In this episode of The Powell Perspective, host Thomas J. Powell welcomes longtime friend and business partner, Casey Minshew. Together, they explore their entrepreneurial journey, business exits, and the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Casey shares insights into his current ventures, including the M&A Launchpad podcast and the upcoming M&A Launchpad event in Chicago. The conversation also touches on important concepts like the book Who Not How by Dan Sullivan, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team, and how entrepreneurs can leverage deferred sales trusts in their exit strategies.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Building a Friendship through Business:

   • Tom and Casey reflect on their long-standing friendship and their successful business ventures, including one that resulted in a public exit on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

2. The Power of Partnerships and Team Building:

   • Casey talks about learning from Who Not How and the importance of finding the right people to complement your strengths in business. He emphasizes how self-awareness and ego-checking can help entrepreneurs focus on their best attributes.

3. M&A Launchpad Podcast and Event:

   • Casey introduces his podcast focused on M&A and entrepreneurship, where he interviews people about how they buy businesses, raise capital, and manage transitions.
   • The upcoming M&A Launchpad event in Chicago (October 26) will focus on helping attendees acquire businesses in the lower middle market, with insights from industry experts like Walker Dybel.

4. The Future of Baby Boomer Business Owners:

   • With 46% of small businesses owned by baby boomers and many nearing retirement, Casey discusses how entrepreneurs can capitalize on the opportunity to acquire well-established companies.

5. Deferred Sales Trusts and Creative Deal Structuring:

   • A detailed explanation of deferred sales trusts and how they can be used to help business owners defer capital gains while maintaining financial control of their assets.

6. Navigating Economic Risks and Opportunities:

   • Discussion on economic cycles and the importance of timing in acquisitions, with a focus on understanding market risks, including insights from ITR Economics and Ray Dalio's credit cycle theories.

7. Finding the Right Operating Partner:

   • Casey explains the critical role of an operating partner in M&A, often someone who is highly experienced but hasn’t yet been in a top leadership role. He emphasizes the importance of matching the right talent with the right opportunity.

Key Quotes:

• "It’s not about how to do everything yourself—it’s about finding the right people to help you do what you can’t." – Casey Minshew
• "There’s always risk in entrepreneurship, but if you eliminate all the risk, there’s no opportunity left." – Thomas J. Powell

Event Mentioned:

• M&A Launchpad Event – October 26, Chicago
  • A one-day event focusing on acquiring businesses in the lower middle market, creative financing options, and networking with industry experts.
  • Featured Speaker: Walker Dybel, author of Buy Then Build.
  • Special Discount Code for Listeners: Available through the podcast links.

Where to Find Casey Minshew:

• Website: M&A Launchpad Event
• Podcast: M&A Launchpad Podcast available on Spotify and iTunes

Follow Thomas J. Powell:

• Stay tuned for more episodes of The Powell Perspective, where Tom interviews business leaders and experts on entrepreneurship, investing, and growth strategies.
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