The M&A Mastermind Podcast

Most AI projects never move the bottom line. Host Nick Olsen talks with Mike Fedorov, COO and co-CEO of Applied AI Labs, about using targeted AI fixes to create measurable EBITDA gains. They cover how AI is changing the economics of platform companies and the questions M&A advisors should ask before choosing any technology. Mike also shares how voice AI added more than $1 million a year in revenue for one client, delivered in weeks, not years.

Key Topics:

AI's role in operational improvements

Finding operational gaps for EBITDA growth

Strategic considerations for platform readiness

Rapid implementation of AI solutions in M&A

Measuring value and avoiding superficial AI projects

The fundamentals a business needs before adopting new technology

About the Show:
The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Resources: Applied AI Labs | Mike Fedorov on linkedin | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: AI, EBITDA, M&A, operational excellence, platform readiness, AI in business, supply chain, operational gaps, technology implementation, business strategy, buy and build, AI agents, value creation

Real estate is often the most overlooked piece of a business sale, and one of the most common reasons deals fall apart at the closing table. Host Nick Olsen talks with Jason Bush, founder of Commercial Real Estate Strategic Advisory and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, about how to analyze leased and owned real estate early. They cover spotting risky lease terms before they surface in due diligence and using real estate to increase total enterprise value instead of letting it become a blind spot.

Key Topics:

The importance of real estate in business valuation

How to analyze real estate during M&A

Common pitfalls in lease review and management

Strategies for aligning real estate with business goals

Proactive risk management in real estate transactions

The impact of lease terms on deal success

How to handle owned vs. leased real estate in a sale

Opportunities for lease renegotiation before a sale

About the Show:
The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Resources: Jason Bush on LinkedInlinkedin | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: real estate, exit planning, M&A, business valuation, lease review, deal risk, real estate analysis, private equity, transaction strategy, commercial real estate, triple net lease, lease assignment, enterprise value

Why do some businesses grow revenue every year but never grow in value? Host Nick Olsen talks with Claire Mula, founder of Made for Scale and a certified Scaling Up coach, about the difference between scaling to grow and scaling to exit. Claire sold her own tech company for an eight-figure outcome in seven years. She covers how founders can build transferable value, reduce key-person risk, and use 1% improvements to drive big gains in profit and cash flow.

Key Topics:

The difference between scaling to grow and scaling to exit

How to build transferable value in a business

Key financial indicators for exit readiness

The importance of leadership and culture in scaling

Using the Scaling Up framework: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash

Strategies to improve cash flow and profitability

Reducing founder reliance and key-person risk

The role of leadership team development in exit planning

About the Show:
The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Resources: Made for Scale | Find a Scaling Up Coach | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: business scaling, exit strategy, transferable value, scaling up, business valuation, leadership, cash flow, growth, entrepreneurship, key person risk, exit readiness, power of one

On this episode, host Nick Olsen talks with John Langston, Founder and CEO of Republic Capital Group, about the data-backed case for hiring the right investment banker — and the strategic messaging, financial preparation, and mindset that separate a good deal from a great one. John shares real stories from his firm's most complex transactions, common mistakes buyers and sellers make, and what inspired his new book, 24% More.

Key Topics:

The impact of strategic advisory on deal value

How messaging influences buyer perception

Common mistakes in financial presentation and Quality of Earnings reports

The role of timing and prioritization in negotiations

Building a reputation for integrity in investment banking

Common buyer mistakes in wealth management acquisitions

Creative deal structuring and problem-solving

The emotional and strategic aspects of selling a business

About the Show:
The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Resources: Republic Capital Group | 24% Morejohn-langston | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: investment banking, deal value, M&A, wealth management, private equity, business sale, valuation, negotiation, advisory, transaction strategy, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, deal structuring, business valuation, deal challenges, creative solutions

Most business owners think their only options are borrowing more money or selling the company outright. On this episode, host Nick Olsen talks with Graham Bachman of Hidden River Strategic Capital about structured capital — a flexible, customized blend of debt and equity that gives lower middle market business owners a third option for growth, acquisitions, shareholder liquidity, and balance sheet restructuring, all without giving up control.

Key Topics:

What structured capital is and how it combines debt and equity

The four most common use cases: acquisitions, growth, restructuring, and shareholder liquidity

High-level definitions of senior debt, mezzanine debt, and equity

Resolving partner and shareholder disputes without a full sale

Why the cheapest capital can end up being the most expensive

When structured capital is not the right fit

Questions advisors should ask business owners to find the right capital structure

About the Show:
The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Resources: Hidden River Strategic Capital | Cornerstone International Alliance

Keywords: structured capital, business financing, acquisition financing, growth capital, shareholder liquidity, debt vs equity, capital structure, private equity, business exit strategies, lower middle market, private credit, recapitalization, buyout, capital options