The Summit Series

Summit Achievers
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Summit Series is a podcast for business owners who want to build real value and prepare for what’s next, whether that means scaling, stepping away, or starting a new chapter.Each episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately to accelerate your business’s value. Pull up a seat with entrepreneurs, advisors, and wealth managers who have scaled companies, sold them, or guided others through these pivotal transitions.We take you behind the scenes to uncover how deals are structured, what buyers are really looking for, what slows momentum, and the traps to avoid.

Episodes

  1. 08/08/2025

    Summit Series | Ep. 5: The Hidden Risks That Kill Deals with Wes Shelton

    In this episode of the Summit Series, Craig Huston sits down with Wes Shelton, Managing Director at SM2 Advisors, to explore why most business owners aren’t ready to sell—and what it really takes to exit well. With hundreds of deals behind him, Wes breaks down the differences between brokers, M&A advisors, and investment banks, and shares why 80% of businesses never sell. From working capital traps to messy financials and overreliance on key employees, this conversation is packed with practical advice for owners who want to do it right. Topics Covered: Business brokers vs. M&A advisorsWhy deals fall apart in diligenceWorking capital and valuation pitfallsThe risk of relying too heavily on key peopleWhat buyers really want to see If you're thinking about a sale—or just want to build a business that’s ready—this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Tune in and take the next step.

    1h 1m

  2. 08/08/2025

    Summit Series | Ep. 4: The Five D’s That Derail (or Define) Your Business with Tripp Scott (Part 2)

    In this powerful conclusion to our conversation with Tripp Scott law firm, Craig Huston dives deeper into the remaining Five D’s—Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress—and how they can quietly erode (or intentionally protect) the value of your business. From navigating a partner breakup to surviving economic downturns, this episode reveals the strategies that resilient business owners use to plan ahead and exit on their terms. You’ll hear war stories, success stories, and actionable insights that prove one truth: the best time to prepare was yesterday; the next best time is today.  In this episode: What happens when business and marriage mix—and unravelHow to use buy-sell agreements to avoid drama and deadlockFunding your exit: lines of credit, redemption strategies, and why cash is kingWhy annual reviews of your legal docs are non-negotiableReal-world examples of what happens when owners fail (or succeed) in planning ahead Whether you're growing fast or hanging on for dear life, this episode is your blueprint for protecting your business, your family, and your future.

    35 min

  3. 08/08/2025

    Summit Series | Ep. 3: The Five D’s That Derail (or Define) Your Business with Tripp Scott (Part 1)

    What happens to your business when the unexpected hits? In this episode of the Summit Series, Craig Huston sits down with Dennis Smith and Mariana Seiler-DeJager of Tripp Scott law firm to unpack the Five D’s that can either derail your business or define its legacy: Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress. This candid conversation goes deep into real-life legal pitfalls that threaten closely held businesses—and more importantly, how to de-risk your company before they hit. From buy-sell agreements and spousal waivers to succession planning and the surprising reasons business owners avoid signing critical documents, you’ll hear what proactive leaders must do now to protect the value they’ve worked so hard to build. Whether you’re scaling, preparing for a transition, or just want to sleep better at night, this episode is your legal and strategic wake-up call. Listen in to learn: How to bulletproof your business against the unexpectedWhy life and disability insurance aren’t optionalThe hidden dangers of procrastinating legal planningHow the right documentation can preserve your company’s value—and your family’s legacy Value-driven leadership starts with preparation. This one’s a must-listen for founders, partners, and CEOs who want to protect what they’ve built and plan smart for what’s next.

    33 min

  4. 08/08/2025

    Summit Series | Ep. 2: Building Wealth & Planning Your Exit with Greg Edwards

    In this episode, Craig sits down with wealth manager Greg Edwards to unpack the crucial financial blind spots business owners often miss—and how to fix them before it’s too late. With over 30 years of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, Greg shares what every owner should know about preparing their business (and family) for a future transition—whether that’s scaling, selling, or stepping away. From financial strategy and business valuation to family dynamics and legacy planning, this is a must-listen for any founder looking to exit on their own terms. You’ll learn why 3–5 years of prep is non-negotiable, how to avoid leaving money on the table, and the biggest mistake owners make when it’s time to sell.  Guest: Greg Edwards, Partner, Wealth Manager, and trusted advisor to entrepreneurs across generations. Topics Covered: Transition planning and value creationTax traps and financial missteps to avoidReal stories of exits done right (and wrong)Family dynamics in legacy businessesWhy wealth management is more than investing Whether you're years from a transition or feeling the pressure now, this episode will help you take smarter steps toward your summit.

    54 min
  5. Summit Series | Ep. 1: What Business Owners Get Wrong in a Transaction with Addison Watson

    08/06/2025

    Summit Series | Ep. 1: What Business Owners Get Wrong in a Transaction with Addison Watson

    In this kickoff episode of the Summit Series, host Craig Huston sits down with Addison Watson, founder of Summit Legal Consultants and an expert transaction attorney, to pull back the curtain on what really happens during a business sale. Addison shares stories from both billion-dollar deals and Main Street exits to spotlight a common truth: smaller business owners often face bigger risks because they don't know what they don't know. From legal blind spots to how personal attachments sabotage valuation, this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom. Whether you're considering a future sale, building toward transition, or simply want to protect what you've built, this episode breaks down why legal strategy is not optional—and how working with the right advisor can make or save you six figures (or more). Topics Covered: Why most business owners are unprepared to sellThe top legal mistakes in transactions (and how to avoid them)Why your buyer is not your buddyBuilding clean business operations for better multiplesWhat makes a deal fall apart—and what makes it close well If you're building toward an exit or just want to maximize the value of your company, this episode is your insider playbook. 🎧 Listen now and elevate your business.

    1h 6m
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Summit Series is a podcast for business owners who want to build real value and prepare for what’s next, whether that means scaling, stepping away, or starting a new chapter.Each episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately to accelerate your business’s value. Pull up a seat with entrepreneurs, advisors, and wealth managers who have scaled companies, sold them, or guided others through these pivotal transitions.We take you behind the scenes to uncover how deals are structured, what buyers are really looking for, what slows momentum, and the traps to avoid.

Information

  • Creator
    Summit Achievers
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Summit Series
  • Show Website
    The Summit Series