Insights from Investment Banking: Steve Hunter’s Advice for Private Equity and Business Owners
Insights from Investment Banking: Steve Hunter’s Advice for Private Equity and Business Owners  
Podcast: Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business
Published On: Wed Jan 15 2025
Description: Sean Mooney sits down with Steve Hunter, Managing Director at TM Capital, to discuss the nuanced world of M&A, the key ingredients for creating value in a business, and what both buyers and sellers need to know for a successful deal. Steve offers practical advice for private equity professionals and business owners, sharing timeless insights from his decades-long career and a behind-the-scenes perspective on helping companies achieve transformational outcomes. Episode Highlights: 1:12 - Steve Hunter shares his journey from rural Pennsylvania to a career in M&A, including his early days at Alex. Brown and Robinson Humphrey. 8:11 - Building value in a business: How to de-risk operations, grow strategically, and attract top buyers by focusing on recurring revenue, growth opportunities, and strong teams. 19:02 - Why every seller should prepare their business as though it’s “sale-ready” from day one to maximize outcomes. 24:48 - The importance of transparency, top-tier advisors, sell-side QofE, and handling the overwhelming volume of data requests during an M&A process. 32:06 - Steve shares advice for buyers: Avoiding abrasiveness, thoroughly preparing for management meetings, and balancing operational oversight post-acquisition. 40:59 - TM Capital’s tailored approach: A Goldilocks strategy with boutique-level customization and deep investment in deal preparation, including advanced data analytics. 44:27 - Steve looks ahead to 2025 and shares why he’s optimistic about a strong year for M&A activity. 51:06 - Insights for life and leadership: The importance of asking for what you want and recognizing that anyone can shape the world around them. For more information on Edison Partners, go to https://www.tmcapital.com/ For more information on Casey Myers, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjhunter For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts