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Loraine DiSalvo on Estate Planning for Business Owners

January 26, 2026 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Loraine DiSalvo on Estate Planning for Business Owners

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Loraine DiSalvo, Morgan & DiSalvo, on Estate Planning, Business Succession, and Blended Families (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 932)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Loraine DiSalvo, partner at Morgan & DiSalvo, an Alpharetta law firm specializing in estate planning and trust administration. Loraine discusses the critical importance of proactive estate planning, particularly for business owners facing potential private equity sales or succession challenges. She explains how failing to plan before a business sale can significantly limit tax mitigation options and result in substantial estate tax exposure above the $15 million per person exemption.

Loraine addresses the complexities of estate planning for blended families, noting that no two situations are alike and emphasizing the value of open family discussions before death to prevent conflicts during grief. She also highlights a common misconception that both singles and married couples without children have simple estate planning needs, when in fact they often face complex decisions about beneficiaries beyond the typical spouse and children. The conversation covers succession planning for businesses where the next generation is not interested in taking over, the importance of having proper authority structures in place, and the various life events that should trigger an estate plan review.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Business owners considering or approached about private equity sales should complete estate planning before any sale offer materializes, as proximity to a sale makes it increasingly difficult to support lower valuations for tax mitigation purposes.
Georgia’s probate process can be quick and inexpensive with a well-drafted will, but inadequate documents can require tracking down distant relatives for consent and result in significantly higher costs and delays.
Blended families benefit from open discussions about estate plans while the parents are alive, helping family members understand decisions and reducing the likelihood of disputes during grief.
Singles and married couples without children often face more complex estate planning decisions than those with traditional family structures, as they must thoughtfully determine beneficiaries beyond the typical spouse and children.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Loraine DiSalvo
02:26 Loraine DiSalvo discusses her background and how she became interested in tax and estate planning law
05:05 The importance of estate planning for successful business owners and the consequences of failing to plan
07:17 How well-drafted wills streamline Georgia’s probate process versus inadequate documents
08:23 Common estate planning issues for business owners
09:09 Estate tax planning strategies for business owners facing private equity sales
11:03 The critical importance of timing estate planning before accepting sale offers
12:02 How Loraine helps clients navigate complex estate planning decisions and options
14:07 Business succession planning when children are not interested in taking over
15:08 The consequences when business owners fail to plan for succession
17:15 Balancing estate distributions when one child is in the business and others are not
17:37 Estate planning complexities for blended families
20:58 The value of family discussions about estate plans to prevent post-death conflicts
22:29 Loraine’s role in educating clients and raising what-if questions
23:03 Common misconceptions about intestate succession for married couples
24:19 Why singles and childless couples often face complex estate planning decisions
26:15 Life events that should trigger a call to an estate planning attorney
28:21 The importance of periodic estate plan reviews as life circumstances change
30:02 Success stories, including helping families with disabled members maintain Medicaid benefits
32:37 Using Georgia’s year support law to protect surviving spouses from creditor claims
34:18 How to connect with Morgan & DiSalvo for a no-charge estate planning consultation

Loraine DiSalvo, Partner, Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C.

Loraine DiSalvo, as heard on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray — **Loraine DiSalvo**

Loraine DiSalvo has been practicing law in Georgia since 1997. Loraine is a partner with Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C., the Alpharetta law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families plan and prepare for the many changes that life brings.

Loraine’s areas of concentration include estate planning, probate, estate administration, trust administration, tax planning, and charitable gift planning. She specializes in addressing the unique needs of blended and non-traditional families as well as same-sex couples.

Loraine is a member of the Stonewall Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, the Atlanta Estate Planning Council and the Estate Planning Council of North Georgia. She is a past Chair and past member of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Probate Section, a past member of the CLE Board of Trustees for the Atlanta Bar Association and a past member of the North Fulton Bar Association.

Loraine has almost completed her two-year term as President of the Estate Planning Council of North Georgia, which began in 2024. She previously served as their VP of Programs in 2022 and 2023. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Mortmain, which is published by the Estate Planning and Probate Section for its members. Loraine spent two consecutive years as President of the Professional Women’s Information Network (ProWIN), an organization that provides networking, educational, and charitable opportunities for entrepreneurial and professional women in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Prior to becoming President of ProWIN, she spent three years as Treasurer and one year as President-Elect. After her two years as President, followed by a year as Immediate Past President and another year as a Member-at-Large on the ProWIN Board of Directors, Loraine left the Board of Directors and served on ProWIN’s Advisory Board.

An Atlanta native, Loraine graduated cum laude from Georgia State University and earned her J.D. degree, with distinction, from Emory University. Loraine has one adopted daughter and two grandchildren. She lives in Sandy Springs with her husband, Anthony, and enjoys riding motorcycles and using her expertise as a trained auto mechanic to work on their multiple cars and bikes.

Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C.

Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C. is a boutique estate planning law firm based in Alpharetta, Georgia, focused on providing highly personalized guidance to individuals and families navigating wills, trusts, and broader estate and tax planning needs. The firm prioritizes clear, customized plans over generic documents, assisting clients in addressing issues like probate, estate and gift tax planning, trust administration, and elder and disability-related matters as life circumstances evolve.

Founded in 1995 and led by attorneys Richard Morgan and Loraine DiSalvo, the firm has developed a reputation for attentive client service, compassion, and technical depth in trusts and estates work, earning top-tier ratings from multiple legal rating services and recognition as a Tier 1 firm in Georgia for Trusts & Estates Law. With a small team of attorneys and paralegals, Morgan & DiSalvo positions itself as a long-term partner for North Metro Atlanta families, guiding them through planning, administration, and dispute resolution to protect legacies and minimize burdens on beneficiaries.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio* and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star-rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Ben Benson on M&A Pitfalls That Cost Sellers Millions

December 4, 2025 by John Ray

Ben Benson, Apexion Advisors, on M&A Advisory, Transaction Pitfalls, and Preparing Business Owners for Successful Exits, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Ben Benson on M&A Pitfalls That Cost Sellers Millions

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Ben Benson, Apexion Advisors, on M&A Advisory, Transaction Pitfalls, and Preparing Business Owners for Successful Exits (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 918)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Ben Benson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Apexion Advisors, to discuss the flaws in the traditional M&A advisory model and how these issues can cost business owners millions of dollars. BBen explains the information asymmetry trap, which gives sophisticated buyers, who regularly execute transactions, a significant advantage over business owners who may only sell once in their lifetime.

Ben shares specific examples of how buyers use working capital adjustments to claw back value after closing, sometimes recapturing a million dollars or more through accounting mechanisms that sellers don’t fully understand. He discusses how legal structures like reps and warranties shift risk back to sellers and reveals the hidden costs of deal fatigue, where buyers strategically extend timelines to wear down sellers and create leverage for price reductions.

Ben explains how Apexion takes a different approach by building relationships with business owners years before a transaction, helping them prepare in advance, and creating flexible pricing models that align incentives properly. He covers when business owners should start thinking about M&A preparation, the benefits of alternative structures, like the European lockbox method, and why starting early can help retain significantly more value in a transaction.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

The traditional M&A advisory model creates misaligned incentives where bankers are motivated to close deals regardless of whether they serve the seller’s best interests, and sellers subsidize failed transactions through higher fees
Information asymmetry heavily favors institutional buyers who execute transactions professionally while most business owners go through the process once in a lifetime, allowing buyers to use mechanisms like working capital adjustments to recapture millions in value post-closing
Hidden costs include deal fatigue from extended timelines and data requests, which buyers use strategically to wear down sellers and create leverage for price reductions
Starting M&A preparation early, using alternative structures like European lockbox methods, and understanding reps and warranties in advance can help business owners retain significantly more value in transactions

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Ben Benson
02:13 Ben Benson introduces Apexion Advisors and their M&A advisory services
03:18 Ben’s career journey from CPA to private equity to M&A advisory
05:57 Why the traditional M&A investment banking model is broken
08:36 Misaligned incentives in traditional M&A advisory
09:17 How Apexion builds relationships early to create better outcomes
12:30 The information asymmetry trap in M&A transactions
16:02 How working capital adjustments are used to shift value to buyers
21:21 Legal structures, reps and warranties, and risk allocation
23:26 Hidden costs, including deal fatigue and advisory sprawl
26:18 How Apexion does M&A advisory differently
29:49 When business owners should engage with M&A advisors
31:02 Success stories, including partnership buyouts and debt refinancing
33:16 Contact information and closing

Ben Benson, Co-Founder / Managing Partner

Ben Benson combines extensive experience in finance, strategy, and M&A, shaped by hands-on experience in private equity, investment banking, and corporate strategy & development. After launching his career at PwC, he later managed financial operations and led investment analysis at a $250 million private equity fund. Afterwards, he executed M&A mandates at KeyBanc Capital Markets and Harris Williams. Most recently, he spearheaded strategic initiatives at Corpay and Agilysys, including the $150 million acquisition of Book4Time, Inc. Ben holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA from the Marriott School of Business at BYU and is a licensed CPA in California.

Apexion Advisors

Apexion Advisors is a boutique M&A advisory firm with a clear mission: to guide businesses through pivotal moments and drive strategic transformation.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the author of the five-star rated book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Navigating Family Business Succession and Sale: Insights from Rick Calabrese and Joe Bergin, Commonwealth M&A, and Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

May 21, 2025 by John Ray

Navigating Family Business Succession and Sale: Insights from Rick Calabrese and Joe Bergen, Commonwealth M&A, and Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners, on Family Business Radio podcast with host Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

Family Business Radio

Navigating Family Business Succession and Sale: Insights from Rick Calabrese and Joe Bergin, Commonwealth M&A, and Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

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Navigating Family Business Succession and Sale: Insights from Rick Calabrese and Joe Bergin, Commonwealth M&A, and Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners (Family Business Radio, Episode 64)

In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen welcomes three experienced advisors to discuss the intricacies of planning for family business succession and sale. Rick Calabrese and Joe Bergin from Commonwealth M&A share their personal journeys and expertise in assisting small businesses with transitions, covering topics such as business valuation, the emotional aspects of selling, and the importance of having a professional advisor. Lyle Newkirk from Seton Hill Partners brings a different perspective, discussing his experience in corporate M&A and the importance of preparation and strategic advisory for small and mid-sized businesses. The discussion includes practical advice on preparing for an exit, the role of private equity, and addressing common misconceptions and pitfalls. The episode aims to provide family business owners with valuable insights to ensure a seamless transition and maximize their business’s value.

Anthony concludes the show by underlining the need for thoughtful retirement planning.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Rick Calabrese, Commonwealth M&A

“There’s no perfect time to sell—only the right time, when your goals and your business are aligned.”
Rolling equity (a partial sale with continued involvement) allows owners to take chips off the table now and participate in a second payday later.
Emotional readiness is just as important as financial readiness in family business succession.

Joe Bergin, Commonwealth M&A

“Your business is worth what someone is willing to pay. That’s why process and positioning matter.”
Valuation isn’t just math. It’s about risk, recurring revenue, and how the buyer sees your future cash flow.
M&A advisors aren’t just negotiators. They’re emotional buffers and translators between the parties.

Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

“Don’t wait to clean up your books. Due diligence is like a 90-day colonoscopy.”
Many deals fall apart not on price, but on poor preparation, such as missing contracts, inadequate reporting, or emotional resistance.
Fractional executives can professionalize operations, prepare for exit, and give owners a trusted outside perspective.

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

Retirement planning isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the lifestyle. Financial success is meaningless without a clear vision of what fulfillment looks like post-exit.
Think beyond the golf course. True retirement satisfaction requires more than vague hobbies. Entrepreneurs must get specific about how they want to spend their time and structure their lives once the business chapter closes.
Plan for retirement well in advance of the proposed deal. Planning for retirement should begin long before a business is sold. Knowing what comes next adds clarity and confidence to the decision to exit.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio
00:48 Meet the Guests: Rick Calabrese and Joe Bergin
01:01 Background Stories: Rick and Joe’s Family Business Roots
05:31 Understanding Business Valuation
07:41 Timing the Sale of Your Family Business and Family Business Succession
10:17 Options for Partial Liquidity Events
13:45 Misconceptions About Private Equity
17:16 The Importance of M&A Advisors
19:02 Emotional Aspects of Selling a Family Business
23:25 Recognizing When to Step Aside
24:19 Resources for Business Owners
24:37 The Importance of Early Planning
25:46 Introducing Lyle Newkirk
28:01 Common Mistakes in Business Transactions
30:22 Preparing for a Successful Exit
35:05 The Role of Fractional Executives
38:29 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Rick Calabrese, Esq., CPA, LL.M., Co-Founder, Commonwealth M&A

Rick Calabrese is a licensed attorney and certified public accountant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and also has a Masters of Law in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Rick obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting) from the University of Pittsburgh. After law school, Rick worked at “Big 4” accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Center City, Philadelphia, prior to engaging in the active practice of law primarily in the fields of tax, corporate business, M&A and commercial real estate at suburban Philadelphia-based law firms.

During his time practicing law (which he still does part-time), Rick handled multi-million-dollar transactions for small to medium-sized businesses. While many other clients may have to use multiple advisors on a given transaction, Rick used his unique and specialized tax, business, M&A, and CPA background to assist clients through the entire process of family business succession, from initial planning and structuring to drafting purchase agreements and closing.

Rick now lives with his wife, Lindsey; their son, Luca; and their dog, Maverick, in Chester County, PA. In his free time, you can find Rick out on the links or passionately cheering on the Big 4 Philadelphia sports teams, Villanova basketball, and Pitt Panthers football.

LinkedIn | Firm Website

Joe Bergin, Co-Founder, Commonwealth M&A

Joe Bergin graduated from Penn State University (University Park) with Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance and Economics. Joe is also a Certified Management Accountant and worked at Johnson & Johnson for over a decade spanning multiple roles & responsibilities culminating in a series of roles spent analyzing, structuring, and executing M&A and venture capital transactions.

During his time in Corporate Finance, Joe developed experience and skills ranging from strategic planning to complex financial modeling and business valuation. Joe passionately believes that Commonwealth M&A clients deserve to be represented with the same level of sophistication that Fortune 100 companies receive, regardless of deal size.

Born and raised in West Chester, PA, Joe is a passionate fan of all Philadelphia and Penn State sports. In his free time you can find him spending time with his wife and daughter or attending Penn State football games in the Fall.

LinkedIn | Firm Website

Lyle Newkirk, CFO Partner, SeatonHill Partners

Lyle Newkirk is a CFO partner with SeatonHill Partners. He has over 35 years of experience in CFO and executive finance roles. He has worked with public and private companies based both in the US and internationally, where he developed the strategies to achieve significant top-line revenue growth and helped to facilitate various successful acquisitions and strategic exits, including three exits to Fortune 500 companies. Lyle has extensive experience in technology companies in general and SaaS companies specifically. Lyle’s expertise also includes FP&A, growth planning and tactics, cash management, HR, sales operations, and regulatory compliance

SeatonHill provides organizations financial leadership with a strategic and operational focus by placing elite CFO talent to challenge the business and contribute to operational decisions to achieve results. With their curated talent, their financial leaders guide small and medium-sized businesses through complex financial problems to mitigate risk and achieve organizational goals.

SeatonHill is the fastest-growing CFO services firm in the nation, offering the power of combined thought leadership and the support of the country’s top financial talent to the benefit of all our clients. SeatonHill has offices in Boston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.

LinkedIn | Firm Website

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

PHELAN & MYERS 2 FOR 20: Venture Capital and Business Start-ups with Mike Dowdle of Circadian Ventures

January 30, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Business Radio

PHELAN & MYERS 2 FOR 20: Venture Capital and Business Start-ups with Mike Dowdle of Circadian Ventures

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Host Scott Phelan is joined by Mike Dowdle of Circadian Ventures to explain how business start-ups are funded and the differences between venture capital, angel investors, and private equity.

No matter where you are in life – just starting out, in your peak earning years, nearing retirement, or contemplating your legacy – Phelan and Myers Wealth Management Group of Janney Montgomery Scott is here for you. When you work with them, it’s about going beyond investing. It’s about connecting your life and your finances.

They take a comprehensive and customized approach to your finances, by understanding your needs and goals and aligning your investment strategies to help meet those goals. Their depth of knowledge and experience, combined with their firm’s capabilities and resources, enables them to provide high quality service, while offering advice and executing financial solutions for every stage of life.

No needs are more important than your own. They pride themselves in making your needs and goals, their own. They don’t simply work for you. They work with you to understand who you are as an individual and as an investor.

Their mission is to help you to define your financial objectives, and then use that knowledge to develop — together — a plan that is tailored to fit your unique needs and preferences, and is in your best interest. They’re proud to offer comprehensive financial planning resources, providing you access to education, advice, planning, and consultation.

Scott Phelan, CFP®
Executive Vice President/Wealth Management, Financial Advisor

Scott Phelan has over 20 years of financial advising and planning experience. As Executive Vice President/Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, his focus is helping build wealth for high net worth individuals and corporate clients. His core competencies include estate, retirement, insurance and income tax planning strategies. Scott has a long and distinguished career in the financial services industry having held leadership positions at Edward Jones, The Hartford, and New England Financial. Most recently, he was a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor/Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley. Scott began his career at the New England Financial Group where he developed and implemented employee 401(k) programs.

Phone: 678.448.4841
sphelan@janney.com

Private Equity and the Dental Industry, with Dennis Marvel, Fortune Management

February 16, 2024 by John Ray

Dental Business Radio

Private Equity and the Dental Industry, with Dennis Marvel, Fortune Management

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Private Equity and the Dental Industry, with Dennis Marvel, Fortune Management (Dental Business Radio, Episode 50)

On this episode of Dental Business Radio, Dennis Marvel, Fortune Management, joined host Patrick O’Rourke for a frank conversation about private equity and the dental industry. They discussed the inner workings of private equity firms that dentists often don’t understand, how PE firms function, and how their incentives can negatively impact a dental practice owner choosing to sell to such firms. Dennis and Patrick discussed the legal definition of an “accredited investor,” and how many dentists may financially qualify to meet that test but not have the investment understanding and experience that the term implies. The conversation also moved towards the value of independence and objectivity in healthcare-related businesses and the importance of understanding one’s scaling strategies in the industry.

The interview was recorded remotely on February 6, 2024, at the Fortune 50 member event held in Frisco, Texas, at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. Fortune 50, powered by Fortune Management, unites an elite community of practice owners who represent the top 1% of their field.

Dental Business Radio is underwritten and presented by Practice Quotient: PPO Negotiations & Analysis and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Dennis Marvel, Managing Partner, Fortune Management

Dennis is one of the nation’s leading authorities in the rapidly changing business of dentistry. Prior to joining Fortune, Dennis acquired extensive business experience as a serial entrepreneur and through diverse positions in Fortune 50 financial firms.

He has served as a Vice President of Dean Witter Reynolds, a Principal of the New York Stock Exchange, a Senior Vice President for American Express, the CEO of Tilt Inc., the co-organizer of TEDx Seattle, and the Founder and CEO of the Inspirit Leadership Group. In addition to a B.S. in Business, Dennis is a graduate of The Wharton School of Business International Financial Management and Executive Leadership Development Programs as well as the acclaimed Coaches Training Institute. He holds numerous specialist designations and possesses considerable expertise in economics, business development, corporate finance, capital markets, and dental practice operations.

Dennis has an uncanny ability to make complex business concepts simple and to turn data into clear, actionable priorities that transform business results. Whether he was managing portfolios, growing private businesses, Fortune 50 financial firms, or dental practices, Dennis Marvel has always taken a very results-oriented approach. He has a remarkable ability to understand data and teach others to break it down simply and to take actionable steps that make incredible changes to their businesses.

Dennis has a strong track record of facilitating extraordinary growth through his awareness and understanding of business metrics. He will teach you how to use key performance indicators with your team to create outstanding business results. Dennis has a core belief that your business should be a pathway to increasing your fulfillment and, in the process, have your business be a catalyst to an extraordinary life.

Fortune Management

Fortune Management is a leading business consulting firm that helps organizations, specifically in the dental and veterinary space, improve their performance and achieve their goals. With over 35 years of experience, Fortune Management has a proven track record of success in various industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, and more. Their team of experts provides various services, including strategic planning, process improvement, leadership development, and more. They work closely with their clients to understand their unique needs and tailor the firm’s services to meet the goals of their clients. Their mission is to help organizations achieve their full potential and reach new heights of success.

Website | YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:03 Introduction to Dental Business Radio

00:28 Guest Introduction: Dennis Marvel

03:35 Dennis Marvel’s Entrepreneurial Journey

06:33 The Impact of Private Equity Firms in Healthcare

08:38 The Risks and Rewards of Private Equity Firms
09:13 The Future of Dentistry and Private Equity
14:46 Understanding the Business Side of Dentistry
23:53 The Importance of Investing in Your Own Business
28:14 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

About Dental Business Radio

**Patrick O’Rourke, Host of “Dental Business Radio”**

Patrick O’Rourke is the host of Dental Business Radio covers the business side of dentistry. O’Rourke and his guests cover industry trends, insights, success stories, and more in this wide-ranging show. The show’s guests include successful doctors across the spectrum of dental practice providers, as well as trusted advisors and noted industry participants.

Dental Business Radio is underwritten and presented by Practice Quotient and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can be found on all the major podcast apps, and a complete show archive is here.

Practice Quotient

Dental Business Radio is sponsored by Patrick O’Rourke, Founder & CEO, Practice Quotient. Practice Quotient, Inc. serves as a bridge between the payor and provider communities. Their clients include general dentists and dental specialty practices across the nation of all sizes, from completely fee-for-service-only to active network participation with every dental plan possible. They work with independent practices, emerging multi-practice entities, and various large ownership entities in the dental space. Their PPO negotiations and analysis projects evaluate the merits of the various in-network participation contract options specific to your practice’s patient acquisition strategy. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Connect with Patrick O’Rourke and Practice Quotient

Navigating the Future: AI’s Impact on Mergers and Acquisitions

January 16, 2024 by Karen

BRX National

Navigating the Future: AI's Impact on Mergers and Acquisitions

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Navigating the Future: AI’s Impact on Mergers and Acquisitions

In a recent episode of Phoenix Business RadioX, host Karen Nowicki engaged in a conversation with Rabie Zahri, CEO of Positon AI, and Craig Lilly, a partner at Reed Smith LLP, shedding light on the transformative impact of AI on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Zahri discussed Positon AI’s innovative approach, leveraging AI to enhance the efficiency of M&A processes. He emphasized the crucial role of AI in due diligence, citing specific examples such as AI-assisted question platforms and bluff reports for streamlined information summarization. Zahri underlined the need for human oversight in critical decision-making, while also touching upon the future potential of quantum computing.

Craig contributed valuable insights into the current dynamics of the M&A market, highlighting pricing misalignments between buyers and sellers. He explored creative solutions, including earnouts, M&A insurance, and minority investments, to address these challenges. Craig also emphasized the significance of alignment in goals, values, and equity ownership for successful post-closing integration. Looking ahead, Zahri outlined Positon’s focus on improving deal execution governance and performance management, aiming to create a business network facilitating companies to be investment-ready. In contrast, Lilly anticipated increased M&A activity for Reed Smith LLP, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and healthcare, preparing for a potential surge in IPOs in 2024.

This episode illuminated the multifaceted landscape of AI’s role in M&A, addressing trust, data privacy, and the need for innovative strategies to navigate the evolving market dynamics. The discussions underscored the collaborative efforts of technology-driven firms and legal experts to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape of business acquisitions.

Positon AI is dedicated to revolutionizing the Mergers and Acquisitions space with our SaaS-based, AI-powered platform, addressing the complexities of M&A workflow and data management. We offer an innovative, secure, and efficient solution that transcends traditional tools, setting new standards in the industry

Rabie Zahri is an acclaimed entrepreneur and business trailblazer, currently steering the helm as Co-Founder and CEO of Positon AI, an AI-powered SaaS venture shaking up the world of M&A and investment. Rooted in a potent blend of curiosity and intellect, Rabie is widely known for his solution-oriented approach, which he applies to the creation and market delivery of innovative products.

Educated at Arizona State University and Thunderbird School of Global Management, Rabie possesses a profound grasp of computer engineering and international business, making him a unique combination of tech-savvy and business-minded.

Rabie’s career journey is a diverse tapestry of roles, from software engineering and consulting at companies like On-Semiconductor and Hypercom (Verifone) to leadership positions at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. His latest venture, Positon AI, leverages AI and data analytics to revolutionize M&A and investment processes.

Known for his effective collective leadership style, Rabie has an innate ability to navigate ambiguity, lead by example, and drive his teams towards exceptional outcomes. A captivating speaker, Rabie is a regular feature on panels and keynotes, where he shares his insights, ignites ideas, and inspires audiences. His enthusiasm for solving complex problems and fostering innovation is not just infectious but also deeply transformative, making him a sought-after figure for any thought-provoking event.

Connect with Rabie on LinkedIn and X.

Reed Smith is a leading international law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 32 offices throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international and US businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises.

Its lawyers execute the full range of merger and acquisition transactions, litigation and regulatory compliance. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including technology, AI, health care, life sciences, telecommunications, entertainment, energy and financial services.

Craig Lilly is a leading legal advisor for strategics and private equity sponsors on domestic and cross-border technology acquisitions, mergers, divestitures, recapitalizations, consolidations, auctions, leveraged buyouts, and minority investments.

Craig’s practice includes advising emerging technology companies on venture capital financings, debt financings, corporate governance, public offerings and joint ventures. He also represents fund sponsors in connection with structuring and organizing investment funds.

Craig frequently writes and lectures on legal and business issues regarding mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and corporate finance. He has been quoted in, or contributed to, articles and features in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Deal Magazine, Reuters, Financier Worldwide, CFO.com and other major publications.

Craig is a member of the Board of Directors of The Association for Corporate Growth and Financial Executives International (Silicon Valley chapters).

Follow Reed Smith on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby

December 20, 2023 by John Ray

Business Beat

Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby

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Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby (Business Beat, Episode 57)

This special edition of Business Beat delved inside Frazier & Deeter and the firm’s remarkable 42-year journey, as Jim Frazier, David Deeter, and Bob Woosley joined Business Beat host Roger Lusby and co-host John Ray. The conversation delved into the early years of the firm’s existence, significant landmarks, growth strategies, and the firm’s unique culture that fostered long-term relationships with both clients and employees. The firm’s emphasis on personal relationships, consulting skills, and a market-oriented entrepreneurial mindset were cited as vital to their success. The discussion also touched on the evolution of accountancy, advice for younger accountants, and the important role of AI and technology in the future of the accounting profession. This show represented both a celebration of David Deeter and Roger Lusby as they retire at the end of 2023, as well as a look into a bright future for this dynamic accounting and advisory firm.

Business Beat is presented by the Alpharetta office of CPA firm Frazier & Deeter and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter is an award-winning Top 50 accounting and advisory firm that offers a full scope of tax, audit, internal controls advisory, and business transformation services. FD and its family of brands serve clients worldwide, from the Fortune Global 500 companies to growing small businesses, and the firm has been recognized repeatedly as a Best of the Best Accounting firm, a Best Firm to Work For®, and a Best Firm for Women in Leadership.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Jim Frazier, Founder & Tax Partner

Jim Frazier, Frazier & Deeter — **Jim Frazier, Founder & Tax Partner, Frazier & Deeter**

As one of the founding partners of Frazier & Deeter, Jim Frazier is responsible for activities related to tax planning and the preparation of tax returns for clients varying in size from individuals to closely held companies and large national concerns. In addition, he provides tax, accounting and management consulting services to a variety of medical practices in the Atlanta area.

Jim has extensive experience in strategic planning for closely held corporations, staff utilization, personnel evaluation monitoring procedures and the management of information systems. He also serves as a panel member for the American Arbitration Association.

Jim has earned the designation of certified fraud examiner (CFE). The CFE designation is awarded to select professionals responsible for detecting, deterring and investigating fraud and white-collar crime. He also has received the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) designation, which distinguishes CPAs who are proficient in information technology.

David Deeter, Founder & Tax Partner

As co-founder of Frazier & Deeter, David Deeter has a major role in facilitating the growth of the firm. From 2001 to 2009, during his term as Managing Partner, the firm experienced an average growth of 20% annually and became a Top 100 Firm in the US. David was named one of the Top 5 Most Admired Leaders in US Accounting Firms in a recent Inside Public Accounting survey by his peers.

Most of David’s work centers around income tax and financial planning. He is an advisor to many of Atlanta’s leading families, and he has extensive experience with companies in the real estate, entertainment, finance, manufacturing, services, and nonprofit industries.

Bob Woosley, National Practice Leader, Private Equity Practice

After beginning his professional service career at PwC, Bob Woosley became the first professional employee of Frazier & Deeter shortly after the firm was founded in 1981. In 1985, Bob became a Partner of the firm, and over the next 18 years, he served as head of the Audit and Strategic Consulting Services Departments. 

In 2000, Bob founded iLumen, Inc., the CPA profession’s leading business intelligence and analytics platform, which is today used by leading CPA firms and financial institutions across the country. Bob served as CEO of iLumen through 2010 and is currently an active board member and advisor to the company. In 2010, Bob led the creation of the FD Alliance, a strategic collaboration of non-merged CPA firms located in several metropolitan areas. 

In 2011, Bob returned to the firm. He now serves as the National Practice Leader of the firm’s Private Equity Practice, which includes the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services Practice. In addition, Bob directs the firm’s marketing and growth strategies on both a national and local level. 

Bob has been involved in numerous private company board positions and assists clients in developing and optimizing strategies that impact their business across the spectrum of the entrepreneurial life cycle, including capital formation and exit strategies. 

Roger W. Lusby III, Tax Partner

As a member of the Tax Practice and just-retired Office Managing Partner for FD’s Alpharetta location, Roger Lusby oversees coordinating tax and accounting services for the firm’s clientele. His responsibilities include reviewing various tax returns, with an emphasis in the individual, estate and corporate areas. 

Roger further provides client assistance regarding financial planning, executive compensation & stock option planning, estate & succession planning, and international planning (FBAR, SFOP). He has significant expertise in the healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and service industries. Before joining the firm, Roger was a Tax Supervisor with an international accounting firm.

About Business Beat and show sponsor, the Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter

Business Beat is presented by the Alpharetta office of CPA firm Frazier & Deeter and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

The Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter is home to the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan Services group and a thriving CPA tax practice. Their Alpharetta CPAs and advisors serve clients across North Georgia and around the country with services such as personal tax planning, estate planning, business tax planning, business tax compliance, state and local tax planning, financial statement reviews, financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, internal audit outsourcing, cyber security, data privacy, SOX and other regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and more. Their Alpharetta CPAs serve clients ranging from business owners and executives to large corporations.

As one of the largest CPA firms in the United States, Frazier & Deeter takes pride in bringing their clients exceptional technical expertise backed by a devotion to exceeding client expectations. Their brand promise is “Investing in Relationships to Make a Difference,” and they focus on that goal every day.

As an active participant in the business community, Frazier & Deeter’s Alpharetta CPAs are involved with the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

As an Alpharetta CPA firm, Frazier & Deeter has been highly involved in the Alpharetta community for many years. They are proud to support organizations like the Chattahoochee Nature Center, North Fulton Charities, and FosterCares, just to name a few. Frazier & Deeter is also a proud member of goBeyondProfit, an organization that helps businesses give back to our Georgia communities.

An episode archive of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat can be found here.

Enjoy the Journey E2

July 26, 2023 by Karen

Financial Footsteps

Enjoy the Journey E2

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Enjoy the Journey E2

On this episode of Behind the Balance Sheet, host Chad Dean talks with Dan Johnson, Phoenix-based CFO of ONE (Open Network Exchange). Dan goes into detail about his educational background in Accounting and how it has been the foundation for a highly successful career in Finance. He discusses important personality traits and skillsets that are important for a leadership role in Finance.

Dan details his journey through his career filled with enviable positions that prepared him for the title of CFO. His advice he would give to young people beginning a career in Public Accounting is well said and truly something we should all strive for. But it’s easier said than done. Listen in for the details!

Anyone who has an interest in growing their knowledge of a career in finance – Students, anyone junior to senior in accounting and finance.

ONE is a high-growth organization that provides next generation, technology-based sales, marketing and fulfillment services to businesses across the travel, hospitality, vacation ownership, retail and financial markets globally. ONE has approximately 600 employees across operations in the US (AZ & FL), UK, and Asia Pacific.

Dan Johnson is Chief Financial Officer of ONE with proven track record at building and leading strong finance organizations. I have extensive experience in corporate finance, strategic planning, governance, restructuring, M&A, divestitures, and valuation. My expertise includes driving change and value enhancement through bold actions aimed at unlocking operational and financial efficiencies and new sources of growth.

Throughout my career, I have worked for, or advised private equity-backed and public companies in a multitude of industries including technology, consumer, ecommerce, energy, business services and manufacturing. Furthermore, I have served as a CFO and CEO for private-equity and VC backed companies throughout a transformation and/or restructuring process.

Prior to ONE, I was a Managing Director in turnaround and restructuring services for two international consulting firms. Earlier, I was a Senior Vice President at Houlihan Lokey where I advised boards of directors, sponsors and management teams on complex transactions and valuation matters. I started my career at Deloitte in its audit and assurance practice and received a B.S. in Business Administration and M.S. in Accounting from the University of Colorado Boulder. I am a CFA Charterholder and CPA licensed in Colorado.

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn.

About Financial Footsteps

Financial Footsteps is dedicated to providing insider access to successful accounting and finance leaders thereby providing ideas, insights, and ‘secrets to success’ to those aspiring to be leaders themselves.

Interactive conversations with guests will reveal the genesis for a career in accounting and finance, the great (and not so great) decisions that were made along the way, and the advice that these leaders would give to their younger selves.

About Your Host

Chad Dean has been an executive recruiter since 1996. He currently is owner and CEO of a top-ranked national recruiting firm with a 33 year history servicing the Finance disciplines.

Chad Dean’s relaxed and authentic recruiting style combined with a relentless work ethic and dedication to ethical recruiting has propelled him to the highest levels of success in recruitment and career counseling. He has been sought after by CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, and numerous other publications for his expertise.

Chad Dean is a proud Arizona native, married for 21 years, with two second-generation native teenage sons. He has an MBA from Arizona State University and a BS in Biology from FHSU.

About Our Sponsor

Integrated Management Resources was founded in 1990 in Tempe Arizona. Starting with clients like Goldman Sachs (first client and still a client today) and top Wall Street hedge funds, IMR built a robust recruiting process that digs out the most desirable ‘passive’ candidates from our client’s competitors.

IMR’s Phoenix Accounting and Finance practice services large and medium sized organizations for mid-senior level full-time placement and interim staffing.

Jordan Thomas, Jordan Thomas Foundation

February 20, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Jordan Thomas, Jordan Thomas Foundation

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Jordan Thomas, Jordan Thomas Foundation (Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett, Episode 12)

Jordan Thomas, Founder of the Jordan Thomas Foundation, joined host Julie Hullett. They chatted about his foundation, his love of golf, his passion for private equity, and his commitment to service. Julie asked him about how he carves out time for himself, advice he’d give for creating more time, and of course a lightning round of questions.

After the interview, Julie shared a Quick Tip about how to be prepared for the upcoming daylight savings time.

Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett is presented by Julie Hullett Concierge, LLC and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Jordan Thomas Foundation

JTF provides children affected by limb loss with the prostheses they need throughout their growing years. Kids need to replace their prostheses every 18-24 months because they outgrow them just like clothes and shoes. We are committed to supporting our JTF Kids with the prostheses they need from the moment they join our family through the age of 18.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Jordan Thomas, Founder, Jordan Thomas Foundation

Jordan Thomas is a passionate philanthropist that has devoted his life to advocating for the limb loss community. After losing both legs in a boating accident in 2005, Thomas created the Jordan Thomas Foundation–a nonprofit devoted to providing prosthetic devices to children throughout their childhoods.

Thomas is also an avid golfer and passionate private equity investor.

LinkedIn | Instagram

About Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett features stories from busy professionals who have created more time to do what they love. Every other week, your host and personal concierge Julie Hullett speaks with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and influencers to answer the question: What would you do if you had more time?

The show is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® and can be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

Julie Hullett, Host of Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett

Julie Hullet, Host of *Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett*

Julie Hullett is the host of Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett.

Julie Hullett is a personal concierge and entrepreneur in Nashville, TN. She founded Julie Hullett Concierge, LLC in 2011 to give people their time back so they can do more of what they love. No stranger to big ideas and pursuing passions, Julie left corporate America to create her business. She capitalized on her skills—multi-tasking, attention to detail, and time management, to name a few—to build a successful business that gives back. Her clients enjoy ample free time. They’ve traveled more, spent more time with those they love, and have even created their own businesses.

Connect with Julie:

Website| LinkedIn | Instagram. Sign up to receive her newsletter.

Loraine DiSalvo, Morgan & DiSalvo, on Estate Planning, Business Succession, and Blended Families (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 932)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Loraine DiSalvo, Partner, Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C.

Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C.

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Ben Benson, Apexion Advisors, on M&A Advisory, Transaction Pitfalls, and Preparing Business Owners for Successful Exits (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 918)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Ben Benson, Co-Founder / Managing Partner

Apexion Advisors

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Rick Calabrese, Commonwealth M&A

Joe Bergin, Commonwealth M&A

Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Rick Calabrese, Esq., CPA, LL.M., Co-Founder, Commonwealth M&A

Joe Bergin, Co-Founder, Commonwealth M&A

Lyle Newkirk, CFO Partner, SeatonHill Partners

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Private Equity and the Dental Industry, with Dennis Marvel, Fortune Management (Dental Business Radio, Episode 50)

Dennis Marvel, Managing Partner, Fortune Management

Fortune Management

Topics Discussed in this Interview

About Dental Business Radio

Practice Quotient

Connect with Patrick O’Rourke and Practice Quotient

Navigating the Future: AI’s Impact on Mergers and Acquisitions

Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby (Business Beat, Episode 57)

Frazier & Deeter

Jim Frazier, Founder & Tax Partner

David Deeter, Founder & Tax Partner

Bob Woosley, National Practice Leader, Private Equity Practice

Roger W. Lusby III, Tax Partner

About Business Beat and show sponsor, the Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter

Enjoy the Journey E2

About Financial Footsteps

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About Your Host

About Our Sponsor

Jordan Thomas, Jordan Thomas Foundation (Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett, Episode 12)

Jordan Thomas Foundation

Jordan Thomas, Founder, Jordan Thomas Foundation

About Time Well Spent

Julie Hullett, Host of Time Well Spent with Julie Hullett

Connect with Julie:

Our Mission

Sponsor a Show

Partner With Us

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