Touchstone Talks

Deborah Agrafojo

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Business advisory podcast that discusses the latest trends and projectors with leading influencers in that space.

2D AGO

Ep 15: Financial Readiness - What it Really Means for M&A Success

In this episode, Janice O’Reilly, CPA, CGMA, Partner at AAFCPAs, discusses what financial readiness really means for business owners when the time comes to sell their business. With the day-to-day demands of running a company, many owners focus on their financials primarily for tax purposes, often without realizing how those same numbers will be viewed by a potential buyer. Janice explains the key financial data points buyers focus on during a transaction, including how revenue is recorded, expenses are allocated, working capital is assessed, and liabilities or accruals can surface late in the process. By engaging advisory support early, business owners can better understand their financial picture, set realistic expectations, navigate the complexity of a transaction, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues as a deal progresses. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

27 min
JAN 29

Ep 14: Marketing for Business Owners - Fill the Funnel, Nurture Leads, Close Faster

In this episode, Deborah sits down with Susan Catalano, Managing Partner of JQLaCorte, LLC, a full-service digital marketing agency supporting financial, professional services, and manufacturing businesses. Susan breaks down why marketing is one of the most important growth levers for business owners, helping fill the top of the funnel, nurture leads over time, and ultimately make it easier for sales teams to close. She explains the balance between traditional marketing and digital marketing, emphasizing that the “right” mix depends on where your customers actually are. Susan also shares what business owners can expect when building a marketing engine from typical ROI, to the importance of regular website updates, credible content strategies, and adapting to major shifts like AI-driven search results. For owners thinking ahead to an eventual exit, she highlights the value of creating a consistent, scalable lead generation system that isn’t overly dependent on the owner and how marketing audits, phased improvements, automation tools and fractional/outsourced teams can help get you there. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

30 min
JAN 15

Touchstone Talks: Ep. 13 - From Idea to Exit: Building a Business That Lasts

In this episode, David Wallace, author of Build Your Own Business(BYOB) and Program Manager for Exit AdvantageSM discusses how his book guides entrepreneurs from idea and passion to execution and building businesses that can grow beyond the founder. He shares the importance of early self-reflection to assess whether entrepreneurship is truly the right fit, market understanding, and planning, as well as shifting from working in the business to working on it through strong teams, processes, and structure. Wallace also explains how Exit Advantage helps owners strengthen their businesses to increase value, emphasizing that growth requires adaptation, clear goals, and planning for exit from the start to create resilient, valuable companies ready for the future. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

25 min
JAN 1

Touchstone Talks: Ep. 12 - Demystifying ESOPs: What Business Owners Need to Know Before Selling

Demystifying ESOPs: What Business Owners Need to Know Before Selling In this episode, Deborah is joined by Rich Glassman of ESOP Plus LLP. Rich shares his extensive knowledge of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), what he considers to be the best-kept secret in the tax code. Learn why ESOPs are a good option to explore when selling your business. Rich breaks down what an ESOP is, how it works and how it benefits the seller and the company. He addresses some misconceptions including complexity, cost and risk as well as future requirements and costs for the ESOP going forward. Drawing on his background in banking, management, a family-owned business and ESOP law, Rich encourages owners to keep an open mind, seek experienced advisors, and thoughtfully consider whether employee ownership could be the right option for your exit. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

33 min
12/18/2025

Touchstone Talks: Ep. 11 - M&A - Taking Control of Your ‘Online Assets’ Pre and Post Sale

In this episode, Rick Vidallon, Creative Director @ VISIONEFX, discusses how businesses can better manage and protect their digital or online assets . He emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over domains, logins, hosting accounts, and passwords, especially when selling or acquiring a company. It highlights best practices such as keeping an updated inventory of online assets, ensuring owners, not just managers, retain essential access. It emphasizes the value of updating websites regularly, ensuring accurate online listings, and using SEO best practices so search engines can properly recognize and rank a business. Even older sites can retain credibility, but fresh content improves visibility. The episode concludes with insights on tailoring social media and content strategies to a company’s audience and industry, and the role VISIONEFX plays in redesigning sites, improving SEO, and supporting content and social postings. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

28 min
12/04/2025

Touchstone Talks: Ep. 10 - Navigating Employment Law: Protecting Your Business

In this episode, employment attorney Bob Brody of Brody and Associates explains key employment-law issues business owners often overlook—from the National Labor Relations Act and protected employee activity to compliance challenges, I-9 requirements, and the importance of proactive audits. With a practice focus on labor, employment and benefits, he discusses how early employment-law preparation can strengthen a company’s position during a sale, and how tools like non-competes, non-solicits, and confidentiality agreements protect a business. Bob also touches on modern challenges such as AI, remote work, and training gaps touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

37 min
11/20/2025

Touchstone Talks: Ep. 9 - Inside the SBA Loan Process: Insights for Entrepreneurs and First-Time Buyers

In this episode, Michelle Orr of Live Oak Bank shares her decades of experience working in SBA lending and partnering with entrepreneurs looking to acquire businesses. She explains what makes Live Oak’s process unique and her quarterback-style approach from prequalification through closing. Michelle outlines key SBA rules, deal structures, limits, and expectations for both first-time buyers and seasoned acquirers, as well as common red flags such as unstable revenue trends, customer concentration, and heavy seller dependence. She walks listeners through timelines, diligence requirements, and transition planning, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and building the right team of advisors. Michelle also highlights current SBA updates and why she loves helping buyers navigate the acquisition journey. touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

29 min
11/06/2025

Touchstone Talks: Ep. 8 - Protecting What You’ve Built: Estate Planning Insights for Business Owners

In this episode, trust and estate attorney Michael Clear, Partner of Wiggin and Dana discusses how thoughtful estate planning can help business owners preserve and protect the wealth created through a lifetime of work. He explains the strategic use of trusts—revocable and irrevocable—to minimize estate taxes, provide asset protection, and ensure family continuity. Clear emphasizes the importance of starting planning well before a sale—ideally two or more years in advance—to take advantage of valuation discounts and tax benefits. With a counselor’s mindset, he guides clients through not just the technical but also the personal aspects of planning, helping families clarify goals, communicate effectively, and set up structures that reflect their values and future aspirations. TRANSISTOR touchstoneadvisors.com linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

29 min

TRAILER

Touchstone Talks: Bringing Business Owners Real Life Advice

Touchstone Talks delivers real-world insights from trusted advisors and professionals to help business owners prepare for the future. Each conversation is designed to guide owners through the key components of a successful exit strategy—always with the goal of maximizing the value of their life’s work. By educating and empowering business owners, we create the foundation for successful transitions and lasting impact. touchstoneadvisors.comdirectlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

08/25/2025

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1 min

Business advisory podcast that discusses the latest trends and projectors with leading influencers in that space.

Creator

Deborah Agrafojo
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025
Show Website

Touchstone Talks