In a compelling interview on The Deal Scout Podcast, Shawn Flynn, Managing Director at SVH Capital, and Josh Wilson, a real estate broker and investment banker, peeled back the curtain on the psychology, strategy, and financial mechanics behind successful dealmaking. From emotional intelligence to fee structures, the conversation offered rare insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
Key Highlights:
1. Dealmaking Mindset
- Mergers = marriages (long-term alignment)
- Acquisitions = puppies (ongoing care required)
- Selling a business is emotional, not just financial
2. Transaction Size Matters
- Focus on deals >$10M (smaller deals often not viable)
- Fee structures (Lehman model) reflect deal complexity
3. Client Relationships
- “No jerks” policy: only work with collaborative partners
- Retainers ensure commitment and filter unserious players
4. Private Company Transactions
- Secondary sales provide liquidity for founders/investors
- Valuation challenges due to lack of public data
Click HERE to listen to the full episode.
