M&A Launchpad

Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa
  • 5.0 (12)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Gain insights on acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, The M&A Launchpad Podcast equips you with the knowledge and guidance to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad Apply to be a guest: https://forms.gle/pqNb8xrzyFzVYxzq6 Join The M&A Launchpad Conference- https://www.malaunchpad.com/

  1. 1D AGO

    Infinite Banking for Business Buyers with Erica Neal

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Erica Neal, an infinite banking practitioner, real estate investor, and acquisition entrepreneur. Erica breaks down how infinite banking works, how cash value life insurance can be used as a financial tool, and how she is applying these strategies to acquire and scale a CPA firm.    This episode connects liquidity strategy with deal execution, showing how entrepreneurs can build capital, protect assets, and deploy funds into acquisitions more efficiently.  In this episode, we discuss:  What infinite banking is and how it differs from traditional banking  How cash value whole life insurance functions as a private banking system  Borrowing against your policy while continuing to earn compound growth  Asset protection strategies and why policies act as a financial “vault”  Using life insurance to meet SBA liquidity and collateral requirements  Erica’s strategy for acquiring a CPA firm  The difference between buying a firm vs. a book of business  How she sourced deals using niche brokerage platforms  Negotiation dynamics including SBA delays and non-compete structuring  CPA firm valuation multiples and how timing impacted pricing  Using policy loans for down payments and maintaining control of capital  Turning your policy into a revolving source of capital for future deals  The role of masterminds and accountability in scaling a business  Guest Contact Information:  Email: erica@infinityinvestmentstrategies.com  Additional Resources:  Equity Launchpad – A platform for acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and operators focused on buying and scaling businesses.  Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. This is a one-day, high-impact event focused on real deal execution. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off tickets: https://malaunchpad.com  Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equity-launchpad.com  About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    37 min

  2. APR 2

    Why Most Business Deals Fall Apart | Drew Eckman

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Drew Eckman, founder of SMB Loan Support. Drew shares his journey from M&A attorney to operator to advisor, and how he now helps acquisition entrepreneurs successfully finance and close deals.    They break down one of the most overlooked aspects of buying a business—structuring and financing—and why having the right team early can make or break your deal. Drew also dives into common mistakes buyers make, how lenders really think, and why working capital can quietly destroy an otherwise great acquisition.    If you're serious about buying a business, this episode is packed with real-world insight on how to actually get deals across the finish line.  In This Episode, We Discuss:  Why building the right deal team early is critical to closing successfully  The hidden risks in financing structures and how lenders actually evaluate deals  Working capital mistakes that can kill your business after closing  How to stand out in a competitive market when buying a business  Guest Contact Information  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-eckman-15918613/  Website: https://smbloansupport.co/  Additional Resources  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Use code: LAUNCH for $150 off. Event details: https://www.malaunchpad.com/event/Houston2026/summary  Equity Launchpad – Resources, community, and support for acquisition entrepreneurs looking to buy, scale, and operate businesses. Website: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equity-launchpad.com  About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    36 min

  3. MAR 27

    Stop Wasting Time Searching for Deals with Liz Macrae

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Liz MacRae, co-founder of Village Wealth, a deal management platform built specifically for acquisition entrepreneurs and self-funded searchers.  Liz shares how her experience as a business broker exposed major inefficiencies on the buy side—and how Village Wealth was created to solve them. From building credibility with brokers to organizing deal flow, underwriting opportunities, and leveraging AI to accelerate the acquisition process, this episode breaks down how serious buyers are gaining an edge.  The conversation also dives into the evolving M&A landscape, why it’s getting harder to stand out with brokers and sellers, and what it actually takes today to compete for quality deals.  In this episode, we discuss:  How Village Wealth helps buyers organize, evaluate, and accelerate their deal search    Why credibility with brokers is critical—and how to stand out in a crowded market    How AI and structured processes are changing how deals are sourced and underwritten    The realities of today’s acquisition market, including competition, proprietary sourcing challenges, and where opportunities still exist    Guest Contact Info:  Email: Liz@villagewellth.com   Additional Resources:  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Use code: LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket.    Get details: https://malaunchpad.com    Ready to start your acquisition journey or scale faster?    Work directly with the Equity Launchpad team to source deals, structure acquisitions, and raise capital alongside experienced operators.    Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equity-launchpad.com    Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com      About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: 🎧 Podcast on Apple: 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    29 min

  4. MAR 17

    Independent Sponsor Deals: Structure, Capital, and Risk with Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa unpack one of the biggest topics in the acquisition world right now: the independent sponsor model. They walk through what an independent sponsor actually is, how the model compares to ETA and SBA-backed acquisitions, and why larger deals often require a completely different capital strategy.  They also get practical about how these deals come together in the real world, from seller conversations and LOIs to Quality of Earnings, lender outreach, data rooms, and the long timeline it can take to build credibility in the market. If you are trying to understand how independent sponsor deals are structured, how sponsors get paid, and what it really takes to close one, this episode gives you a grounded look at the path.  In this episode, we discuss:  What an independent sponsor is and how it differs from a traditional private equity fund  Why bigger deals often fall outside the SBA and classic ETA model  The tradeoff between control, risk, and upside in different acquisition structures  How independent sponsors get paid through upfront fees, management fees, and promote  Why SBIC lenders matter and how they can bring both debt and equity to a deal  What it takes to structure an LOI, align with a seller, and package a deal for capital partners  Why Quality of Earnings, a teaser, an NDA process, and a data room are all critical to fundraising  How long it can take to build traction as an independent sponsor and why patience matters  What lenders and equity partners want to see before they back a sponsor  Additional Resources:  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com  Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equity-launchpad.com  Explore more at Equity Launchpad: https://equity-launchpad.com  About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    27 min

  5. MAR 5

    Franchising as a Wealth Engine with Jeff Dudan

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Jeff Dudan, CEO of HomeFront Brands, to break down why franchising can be one of the most powerful wealth-creation models in the lower middle market. Jeff shares how he built a restoration business into a national franchise, scaled it to 240 locations across 37 states, and ultimately exited the company—plus what he learned about building durable systems and strong operator relationships along the way. They also get tactical on what it really takes to franchise a concept the right way, including the operational proof required before selling franchises, what franchise fees actually cover, and why undercapitalized franchisors create failure downstream. If you’re evaluating a franchise acquisition, considering a franchise as an alternative to a standalone SMB purchase, or thinking about turning your business into a franchise system, this episode is packed with practical context. In this episode, we discuss: · Franchises vs. independent businesses: when a proven system wins · The franchisor mindset: building relationships, engagement, and operator success · How Jeff scaled AdvantaClean to 240 locations and exited the business · What makes a franchise concept “ready” to franchise (proof, KPIs, and a second location run by someone else) · The real cost of franchising: legal docs, operations manuals, and the capital needed to support owners · Why initial franchise fees don’t “fund growth” (and what they actually pay for) · What private equity is doing in franchising: moving from brands into the boxes · Multi-brand ownership: when it works, when it doesn’t, and why focus matters · Typical franchise royalty ranges and what buyers should expect   Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan Website: https://www.jeffdudan.com FranMastery: https://franmastery.com HomeFront Brands: https://homefrontbrands.com   Additional Resources: · Register for the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas: https://malaunchpad.com. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket · Have a question for the hosts? Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equitylaunchpad.com · Visit Equity Launchpad — a Houston-based investment and acquisition firm that buys, scales, and grows established lower-to-middle-market businesses while providing opportunities for investors: https://equity-launchpad.com   About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    51 min

  6. FEB 26

    How to Buy Online Businesses in 2026 with Blake Hutchison

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa, to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital M&A. Flippa is one of the largest marketplaces to buy and sell online businesses, with over 1.6 million registered users and transactions ranging from $10,000 to $10 million. Blake shares insights into current valuation trends across e-commerce, SaaS, and content businesses, how AI is reshaping deal sourcing, and what today’s buyers need to understand about skill sets, brand equity, and community-driven business models. If you're considering buying your first digital asset or integrating digital distribution into an existing company, this episode delivers practical guidance and forward-looking strategy. In this episode, we discuss: · What Flippa is and how the marketplace works · Deal size ranges on Flippa: $10K to $10M · Valuation multiples for e-commerce, SaaS, and content businesses · Why brand equity and community matter more than ever · What skill sets buyers need when acquiring digital businesses · Financing options including SBA loans, seller financing, and syndicates · Using digital assets as owned media and distribution channels · Lauren AI: Flippa’s AI-powered off-market deal sourcing tool · How AI is changing the M&A lifecycle · Flippa’s partner directory and M&A ecosystem support Guest Information: · Email: blake@flippa.com · Website: https://flippa.com Additional Resources: · Register for the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas: https://malaunchpad.com. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket · Have a question for the hosts? Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equity-launchpad.com · Visit Equity Launchpad — a Houston-based investment and acquisition firm that buys, scales, and grows established lower-to-middle-market businesses while providing opportunities for investors: https://equity-launchpad.com   About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    40 min

  7. FEB 19

    She Bought a 60-Year-Old HR Firm: A Self-Funded Acquisition Story with Marci LaRouech

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Marci LaRouech, CEO and owner of Seay HR, to unpack her path from two decades in HR outsourcing to buying a 60-year-old HR consulting firm. Marci shares how she narrowed her search, why she chose a self-funded acquisition, what she actually bought (a book of fractional HR clients and a strong team), and how she modernized operations while keeping the business stable for long-tenured clients.  In this podcast episode, we discuss:  How Marci discovered entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) through the PEO world and mentors in Hawaii  Why she chose a self-funded search (and what she was aiming for: ~$250K–$1M in SDE)  How her deal came together through a warm intro—and closed fast after months of reps  What she bought: an asset sale, a sticky book of business, and a seasoned team delivering fractional HR  Post-close approach: “do no harm,” stabilize first, then upgrade contracts, pricing, and client experience  Modernization moves: monday.com as a CRM, better tracking, an HR hotline, and AI-powered research tools  PEO valuation multiples (as she saw them in 2023–2024) and why that market didn’t fit her goals  The emotional side of ownership: responsibility, pressure, and why she loves being back in the seat    Guest Contact Info:  Email: marci@seay.us  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mLaRouech/    Additional Resources:  Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. Use code: LAUNCH for $150 off. Get details: https://malaunchpad.com  Contact Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa: info@equitylaunchpad.com. Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  M&A Launchpad Conference – Upcoming in October 2025 Date and Location TBD  About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    40 min

  8. FEB 12

    Business Brokerage and SBA Loans with Clint Fiore

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Clint Fiore, Founder and CEO of Dealonomy, to break down what really happens behind the scenes in lower middle market mergers and acquisitions. Clint shares how his journey started with a simple goal: buy a business. That curiosity led him deep into the world of business brokerage, deal structuring, and valuation — and ultimately to building Dealonomy, a firm designed to bring more education, transparency, and alignment to the transaction process. The conversation dives into the biggest misconceptions buyers and sellers have, how SBA financing actually works in practice, and why many deals fall apart. Clint also explains why Dealonomy does not charge sellers and how that approach shifts incentives in meaningful ways. If you are considering buying your first business, selling a company, or building a career in M&A, this episode provides practical insight from someone who has structured and supported real transactions. In this podcast episode, we discuss: · How Clint Fiore built Dealonomy after exploring business ownership himself · The truth about business valuation and why education matters for sellers · Navigating SBA loans, deal terms, and common financing pitfalls · How broker incentives shape transactions and why Dealonomy does not charge sellers Guest Contact Information Clint Fiore Founder & CEO, Dealonomy Website: https://www.dealonomy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintfiore/ Additional Resources Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston, TX. This event brings together serious buyers, sellers, brokers, lenders, and operators who are actively closing deals. Use code LAUNCH for $200 off your ticket. Register at: https://malaunchpad.com To learn more about working with Equity Launchpad on acquiring, scaling, or exiting a business, visit: https://www.equity-launchpad.com For direct inquiries, email: info@equitylaunchpad.com About The M&A Launchpad: The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad: 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/

    43 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Gain insights on acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, The M&A Launchpad Podcast equips you with the knowledge and guidance to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MALaunchpad Apply to be a guest: https://forms.gle/pqNb8xrzyFzVYxzq6 Join The M&A Launchpad Conference- https://www.malaunchpad.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    M&A Launchpad

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