David C Barnett Small Business and Deal Making M&A SMB
David C Barnett
I discuss buying, selling, financing and managing small and medium sized businesses either alone or with guests.
I've started, bought, sold and closed businesses.
Author of three best-selling business books; 'Invest Local: a guide to superior investment returns in your own community,' 'Franchise Warnings: What you really need to know before you buy' and 'How To Sell My Own Business: A guide to selling your own business without paying a broker's commission.' all available as well as 5 other books on Amazon or from www.DavidCBarnett.com
I've started, bought, sold and closed businesses.
Author of three best-selling business books; 'Invest Local: a guide to superior investment returns in your own community,' 'Franchise Warnings: What you really need to know before you buy' and 'How To Sell My Own Business: A guide to selling your own business without paying a broker's commission.' all available as well as 5 other books on Amazon or from www.DavidCBarnett.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 17, 2025 • 34min
Renovo Rollup-Blowup- 7 Questions to Ask When Competing with Private Equity
Magic of a roll-up strategy: https://youtu.be/i_4_shRzEsQ
New Video Alert!
Ever been outbid when trying to buy a business?
Here’s the thing: sometimes losing is actually winning.
This week, I unpack the collapse of Renovo Home Partners, a private equity-backed roll-up that went bankrupt with hundreds of millions in debt and almost no assets left.
I’ll walk through what went wrong, why leverage kills good deals, and the 7 questions you should ask anytime you’re up against big-money buyers.
If you’ve ever wondered how to compete with private equity without overpaying, you’ll want to watch this one.
Helping you buy, grow, and exit small businesses — the smart way.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/KnAL7xSc1vA
#BusinessValuation #SmallBusiness #SellMyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessExit #BusinessValue #BusinessBuyerAdvantage #DavidCBarnett
****
YouTube Chapters
00:00 – Intro
00:45 – The Renovo Home Partners Collapse
02:00 – What a Roll-Up Strategy Really Is
04:00 – How Private Equity Builds (and Breaks) Deals
06:30 – What Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Tells Us
09:00 – Real Human Impact: Customers & Employees
11:00 – Why Roll-Ups Often Fail
13:30 – The Role of Leverage and Rising Interest Rates
15:00 – What Went Wrong at Renovo
17:00 – Why Being Outbid Isn’t Losing
18:30 – The Danger of No Personal Guarantees
20:30 – The “Brittle Machine” Problem
22:00 – My 7 Questions to Spot Risky Overbids
29:30 – How Smart Buyers Avoid These Traps
31:00 – When You Lose a Deal, You Might Be Winning
33:00 – Learn to Buy a Business the Right Way
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Dec 15, 2025 • 43min
PREMIERE Casey Berman Your Unique Genius
Finding your Unique Genius for acquisition or career change
New Interview guest- Casey Berman
I’m happy to have Casey join me for a one-on-one interview!
He has turned his back on the law and made a business out of helping others find their passion and unique genius to find a better calling.
Tune in and as we’ll be discussing the concept of Unique Genius as it applies to small business deals and operations.
This is a ‘must see event’ for anyone who is making a change in life or wants to be in business for themselves.
Set yourself a reminder on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dPPGjaeV47U
It will be going live Monday December 15, 2025 at 1PM Atlantic Time and 12 Noon Eastern Time
See you there!
David C Barnett
Find Casey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseybermansf/
https://go.leavelawbehind.com/home
https://bermancap.com/
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Dec 10, 2025 • 31min
How Much Is My Business Worth? Understanding Real Business Valuation
#BusinessValuation #BusinessExit #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessBuying #SellMyBusiness #DavidCBarnett #BusinessOwner #ExitPlanning #BusinessWorth
See our video on MPSP valuations and learn more about our services to help sell your business at https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
Find the Defenders of Business Value here: https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ep-133-the-story-that-sells-your-business-with-charlie-stanton/
***
Today, I want to tackle one of the biggest questions every business owner faces: How do you put a price on a business?
Whether you’re thinking about selling in a few years or just want to plan for the future, understanding how valuations work — and which type you actually need — can make a huge difference.
Learn more about business pricing, exit prep, and MPSP reports: HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/6AFQjkl-Mvs
#BusinessValuation #SmallBusiness #SellMyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessExit #BusinessValue #BusinessBuyerAdvantage #DavidCBarnett
****
YouTube Chapters
00:00 – Intro
00:40 – Why Business Valuation Matters for Owners
02:00 – The Podcast That Sparked This Conversation
03:30 – Different Lenses = Different Prices
05:00 – Buyer Insight vs. Seller Expectations
07:30 – The “Most Probable Selling Price” (MPSP) Explained
09:00 – Why You Can’t Just Average Comparable Sales
11:15 – Understanding Valuation Databases and Multiples
13:00 – Common Misconceptions About Valuation Formulas
15:00 – How Certified Appraisers, CPAs, and Brokers Differ
17:45 – Real Examples: $1.6M vs. $571K Valuations
21:00 – How Bad Assumptions Skew Business Value
23:00 – The Dangers of Discounted Cash Flow for Small Firms
25:30 – Why Buyers Don’t Pay for Your “Future Potential”
27:45 – When and Why to Get an MPSP Report
30:00 – How a Small Margin Change Can Boost Business Value
32:00 – The Real Reward of Business Ownership
34:00 – Tax Tip: Deduct Your Valuation This Year
35:00 – Wrap-Up and Next Steps
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Dec 8, 2025 • 34min
Lynn Smargis Using a Book as a marketing tool Edited
Find Lynn online at https://www.writeforyou.me/
or on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnsmargis/
****
Everyone needs a book for their business
New Interview guest- Linda Smargis
I’m happy to have Linda join me for a one-on-one interview!
Linda has been a ghostwriter for years helping people and businesses everywhere gain credibility by becoming an author.
Tune in and as we’ll be discussing what kinds of businesses can benefit from the marketing heft that can come from being an author.
This is a ‘must see event’ for business owners who are looking for an edge over the competition.
I even once spoke to someone who used a book in their search efforts!
Set yourself a reminder on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/f984MII_emU
Premiere will be going live Monday December 08, 2025
See you there!
David C Barnett
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Dec 3, 2025 • 30min
Delivery Apps: Growth or Financial Trap for Restaurants?
#SmallBusiness #RestaurantBusiness #DeliveryApps #BusinessBuying #Entrepreneurship
****
This week, I’m diving into a big question:
Do delivery apps actually destroy restaurants?
If you’ve ever thought about buying or running a restaurant—or if you already own one—you need to understand how these apps really work.
I’ll also share real examples, research from The Guardian, and lessons from restaurateurs I’ve worked with.
Want to understand cash flow, margins, and business models like a pro?
Check out my Cash Flow Forecasting & Business Plan Program at BizPlanSchool.com
.Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/thouWK5QQpI .
#SmallBusiness #RestaurantBusiness #DeliveryApps #UberEats #SkipTheDishes #DoorDash #BusinessBuying #Entrepreneurship #DavidCBarnett
****
YouTube Chapters
00:00 – Intro
00:40 – The Restaurant Buyer’s Big Assumption
01:30 – Understanding Restaurant Margins
03:00 – How Delivery Apps Make Their Money
04:30 – Why Restaurants Sign Up (and What They Miss)
06:00 – The Old-School Yellow Pages Analogy
07:45 – Where Do the “New Customers” Really Come From?
09:30 – The Shocking Math: 25–40% Commissions
11:00 – The Hidden Costs: Placement, Ads & Fees
12:45 – The Pricing Trap & Menu Margin Squeeze
15:00 – What Happens to Customer Prices
16:30 – Real Data: Guardian & Stanford Studies
18:15 – Who Actually Wins with Delivery Apps?
20:00 – Ghost Kitchens & Smart Operators
21:30 – What Failing Restaurants Miss About Margins
23:00 – How to Use Apps Strategically, Not Destructively
24:30 – Action Plan: What Restaurant Owners Should Do
26:00 – Why “More Sales” Doesn’t Mean “More Profit”
27:30 – Learn More: BizPlanSchool.com
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Dec 2, 2025 • 52min
PREMIERE Noemi Ceapa- Personal vs Business Branding through the life of a small business
Find Noemi on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noemiceapa/
https://theconsultingstudio.vip/
Business or personal brand?
New Interview guest- Noemi Ceapa, brand specialist
I’m happy to have Noemi join me for a one-on-one interview!
She’s a big business expert when it comes to developing and implementing brand messaging and now works with small business owners who are growing from one stage to the next.
Tune in and as we’ll be discussing how the brand and messaging may need to change as a business grows from start to growth to maturity.
This is a ‘must see event’ for anyone wanting to start, grow or buy a business.
It will be going live Monday December 01, 2025 at 1 PM Atlantic Time and 12 Noon Eastern Time
See you there!
David C Barnett
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Nov 26, 2025 • 29min
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Plan (Before It’s Too Late)
2025 Black Friday Specials: https://www.investlocalbook.com/p/black-friday-2025.html
Find Exit Ready anytime at https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
****
It’s the first snow of the season, and as I look ahead to the holidays, I want to talk about something that might make a great gift for yourself this year — an exit plan for Christmas.
Most business owners think “exit planning” just means selling their business.
In reality, selling is only one possible outcome.
True exit planning is about understanding your personal finances, your business readiness, and your options — long before you decide to sell.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/ZVgnxgRw-ls
Cheers,
David
#ExitPlanning #SmallBusiness #BusinessSelling #Entrepreneurship #BusinessExit #RetirementPlanning #BusinessBuyerAdvantage #DavidCBarnett #HowToSellMyOwnBusiness
****
YouTube Chapters
00:00 – Intro
00:45 – What “Exit Plan for Christmas” Really Means
01:30 – The Confusion Between Selling and Exit Planning
03:00 – Why Most Owners Avoid Planning (and Pay for It Later)
04:45 – Inside the “Exit Ready” Program
06:00 – The 7 Stages of Exit Planning Explained
08:30 – How to Assess Your Personal and Business Readiness
10:20 – The Tools and AI-Powered Resources Included
13:00 – The Mistake of Waiting Too Long to Prepare
15:20 – Real Examples from Business Owners Who Waited
17:00 – How ALP’s Team Can Help You Get Exit Ready
18:30 – Why Planning Early Gives You Control and Confidence
20:00 – Holiday Offer: Black Friday Bonus and Savings
21:30 – Your Exit Plan Is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Nov 24, 2025 • 51min
LIVE- Grow by Selling to Big Companies with Andrew Hulbert
Grow by selling to big companies
New Livestream guest- Andrew Hulbert
I’m happy to have Andrew join me on a live broadcast.
Andrew grew a startup facilities management company into a £50M sales company and then sold it to Private Equity for Kaboodles of coin.
Tune in and as we’ll be discussing how he chose his market and how he was able to grow selling to large companies.
TIP- it had to do with the terms of sale and his cash conversion cycle.
This is a ‘must see event’ for anyone who is thinking of growing a business and hasn’t realized that growth costs money.
Find Andrew online at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhulbert/
Sign up for my email list at https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

Nov 12, 2025 • 24min
Big Updates: Buyer Insights, Holiday Chats & New Exit Program
This episode dives into the return of Holiday Chat 2025, offering discounted consulting calls and insights on the booking process. Key lessons from past case studies highlight the importance of financial resilience in business. Exciting announcements include the launch of the Exit Ready program for smooth exits and pilot mastermind events in Austin and Vancouver. David also discusses essential buyer insights, like rollover equity and seller financing, to help navigate the complexities of business transactions.

Nov 5, 2025 • 17min
Business Broker Fails: How Bad CIMs Kill Deals
• “Is the Inventory Added or Included in the Price of a Business?” video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6L_dS2gRYs
• LIVE: Neal Isaacs — Seller Journeys with Business Brokers” https://www.youtube.com/live/-7vt5Ef-9i8
***
This week, I’m digging into one of the most common frustrations I hear from business buyers — poorly prepared CIMs and business profiles.
If you’ve ever tried to review a deal only to find missing financials, no balance sheet, or vague “adjusted income” numbers that make no sense… you’ll want to watch this one.
In this video, I break down the top errors business brokers make when preparing CIMs, including:
-Missing balance sheets and working capital details
-No asset list or equipment valuation
-Sloppy or missing normalization adjustments
-And why not accounting for the owner’s time completely skews earnings
Whether you’re a buyer trying to make sense of bad info or a seller who wants to present your business properly, this will help you understand what a real, professional SIM should look like.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/bKu7n20H750
#BusinessBroker #BuyASmallBusiness #SellYourBusiness #BusinessProfile #SIM #BusinessValuation #Entrepreneurship #DavidCBarnett
***
YouTube Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:25 – What a SIM (Confidential Information Memorandum) Should Be
04:15 – Mistake #1: No Balance Sheet or Working Capital Info
08:30 – Mistake #2: Missing Asset List or Equipment Values
12:40 – Mistake #3: Poor or Missing Normalization Adjustments
18:00 – Mistake #4: No Account of the Owner’s Time or Role
22:20 – Why These Gaps Waste Everyone’s Time
25:15 – How Proper CIMs Help Sellers and Buyers
28:00 – Why My Team Builds Complete Business Profiles for Clients
30:45 – Final Thoughts & How to Prepare the Right Way
#BusinessBroker #BusinessProfile #SIM #BuyASmallBusiness #SellYourBusiness #BusinessValuation #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessDeals #SMB #DavidCBarnett
****
- Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
****
Do Business with David using these incredible internet links...
- David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com
- Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com
- Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com
- Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com
- Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com
- Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com
- Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
-Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com


