Welcome to a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human and financial side of building enterprise value. Hosted by M&A advisor and executive producer Joshua Wilson, this is The Deal Podcast, brought to you by FA Mergers. We're your front-row seat to the strategies shaping today's lower- and middle-market, from the family-run business to the multi-million-dollar portfolio.Too often, the world of mergers and acquisitions is seen as a complex, numbers-driven game. We believe it's about the people behind the deals—the bold entrepreneurs, the savvy investors, and the dedicated teams who make it all possible. Each episode, we sit down with the real players in the M&A space: from private equity sponsors and family offices to strategic buyers, serial entrepreneurs, and commercial bankers. We’ll also hear from the crucial professional teams on the front lines, including CPAs, tax and corporate attorneys, and wealth advisors, to uncover the blueprints of success.Our conversations will delve into every facet of the deal lifecycle. We'll explore the art of acquisitions, the science of scaling through bolt-ons, the complexities of divestitures, and the long-term thinking required for portfolio optimization.This podcast is more than a stage for thought leaders; it's a collaborative hub for anyone looking to build, scale, or prepare for their next chapter. Whether you’re a business owner seeking a successful exit, an investor looking to grow your portfolio, or a professional advisor supporting clients on this journey, our content is designed to be both educational and actionable.Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Deal Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Mark Weber made $12,000 his first year in business. He never hired an employee. Three decades later, he's built a portfolio across life insurance, real estate, and mortgage lending — all on strategic partnerships and commission-only hustle. Mark Weber is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and CEO of Mark Weber Enterprises — a multi-layered company spanning real estate, investments, insurance, and mortgage lending. In this episode, Mark sits down with host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, M...
What if the smartest growth strategy in your community wasn't being run by a private equity firm — it was being run by a charity? Kim Boudreaux and Sarah Clement of Catholic Charities of Acadiana have spent the last two decades quietly executing one of the most disciplined nonprofit roll-up strategies in Louisiana — growing from a $1.2M agency with 23 employees into a $15M, 90-person, 14-organization platform serving eight civil parishes. In this episode, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude D...
What if the Lord interrupted your career at the peak of the American dream? Saul Keeton walked away from 25 years in commercial real estate. Kevin Granger left nursing and music behind. Both said yes to something bigger. In t...
What does it actually take to walk away from a thriving career at the top of your game — and how do you do it without leaving wreckage behind? In this special episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude D...
What happens when a former musician with degrees in graphic design and public relations becomes the executive director of one of Louisiana's most important startup engines? You get Destin Ortego — and a playbook that's helped...
Mike Tarantino, President and CEO of the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation, on how to land a major manufacturing deal — the playbook behind Iberia Parish winning First Solar's $1.4B, 2.3M sq ft advanced manufacturing facility over 15+ competing communities, plus the site selector ecosystem, public-private partnerships, and the business retention work that makes a community a magnet for capital.
Steven Pivnik on four exits from the same company — licensing software to IBM and Microsoft, surviving fraud and two missed payrolls, the KPI discipline that built the second act, and bringing in a CEO for the $4B sale. Now an exit advisor at Acresis and coach at The CEO Project.
Bryan McGehee of Gatr Coolers on building a viral consumer brand from a Thibodaux, Louisiana camper — the marketing playbook, strategic partnerships, and the real cost of manufacturing in oil country.
Dominic Dupré of Tule Creek Capital on going from operator to investor — surviving the 2014 oil bust, turning around the family crude hauling division, and what disqualifies most SMB sellers.
Yarin Gaon of Fractional Partners on growth by subtraction for founders — why scaling addition kills EBITDA, how to attribute overhead by revenue stream, and what PE does post-close.
"The Deal Podcast is a highly effective resource for navigating the complex world of middle-market dealmaking, achieving notable success in both guest quality and content engagement."
SmoothStoneCapital | Nov. 5, 2025
"As a student interested in M&A and deal-making, this podcast has become one of my favorites. Joshua Wilson does a fantastic job bringing on guests who share what actually goes into building, buying, …"
"As a student interested in M&A and deal-making, this podcast has become one of my favorites. Joshua Wilson does a fantastic job bringing on guests who share what actually goes into building, buying, …"