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. 6D AGO

    How R&D Tax Credits Impact Acquisitions with Bob Stabell

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles sit down with Bob Stabell of Think Tax Strategies to discuss how R&D tax credits, revitalized and expanded under the One Big Beautiful Bill, are creating real leverage for business buyers. Bob breaks down what qualifies today, how credits can be accessed retroactively in certain situations, and why these incentives matter far beyond traditional manufacturing or technology companies. This conversation is especially relevant for buyers navigating acquisitions in the lower and middle market, where tax strategy can materially impact deal economics, post-close cash flow, and negotiations with sellers. In this episode, we discuss: How R&D tax credits actually work and why they differ from deductions What types of businesses qualify today, including service and field-based companies How buyers use credits as negotiation and cash-flow tools in acquisitions What the process looks like and how Bob’s team supports CPAs and buyers Guest Contact Information Bob Stabell Think Tax Strategies Website: thinktaxstrategies.com Email: robert@thinktaxstrategies.com Additional Resources Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 2, 2026 in Houston. Use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket. Learn more at: malaunchpad.com Contact the M&A Launchpad team at: info@equitylaunchpad.com Explore more resources at: equity-launchpad.com Chapters        00:00 – M&A Launchpad Conference invitation + code LAUNCH for $150 off 00:57 – Introducing Bob Stabell and the opportunity created by the “Big Beautiful Bill” 02:28 – Bob’s background: 30+ years in tax incentives and R&D credits 04:12 – “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep”: why buyers should care 04:26 – What changed under the Big Beautiful Bill (retroactive access and timing) 06:16 – R&D credit history and how “new to you” expanded eligibility 07:30 – Credit vs. deduction: why the math works differently 09:09 – Superseding returns vs. amendments and how refunds get processed faster 10:10 – Service business examples: how companies qualify without “creating widgets” 11:24 – Field fixes and prototypes: what counts as qualified activity 12:38 – What you need to provide (tax returns, payroll, financials) and what the team does 13:03 – Real-world results: six-figure credits and how they carry forward 14:10 – Acquisition structure, stub years, and how credits create negotiation leverage 15:40 – Ongoing benefit: lowering quarterly tax payments and improving cash flow 18:34 – Audit defense and why the technical report matters 20:48 – Other strategies buyers miss: cost segregation, 179D, and “out of matrix” review 22:14 – How big is this program? Budget growth and who benefits most 24:57 – How Bob works with CPAs to get filings done correctly 28:21 – Fees and billing: retainer + percentage of credits collected (typical ROI framing) 31:07 – Is it permanent? How the credit became part of the tax code long-term 32:54 – How to reach Bob for a quick fit-check call 33:18 – Rocket Round

    38 min

  2. JAN 22

    Mastering Deals, Capital and People with Kevin Ramsier

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa sit down with Kevin Ramsier, founder of Sier Capital, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a private equity platform. Kevin shares his journey from leaving a stable corporate career to launching a firm built on disciplined deal sourcing, strong relationships, and flexible investment structures. He explains why private equity success hinges on three core pillars—equity, deals, and people—and how an imbalance in any one area can limit growth. The conversation goes beyond theory and dives into execution, highlighting the realities of sourcing deals, structuring investments, and surrounding yourself with people who elevate the business. Kevin also reflects on risk-taking, adaptability, and the personal growth that comes with entrepreneurship in the M&A space. Key Topics Discussed Transitioning from corporate stability to entrepreneurship Why people are the true unfair advantage in private equity The three legs of the private equity stool: equity, deals, and people Relationship-driven deal sourcing strategies Flexibility in deal structuring and investor alignment Lessons learned from scaling a private equity firm Risk, vision, and adapting to changing market conditions Contact: Kevin Ramsier  Founder, Sier Capital  kramsier@siercapital.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askramsier/ Additional Resources Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group.   Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com  M&A Launchpad Conference – May 2, 2026, Houston, Texas. Use Code: LAUNCH for $150 off Learn more: https://malaunchpad.com  Contact the show hosts: Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equitylaunchpad.com Explore more: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  Chapters 00:00 – M&A Launchpad Conference overview  01:21 – Meet Kevin Ramsier and his background  02:59 – Leaving corporate and betting on entrepreneurship  07:43 – The three legs of private equity: people, deals, and capital  10:40 – Deal sourcing and relationship-driven growth  19:13 – Recent deal structures and financing strategies  23:44 – Investment flexibility and aligning with investors  28:39 – Favorite types of businesses and future goals  31:06 – Rocket Round 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/

    38 min

  3. JAN 16

    Bought a $450K Company - Grew It to $5M with Enrique Rodriguez

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Casey Minshew and Ben Suttles sit down with Enrique Rodriguez, owner of Mag General Power Solutions. Enrique shares how he went from electrical engineer, master electrician, and professional engineer to business owner by acquiring an electrical contracting business for $450,000 in an all-cash deal in September 2024.   In this podcast episode, we discuss:  Deal terms: the $450K all-cash purchase and what was included (equipment, limited backlog/contracts, and accounts receivable)  Quality of Earnings: where small-business financials can mislead buyers (add-backs, credit cards, and lines of credit)  Post-close reality: managing cash flow, people, and growth capital in a contracting business  Scaling from roughly $1.3M revenue at close to a $5M annual run rate and what that growth required  Culture as a growth constraint: why growing too fast can change a company’s DNA  Guest Contact Info:  Email: enrique@maggeneralinc.com  Additional Resources:  Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com.  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  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/

    31 min

  4. 12/15/2025

    What No One Tells You About Buying Manufacturing Businesses with Casey Minshew

    In this episode, the M&A Launchpad Podcast hosts, Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew, share the unfiltered story behind their acquisition of H&M Plating, an industrial chrome plating company with multiple locations and a large operational footprint. They walk through how the deal was sourced off-market, how the capital stack evolved after a significant appraisal gap, and what it took to operate the business post-close. This is a candid look at the realities of buying and running a heavy manufacturing business—and the lessons they learned the hard way.   Key Topics Discussed: · Sourcing an off-market manufacturing acquisition · Structuring a $20M deal when valuations change · AR lending, seller notes, and earnouts · Reps & warranties in equipment-heavy businesses · Navigating the post-acquisition J-curve · ERP implementation, culture change, and leadership turnover   M&A Launchpad Conference Join us at the M&A Launchpad Conference happening in May in Houston. This one-day, high-impact event is designed for acquisition entrepreneurs serious about sourcing, structuring, and closing deals. Use code LAUNCH for $200 off. Learn more at: https://www.malaunchpad.com Sponsor Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—your dynamic Quality of Earnings partner. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com. About Equity Launchpad Equity Launchpad helps acquisition entrepreneurs move from interest to ownership through education, content, community, and real-world deal experience. Through conferences, podcasts, and insights from active buyers, Equity Launchpad supports those serious about buying and operating businesses. Learn more at: https://www.equity-launchpad.com Reach out to Casey and Feras at 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

  5. 12/05/2025

    How to Build Wealth with Small Bets with Mandy McAllister

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with entrepreneur and investor Mandy McAllister to unpack what business ownership really looks like behind the scenes. Mandy shares how she used small apartment buildings to buy her way out of a W2, why she added a car wash and a motel to her portfolio, and how she manages the very real brain space cost that comes with owning operating businesses. From constant maintenance at the car wash to guest experience at her Wisconsin lake motel, Mandy breaks down the expectations, challenges, and mindset shifts required to own and grow multiple businesses while still being an engaged mom and community builder. She also talks about Go Abundance Women, building a tribe of high-performing women, and why more women should be in the business acquisition game. In this podcast episode, we discuss: · How Mandy transitioned from medical device sales into apartment investing · Using midsize multifamily as a floor of income to safely leave a W2 · Why the wealthiest people she met owned businesses, not just real estate · Buying a car wash: constant breakdowns, brain space, and risk-adjusted returns · How expectations shape your experience of challenges in business ownership · The motel acquisition story and repositioning it as a lake-town experience · SOPs, guest communication, and designing memorable peak moments · Running numbers, worst-case scenarios, and asymmetric risk/reward bets · The power of community: Go Abundance Women and thinking bigger together · Why we need more women in acquisitions and how Mandy backs female-led deals Guest Contact Info: · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themandymcallister · Website: https://www.mandymcallister.com   Additional Resources: Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—your dynamic Quality of Earnings partner. Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com. Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – Upcoming May2, 2026 in Houston, TX This one-day event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers who are serious about buying and scaling businesses. Learn from headliners, talk to real operators who have closed deals, and connect with vendors who can support your quality of earnings, due diligence, capital raising, and financing needs. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $150 off. For all M&A Launchpad and podcast inquiries—or to connect with hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa—email info@equity-launchpad.com. Explore more at 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: 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/

    35 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    How $100M Sell-Side Deals Really Get Done with Patrick Galleher

    Patrick Galleher of Boxwood Partners breaks down how a professional $100M sell-side process works—prepping financials, running IOIs, conducting management meetings, and choosing the right private equity partner. We cover the full seven-month timeline, rollover equity, how buyers are screened, and the biggest mistakes founders make when they take their eye off the business. Patrick also shares real examples of deals that drew massive buyer demand.   What We Discuss • How Boxwood structures sell-side processes for $50M–$150M deals • Why founders typically keep 15–40% rollover equity • How IOIs work and how 150–350 buyers are narrowed down • What happens inside a 3-hour management meeting • Why sell-side QofE is required before going to market • Common seller mistakes that kill deals • What private equity values most right now   Guest Contact Info LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickgalleher/ Website: https://www.boxwoodpartners.com Additional Resources Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and financial due diligence partner for business acquisitions. Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com M&A Launchpad Conference – May 2, 2026 - Houston, TX Tickets: https://www.malaunchpad.com Use code LAUNCH for $150 off. Contact the Hosts info@equitylaunchpad.com https://www.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/

    40 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    How Top Business Brokers Really Choose Buyers with Trent Lee

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew sit down with Trent Lee, a multi-year IBBA Top Individual Deal Maker and #1 business broker in the U.S. for closed transactions. Trent breaks down how great brokers actually think about valuation, deal structure, and—most importantly—how they qualify both sellers and buyers.  From getting price and structure “bankable” for SBA lenders to using SDE, EBITDA, and adbacks the right way, Trent explains why most brokers are doing sellers a disservice and how he approaches deals very differently. He also shares exactly what buyers need to do to be taken seriously, stand out in a database of 45,000+ buyers, and get access to the best pre-market listings.  Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an independent sponsor, or a founder thinking about selling in the next few years, this is a masterclass in how deals actually get done in the small and lower-middle market.  In this podcast episode, we discuss:  How Trent went from frustrated seller to award-winning business broker and credentialed appraiser  Why most business brokers get valuation wrong—and how that hurts both sellers and buyers  The appraisal and valuation process: SDE vs. EBITDA, adbacks, debt service coverage, and SBA guidelines  How Trent “indoctrinates” sellers with education before he ever takes a business to market  Getting sellers realistic on both price and terms (the price/terms “teeter-totter”)  Why some owners discover they’re not actually ready—or able—to exit when they first call a broker  How Trent built a 45,000+ buyer database and uses pre-market listings to drive competition  The rise of more sophisticated buyers and why “buying boring businesses” is beating startup risk  Seller financing realities: when seller notes help, when they hurt, and why he rarely recommends big carries for SBA deals  How to approach brokers the right way as a buyer (and what instantly tags you as a tire kicker)  Why being “industry agnostic” is a red flag and how to define a strong, credible buy box  The right sequencing: proof of funds, SBA pre-approval, and moving fast on non-binding offers  How to use due diligence to justify price adjustments when adbacks or owner comp are off  Trent’s Rocket Round: competitive tennis, a $19M triple-up exit story, and how he uses AI and automation to close more deals than most brokers combined  Guest Contact Info:  Website: https://www.sellbusinessinlasvegas.com  Email: Trent@fcbb.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentlee  YouTube (free education for buyers and sellers): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncOtmBY1gbuE6wDyaFfwBw  Social & free buyer resources hub: https://linktr.ee/trentlee  Additional Resources:  Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—your dynamic Quality of Earnings partner. Visit: http://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com.  Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – Coming October 2025, date and location TBD. This one-day event brings together operators, searchers, independent sponsors, lenders, and deal professionals for tactical sessions on deal sourcing, capital raising, quality of earnings, due diligence, and post-close operations. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $150 off your ticket.  M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – To connect with hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa about deals, partnerships, or speaking, 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/

    41 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    From Divorce Papers to a $1M Business Acquisition with Raj Kankaria

    In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew chat with Houston-based operator and Army veteran Raj Kankaria, owner of Lone Star Attorney Service—the largest process service company in Harris County. Raj breaks down how a career pivot and a tough life moment led him to discover a niche, recurring-revenue business, why he structured the acquisition with heavy seller financing, and how implementing EOS unlocked rapid growth from ~700–800 serves per month to ~1,200 in just a few months. We get into margins, pricing, who pays for service of process, the realities of post-close change management, and how disciplined leadership from the military translates into small-business execution.  In this podcast episode, we discuss:  Raj’s path: Army → Rice MBA → Investment banking → Acquisition entrepreneur  How getting served divorce papers revealed a business opportunity  What a process server actually does and who pays for it in different case types  Inside Lone Star Attorney Service: pricing transparency, sticky clients, and 25%+ margins  Deal structure: ~$1M valuation, ~4x forward EBITDA, 60% seller note, 30% seller rollover, 10% buyer equity  Why seller financing protects both parties and can create better after-tax outcomes  First-90-days playbook: immediate cultural reset, policy changes, and EOS implementation  Operational cadence: weekly L10s, issue-solving, and aligning the team to quarterly targets  Growth unlocks: InfoTrack preferred-vendor status and a tax-protest client adding steady volume  Technology collaboration with the case-management vendor versus building in-house  What’s next: organic growth, acquisitions, offshoring, and scaling statewide  Guest Contact Info:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkankaria/  Company: Lone Star Attorney Service (Houston, TX)  Email: (shared during the episode)  Additional Resources:  Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O’Connell Advisory Group—your dynamic Quality of Earnings partner. Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com  M&A Launchpad Conference – Upcoming May 2, 2026 in Houston, TX. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $150 off.  Contact the Hosts – Email Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at info@equitylaunchpad.com. Equity Launchpad helps founders and operators learn to buy, operate, and scale small businesses. Learn more at 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: 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/

    39 min
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5
out of 5
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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
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    M&A Launchpad