• Deal Challenges and How to Solve Them
    Sep 10 2025
    Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, we are joined by Eric Straus and Sam Curcio from Transworld Advisors Manhattan to discuss deal challenges and how to overcome them, live from New York’s Theorist Podcast Studios. We reiterate why remembering the letters TKD is important, discuss the biggest underestimation of the deal process, why having the right tools is essential, and why ultimately hiring a professional can help you take your deal across the finish line. For more insights and advice on ensuring deal progression and success, be sure to tune into our conversation today! Listing of the Week: Matt Manavi from Transworld San Diego Central is selling a Telehealth-Enabled weight loss company with recurring revenue. It’s very profitable and scalable, addressing patients nationwide. For more information, call Matt at (714) 923-1222 700 or email him at mmanavi@tworld.com. Deal of the Week: Eric Straus from Transworld New York sold a fashion brand with impeccable speed and efficiency for a young mother who needed a quick exit. They priced it very aggressively and appropriately, and eventually sold it to a father for his daughter-in-law. For more information, call Eric at (917) 719-5920 or email him at estraus@tworld.com. Key Takeaways From This Episode: [00:40] How to overcome deal challenges and keep the process moving along. [01:50] Remembering these three letters: TKD (time kills deals!) [03:10] Introduction to today’s guests, Eric Straus and Sam Curcio from New York. [03:28] The biggest underestimation of the deal process. [04:20] Sam shares a recent deal they had challenges with. [05:55] The importance of having the right tools to apply. [07:00] Why hiring a professional can be essential to take your deal across the finish line. [11:20] Talking bluntly and having someone to get everyone else in line. [14:25] How New York deals compares with the rest of the country. [16:00] Top tips for people going through a deal. [19:08] Deal of the Week: Eric Straus from Transworld Advisors of Manhattan sold a fashion brand with impeccable speed and efficiency for a mother who needed a quick exit. [20:35] Listing of the Week: Matt Manavi from Transworld Business Brokers of Orange County, California, is selling a weight-loss company with Telehealth Medicine. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Deal Board Podcast  Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  United Franchise Group  Transworld Business Advisors  Transworld on LinkedIn  Transworld on Facebook  Call us — (888) 719-9098  Email us thedealboard@tworld.com  Eric Straus Transworld Eric Straus on LinkedIn Eric Straus Phone (917) 719-5920
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    23 mins
  • Top 5 Deal Killers with Andrew Cagnetta and JT Tatem
    Aug 27 2025
    Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, they are unpacking the deal killers that have the potential to stand between you and the dream of selling your business. Starting with the financials, we unpack the practicalities of good record-keeping before moving on to the realities of outgrowing your people. Next, we dive into the crucial role of up-to-date technology to support your business operations and explore the complex topic of pricing your business appropriately. Lastly, we discuss how to build a deal team that truly works for you. Join us as we lift the lid on each of these topics, sharing some pearls of wisdom to help you keep the deal dream alive! Listing of the Week: Frank Curcio of Transworld New York is selling a boutique clothing shop in the Hudson Valley that is close to mass transport and has plenty of parking. It is perfect for anybody with an eye for fashion and invites visitors to spend extra time browsing. For more information, call Frank at (845) 288-4733 or email him at fcurcio@tworld.com. Deal of the Week: DOTW - Ryan Armstrong Ryan Armstrong from Transworld Advisors of Phoenix sold a frame shop in a small town to a buyer who moved the business to a larger city and merged it with an antique furniture store. If you have a tough deal to sell, contact Ryan at (480) 447-3504 or rarmstrong@tworld.com. Key Takeaways From This Episode: [00:40] How deal killers can crush your dream of selling your business. [01:38] Three ways to have good books and records. [08:17] What to look for when you want to know if your business has outgrown its people. [10:22] The role of relevant and up-to-date technology. [12:41] Why it is crucial to price your business appropriately. [15:55] Understanding the importance of having the right team. [18:10] Selecting the right deal team from Transworld. [19:56] Deal of the Week: Ryan Armstrong from Transworld Advisors of Phoenix sold a frame shop in a small town to a buyer who moved the business to a larger city and merged it with an antique furniture store. [21:31] Listing of the Week: Frank Curcio (New York) is selling a boutique clothing shop in the Hudson Valley. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The 3 Most Common Deal Killers The Deal Board Podcast  Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  United Franchise Group  Transworld Business Advisors  Transworld on LinkedIn  Transworld on Facebook  Call us — (888) 719-9098  Email us thedealboard@tworld.com  #thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #realestate #commercial Quotes: “Don’t ruin your dreams of selling your business!” — Andrew Cagnetta [0:1:17] “When you’re an intermediary or you’re going in and talking to that seller, you’re probably going to have to carry some paper.” — JT Tatem [0:13:44] “Pricing it right just brings it to market. We always say that you don’t want to price it so low that you leave money on the table — that’s not good for you as the seller, and you don’t want to price it so high that nobody calls.” — Andrew Cagnetta [0:15:02]
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    23 mins
  • Report on Marketplace with Andrew Cagnetta and JT Tatem
    Aug 13 2025
    How long does it take to sell a business, and what’s the right price to make it happen? Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, they dig into the latest numbers shaping the business brokerage market. They unpack Transworld’s record-breaking 2024 results, explore how deal multiples vary by earnings, and explain why correct pricing is the key to avoiding expired listings. During the conversation, they also discuss the influence of baby boomer retirements, the power of co-brokerage, and how buyer behavior is evolving in today’s market. Looking ahead, Andy and JT share why 2025 is off to a strong start and why the second half of the year could be even better. Tune in and discover the data, trends, and strategies you need to navigate the market with confidence. Deal of the Week: Wayne Blease's sale of a diversified events business featuring two event centers, a chapel, a restaurant with catering, multiple B&Bs, and a fully built Western town. The business included over four acres of real estate. Sold for over $3M after a two-year search for the right buyer to preserve the seller’s legacy. For more information, call Wayne at (713) 201-2346 or email him at wblease@tworld.com. Listing of the Week #1: Rupesh Bharad shares an exciting opportunity on a 75-year-old, high-end blinds and window treatment business with $750K in bottom-line earnings. Listed for $2.4M, with the option to purchase the real estate for an additional $1.6M. SBA financing options are available, making this a strong opportunity for buyers looking for a legacy business with real estate income potential. For more information, call Rupesh at (804) 835-6363 or email him at rupesh@tworld.com. Listing of the Week #2: Rupesh Bharad is selling a 21-year-old, relocatable art and display business with $200K–$250K in bottom-line earnings. The sale is bank-financeable and listed for under three times its earnings. The business is also suitable for operation from any location. For more information, call Rupesh at (804) 835-6363 or email him at rupesh@tworld.com. Key Takeaways From This Episode: [00:00] Introduction and what listeners can expect from this episode. [01:03] Celebrate success as Andy and JT announce $1B in transactions for 2024. [02:09] How generational shifts are creating a surge in business sales worldwide. [03:39] Why understanding the marketplace is key and what businesses often get wrong. [06:13] Find out why small businesses are still the backbone of the economy. [07:27] Trends in sellers owning business real estate and keeping it for rental income. [08:25] Why opening the market enhances seller outcomes and speeds up sales. [10:47] How stats guide strategies at Transworld and what drives multiples. [14:40] Navigating pricing when selling and the common mistakes sellers make. [17:36] Learn why sales can take several months and the danger of “testing the waters.” [19:47] Projections for 2025 and why buyers must act quickly in today’s market. [22:13] Deal of the Week: Wayne Blease talks about selling a Western-themed events business with multiple revenue streams. [24:26] Listing of the Week #1: Rupesh Bharad tells us about a 75-year-old window treatment business with an optional real estate purchase. [27:30] Listing of the Week #2: Rupesh Bharad is selling a relocatable art and display business with strong earnings and bank financing available. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Deal Board Podcast  Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  United Franchise Group  Transworld Business Advisors  Transworld on LinkedIn  Transworld on Facebook  Call us — (888) 719-9098  Email us
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    31 mins
  • Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Story, The Stats, The Success
    Jul 30 2025
    Andy and Jessica welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, they celebrate a major milestone in The Deal Board’s journey: its 200th episode! They reflect on launching the podcast back in 2018, share exciting stats (including over 50,000 downloads and more than 20,000 YouTube views), and discuss the evolution of business brokerage over the years. From pandemic pivots and global expansion to generational shifts and the rise of Exit Factor, this episode honors the Deal Board community and marks a bittersweet farewell for Jessica as co-host, who is focusing on Exit Factor and her new show, How I Sold. It also highlights The Deal Board’s growing educational impact, international reach, and exciting future under new leadership! Listing of the Week: Thomas Milana (South Florida) is selling a well-established 20-year-old HVAC company with $6.7M in annual revenue and $600,000 in discretionary earnings. Asking price is $2.1M. The business handles both residential and commercial retrofits and is in high demand. For more information, contact Thomas at (561) 702-6867 or email tom@tworld.com Key Points From This Episode: [00:35] Reflecting on how it all started at an IBBA conference in New Orleans in 2018. [02:32] Celebrating 50,000+ downloads and 20,000+ YouTube views. [03:31] How the pandemic became a catalyst for growth in business brokerage. [04:50] Early discussions on the “seller tsunami” trend. [05:46] Millennials and Gen X shifting from corporate careers to business ownership [06:55] The rise of exit planning as a strategic business phase. [08:02] Global expansion and how the podcast resonates internationally. [10:22] The podcast’s influence on business buyers, sellers, and industry professionals. [12:26] New voices and guest hosts from across the Transworld network. [13:32] Shifting co-host duties as Jessica focuses on Exit Factor and How I Sold. [15:54] The podcast's future as a growing industry resource. [18:36] How loyal listeners use the podcast as a training tool and deal-saving resource. [22:23] Keeping up with trends, laws, financing, and the seller wave. [26:43] Deal of the Week: Joe Strickland (Lakeland, FL) closes on a Port St. Lucie daycare. [28:51] Listing of the Week: Thomas Milana (South Florida) is selling a $6.7M revenue HVAC company in South Florida. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Deal Board Podcast  Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  United Franchise Group  Transworld Business Advisors  Transworld on LinkedIn  Transworld on Facebook  Call us — (888) 719-9098  Email us thedealboard@tworld.com  Andy Cagnetta Andy Cagnetta on X Jessica Fialkovich Jessica Fialkovich on X Exit Factor How I Sold Podcast
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    31 mins
  • From the Ground Up: Selling Construction Businesses
    Jul 16 2025
    Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, they take a deep dive into one of Transworld’s hottest segments: construction. From small trade businesses to large-scale infrastructure firms, construction companies are a consistent force in the market and, as you’ll discover from this conversation, they’re ripe for sale. Tune in to find out what makes them so appealing to buyers, the common challenges of selling them, and how Transworld brokers can help you navigate complex deals to deliver successful outcomes! Listing of the Week: Thomas Milana (Transworld Fort Lauderdale) is selling a well-established, 20-year-old HVAC business in South Florida. With $6.7 million in annual revenue and $600,000 in discretionary earnings, the company specializes in both residential and high-demand commercial retrofits. The asking price is $2.1 million. It includes rolling stock and a strong reputation in the market. For more information, call Thomas at (561) 702-6867 or email tom@tworld.com. Deal of the Week: Dan Tomlin (Transworld Jacksonville) closed a $2.4 million deal for a construction management company specializing in high-end owner’s rep services. The seller had stringent buyer criteria, leading to a highly selective process with over 40 prospects considered. The eventual buyer, a Navy veteran with shipbuilding experience, was a perfect fit. Creative financing and a working capital structure helped seal the deal. Contact Dan at (904) 800-7355 or email dantomlin@tworld.com. Key Points From This Episode: [00:24] Why construction is Transworld’s #2 sector by volume and #1 by total dollars. [02:17] How demand stays strong across residential, commercial, and infrastructure. [03:47] 4M+ US construction-related businesses, many owned by retiring baby boomers. [04:50] High-demand specialty trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. [06:14] Customer concentration and licensing as key deal considerations. [08:35] Earnouts and seller transitions to ease buyer concerns and improve deal terms. [10:38] Common industry challenges: seasonality, economic cycles, and cash flow variability. [12:55] Reasons that work-in-progress and working capital must be carefully calculated. [14:35] The value of confidentiality and an experienced agent to screen unqualified buyers. [16:52] Scalable, financeable businesses, with strong buyer interest and high ROI potential. [18:28] How even small, unsophisticated firms can sell well with strong buyer upside. [20:45] Listing of the Week: Tom Milana is selling a $6.7M HVAC company in Florida. [22:14] Deal of the Week: Dan Tomlin sold a construction management firm for $2.4 million. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
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    25 mins
  • Inside Exit Factor: Real Insights from the Franchise That Scales Businesses
    Jul 2 2025
    Andy and Jessica welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, Andy sits down with Jessica and business exit strategist Kelly Chess to explore the fast-growing Exit Factor franchise. They dive into how Exit Factor helps business owners increase valuation, clean up financials, and develop exit strategies that maximize returns. Kelly also highlights the importance of clean financials, documentation, and having a coach to guide long-term planning. With over 90 territories sold in just 18 months, Exit Factor is quickly becoming a go-to for entrepreneurs looking to build and sell smarter. To learn how to turn your business into a more valuable, sellable asset, tune in today! Listing of the Week: AJ Ramsey (Eastern North Carolina) is selling a high-volume commercial roofing business serving top national production builders. The business generates $24M in revenue with $1.6M in earnings. For more information, call AJ at (919) 325-6611 or email ajramsey@tworld.com. Deal of the Week: Guillermo Birmingham (Richmond, VA) sold a struggling kebab restaurant that was transformed by new ownership into a thriving Mexican eatery doing $2.2M in revenue in its first year. Guillermo even helped the buyer secure licenses and create buzz that packed the place on opening day. To learn more, call Guillermo at (202) 410-1555 or email gbirmingham@tworld.com. Key Points From This Episode: [00:54] How Exit Factor has expanded to 22 states and 93 territories in under two years. [02:31] Helping business owners uncover untapped value in their operations. [03:00] Coaching and accountability as a cornerstone of Exit Factor’s process. [04:08] Leveraging market data to boost value and monetize hidden opportunities. [06:48] Exit Factor’s 62-point qualitative assessment explained. [08:33] Addressing sellers’ post-exit identity and long-term goals. [11:06] Optimizing profit, operations, and team structure ahead of the sale. [11:57] Why clean financials are non-negotiable for serious buyers. [13:06] Ideal timeline: one to five years for a strong, well-documented exit. [17:25] Coaching as a mirror to break bad habits and unlock potential. [18:30] Listing of the Week: AJ Ramsey is selling a $24M commercial roofing business in the Southeast [19:52] Deal of the Week: Guillermo Birmingham sold a local kebab house that became a $2.2M Mexican restaurant success. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Deal Board Podcast  Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  The Deal Board on LinkedIn The Deal Board on Facebook United Franchise Group
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    24 mins
  • Selling Non-Profits and Board Issues
    Jun 18 2025
    Andy and Transworld Managing Director, Alan Kaye, welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, they dive into the complexities of selling nonprofit organizations and the governance issues that often complicate these transactions. With more nonprofits looking to transition ownership or restructure, understanding how boards operate (and sometimes obstruct) these deals is more critical than ever. Andy and Alan break down how nonprofit sales differ from for-profit deals, common red flags with board members, and what buyers need to know about compliance, asset transfers, and valuation. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a board member, or a buyer looking into mission-driven entities, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Listing of the Week: Eric Straus (New York) is selling a virtual events business that specializes in team-building experiences for remote sales teams. The company ships cooking kits to participants nationwide or globally, then hosts live chef-led Zoom sessions for group cooking events. With about $1.5 million in revenue and $500K in seller’s discretionary earnings, the business grew rapidly during COVID and continues to perform well with minimal marketing, mostly through word of mouth. The asking price is $1.4 million with some seller financing available. For this and other opportunities, email Eric at estraus@tworld.com or call him at (917) 719-5920. Deal of the Week: Andres Ghersi (South and West Texas) closed a surprising deal on a niche spiritual business specializing in selling healing rocks and providing Reiki massages. Despite initial doubts about its marketability, the business was profitable and sold for $80,000 to a devoted client already familiar with its offerings. This sale highlights the value of targeting passionate customers within a unique market. For more information, contact Andres at aghersi@tworld.com or call him at (832) 507-6522. Key Points From This Episode: • [01:29] The myth that nonprofits can’t be sold. • [02:44] Common ways that boards can block or stall deals. • [05:44] Key legal and governance considerations for nonprofit sales. • [06:37] Using an external facilitator to resolve conflicts and guide sale discussions. • [08:12] Replacing ineffective chairs to refocus and energize boards. • [09:45] Strategies to align board members with the mission, strategy, and sale. • [12:15] Guidelines for building a skilled, diverse board that isn't resistant to change. • [16:00] How creative deals can maximize returns and ease transitions. • [18:35] Listing of the Week: Eric Straus is selling a thriving virtual team-building events business with $1.5M revenue and strong growth potential. • [20:05] Deal of the Week: Andres Ghersi sold a profitable spiritual healing business focused on Reiki and healing rocks for $80,000. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Deal Board Podcast Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel The Deal Board on LinkedIn The Deal Board on Facebook United Franchise Group Transworld Business Advisors Transworld on LinkedIn Transworld on Facebook Call us on (888) 719-9098 Email us at thedealboard@tworld.com Andy Cagnetta Andy Cagnetta on X Alan Kaye Alan Kaye on LinkedIn Call Alan on 954-558-8058 Email Alan at kaye@tworld.com Eric Straus Andres Ghersi #thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #businesssales #businessexit Quotes: “Warning signs that a board is now dysfunctional [are] there's frequent infighting, there’s a lack of unified vision, [and] there’s overstepping operational boundaries.” — @acags [0:04:07] “People don't realize that it's the board that makes the decisions for the organization, it's not the individuals. You have to have the right type of people that are going to support it and that are going to further the goals of the organization.” — Alan Kaye [0:09:33] “One of the hardest things about serving on a nonprofit board – is its members are leaders in themselves. – When you get a bunch of leaders in a room, they don't like to follow a lot. Having those skills of being able to mediate and being able to negotiate is very important.” — @acags [0:15:01]
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    23 mins
  • Business by the Numbers: Top Takeaways and Tactical Tips
    Jun 6 2025
    Transworld Business Advisors welcomes you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast! This week, Andy and guests dive into the main takeaways from the recent Transworld by the Numbers Conference, where brokers and industry experts shared strategies for building better businesses. In this episode, they welcome Ryan Armstrong, Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), to share practical startup advice for new entrepreneurs. Taylor Bombardiere, Business Broker with Transworld Colorado, also joins the show to discuss how brokers and business owners can request client reviews to strengthen their online presence. They also talk with Jenn Armstrong of Transworld Phoenix as she breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions among business owners and explains why proactive planning is key to a successful exit. They also talk to JT Tatem of Transworld Business Advisors, who shares leadership insights and the three business leaders he would most like to have lunch with. This episode also features Listing of the Week from Ray Ives of Transworld Schaumburg, showcasing an exceptional opportunity in the fleet repair and heavy machinery sector. Finally, Deal of the Week spotlights a cross-border success, as Henry Ziff of Transworld UK discusses his recent sale of a lift maintenance business to a leading private equity group. Join the conversation to discover tips and expert advice to help you grow, manage, and successfully exit your business. Tune in now! Listing of the Week: Ray Ives presents an exciting opportunity to acquire a well-established fleet repair and heavy machinery business in Schaumburg. The company has been serving a diverse and loyal client base for over 25 years and generates over $1 million in annual discretionary earnings. With tenured employees, a reputation for quality service, and real estate included in the $5.5 million listing price, this opportunity is ideal for a strategic buyer. For more information, contact Ray Ives at (630) 743-9988 or email rives@tworld.com. Deal of the Week: Henry Ziff recently closed the sale of a UK-based lift maintenance business to a mid-market private equity group focused on technical compliance rollups. This international deal, valued in the mid single-digit million pound range, was structured as a retirement sale for three founding brothers, with two remaining on board for the transition. The sale demonstrates Transworld’s ability to conduct global buyer searches and deliver strong outcomes for clients. Thinking of buying or selling a business? Contact Henry Ziff at +44 203 911 1059 or email hziff@tworld.com. Key Points From This Episode: • [00:00] Introduction to today’s guests and what listeners can expect from the episode. • [06:56] Ryan explains how founders can scale smartly and why tracking KPIs is critical. • [08:31] Taylor’s best practices for requesting client reviews and building an online presence. • [13:57] Listing of the Week: Ray Ives is selling a well-established fleet repair and heavy machinery business in Schaumburg. • [15:16] Jenn uncovers the biggest misconceptions business owners have about selling. • [17:21] Discover JT’s leadership lessons and the three business leaders he admires. • [19:20] Deal of the Week: Henry Ziff recently closed the sale of a UK-based lift maintenance business to a mid-market private equity group. • [21:00] Closing comments and how to reach out to Transworld Business Advisors. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Deal Board Podcast Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel The Deal Board on LinkedIn The Deal Board on Facebook United Franchise Group Transworld Business Advisors Transworld on LinkedIn Transworld on Facebook Call us on (888) 719-9098 Email us at thedealboard@tworld.com Ryan Armstrong Taylor Bombardiere Email Taylor Bombardiere at taylorb@tworld.com Jenn Armstrong JT Tatem Exit Factor Exit Planning Institute Exit Planning Summit Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business Eat That Frog! Ray Ives Henry Ziff #thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #realestate #commercial Quotes: “I always think that the biggest impediment to people’s success is paralysis by analysis.” — Andy Cagnetta [0:04:25] “[The business was] successful once we shrunk – down [our focus] a little bit.” — Ryan Armstrong [0:08:13] “The first thing that most people do when they – [are] figuring out if they are going to buy or sell a business is Google.” — Taylor Bombardiere [0:08:58] “Make sure you have all the right people in place [before you sell].” — Jenn Armstrong [0:16:54] “People is what runs your business.” — JT Tatem [0:18:51]
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    21 mins