
In the world of business exits, we often focus on the transaction. The reality is that the strongest exits are built years before a company ever goes to market. In this episode of the Selling Successfully Podcast, Jim sits down with Dan Holstein, award-winning business coach at Kaizen Performance Improvement Corp, to explore how coaching helps owners build stronger, more scalable, and more transferable businesses long before a sale is on the table. They discuss: • What pre-sale readiness re...
Mar 13
51 min

In this episode, Jim from Portage joins Kevin Laleyan from PE Gate for a conversation on what drives successful transactions in today’s lower middle market. They discuss the common pitfalls buyers encounter and why both buyers and sellers need the right team in place to properly implement systems and processes after a deal closes. Alignment between both sides is essential, and PE Gate explains how they help uncover shared objectives and create clarity when navigating complex transactio...
Feb 27
31 min

In this episode, Nick Olsen, Managing Director at Cornerstone International Alliance (CIA), joins Jim to discuss how global buyer networks and data intelligence are transforming the M&A landscape. He shares insights on CIA’s role in the market, the scope of its international buyer network, and how data-driven strategies empower more efficient deal-making. We also explore how CIA’s reach enhances Portage’s sell-side process, hear examples of successful cross-border engagements, and get adv...
Sep 23, 2025
26 min

A powerful conversation featuring Liz MacRae, President of Village Wellth. Liz shares her unique journey into M&A, the friction points she’s solving for buyers, and her insights on where the industry is headed in the next 3–5 years. From actionable advice for today’s buyers and sellers to bold predictions about AI and tech disruption in deal-making, this episode is packed with strategic gold. Thank you for listening! Find or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
May 29, 2025
35 min

In this episode, we're exploring the rise of Fractional CFOs, their role in guiding businesses through economic challenges and succession planning as well as their impact on successful deals. Learn why Fractional CFOs are becoming indispensable in today's M&A landscape and how to leverage Fractional CFO expertise for your next big move. Guest: Bhavna Duggal | Former Principal & Chief Financial Officer at The CFO Centre of Canada and current Interim Chief Financial Officer at Securian...
Apr 15, 2024
40 min

Buying a business can come with twists and turns and we’re here to help navigate. We keep lines of communication open during negotiations, make sure both parties have the right people at the table, ensure due diligence is done correctly and more. We know all of the steps and keep everyone on the right track throughout. Guest: Ryan Buist | Portage M&A Advisory Partner & Head of Valuations. [email protected] Thank you for listening! Find or follow us on Lin...
Mar 8, 2024
26 min

Selling or buying a business is not a decision made lightly, and knowing and trusting the individuals you're working with is crucial. The personal nature of this is front and center in everything that we do, which is why this particular episode is so important. Guest: Ryan Buist | Portage M&A Advisory Partner & Head of Valuations. [email protected] Thank you for listening! Find or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Feb 12, 2024
29 min

Selling a business is a much more complex undertaking than most entrepreneurs realize. Join us for a peek into our proprietary, in-depth process which helps us ensure the successful sale of your business. Guest: Ryan Buist | Portage M&A Advisory Partner & Head of Valuations. [email protected] Thank you for listening! Find or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Jan 15, 2024
29 min

When it comes to retirement, there is much more to consider than just the numbers. This episode of The Selling Successfully podcast reminds sellers of a necessary introspective process they must undertake to truly assess their level of retirement readiness. Guest: Ryan Buist | Portage M&A Advisory Partner & Head of Valuations. [email protected] Thank you for listening! Find or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Dec 18, 2023
21 min

Amidst the daily hustle, it's crucial that business owners do not overlook the long-term financial health of their business and personal wealth. Learn how in the latest episode of The Selling Successfully Podcast, when Portage Founder and Partner Jim Friesen sits down with guest Edward Lee, Investment Advisor at RBC ([email protected]) To learn more about Portage M&A Advisory visit our website at: portagemaadvisory.com Thank you for listening! Find or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebo...
Nov 20, 2023
23 min
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