I attended the Club E Event last Thursday on “How to Buy a Business” and was reminded how vital project management is throughout the M&A process. Evaluating targets, securing financing, and navigating legal and integration hurdles all require a disciplined, detail-oriented approach. Key takeaways: prioritize revenue predictability, anticipate post-close capital needs, and build a strong advisory team. Effective project management keeps M&A deals on track and maximizes value.
Here is what the panel had to say…
Angela Trocke, Commercial Banker at Highland Bank, explained that banks need confidence in the target company’s “repeatable” or “predictable” revenue. They review whether client revenue is overly concentrated or spread across multiple relationships.
Debbie Walker Kool, Deal Attorney at Frederikson & Byron, stressed the importance of carefully evaluating whether to purchase assets or stock, highlighting the tax and liability implications. She noted critical legal mistakes, like failing to review major customer contracts, overlooking intellectual property ownership, or missing potential litigation risks.
Leah Berend, Managing Partner at Marrin Investment Partners, discussed how private equity has evolved to emphasize culture and employee engagement more than ever, partly due to increased competition in the market. She also touched on search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition, emphasizing that building the right partnerships is crucial to raising deal capital, sourcing transactions, and finding proprietary opportunities.
Michael Siegler, Owner and CEO, Fractional Executive and Consultant, shared insights on how to identify “broken” processes and inject fresh capital, energy, and partnerships into a company. Having a stable team of advisors around you—legal, accounting, and banking—can help guide both sides to a successful close.
They also noted that M&A deals often face setbacks from misunderstandings, emotions, or new issues. Buyers should secure enough working capital for early operations, as capital needs are frequently underestimated after closing, especially for equipment, hiring, or integration costs. Ensuring ownership of trademarks, domains, and other intangible assets is also essential.
#MergersAndAcquisitions #ProjectManagement
If you’re relatively new to investing, understanding the basics of how realized gains and losses are taxed can help you make smarter decisions. These 4 rules are a great place to start.
📌 For more, check out this guide: https://bit.ly/4p4h9Hn
Taxes play a big role in how far your money can go in retirement.
Whether you’re early in your savings journey or approaching retirement, Thrivent's comprehensive guide breaks down the essentials in simple terms, from how different accounts are taxed to strategies for creating tax-efficient income.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3MybMCS
Still have questions? Let’s schedule time to review your financial plan through a tax-smart lens.
👉 “My kids will figure it out after I’m gone.”
This is a common sentiment—and one of the most avoidable estate planning mistakes.
A thoughtful estate plan goes beyond distributing your assets. It allows you to clearly communicate your wishes, name trusted decision-makers and ease the emotional and financial burden on the people you love.
If you have questions or need help getting started, please get in touch.
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Retirement can feel like a seismic shift for business owners—especially when your identity has been closely tied to your work. You've poured years of time and energy into building a business, and you may not be sure what comes next.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, here's one way to prepare: Spend time reflecting on your retirement goals across three key areas—lifestyle, opportunity and legacy. This simple exercise can help provide clarity and confidence as you plan your next chapter.
Are you thinking about retirement? Let's connect to create a personalized financial plan that aligns with your goals, values and aspirations.
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Retirement planning doesn't stop when you start a business. In fact, that's when it matters more.
As a small business owner, you'll want to choose a retirement plan that supports the financial future you're working toward.
Which tax-advantaged retirement account fits your goals? This guide breaks down the differences between each option: https://bit.ly/3JqVOcb
When you're focused on running your company, retirement can feel like a distant concern. But your business exit isn't just a transaction. It's a major life milestone that impacts your legacy, your finances and your next chapter.
Whether you're thinking of selling your business or transferring ownership, the structure of your exit will shape your future outcomes. And the earlier you start planning, the more choices you'll have.
If you're thinking about your transition strategy, let's connect and walk through your options-step by step.
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Technology has made impersonation scams more convincing—and more frightening than ever. Criminals can now use AI to clone a loved one’s voice, spoof their phone number and create a false sense of emergency to pressure you into sending them money.
🚩 If you ever receive a call like this, hang up and reach out to your loved one directly. When in doubt, contact the police.
Scammers have evolved their tactics, and their schemes have become more convincing and a lot harder to recognize. That’s why awareness matters.
Protect yourself by staying up to date on the latest scams: https://bit.ly/492hx4g
December 2025 Market Update: Stock volatility returnsFrom slowing manufacturing to resilient corporate earnings, December brings mixed signals for the economy. Explore what these trends mean for your portfolio and the year ahead in Thrivent's December Market Update.
Are you just starting to save for retirement or are nearing retirement age? This guide will help you understand how to manage your retirement income in a tax-efficient manner, so you can make the most out of your hard-earned savings. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4i6KNd7
7 ways to help reduce your taxable incomeSeeing your hard-earned money go towards taxes can be frustrating. However, there are ways you can help reduce your tax burdens and become more tax efficient. ⬇️
We believe that being a financial advisor isn’t just about growing wealth. It’s about helping others create lives filled with purpose and generosity—and creating that life for yourself, too.
As a Thrivent financial advisor, you’ll benefit from:
🌟 A supportive, values-driven culture
🌟 Attractive pay and benefits
🌟 Opportunities to advance your career
Whether you’re an experienced financial advisor or transitioning into the field, you’ll have the tools, independence and support you need to succeed.
Learn more: thriventcareers.com/4qAM53Y
If you own a home, investments, life insurance or other valuable assets, it might be time to consider a revocable or irrevocable trust.
Depending on the structure you choose, a trust can offer a variety of benefits—including privacy, tax advantages and greater control over how your assets are distributed. In some cases, it may even protect your assets from creditors or Medicaid inclusion.
Learn more about your options: https://bit.ly/3VZ6FNl
Building a business often means sacrificing your time, energy—and even your financial security—to bring your vision to life. That's why personal financial planning is so important, especially early on.
Early-stage entrepreneurs may face:
✅ Unpredictable income
✅ Tax complexity
✅ Blurred lines between personal and business finances
✅ High debt levels
✅ Difficulty saving for the future
A thoughtful plan can help protect what you're building and support your long-term goals. Not sure where to start? Let's talk. Together, we can create a financial plan that helps you grow your business with confidence.
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5 financial risks (and how to adapt your financial plan)Are you prepared for financial changes? With proactive planning and flexible strategies, you can manage risks and habits that could impact your financial plan. Learn more about protecting your finances from what-ifs. ⬇️
Top 7 charitable giving strategies: Maximizing tax benefits and impactThere are ways you can help maximize tax benefits when giving. Learn more about different charitable giving strategies and their tax advantages.
What you need to know about legacy planning & how to get startedWhy is legacy planning important? Because it gives you the chance to make a lasting impact—supporting the people and causes you care about, while staying in control over who receives what, when and how. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin. ↓
Wealth transfer strategies: How to leave assets to your loved onesPassing on assets is more than drafting a will—it’s an opportunity to share the beliefs and goals that shape your legacy. By planning now, your legacy is shaped by intention, not left to chance. Let’s schedule time to connect and help ensure your values carry forward in a lasting way.
The choices you make during open enrollment can have a big impact on your financial goals for 2026 and beyond. Discover how to navigate open enrollment with confidence: http://bit.ly/4o0ESIt
