This podcast is dedicated to business brokers and dealmakers. We will explore the crucial insights that will help you navigate the business brokerage landscape.
CVBBA Insights
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13 episodes
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Podcast Overview
This podcast is dedicated to business brokers and dealmakers. We will explore the crucial insights that will help you navigate the business brokerage landscape.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/26/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 4, 2026
13 - Business Financing: SBA Updates with Matt Williams of United Community Bank
SBA lending continues to be one of the most important financing tools in business brokerage, but the rules, expectations, and lender priorities continue to evolve. In this episode of CVBBA Insights, Heather Valeri sits down with Matt Williams, SVP and SBA Sales Team Lead at United Community Bank, for a timely conversation about the current SBA lending environment and what business brokers need to understand when preparing buyers, sellers, and deals for financing. Matt brings more than 20 years of banking experience across mortgage, retail banking, commercial lending, and SBA financing. Since joining SBA lending in 2019, he has helped guide clients through credit analysis, SBA requirements, and the practical realities of getting deals funded. In This Episode Heather and Matt discuss: What brokers should understand about today’s SBA lending landscape How recent SBA updates may impact deal structure and buyer qualification Why early lender conversations can help prevent delays and surprises Common issues that can slow down or derail SBA-financed transactions What lenders look for when evaluating buyer strength, seller financials, cash flow, and deal viability How brokers can better prepare buyers before they submit an offer The importance of communication between the trusted business advisors Practical ways to improve the probability of getting a transaction to the closing table Why This Episode Matters For business brokers, financing is not just a buyer issue, it is a deal management issue. Understanding how lenders evaluate SBA transactions helps brokers better advise clients, manage expectations, structure stronger offers, and identify potential red flags earlier in the process. This conversation is especially valuable for brokers working with main street and lower middle market transactions where SBA financing is often a key part of the acquisition strategy. Key Takeaways Prepared buyers create stronger offers.A buyer who understands their financial capacity, equity injection, resume strength, and lender expectations is better positioned to move quickly and confidently. Clean financials matter.Seller financial records, tax returns, add-backs, payroll, lease terms, and cash flow documentation all play a major role in financing success. The lender should be involved early.Waiting until after an LOI or purchase agreement can create unnecessary delays. Early conversations can help determine whether the structure is realistic. Communication keeps deals moving.Brokers, lenders, attorneys, CPAs, buyers, and sellers all play a role in keeping the transaction organized and moving toward closing. SBA lending remains a powerful tool.When properly structured, SBA financing can help qualified buyers acquire strong businesses while giving sellers a path to a successful transition. About the Guest Matt WilliamsSVP | SBA Sales Team LeadUnited Community Bank125 East Broad StreetGreenville, SC 29601Phone: 864-228-2519Website: ucbi.com Matt Williams has more than 20 years of banking experience, including mortgage origination, retail banking, commercial lending, and SBA financing. He currently serves as Senior Vice President and SBA Sales Team Lead at United Community Bank. About the Host Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPAFounder & CEOMeridian Business AdvisorsWebsite: meridianbusinessbrokers.comEmail: heather@meridianbusinessbrokers.comOffice: 843-800-2148 Heather Valeri is an award-winning business broker, advisor, and industry leader with more than 20 years of experience. She is VP Elect of the CVBBA, Board of Governors member for the IBBA, and CEO of Meridian Business Advisors. CVBBA’s podcast section features monthly contributions from members and affiliates with practical, implementable ideas, strategies, and success stories designed to help members strengthen their brokerage practice and better serve their clients.
April 3, 2026
12 - Beyond the Sale Price: Tax Strategies, 1031 & Deal Value
When business owners think about a successful sale, many focus on the purchase price. But sophisticated dealmakers know the real question is what the seller actually retains after taxes, structure, and transition planning. In this episode of the CVBBA Insights Podcast, host Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA sits down with Richard B. “Rick” Chess, Counselor at Law, Past President of CVBBA, to discuss practical strategies for preserving wealth in business and real estate transactions. Together, they explore how 1031 exchanges, tax planning, and smart deal structuring can help business owners, brokers, and deal partners think beyond the headline number and focus on true net proceeds. Rick shares insights on when a 1031 exchange may be relevant, how it can create opportunities for reinvestment, and why early coordination between brokers, attorneys, tax professionals, and other advisors is essential. This conversation is especially valuable for business brokers, real estate professionals, deal teams, and business owners who want to better understand the intersection of transaction strategy, taxes, and long-term wealth preservation. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What a 1031 exchange is and why it matters in certain transactions How tax strategy can significantly affect a seller’s true net proceeds Why brokers and advisors should think beyond sale price alone Common planning considerations when real estate is involved in a deal The importance of assembling the right professional team early How business owners can make more informed decisions before going to market This episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful planning can help clients protect value, reduce surprises, and create more strategic outcomes at closing and beyond. Subscribe to the CVBBA Insights Podcast on your favorite streaming platform so you never miss an episode.Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyListen on IHeart Radio If you found this episode helpful, please leave a positive review. It helps us grow the show and reach more professionals across the business brokerage and deal-making community. Interested in Being a Guest? If you are interested in being a guest on the CVBBA Insights Podcast, please contact:Heather ValeriChair, CVBBA Podcast Committee Learn More About CVBBA Interested in learning more about the Carolinas Virginia Business Brokers Association?Visit: https://www.cvbba.com Host & Guest Contact Information Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA CEO, Meridian Business AdvisorsVice President, CVBBA | Board of Governors, IBBAheather@meridianbusinessbrokers.comhttps://www.meridianbusinessbrokers.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/heathervaleri Richard B. “Rick” ChessCounselor at LawChess Law Firm, PLC804-241-9999rick@chesslawfirm.comhttps://www.chesslawfirm.com
March 15, 2026
11 - Deal or Drama? Navigating the Hard Conversations for Smoother Business Closings
Every experienced business broker has a story about the "deal from hell"—the one that turned into a soap opera or hit a legal landmine no one saw coming. In this episode, host Colette Kemp is joined by veteran transactional attorneys Lisa Crandall and Tad Cook of PLG Law. Together, they pull back the curtain on why some deals stay clean while others spiral into expensive chaos. Learn how to stop playing the "hero" in a failing deal and start playing the expert who spots red flags before they explode. Whether you are a broker, a buyer, or a seller, this masterclass provides the roadmap to keeping your deals on track and your reputation intact. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The Hero Trap: Why trying to "save" a deal can sometimes lead to crossing legal lines. Early Warning Signs: How to recognize the subtle "drama" indicators before they derail a closing. The Broker's Boundary: What you should (and absolutely should NOT) be doing to protect yourself and your clients legally. Building a Cleaner Process: How to structure your very first conversation to ensure a smooth exit months down the line. The "Drama-Free Deal" Checklist: Key questions every broker should ask upfront to vet a deal’s viability. Featured Guests: Colette Kemp (Host): Founder of SureStep Business Advisors and CVBBA Board Member. With 15 years of experience growing and exiting a multi-million-dollar service business, Colette now helps owners ensure they are operationally and emotionally ready for exit. Lisa Crandall (Guest): Attorney at PLG Law specializing in complex commercial transactions, M&A, securities, and franchising. Lisa is licensed in 7+ jurisdictions and serves as a leader in the North Carolina Bar Association. Tad Cook (Guest): Attorney at PLG Law with over 25 years of experience in sophisticated debt financing and business sales across industries like IT, manufacturing, and trucking. Sponsorship Opportunities Interested in sponsoring the CVBBA Insights Podcast Series?Please reach out to Colette Kemp or Heather Valeri for sponsorship details and partnership opportunities. Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA, CVGMeridian Business AdvisorsCall or Text: (843) 800-2148heather@meridianbusinessbrokers.com Learn More About CVBBA Interested in joining CVBBA or learning more about the association?Visit www.cvbba.com Subscribe & Review If you found this episode informative, please subscribe to the CVBBA Insights Podcast and leave a positive review. It helps us grow awareness and continue delivering high value content to the business brokerage community. Connect with Us: Follow CVBBA on LinkedIn or Facebook
13 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is CVBBA Insights?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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