The Apex Business Advisors Podcast

Stepping up your AI game to create Business Success

In this engaging episode, Andy and Doug are joined by Jason Terry, who is now officially crowned as a friend of the show. Jason, an expert in AI tools for small businesses, shares his insights into leveraging technology to enhance business efficiency and streamline operations.
The discussion dives into Jason's favorite AI tools and how they have transformed the way businesses operate. From marketing strategies using ChatGPT to creating stunning visuals with AI image generators like MidJourney.
Additionally, the episode covers practical examples of AI's impact on daily tasks, such as using Grammarly to refine written communication and utilizing advanced social media scheduling tools. With an emphasis on innovation, the conversation reminds listeners of the importance of exploring and integrating AI solutions to stay competitive in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Know Your Broker - Steve Weaver

It is the return of veteran Steve Weaver, who joins from Fairhope, Alabama. Steve shares his journey in business brokerage across various locations, highlighting his plans for expanding Apex's influence in the booming Gulf Coast region.
Steve talks about his involvement with Rotary, leading efforts to make a positive community impact through service. The conversation also delves into the importance of selecting the right business listings, maintaining Apex's commitment to quality over quantity, and the value of leveraging personal experiences to connect with clients.
Doug and Andy explore Steve's strategic plans for the Southeastern market, emphasizing targeted growth in manufacturing and distribution. This informative episode sheds light on business advisement, regional growth opportunities, and the community-focused approach embraced by Apex Business Advisors.

Unveiling the Power of Exit Planning with Mark Kipp

We're joined today by Mark Kipp from Prime Capital. Mark, a seasoned financial professional, who founded the Kansas City Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI).
Mark shares the formation and growth of the EPI Kansas City chapter, with a mission to share the importance of early planning for business owners aiming for a successful transition and the power of collaboration among financial advisors, CPAs, attorneys, and business brokers.
If you're a business owner considering selling your business or simply want to maximize its potential, this episode provides essential strategies on preparing your business for any eventuality, ensuring that when it's time to exit, you're ready and informed. From navigating tax strategies to building a strong advisory team, discover how proactive planning can significantly benefit your business and secure your financial future.

Selling a Business: Government Contracts Businesses

Andy and Doug are joined once again by Kevin Layton, this time to take a deep dive into the world of businesses that have a lot of government contracts.
In this episode, they explore the nuances of businesses involved in government services—from environmental services to high-tech platforms—highlighting opportunities for growth and strategic exits.
Discover how business brokers can effectively manage sales processes, addressing customer concentration risks and navigating certifications and designations. Gain insights into funding sources, buyer qualifications, and the importance of competition in securing the best deal.
Whether you're interested in learning about transitioning certifications or understanding the current market dynamics, this episode equips you with expert knowledge to successfully approach the sale of a government contracting business.

Know Your Broker: Kevin Layton

Andy and Doug welcome one of our "newer" brokers, Kevin Layton, a software engineer turned business broker. Through his impressive background in aerospace and digital marketing, Kevin shares his intriguing career journey from high-tech exec to facilitating lucrative business acquisitions.
Tune in to learn about the dynamics of the brokering world and discover how Apex's team approach is helping sellers find the perfect match for their businesses. Stay informed about the latest trends and insights on business acquisitions, and don’t forget to visit the Apex website for more resources, including blogs, podcasts, and listings of both active and sold businesses.

The Art of Exit Planning: Aligning Business Goals with Market Realities

This episode features a special presentation by Doug and Valerie Vaughn. They revisit their well-received EPI chapter meeting presentation titled "Bridging the Gap" to discuss the importance of aligning business owner goals with market realities. You can access the video companion piece of this podcast by clicking this link
Learn about the different types of goals business owners have when planning their exit. Doug and Valerie elaborate on common misperceptions in business valuation, outline the role of M&A intermediaries, and propose strategies to help owners prepare for successful transitions. The conversation touches on financial, legacy, and emotional goals, alongside practical techniques for aligning expectations with market conditions.
Andy contributes to the discussion with real scenarios and myths about quick sales, valuation, cash transactions, and transitional periods for business owners. The episode concludes with practical advice on engaging M&A advisors early in the exit planning process and ensuring a smoother, more profitable exit strategy.

Call me when you have a serious buyer

Welcome to another episode of the Apex Business Advisors podcast. Today, we're covering our recent closings, including the story of a unique mailbox rental company acquisition. Our main topic is that misconception there are few "serious buyers." We finally discuss the strategies to bridge the gap between seller expectations and market realities, including the role of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) in helping business owners prepare for a successful sale.

2024 Year in Review

It is our annual review. Tune in to hear market insights from Andy and Doug as they discuss the competitive nature of the industry, emphasizing the quick turnaround of business engagements at Apex in comparison to the general nine-month to a year market average. They also delve into the impact of past economic events like COVID-19 on business valuations, and how Apex's focus is shifting towards more recent trends in 2025.