MATCHplay

Thad Miller
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

MATCHPlay — Hosted by Thad Miller, MATCHPlay explores the parallels between building a strong golf game and planning a successful business transition. Each episode features insights, stories, and strategies to help you stay on course—whether you're on the green or planning your next big move.

  1. APR 24

    Season 2 Lessons on Growth, EBITDA, and Leadership

    What does it really take to prepare your business for a successful sale? In this MATCHplay Season 2 wrap, Thad Miller breaks down key insights from top guests on business growth, EBITDA, leadership, and transition planning. Learn why companies stall, how to overcome growth valleys, what buyers actually look for, and why financial transparency, strong balance sheets, and early preparation are critical. This episode features highlights from leading voices in business, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, all focused on helping owners build stronger, more valuable companies. Plus, a closing lesson from golf pro Tony Pancake on why success comes from mastering the fundamentals, both on the course and in business.   🎧 Listen to MATCHplay on Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1gymVuZio3JiveegeNZ2RT?si=ea26bd704b8c4162    🎧 Listen to MATCHplay on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matchplay/id1843210078   📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and successful business exits - https://www.youtube.com/@MATCHplaypod

    28 min

  2. APR 3

    Timing the Exit with Doug Cole

    When is the right time to sell your business? In this episode of MATCHplay, Thad Miller sits down with Doug Cole, co-founder of Performance Assessment Network, to talk about building fast, selling at the right moment, and what happens after the deal closes. Doug helped grow Performance Assessment Network into one of the fastest-growing companies in the region before it was acquired for $75 million in just over five years. But the real story isn't just the number. It's how the decision to sell was made while the business still had momentum, and how he evaluated the right partner to carry it forward. This conversation breaks down the tension every founder faces. Do you keep building and see how far it can go, or do you take the opportunity in front of you? If you're building a business, thinking about an exit, or wondering how to time a sale, this episode will give you a real perspective from someone who's been through it. What You'll Learn: How to know when it's the right time to sell your business The pros and cons of selling early vs. holding longer How to evaluate buyers beyond just price What it feels like to sell while the business is still growing What changes when you stay on after an acquisition How founders should think about timing, risk, and opportunity About the Guest: Doug Cole is the co-founder of Performance Assessment Network (PAN), a technology company focused on online hiring and assessment tools. Under his leadership, the company scaled rapidly and was acquired for $75 million. He remained involved following the acquisition, helping guide the company through its next phase of growth.   🎧 Listen to MATCHplay on Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1gymVuZio3JiveegeNZ2RT?si=ea26bd704b8c4162    🎧 Listen to MATCHplay on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matchplay/id1843210078   📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and successful business exits - https://www.youtube.com/@MATCHplaypod

    39 min

  3. MAR 30

    WTF is EBITDA - Matt Howard CPA, CVA

    What is EBITDA, and why does it matter when selling a business? If you don't understand EBITDA and quality of earnings, you don't understand what your business is actually worth. In this episode of MATCHplay, Thad Miller sits down with Matt Howard, Director at Blue & Co. LLC, to break down the language every business owner hears during a sale but few actually understand. Matt specializes in business valuation, transaction advisory, and quality of earnings, working on hundreds of deals across dental, veterinary, and small business markets each year. He lives inside the numbers that determine what a business is really worth and what actually holds up when buyers take a closer look. This conversation cuts through the noise and explains, in plain English, the terms that can make or break a deal. If you're planning to sell your business, thinking about valuation, or just want to understand how deals actually work, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: What EBITDA really means (and why it's often misunderstood) How "add-backs" work and where owners get it wrong What a Quality of Earnings (QoE) report is and why buyers require it The difference between headline valuation and real deal value What terms like JV and HoldCo actually mean in a transaction How deal structure impacts what you walk away with About the Guest: Matt Howard is a CPA, Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). As a Director in the Transaction Advisory Services Group at Blue & Co., he provides valuation, due diligence, and consulting services for businesses across the United States. Listen to MATCHplay on Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1gymVuZio3JiveegeNZ2RT?si=ea26bd704b8c4162  Listen to MATCHplay on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matchplay/id1843210078 Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and successful business exits - https://www.youtube.com/@MATCHplaypod

    25 min

  4. MAR 13

    Tim Donnar on Selling Reindeer Logistics

    What does it take to build a company someone else wants to buy? In this episode of MATCHplay, Thad Miller sits down with Tim Donnar, founder of Reindeer Logistics, to talk about entrepreneurship, long-term business building, and the moment every founder eventually faces — deciding whether it's time to sell. Tim started Reindeer Logistics in 1997 from his basement after working in the moving industry with Mayflower. What began as a small third-party logistics service grew into a company with more than 90 employees and a strong reputation across the industry. After nearly two decades of steady growth, private equity firms began approaching Tim with acquisition offers. He turned down several before ultimately deciding the timing and partnership were right to sell in 2016. Today, Tim serves on the board and watches the company continue into its next chapter. This conversation explores what founders should focus on if they want to build a business with real long-term value — and how to recognize the moment when it's time to let the company move forward without you. In this episode, we discuss: • Starting a logistics company from a basement in 1997 • Identifying opportunity in the moving and relocation industry • Building reputation, relationships, and operational strength • Growing Reindeer Logistics to more than 90 employees • The first time a private equity firm approached to buy the company • Why Tim turned down multiple acquisition offers • How founders evaluate when the right deal finally appears • What it feels like to sell the company you built • The transition from founder to board member • What makes a company attractive to buyers • Advice for entrepreneurs hoping to build a sellable business 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gymVuZio3JiveegeNZ2RT?si=c1bb4ed2a1804751 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matchplay/id1843210078 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and successful business exits: https://www.youtube.com/@MATCHplaypod 📲 Follow MATCHplay for episode clips, leadership insights, and updates. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matchplay-podcast_matchplay-activity-7384933454620127232-omt3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchplaypodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    27 min

  5. MAR 6

    Building & Scaling an InsureTech Company

    What separates companies that stall from those that accelerate? In this episode of MATCHplay, Thad Miller sits down with Sohrab Motaghedi, Co-founder and Vice President of Operations at ClarionDoor, to explore the moments in business when momentum shifts — and what it takes to recognize opportunity early and act with conviction. Rob has spent more than 20 years working in the InsureTech space, helping insurance companies distribute and manage their products through technology. Over the course of his career, he has helped build two successful startups from the ground up — guiding them through growth, scale, and ultimately acquisition. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, operational leadership, startup growth, and the real moments when preparation, timing, and opportunity collide. For founders, operators, and business leaders looking to scale companies or navigate growth stages, Rob shares practical lessons on building teams, capitalizing on inflection points, and sustaining momentum in competitive industries. In this episode, we discuss:     •    What draws entrepreneurs into the startup world     •    Early lessons from working inside fast-growing tech companies     •    The realities of scaling a software business     •    Why operational strength determines whether companies grow or stall     •    "Lightning in a bottle" moments that accelerated ClarionDoor's growth     •    How LinkedIn networking helped spark unexpected business opportunities     •    The role of cloud technology and timing in InsureTech expansion     •    Building teams that can execute under pressure     •    Transitioning from hands-on operator to strategic leader     •    The systems founders need before growth hits     •    Common mistakes entrepreneurs make during expansion     •    Advice for founders waiting for their own inflection point   🎧 Listen to MATCHplay on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ 1gymVuZio3Ji.. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/ podcast/matc... 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and successful business exits.  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MATCHplaypod 📲 Follow MATCHplay for episode clips, leadership insights, and updates. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matchplay-podcast_matchplay-activity-7384933454620127232-omt3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchplaypodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    32 min

  6. FEB 27

    Building and Selling a Functional Medicine Practice

    What does it take to build a healthcare practice that actually reflects your values — and could one day become a sellable asset? In this episode of MATCHplay, Thad Miller sits down with Dr. Tanya Lawson, licensed naturopathic doctor, functional medicine expert, and founder of In Bloom Health in New Hampshire, to talk about redefining patient care — and what it takes to build a modern, purpose-driven healthcare business. Dr. Lawson shares her journey from conventional clinical settings to launching a root-cause, functional medicine practice designed around personalization, prevention, and long-term patient relationships. But this conversation goes beyond medicine. It's about:
• Stepping outside traditional systems
• Building a differentiated healthcare model
• Creating brand trust in a niche market
• And developing a practice that isn't just fulfilling — but valuable. For healthcare entrepreneurs, practice owners, and founders thinking about growth, scalability, or eventual transition, this episode offers powerful perspective.

    33 min

  7. FEB 25

    Bank Executive Joe DiNicola

    What does it take to build a market-leading healthcare lending business inside one of the world's largest banks? In this episode of MATCHplay, Joe DiNicola shares the remarkable journey from co-founding Sky Financial Solutions to leading Practice Solutions through its acquisition by Bank of America — all while navigating the historic financial crisis and scaling a specialized healthcare lending platform. Joe's story is a masterclass in maintaining an entrepreneurial culture inside a large institution, building high-performing teams, and staying relentlessly focused on client value. If you're a founder, healthcare entrepreneur, banker, or operator — this episode is for you. ✅ In this episode, we discuss:     •    Building Sky Financial Solutions from the ground up     •    Transitioning from independent firm to Bank of America subsidiary     •    Leading through the 2008 financial crisis     •    Why niche focus in dentists, veterinarians, and physicians wins     •    The three principles that drove Practice Solutions' success     •    Maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset inside big banking     •    Developing talent that becomes future industry leaders     •    Scaling specialty lending across multiple business units     •    Lessons from overseeing SBA, franchise, and government contractor lending   🎧 Listen to MATCHplay on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ 1gymVuZio3Ji.. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/ podcast/matc... 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and successful business exits.  Youtube: https://youtu.be/aKBnxToQnvc 📲 Follow MATCHplay for episode clips, leadership insights, and updates. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matchplay-podcast_matchplay-activity-7384933454620127232-omt3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchplaypodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    32 min

  8. FEB 13

    Executive Business Coach & Former Medical Device Company Founder

    Building a successful company is one thing. Building a company that can scale, endure, and eventually sell at its peak is something entirely different. In this episode of MATCHplay, Thad Miller sits down with Tim Wiley, executive business coach and former medical device company founder, to unpack what it really takes to create long-term enterprise value and position a business for a successful exit. Tim grew a medical device company and sold it at its peak. Today, he works closely with CEOs and leadership teams in mid-market companies, giving him a front-row seat to what separates businesses that scale intentionally from those that stall when it comes time to transition. This conversation is about entrepreneurship, leadership structure, culture, and the mindset shift required to build something that does not depend entirely on you. If you are a founder, entrepreneur, or business owner thinking about scaling, succession planning, or eventually selling your company, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Tim built and sold his medical device company at the right time ✅ The early decisions that shape long-term business value ✅ Patterns that separate companies that scale from those that plateau ✅ Mistakes founders make that quietly erode enterprise value ✅ Why leadership structure and company culture impact valuation ✅ When entrepreneurs should realistically start thinking about exit planning ✅ How to shift from founder-driven operations to a business that runs without you ✅ Trends in the acquisition landscape and what buyers are looking for today ✅ Lessons Tim would apply differently if he could sell again 🎧 Listen to MATCHplay on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ 1gymVuZio3Ji.. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/ podcast/matc... 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and successful business exits.  Youtube: https://youtu.be/aKBnxToQnvc 📲 Follow MATCHplay for episode clips, leadership insights, and updates. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matchplay-podcast_matchplay-activity-7384933454620127232-omt3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchplaypodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

MATCHPlay — Hosted by Thad Miller, MATCHPlay explores the parallels between building a strong golf game and planning a successful business transition. Each episode features insights, stories, and strategies to help you stay on course—whether you're on the green or planning your next big move.

Information

  • Creator
    Thad Miller
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    MATCHplay