Episodes

  • Legacy Planning & Estate Management w/ Leyla Briggs (Private Wealth Law Group)
    Feb 16 2026

    In this episode of The M&A Guy podcast, host Brian Franco engages with Leyla Briggs from Private Wealth Law Group to discuss the importance of legacy planning and estate management for business owners. They explore the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, the necessity of having legal documents in order, and the emotional aspects of business succession. Leyla emphasizes the need for proactive planning and the benefits of engaging legal services early in the business lifecycle. The conversation highlights the significance of being prepared for unexpected opportunities and the importance of aligning family dynamics with business goals.

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    19 mins
  • What Business Partners Bring to the Table w/ Carter Looney
    Feb 9 2026

    In this episode of the M&A Guy podcast, Brian Franco and Carter Looney discuss the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, focusing on the importance of choosing the right capital partner and preparing businesses for investment. They explore what makes a business investable, the significance of transparency, and the differences between financial and strategic buyers. The conversation emphasizes the need for founders to understand the capital raising process and to set clear expectations for their exit strategies.

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    31 mins
  • The Highs and Lows of Selling a Company w/ Jeanne Cummings
    Feb 4 2026

    In this conversation, Brian Franco and Jeanne Cummings discuss the fleeting emotional high that founders experience after selling their companies, emphasizing that the excitement often lasts only a few hours before the reality of 'what's next' sets in. He stresses the importance of preparing for this transition before going to market.

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    43 mins
  • Meritage Investor Testimony: Christian Malek with Novastone
    Jan 27 2026

    In this episode, Brian Franco interviews Christian Malek of Novastone Capital Advisors, discussing the concept of operator-led buyouts and the challenges of succession planning in family-owned businesses. They explore the importance of attracting top talent to manage these businesses, the significant transfer of wealth occurring as baby boomers retire, and the lessons learned from various transactions. The conversation emphasizes the need for growth and the role of operators in ensuring the legacy of family businesses while navigating the complexities of private equity.

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    32 mins
  • Meritage Client Testimony: Lance Fair with Horizon Underground
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of the M & A Guy podcast, host Brian Franco engages in a candid conversation with Lance, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares his journey of selling his company, Horizon Underground. The discussion highlights the challenges and intricacies of the M&A process, emphasizing that selling a business is not a quick endeavor but rather a marathon that requires careful planning and the right partnerships. Lance reflects on his experiences, including the importance of having investor-ready financials and the need for a strong team to navigate the sale successfully. He also discusses the emotional aspects of transitioning from an operator to a partner in a larger entity, underscoring the significance of preparing the next generation of leadership within the company

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    33 mins
  • Culture as a Valuation Multiplier w/ Julian Guderley
    Jan 12 2026

    In this episode of the M&A Guy podcast, Brian Franco speaks with Julian Guderley about the critical role of leadership and culture in business success, particularly in the context of mergers and acquisitions. They discuss how culture can enhance valuation, the impact of leadership fatigue on company performance, and the importance of redefining success beyond financial metrics. Julian emphasizes the significance of relationships and personal well-being in achieving true success, encouraging founders to reflect on their legacy and the relationships they cultivate.

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    28 mins
  • The Psychology Behind M&A Transactions w/ Thor Legvold
    Dec 16 2025

    In this episode of the M&A Guy podcast, host Brian Franco and guest Thor Legvold discuss the critical role of human capital in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). They explore how leadership, culture, and psychological alignment can significantly impact the success of M&A transactions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of exit planning, cultural readiness, and the need for effective leadership during transitions. Thor shares insights from his extensive experience in cross-cultural integration and offers practical advice for organizations looking to enhance their leadership and culture in preparation for capital events.

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    44 mins
  • Unlocking the Secrets of Private Capital Markets w/ Mick Denner
    Oct 29 2025

    In this episode of the M & A Guy, host Brian Franco discusses the private capital markets with Mick Denner from Mode GP. They explore the concept of independent sponsors, the importance of generational wealth transfer, and the current market trends in healthcare and industrial services. The conversation highlights the opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to acquire existing businesses and the key factors that make a company attractive to buyers.

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    20 mins