Sean Mooney sits down with Steve Hunter, Managing Director at TM Capital, to discuss the nuanced world of M&A, the key ingredients for creating value in a business, and what both buyers and sellers need to know for a successful deal. Steve offers practical advice for private equity professionals and business owners, sharing timeless insights from his decades-long career and a behind-the-scenes perspective on helping companies achieve transformational outcomes.

Episode Highlights:

1:12 - Steve Hunter shares his journey from rural Pennsylvania to a career in M&A, including his early days at Alex. Brown and Robinson Humphrey.

8:11 - Building value in a business: How to de-risk operations, grow strategically, and attract top buyers by focusing on recurring revenue, growth opportunities, and strong teams.

19:02 - Why every seller should prepare their business as though it’s “sale-ready” from day one to maximize outcomes.

24:48 - The importance of transparency, top-tier advisors, sell-side QofE, and handling the overwhelming volume of data requests during an M&A process.

32:06 - Steve shares advice for buyers: Avoiding abrasiveness, thoroughly preparing for management meetings, and balancing operational oversight post-acquisition.

40:59 - TM Capital’s tailored approach: A Goldilocks strategy with boutique-level customization and deep investment in deal preparation, including advanced data analytics.

44:27 - Steve looks ahead to 2025 and shares why he’s optimistic about a strong year for M&A activity.

51:06 - Insights for life and leadership: The importance of asking for what you want and recognizing that anyone can shape the world around them.

For more information on Edison Partners, go to https://www.tmcapital.com/

For more information on Casey Myers, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjhunter

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts