From CEO & Business Sale to Financial Advisor – Episode 120
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nate Collins shares his journey from being a CEO of a theatrical licensing company to becoming a financial advisor. He discusses the challenges and surprises he faced during the sale of his business, the importance of having a solid exit plan, and the value of working with experienced advisors. Nate emphasizes the need for clarity in financial planning and the significance of preparing for a business sale well in advance.
Key Takeaways
Nate Collins transitioned from CEO to financial advisor.
He sold his licensing company after significant improvements.
The importance of technology in maximizing business value.
Investment bankers can significantly increase sale value.
Surprises in the selling process can be overwhelming.
Get everything in writing during negotiations.
Clarity in financial planning is crucial for business owners.
Exit planning should start as soon as a business is established.
Many businesses are sold under duress, highlighting the need for preparation.
Working with experienced advisors can prevent costly mistakes.
About the Show
The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement now to become a master in M&A.
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Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/
Keywords
Mergers & acquisitions, business exit, financial advisory, M&A, investment banking, exit planning, business sale, tax strategy, wealth management, entrepreneurial insights, licensing company
More
In this episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, Nate Collins shares his journey from being a CEO of a theatrical licensing company to becoming a financial advisor. He discusses the challenges and surprises he faced during the sale of his business, the importance of having a solid exit plan, and the value of working with experienced advisors. Nate emphasizes the need for clarity in financial planning and the significance of preparing for a business sale well in advance. Key Takeaways Nate Collins transitioned from CEO to financial advisor. He sold his licensing company after significant improvements. The importance of technology in maximizing business value. Investment bankers can significantly increase sale value. Surprises in the selling process can be overwhelming. Get everything in writing during negotiations. Clarity in financial planning is crucial for business owners. Exit planning should start as soon as a business is established. Many businesses are sold under duress, highlighting the need for preparation. Working with experienced advisors can prevent costly mistakes. About the Show The M&A Mastermind Podcast delivers actionable insights and proven strategies for lower middle market dealmakers. Join host Nick Olsen and top industry experts as they discuss industry intelligence, deal management, shared successes, specialized expertise, and much more. If you serve the small to medium-sized business owner, this show will offer you tactics and insights you can use and implement now to become a master in M&A. Tune in Every Week Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCl0qSCwwZLyZxY7RnqNghiw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-m-a-mastermind-podcast/id1726394585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fpVjEXbJ0FXKMgEK0m7QQ Find all our episodes at https://cornerstoneia.com/podcast/ Keywords Mergers & acquisitions, business exit, financial advisory, M&A, investment banking, exit planning, business sale, tax strategy, wealth management, entrepreneurial insights, licensing company