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Buyouts, Business and Bourbon

Buyouts, Business and Bourbon

Questar Capital Partners 14 Episodes Jun 3, 2026

Hosted by Gerry Spitzer, founder of Questar Capital Partners, this podcast explores the real stories behind successful business exits, generational transitions, and strategic growth. Each episode features practical insights from entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors who share what worked and what didn't. The conversations are candid and aimed at business owners navigating complex decisions.

Episodes

What Business Owners Need to Know Before Selling with Adam Margolis
What Business Owners Need to Know Before Selling with Adam Margolis Jun 3, 2026 00:52:23 Selling your business sounds exciting, but most owners do not realize how much preparation, patience, and pressure come with the process.In this episode of Business, Buyouts, and Bourbon, Gerry Spitzer sits down with longtime friend and client Adam Margolis, co-founder of L&M Healthcare, to talk through Adam’s 20-year journey of building, growing, and eventually selling his company to private
Selling Your Business Is Like Becoming an Empty Nester with Matt Meline
Selling Your Business Is Like Becoming an Empty Nester with Matt Meline May 20, 2026 00:33:31 What happens after you sell your business?For many founders and business owners, the financial side of an exit gets most of the attention. But the emotional side can be just as important. In this episode of Business, Buyouts and Bourbon, Gerry Spitzer sits down with financial advisor Matt Moline to discuss the surprising parallels between becoming an empty nester and transitioning out of a busines
NFL Records, Leadership, Business Ventures, and Life in the NFL with Zaire Franklin
NFL Records, Leadership, Business Ventures, and Life in the NFL with Zaire Franklin Apr 22, 2026 00:50:02 In this episode of Buyouts Business and Bourbon, All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin of the Indianapolis Colts shares his journey from Philadelphia to the NFL, breaking down what it takes to lead at the highest level while building businesses and preparing for life after football. From record-setting performances to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, this conversation dives into the mindset behind s
ESOP Exit Planning with Josh Freeman & Richard Reyle
ESOP Exit Planning with Josh Freeman & Richard Reyle Apr 1, 2026 00:40:21 Exit planning for middle market companies is becoming urgent, especially for Baby Boomer owners between ages 55 and 70 who have not yet structured their transition. In this episode, Josh Freeman and Richard Reyle break down mergers and acquisitions strategies, tax-free transaction structures, and why Employee Stock Ownership Plans are increasingly used as a powerful exit tool. Business owners will
Exit Planning, Selling Your Business, and Family Offices with Josh Pearce
Exit Planning, Selling Your Business, and Family Offices with Josh Pearce Mar 4, 2026 00:47:55 Selling a business is one of the most complex decisions an entrepreneur will face, yet many founders wait too long to prepare. In this episode, Jerry Spitzer and M&A corporate lawyer Josh Pearce break down the full exit planning process, from early preparation to post-sale asset management through family offices. Learn how strategic planning, diligence, and the right mindset can maximize value
Unlocking The Power of Self-Insurance with Daniel Campbell
Unlocking The Power of Self-Insurance with Daniel Campbell Jan 14, 2026 00:48:04 In this episode, Dan Campbell of Campbell Petrie discusses his journey in the benefits consulting world, focusing on self-insurance and captive insurance. He shares insights on the evolution of health insurance, the importance of understanding different insurance models, and how businesses can benefit from innovative strategies to manage healthcare costs. The conversation also touches on real-worl
Navigating Choices: The Art of Decision-Making with Dave Bolotsky
Navigating Choices: The Art of Decision-Making with Dave Bolotsky Dec 17, 2025 00:53:12 Decision-making is more than picking left or right. In this episode, we explore how your mindset and personal growth shape the way you navigate the journey after making a choice. Discover why the process of making decisions can be just as transformative as the outcomes themselves and how embracing the journey can lead to self-improvement.Key Topics:• We don't make the right or wrong decisions.
Mark Kossow Explains ESOP vs. Private Equity: Which Exit Puts More Money in Your Pocket?
Mark Kossow Explains ESOP vs. Private Equity: Which Exit Puts More Money in Your Pocket? Dec 3, 2025 00:35:45 In today’s episode, Mark Kossow breaks down one of the most misunderstood strategies in business exits: the 1042 election. If you’re a business owner thinking about selling—to private equity or an ESOP—you must understand how this election can help you legally eliminate capital gains tax and potentially walk away with tens of millions more in your pocket.We compare ESOPs vs. private equity, look a
Complexities of Business Transitions with Abby Donnelly
Complexities of Business Transitions with Abby Donnelly Oct 21, 2025 00:44:09 Join us in this insightful episode of "Buyout Business and Bourbon" as we sit down with Abby Donnelly, a seasoned author, speaker, and coach with over 25 years of experience in business consulting. Abby shares her expertise on the complexities of succession planning, the emotional dynamics of business transitions, and the importance of strategic leadership development.Key Topics:- The ch
Navigating the Future of Accounting with Philip Whitman
Navigating the Future of Accounting with Philip Whitman Oct 7, 2025 00:47:27 Join Gerry Spitzer in an engaging conversation with Philip Whitman, a legend in the accounting world. Discover insights into the evolving landscape of CPA firms, the challenges of recruiting new talent, and the impact of private equity in the industry. Philip shares his journey from public accounting to becoming a leading consultant, offering a unique perspective on the future of accounting.Key To
Celebrating 43 Great Years at ESPN With Chris LaPlaca
Celebrating 43 Great Years at ESPN With Chris LaPlaca Sep 24, 2025 00:40:58 Join Gerry Spitzer as he sits down with Chris LaPlaca, former SVP of Corporate Communications at ESPN. Chris shares his journey from working in his family's business to becoming a key figure in sports media. Discover insights on leadership, succession planning, and the evolution of ESPN.Key Topics:Chris's early life and family business experiences Transition to ESPN and career growth Leade
Unlocking Business Exits: The ESOP Advantage with Ashley Sarokhan
Unlocking Business Exits: The ESOP Advantage with Ashley Sarokhan Sep 10, 2025 00:29:20 Hang on to your bourbon, because today we are joined by Ashley Sarokhan, a seasoned ESOP advisor and managing director at Lazear Capital. Dive into a conversation that blends the art of business exits with the smoothness of bourbon.Key Topics:The growing trend of business exits among baby boomers. Ashley's journey from commercial banking to ESOP advisory. The benefits and misconceptions of ESOPs (

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