Insights from Investment Banking: Steve Hunter’s Advice for Private Equity and Business Owners

BluWave’s Karma School of Business

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