How Independent Sponsors REALLY Buy Businesses (M&A from the Inside)

FREE book on how to buy SMBs: https://www.dealflowsystem.net/UNLOCKTHE3DOORS What Happens When a Guy with Grit Takes on M&A Without a Giant PE Firm Behind Him? In this episode, Casey Minshew lays it out—no fluff. He walks us through his real-world journey as an independent sponsor—finding deals, funding them, and figuring it out as he goes. No Wall Street suits. Just persistence, smart due diligence, and a crew he trusts. We talk lessons learned (some the hard way), how to avoid rookie mistakes, and why your network can make or break your next deal. You’ll also hear how Casey’s using tech to gain an edge—and what legacy businesses are hiding in plain sight for anyone paying attention. If you"re thinking about buying a business—or want to raise capital without writing a massive check—don’t miss this one. Plus, we dive into what’s happening at the M&A Launchpad Conference and how it’s shaping the future of small business ownership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Casey Minchew and Equity Launchpad 01:41 Understanding Independent Sponsorship 04:46 Lessons from the First Acquisition 09:56 Navigating Challenges in Business 14:35 The Importance of Team and Transparency 19:34 Transitioning to Independent Sponsorship 24:36 Capital Structure and Deal Sourcing 29:57 Building a Business with Integrity 35:22 The Journey of Networking and M&A 36:16 Navigating Business Acquisitions 38:53 The Importance of Networking Capital 40:54 Learning from Past Mistakes 44:04 Understanding Different Business Models 49:18 Compressing Time in Deal-Making 51:15 Exploring New Business Opportunities 54:15 The Role of Seller Financing 55:54 Building Relationships in Business 01:02:26 Creating a Community through M&A Launchpad 01:04:43 The Future of M&A and Market Trends