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The Deal Podcast

The Deal Podcast

Written by: Joshua Wilson
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About this listen

Welcome to a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human and financial side of building enterprise value. Hosted by M&A advisor and executive producer Joshua Wilson, this is The Deal Podcast, brought to you by FA Mergers. We're your front-row seat to the strategies shaping today's lower- and middle-market, from the family-run business to the multi-million-dollar portfolio.


Too often, the world of mergers and acquisitions is seen as a complex, numbers-driven game. We believe it's about the people behind the deals—the bold entrepreneurs, the savvy investors, and the dedicated teams who make it all possible. Each episode, we sit down with the real players in the M&A space: from private equity sponsors and family offices to strategic buyers, serial entrepreneurs, and commercial bankers. We’ll also hear from the crucial professional teams on the front lines, including CPAs, tax and corporate attorneys, and wealth advisors, to uncover the blueprints of success.


Our conversations will delve into every facet of the deal lifecycle. We'll explore the art of acquisitions, the science of scaling through bolt-ons, the complexities of divestitures, and the long-term thinking required for portfolio optimization.


This podcast is more than a stage for thought leaders; it's a collaborative hub for anyone looking to build, scale, or prepare for their next chapter. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a successful exit, an investor looking to grow your portfolio, or a professional advisor supporting clients on this journey, our content is designed to be both educational and actionable.


Join us as we decode the deal, one conversation at a time.


Disclaimer:

The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Deal Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.


Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. As a trusted connector among founders, family offices, and investment platforms, Josh brings a relational, strategic lens to SPACs, IPOs, M&A, and private placements—blending insight, curiosity, and communication to spotlight the people and deals shaping the capital markets.


The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.


Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.


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Episodes
  • Relationship Banking, Deal Discipline, and Knowing When to Say No

    Relationship Banking, Deal Discipline, and Knowing When to Say No
    Jan 5 2026

    In this episode of The Deal Podcast, we sit down with Edward Bienvenu, a commercial banker based in Lafayette, Louisiana, to unpack how relationship-driven banking actually works at the community level and why some of the best deals are the ones you never do.

    Edward shares his unconventional path into commercial banking, starting in biology before realizing finance offered the right balance of structure, people, and long-term impact. What began as an analyst role evolved into a career built on advising business owners, structuring thoughtful deals, and helping companies grow responsibly.

    This conversation goes beyond credit scores and spreadsheets. Edward explains how experienced lenders evaluate deals from a global perspective, looking at the full picture of a business owner’s assets, risks, and long-term plans rather than relying on automated approvals or one-dimensional metrics.
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    37 mins
  • What Happens When the Deal Is Done and Purpose Is Still Missing?

    What Happens When the Deal Is Done and Purpose Is Still Missing?
    Dec 29 2025

    In this episode of The Deal Podcast, hosts Josh Wilson and Jude David sit down with Paul George, consultant, speaker, and host of The Paul George Show, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, faith, business, and life after the exit.

    Paul shares his personal mission framework, “Love God, serve others, and die with no regrets,” and explains how a lack of personal clarity often leads to broken businesses, burnout, and regret after successful exits.

    The discussion explores the contrast between nonprofit and for profit leadership, the role of mission and values in building scalable companies, and why many founders wait too long to think about succession, legacy, and life beyond ownership.

    Listeners will hear honest insights on:

    • Why profit and purpose are not opposites
    • How attachment to money and identity can quietly undermine leaders
    • What happens when founders sell their business without a plan for what’s next
    • How faith, discernment, and discipline show up in real-world dealmaking
    • Why the most successful exits are prepared years in advance

    This episode is for founders, operators, and investors who want to build businesses that last, exit well, and live with clarity beyond the transaction.

    Connect with the Guest:

    Paul George: LinkedIn

    Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:

    Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/

    YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thedealpodcast
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Love, Truth, and the Business of Building What Lasts

    Love, Truth, and the Business of Building What Lasts
    Dec 22 2025

    On the show, we sit down with Lance Strother a coach, entrepreneur, inventor, man of faith, and lifelong developer of people. Lance is the kind of dealmaker who doesn’t just chase outcomes. He builds lives, teams, and cultures that last.

    Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Lance shares how his journey through coaching, ministry, invention, and business shaped a philosophy that challenges how most leaders think about success. We explore why having “many irons in the fire” is not a flaw when it’s rooted in a clear mission, and how authenticity becomes one of the strongest forms of insurance for a fulfilled life.

    This conversation goes deep into themes leaders rarely talk about openly:

    • Why love can be a serious business strategy with real teeth
    • How humility and truth drive real growth in the boardroom
    • What inventing, failing, and finding the right business partner actually teaches you
    • Why asking boldly and early changes the trajectory of your career
    • How loss, faith, and service shape resilient leaders and dealmakers

    Lance also shares the story behind building and launching a nationally recognized sports training product, what he learned about partnerships, and why integrity matters more than ROI alone.

    If you lead people, build companies, or wrestle with balancing ambition, faith, and responsibility, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

    Connect with Lance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-strother-8360243b/
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    1 hr and 5 mins
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