Most people think private equity means gutting companies and squeezing margins. Neal Cobb is proving them wrong.After raising over $20 million and scaling his delivery startup to 100,000 drivers before selling to 7-Eleven, Neal could have retired. Instead, he's building something that challenges everything we think we know about private equity.At Equity X, they're acquiring legacy businesses and turning them into employee-owned enterprises. No quick flips. No cultural destruction. Just long-term value creation where employees actually benefit from the success they help create.In this DealQuest conversation, Neal shares how he went from running dice games in high school to building a white-label delivery empire to reimagining what private equity can be. His insights on partnerships, timing deals, and betting on people over ideas will change how you think about business growth.Neal's approach reveals what happens when you prioritize people and culture alongside profits.This is a perfect listen for business leaders exploring acquisition strategies and sustainable growth models.• • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/nealcobb• • • FOR MORE ON NEAL COBBhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-cobb-4a4084179/www.equityx.co FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Eighty percent of business owners have eighty percent of their net worth locked in their business.But only twenty percent of businesses survive to see their tenth birthday.This conversation will change how you think about building enterprise value forever.Scott Beebe didn't just build a successful consulting practice...He proved that the secret to enterprise value isn't your product, your market, or your marketing.Scott is the founder of Business on Purpose and certified exit planning advisor who has helped hundreds of business owners liberate themselves from chaos while building sellable assets.In this DealQuest Podcast episode, I sat down with Scott to uncover the real drivers of enterprise value and why most businesses fail the ultimate test.In our conversation, we explored: The eighty percent rule that destroys most businesses Why your product isn't actually your product The enterprise value litmus test every owner should know How to break free from "hero complex" that kills scalability The five meeting types that build culture and systems Cash domination strategies that put owners in control And much more!Whether you're planning an exit in two to three years, building for long-term growth, or struggling with operational chaos, this conversation provides actionable frameworks for immediate implementation. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/scottbeebe• • • FOR MORE ON SCOTT BEEBECompany: https://www.businessonpurpose.com Assessment Tool: https://www.businessonpurpose.com/healthy Books: "Let Your Business Burn" and "The Chaos Free Contractor" FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Most business leaders believe they need significant capital to pursue growth deals.This assumption limits their strategic options.The reality is that dozens of deal structures are available to businesses of every size, yet most entrepreneurs only explore a fraction of what's possible.From acqui-hires that appear to be acquisitions but are actually strategic hiring initiatives, to licensing agreements that generate ongoing revenue, to joint ventures that create value for all parties involved.This episode of the DealQuest Podcast explores the full spectrum of deal opportunities:• The crucial distinction between mergers and acquisitions and why it matters for your strategy • How to structure transactions with zero upfront capital requirements • Why licensing represents the most underutilized revenue opportunity for many businesses • Employee retention strategies that function as internal deals • And much moreEssential listening for business owners seeking to understand their complete range of strategic growth options.• • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/languageofdeals• • •FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Hikari Senju did something different. While everyone else was chasing VCs, he built Omneky to millions in revenue first. After seeing AI generate art at MIT, this Harvard CS grad knew the future. But when investors didn't bite in 2018 ("AI is vaporware," "advertising is too competitive"), he didn't give up. He bootstrapped. Two years. Living hand-to-mouth. Building real revenue. His philosophy: "Build a company that deserves capital." The result? When he finally raised money, he had leverage. He was selecting partners, not begging for checks. Three insights from our conversation that reinforce critical deal principles: Strategic exits: He took less money from his first sale to learn inside a funded startup. That buyer became his first investor in Omneky. The deserve capital test: Growing 3x with strong margins? Investment should be obvious. If not, keep building. Infinite game thinking: Every deal starts a relationship. Your vendor today might be your investor tomorrow. From selling art to grandma at 7 to serving Fortune 100s with AI. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/hikarisenju• • • FOR MORE ON HIKARI SENJULinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hisenju/Omneky: www.omneky.com FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Most real estate developers think they need institutional investors or private equity to scale their projects.Ryan Andrews proved you can raise millions locally while building stronger community connections.Here's what makes this approach powerful:His $8 million fund is 80% local investors who show up to city council meetings advocating for his projects.These aren't just silent money partners.They're community champions.When your investors live in the community, they care about getting it right."We've had investors showing up at city council meetings, advocating for the projects, and giving public testimony. And like, it gives you a really different kind of investor." - Ryan AndrewsWe'll dive deep into this (and so much more) in this episode of the DealQuest Podcast:• Systematic approaches to local capital raising • Building investor relationships in small communities • Scaling through developer partnerships nationwide • Creating attainable housing that communities actually want Perfect for: Real estate developers, entrepreneurs seeking community-driven growth strategies, and business leaders looking for alternatives to institutional capital. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/ryanandrew• • • FOR MORE ON RYAN ANDREWRyan Andrew's LinkedIn Hiatus Homes Email: ryan@hiatushomes.com FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Most business leaders think scaling requires massive capital investment.But what if I told you companies are scaling from 7 to 9 figures through strategic partnerships instead?That's exactly what this business scaling expert has been doing for the past decade.Through systematic partnership frameworks and strategic deal-making.And guess what? His approach started when he was just 13 years old, creating partnership deals to expand beyond his local market."Why am I limiting myself to my school? Why don't I actually find people in other schools who I can work with?"That one systematic question became the foundation for scaling multiple companies to nine-figure revenue.Here's what surprised me: This expert has customers in Europe and Africa but has never done business development in those markets.How? Strategic partnership systems that systematically refer qualified customers.We'll dive deep into this (and so much more) in this episode of the DealQuest Podcast! Proven frameworks for partnering with larger firms even when you're small Why white-labeling strategies can accelerate your brand building Partnership structures that create sustainable long-term growth Strategic decision-making frameworks for equity vs. cash deals If you're ready to scale your business beyond organic growth using proven partnership frameworks, this conversation provides a systematic blueprint. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/nahedkhairallah• • • FOR MORE ON NAHED KHAIRALLAHhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khairallahnahed/https://organizedchaos.fyi Email: hello@organizedchaos.fyi FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Most entrepreneurs think M&A and capital raising are the only "real" deals.They're missing 90% of the opportunities.In this DealQuest solo episode, I break down the full spectrum of deal types that can solve virtually any business challenge: Strategic partnerships and alliances Technology licensing and transfer deals Operational and supply chain partnerships Asset deals and real estate transactions Financial restructuring options Emerging digital economy deals The truth? There's a deal for virtually every business problem.You just need to know what's possible.Perfect for: Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to grow through strategic partnerships rather than traditional funding. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/dealforthat• • •FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Most entrepreneurs think raising VC money means they've "made it."But Tom Dillon learned something different during his years in investment banking and running a PE-backed company.After analyzing countless deals and experiencing the pressure firsthand, he discovered that VC money comes with a specific expectation: IPO-level returns."For a lot of VCs, they kinda look at things in terms of roulette table. They really need one of those to hit big."The problem? Most successful businesses exit through M&A, not IPOs.So if you're building a profitable company that could sell for $20-50M in a few years, VC funding might actually work against you.Tom now helps founders as a fractional CFO, matching funding strategies to realistic business goals rather than chasing the biggest check.In this episode, we explore:• Why thinking multiple rounds ahead is crucial for any capital raise • Alternative funding sources that align with M&A exits • The growing trend of buying your first business instead of starting one • How to set realistic valuation expectations • The mindset shifts that separate successful founders from those who strugglePerfect for entrepreneurs evaluating funding options and business owners planning exit strategies.• • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/tomdillon• • • FOR MORE ON TOM DILLONhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdilloncfa/ https://fracfinance.com/ FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Georgi Feidler shared some incredible stats with me... Over 50% of small businesses are owned by Baby Boomers. 60% of those have zero succession plan.That's billions in wealth transfer happening right now and most of it is going to be messy.Georgi has spent 20+ years helping founders navigate this transition. Her approach isn't just about finding buyers - it's about building businesses that can actually survive without their founders.The brother/sister case study she shared shows how creative structuring can cut transition time from years to months.Perfect for business owners planning exits or anyone working with Boomer-owned businesses.Georgi is the founder of Hire, Train, Aspire and a seasoned leader with 20+ years of experience who's helped scale companies from small teams to organizations with over 68,000 employees through IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises.In this episode, she breaks down how to overcome the "tribal knowledge problem," build confidence in your team to run without you, and create succession plans that work for both internal and external transitions.We talked about business exits, succession planning, and freedom, the kind that comes from building something bigger than yourself.So if you're a business owner thinking about your exit strategy or a Baby Boomer founder wondering how to preserve your legacy, you'll want to hit play on this one.• • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/georgifeidler• • • FOR MORE ON GEORGI FEIDLERGeorgi Feidler's LinkedInHire, Train, Aspire FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERCorey Kupfer's LinkedInCorey Kupfer's Website Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Attention entrepreneurs: If you think working 80+ hour weeks makes your business more valuable... the data says otherwise.This conversation will change how you think about business building forever.James Brown didn't just sell his business for multiple cash offers he proved that less owner involvement equals higher business value.James is the founder of BizTech Guru, a business consultant who transformed his own accommodation business over many years from requiring 120-hour work weeks to just 30 minutes of monthly involvement. After surviving multiple economic challenges including the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19, he eventually sold the business with 7 offers, 3 of which were cash.In this episode, he exposes the shocking truth about why 80% of businesses aren't sellable, reveals his exact automation playbook, and shares the mindset shifts that create truly passive income.We talked about business automation, but not the tech-heavy complicated kind.We talked about remote team management, but not the micromanagement nightmare kind.And we talked about exit preparation, the kind that actually increases your quality of life WHILE building value.This completely changed my perspective on what makes businesses valuable.Perfect for: SaaS founders, service business owners, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and anyone building for eventual exit. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/jamesbrown• • • FOR MORE ON JAMES BROWNJames Brown's LinkedIn BizTech Guru WebsiteFOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
If you think Shark Tank shows you how real investment deals work, it's time to look deeper. After 35+ years of structuring actual deals, I have some thoughts. Don't get me wrong. Shark Tank has done incredible things for entrepreneurship awareness. It's entertaining. It introduces people to concepts like customer acquisition costs and business valuations. But as someone who negotiates real deals, the show misses so much of what actually happens. Mark Cuban's "shot clock" negotiations? Not how real investors operate. The focus on simple equity percentages? Real deals involve preferred shares, liquidation preferences, board seats, anti-dilution rights. Those dramatic handshake commitments? Studies show 30-40% of Shark Tank "deals" never actually close. And we rarely hear follow-up on companies that struggle or fail. Compare this to The Pitch podcast, which features real investors evaluating real companies with full follow-up on what happens after the cameras stop rolling. We'll dive deep into this (and so much more) in this episode of the DealQuest Podcast! What Shark Tank gets right about deal basics The crucial deal terms that never get discussed on TV Why most "Shark Tank deals" don't actually close How The Pitch provides authentic deal education And much more So if you're an entrepreneur considering investment or anyone fascinated by how deals really work, you'll want to hit play on this one.• • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/sharktank• • •FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
If your definition of success still sounds like someone else’s dream… It’s time to rewrite it I was deeply moved by this conversation with the incredible Rha Goddess. - CEO of Move The Crowd, the author of The Calling, and a cultural innovator who has helped hundreds of changemakers stay true to themselves while making bank. In this episode, she breaks down how to negotiate deals with soul, reclaim your worth in high-stakes rooms, and redefine success on your own terms.We talked about ambition, but not the hustle-till-you-drop kind. We talked about impact, but not the performative kind. And we talked about power, the kind that comes from knowing who you really are. I’ve never looked at ambition the same way since. What comes up for you in this conversation? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. So if you’re building a business, legacy, or life that actually feels good...You’ll want to hit play on this one. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/rhagoddess• • • FOR MORE ON RHA GODDESShttps://www.movethecrowd.me/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhagoddesshttps://www.facebook.com/RhaGoddess/https://bit.ly/IntentionalAmbitionBookFOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Feeling stuck inside someone else’s definition of success?If you’re a financial advisor dreaming about building a business on your terms, this is for you.Because here’s the thing…The RIA model is one of the most powerful paths to real independence in the wealth management space.And this DealQuest episode, we’re talking with Chuck Failla—founder of Sovereign Financial Group and a fierce advocate for advisor freedom.He’s breaking down:- Why so many advisors are finally making the leap- What to know before going independent- How to navigate the challenges that come with freedom (yes, they exist)- And why values-based leadership is the future of wealth managementAnd much more • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/chuckfailla• • • FOR MORE ON CHUCK FAILLAhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesfailla/https://twitter.com/SF_Group_Inchttp://www.goria.com/FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Why REPORTERS might know more than the CEOs they cover… Couldn’t agree more with the insights dropped by Diana Britton and Ian Wenik on this episode of DealQuest. In case you don’t already know Diana & Ian… Ian is the Editor at Citywire RIA and host of This Week in Wealth Diana is the Managing Editor at WealthManagement.com and host of The Healthy Advisor Podcast Together, they’ve interviewed just about everyone in the RIA space (yours truly included) They’ve spent years behind the mic asking the big questions... So this time, I flipped the script— And I asked them what’s really going on in wealth management. Here’s what we dug into:- The truth about RIA M&A and what’s happening behind the scenes- The rising risks of private equity and over-leveraging- How politics and tax policy are shifting deal timing- The massive talent and succession gaps too many firms are ignoringAnd much more If you want the unfiltered take on where this industry is headed… • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/dianaandian• • • FOR MORE ON DIANA BRITTONWealthManagement.com FOR MORE ON IAN WENIKCitywire RIAFOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ • • •Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
For YEARS, business owners have been told to wait for the right time to make deals, especially when the economy feels uncertain. But… that strategy could be killing your momentum. In this solocast episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I’ll break down…- Why fear-based decisions kill more deals than a downturn ever could- How to shift your mindset from reactive to strategic- What smart deal structures look like in a changing market- How to stay confident (even when the headlines say panic) And much more… • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/keepclosing• • •FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! If you’ve been hesitating to make a move or second-guessing your next step… You need to hear this.
What you think selling a startup looks like vs. what it actually looks likeHere’s what most founders assume about startup acquisitions… You need to raise millions in VC funding firstOnly “unicorns” get acquiredIt’s a long, complicated process with lawyers and bankersYou need to scale like crazy before you sellOnly big-name founders get exits NOPE. You can build a lean, profitable business and sell it without a huge team, a pile of funding, or a decade of hustle. And Andrew Gazdecki is living proof. He’s the founder of Acquire—a platform simplifying startup acquisitions—and he’s breaking down exactly how it’s done in the this episode of the DealQuest Podcast Why selling might be smarter than scaling The real reason your startup isn’t selling The sneaky risks of building on platforms you don’t own And why white labeling exploded his growth without big funding Whether you’re a startup founder, solo SaaS builder, or just acquisition-curious… this one’s gold. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/andrewgazdecki• • • FOR MORE ON ANDREW GAZDECKIhttps://www.acquire.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/agazdecki/https://x.com/agazdecki/highlightsFOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Is your business really built to scale?Most entrepreneurs dream of growing fast… but here’s the truth: speed alone won’t get you to sustainable success.This insight from business growth expert Robert Levin says it all…Scaling isn’t just about getting bigger—it’s about getting better, stronger, and more profitable in the long run.And more and more entrepreneurs are learning this the HARD way after chasing growth at all costs…These failures are due to poor scaling decisions…Expanding too quickly. Hiring too fast. Investing in the wrong areas.And guess what?The businesses that took a strategic, execution-focused approach lasted 3x longer.Robert said it best…“Sustainable success isn’t about ideas—it’s about executing the right ones at the right time.” So how do you make sure you’re scaling the right way?We’ll dive deep into this (and so much more) in this episode of the DealQuest Podcast! The BIGGEST scaling mistakes (and how to avoid them) How to grow without overextending your team, resources, or cash flow The #1 growth strategy that keeps businesses thriving for the long haul And much moreIf you’re serious about scaling sustainably and profitably… • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/robertlevin• • • FOR MORE ON ROBERT LEVINRobert Levin’s LinkedInCIS Ventures, LLCFOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Want to make your business irresistible to buyers? Let’s talk MARKETING in M&A… Too often, businesses focus only on financials when preparing for an acquisition—But buyers don’t just pay for numbers. They pay for BRAND, POSITIONING, and GROWTH POTENTIAL.If you’re ignoring marketing due diligence in M&A, you’re leaving money on the table.A strong marketing strategy = higher valuations, smoother transitions, and long-term success post-acquisition.So, ask yourself… Is your marketing engine driving real, measurable growth? Are you positioning your brand to attract strategic buyers? If not, it’s time to rethink your approach.I sat down with Angelo Ponzi on the DealQuest Podcast to break down the role of marketing in M&A—why it matters, how to get it right, and what buyers actually look for.Even if you’re not selling anytime soon, these insights will help you build a business that thrives. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/angeloponzi• • •FOR MORE ON ANGELO PONZI:https://www.craftmarketingandbranding.com/FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Thinking about selling your business? You need strong G2 & G3 leadership in place first.Tune into my solocast episode to see why it’s a game-changer for valuation, deal structure, and a smooth exit.If you're an investor or business owner planning for the future, pay close attention…Because leadership gaps can kill a deal before it even starts.A strong leadership pipeline ensures: Higher business valuation More attractive deal structures Seamless mergers & acquisitions A legacy that outlasts you Most founders wait too long to set this up—don’t be one of them.Want the full breakdown? • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/G2matters• • •FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
"YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN YOUR CAREER AND REAL ESTATE INVESTING."Many people believe you can't successfully invest in real estate while maintaining another career or business.THINK AGAIN.Joel Miller has been investing in rental properties since 1978 and has flipped over 100 houses since 1991 – all while maintaining a 35-year career as a professional mobile DJ with 5,051 appearances.And guess what? His first property from 1978? He STILL owns it 47 years later, and it's a "cash cow" with three units and three garages."It's harder to find the deal than it is to find the money. If you can find a deal that makes sense, you will find some way to get the money," says Joel.We'll dive deep into this (and so much more) in this episode of the DealQuest Podcast!- Learn how to balance a full-time career with real estate investing - Discover the truth about hard money lending from someone who's both borrowed and lent - Understand the mindset shifts needed for successful property investingIf you've ever thought about adding real estate to your investment portfolio while keeping your primary career, this episode is a must-listen. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/joelmiller• • •FOR MORE ON JOEL MILLER:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-miller-42981811/https://joelmillerbooks.com/FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!