode, we sit down with Larry Attenhofer, a senior commercial banking leader at Hancock Whitney with nearly three decades of experience financing middle-market businesses. Larry walks through how banks actually underwrite deals, what separates strong borrowers from risky ones, and why relationships and communication matter just as much as financials. This conversation covers: How banks define the middle market and why it mattersWhat credit analysts and bankers look for in a “good” dealCommon red flags that kill deals earlyWorking capital lines, leverage, and balance sheet structureHow business owners should prepare years before an exitWhy the banker CPA attorney triangle is critical for growth and M&ACareer advice for future bankers and finance professionalsThis episode is essential listening for founders, operators, dealmakers, and finance professionals who want to understand how capital decisions are really made behind the scenes.

    39 min
  4. Why Deals Fail After the Numbers Look Perfect

    JAN 14

    Why Deals Fail After the Numbers Look Perfect

    In this episode, we sit down with Andre Broussard, a seasoned CPA operating at the intersection of private equity, venture capital, and middle-market deal execution. Andre shares how he functions as a “CFO by the hour” for founders, operators, and investment groups and why accounting today is far more about psychology, judgment, and trust than debits and credits. This conversation covers: How CPAs support PE and VC firms before, during, and after exitsWhy psychology and sociology matter more than spreadsheets in dealmakingCommon mistakes founders make when preparing to sell a businessWhat causes deals to fall apart late in the processHow AI and automation are reshaping accounting and financial diligenceThe difference between VC growth thinking and PE cash-flow disciplineThis episode is for dealmakers, investors, founders, and operators who want a clearer picture of how financial reality and human behavior collide in real transactions.

    50 min
  5. Courtroom or Boardroom? Why Transactional Lawyers Shape the Biggest Deals.

    JAN 12

    Courtroom or Boardroom? Why Transactional Lawyers Shape the Biggest Deals.

    In this episode host Josh Wilson sits down with CJ Miller, a transactional attorney who has built his career in the boardroom rather than the courtroom. CJ shares his journey from growing up in a small family business in South Louisiana to becoming a trusted advisor for banks, entrepreneurs, and middle-market companies. He explains what transactional law really looks like day to day and why helping people structure deals, manage risk, and plan for the future brings lasting fulfillment. This conversation covers: The role of a transactional attorney in business growth and M&AWhy Louisiana law is different from the rest of the U.S.The reality of career pivots and returning to what fitsLessons learned from moving in-house and back to private practicePractical advice for business owners preparing to sell their companyThis episode is for founders, dealmakers, attorneys, and operators who care about process, clarity, and building something that lasts.

    1h 7m
  6. Relationship Banking, Deal Discipline, and Knowing When to Say No

    JAN 5

    Relationship Banking, Deal Discipline, and Knowing When to Say No

    In this episode of The Deal Podcast, we sit down with Edward Bienvenu, a commercial banker based in Lafayette, Louisiana, to unpack how relationship-driven banking actually works at the community level and why some of the best deals are the ones you never do. Edward shares his unconventional path into commercial banking, starting in biology before realizing finance offered the right balance of structure, people, and long-term impact. What began as an analyst role evolved into a career built on advising business owners, structuring thoughtful deals, and helping companies grow responsibly. This conversation goes beyond credit scores and spreadsheets. Edward explains how experienced lenders evaluate deals from a global perspective, looking at the full picture of a business owner’s assets, risks, and long-term plans rather than relying on automated approvals or one-dimensional metrics.

    37 min
  7. What Happens When the Deal Is Done and Purpose Is Still Missing?

    12/29/2025

    What Happens When the Deal Is Done and Purpose Is Still Missing?

    In this episode of The Deal Podcast, hosts Josh Wilson and Jude David sit down with Paul George, consultant, speaker, and host of The Paul George Show, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, faith, business, and life after the exit. Paul shares his personal mission framework, “Love God, serve others, and die with no regrets,” and explains how a lack of personal clarity often leads to broken businesses, burnout, and regret after successful exits. The discussion explores the contrast between nonprofit and for profit leadership, the role of mission and values in building scalable companies, and why many founders wait too long to think about succession, legacy, and life beyond ownership. Listeners will hear honest insights on: Why profit and purpose are not oppositesHow attachment to money and identity can quietly undermine leadersWhat happens when founders sell their business without a plan for what’s nextHow faith, discernment, and discipline show up in real-world dealmakingWhy the most successful exits are prepared years in advanceThis episode is for founders, operators, and investors who want to build businesses that last, exit well, and live with clarity beyond the transaction. Connect with the Guest: Paul George: LinkedIn Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast: Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thedealpodcast

    1h 4m
  8. Love, Truth, and the Business of Building What Lasts

    12/22/2025

    Love, Truth, and the Business of Building What Lasts

    On the show, we sit down with Lance Strother a coach, entrepreneur, inventor, man of faith, and lifelong developer of people. Lance is the kind of dealmaker who doesn’t just chase outcomes. He builds lives, teams, and cultures that last. Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Lance shares how his journey through coaching, ministry, invention, and business shaped a philosophy that challenges how most leaders think about success. We explore why having “many irons in the fire” is not a flaw when it’s rooted in a clear mission, and how authenticity becomes one of the strongest forms of insurance for a fulfilled life. This conversation goes deep into themes leaders rarely talk about openly: Why love can be a serious business strategy with real teethHow humility and truth drive real growth in the boardroomWhat inventing, failing, and finding the right business partner actually teaches youWhy asking boldly and early changes the trajectory of your careerHow loss, faith, and service shape resilient leaders and dealmakersLance also shares the story behind building and launching a nationally recognized sports training product, what he learned about partnerships, and why integrity matters more than ROI alone. If you lead people, build companies, or wrestle with balancing ambition, faith, and responsibility, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Connect with Lance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-strother-8360243b/

    1h 5m
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5
out of 5
6 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
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Deal Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Deal Podcast