Navigating a founder-led exit is more than just a transaction—it’s a pivotal moment for a business and its owners. John Willding breaks down how private equity and strategic buyers differ, why early planning and quality-of-earnings analysis matter, and how thoughtful deal structuring drives long-term value.
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WHAT WE COVER
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• How founder-operators should approach life-altering M&A transactions
• Differences between private equity and strategic buyers and implications for deal structure
• Planning for M&A well in advance, including quality-of-earnings analysis and due diligence
• Asset vs. equity sales, tax considerations, and partnership agreements
• Structuring deals to retain employees and maximize transaction value
• Navigating regulatory frameworks, including securities and fund formation rules
• The role of specialized legal expertise in unlocking complex transactions
• Long-term relationship-building and strategic positioning to create value in the mid-market
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📱 CONNECT WITH US
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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media & sponsored by:
Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com
Follow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/
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#TheDealTable #PrivateEquity #MiddleMarketMergers #FundFormation #CorporateLaw #MergersAndAcquisitions #DealStructuring #FounderCompanies #BusinessTransactions #InvestmentLaw
Buddy Ozanne, founder of Property Advisors Inc., discusses the evolution of wealth management and the critical components of long-term estate preservation. The conversation covers his transition from a transactional insurance model in the 1970s to becoming a pioneer in the fee-only RIA space.
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Key Takeaways
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-The transition from transactional sales to fee-based fiduciary advice.
-How to transfer "Intellectual Capital" to heirs who haven't met you yet.
-The "Moneyball" approach to investing: Why you don't need home runs to win.
-The origin story of the SMU "Boulevard".
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📱 CONNECT WITH US
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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media & proudly sponsored by:
Vela Wood | https://velawood.com
Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com
Follow The Deal Table:
https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/
Follow Ryan Harper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/
https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/
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#TheDealTable #WealthManagement #EstatePlanning #FeeOnlyAdvisor #CapitalPreservation #LongTermInvesting #PortfolioStrategy #GenerationalWealth
Tailwater Capital’s Jason Downie and Edward Herring examine today’s U.S. energy crunch driven by AI demand, population growth, and infrastructure constraints. They discuss nuclear’s comeback and how disciplined investors are positioning for long-term value in a market defined by reliability and capital scarcity.
WHAT WE COVER
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• U.S. energy shortfall and the need for reliable baseload power
• The role of nuclear energy in meeting future energy demand
• AI-driven energy demand and infrastructure implications
• Impact of the shale revolution on U.S. oil and gas production
• Tailwater Capital’s investment strategy across midstream, upstream, and royalties
• Private capital solving energy infrastructure bottlenecks
• Differences between renewable energy and reliable conventional energy
• Evolution and growth of Tailwater Capital since 2013
• Culture, decision-making, and partnership dynamics at Tailwater
• Target returns, risk discipline, and avoiding hyper-leverage
• Decline of institutional energy investment and rise of family office capital
• Competition and consolidation in energy-focused private equity
• Government policy, ESG considerations, and global energy perspectives
CONNECT WITH US
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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media & proudly sponsored by:
Vela Wood | https://velawood.com
Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com
Follow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/
Follow Ryan Harper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/
https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/
Follow Lane Carrick:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/
Sign up for the Deal Table Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsd
Tracy “DOC” Curry transformed a career setback into a platform for measurable impact. Through DOC CARES, the Dreams Experience Academy, and global minority ownership ventures, he links music, AI, and mentorship to educational outcomes and sustainable social growth.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Lessons from 40+ years of personal and professional growth
• Faith, perseverance, and using life’s challenges to reinvent yourself
• Hip hop roots: artistry, protest, and cultural impact
• Mentorship and supporting young artists in South Dallas
• Preserving musical legacy through AI and innovation
• Community building: music infrastructure, education, and commerce
• Reflections on working with iconic artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
• Navigating the evolving music, film, and streaming industries
• Sports ownership and cultural exchange: Dallas Cowboys and Manchester football
• Life philosophy: family, wealth, happiness, and purpose-driven success
Guest: Tracy 'The D.O.C.' Curry
American Rapper and Songwriter
FOLLOW THE DEAL TABLE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/
HOSTS
Ryan Harper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/
Lane Carrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/
Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsd
Sponsored by Vela Wood & Capital Southwest
The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) is reshaping America’s capital markets. Nicole Chambers, Global Managing Director and former NASDAQ executive, explains why the U.S. has fallen from 9,000 to 4,400 public companies, how exchange regulation pushed issuers away, and why Texas is becoming a new financial power center.
Nicole breaks down the decline of public listings, the shift of financial talent from New York to Texas, and how TXSE—backed by BlackRock, Citadel, and Charles Schwab—plans to launch in 2026 with a pro-issuer model built for modern companies.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Why U.S. public companies fell from 9,000 to 4,400
• How TXSE plans to challenge the NYSE and NASDAQ
• Why Dallas is emerging as a global financial hub
• Texas vs. Delaware corporate law advantages
• Why major investors like Citadel, Schwab, and BlackRock back TXSE
• TXSE’s launch timeline for 2026
• What “Wall Street to Y’all Street” really means
Guest: Nicole Chambers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-chambers-55a86113/
TXSE: https://www.txse.com
TXSE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/txse
FOLLOW THE DEAL TABLE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/
HOSTS
Ryan Harper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/
Lane Carrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/
Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsd
Topics: Finance, Capital Markets, Investing, Public Companies, Economic Policy, Texas Business, Stock Exchanges, Wall Street, NASDAQ, Market Regulation.
Energy investing, private equity strategy, and the career mindset behind “The Fastest Tortoise.” Ken Hersh breaks down risk, resilience, decision-making, and the leadership principles that shaped modern energy finance. He explains operators vs. assets, probabilistic thinking, market cycles, and why “yellow lights don’t turn green.”Ken served as President & CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center from 2016–2025, overseeing the Bush Library, Museum, and Institute. Before that, he co-founded NGP Energy Capital Management in 1988 and built it into one of the nation’s leading natural resources private equity firms—investing over $12B and generating a 27-year, 30% annualized return.A longtime philanthropist and board leader, Ken shares why meaningful progress comes from embracing discomfort, betting on yourself, and staying focused through cycles rather than chasing perfect conditions or quick wins.
Get his book - The Fastest Tortoise: Winning in Industries I Knew Nothing About: https://amzn.to/4i9ZU5H
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
Follow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/Follow Ryan Harper:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/Follow Lane Carrick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/Sign up for the Deal Table Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsd
Michael Sarner joined Capital Southwest in 2015 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 30 years of experience in finance, treasury, and BDC’s. Leveraging his extensive background in financial services, Sarner has built best-in-class teams and innovative solutions to support the company's growth. Under his leadership, his team has raised over $2 billion in debt and equity financing and secured Investment Company Ratings from Moody’s Investor Services and Fitch Ratings. As CEO, Sarner is responsible for the firm’s strategic direction. He serves as Chair of the Investment Committee and is a member of the CSWC Board of Directors. Before joining Capital Southwest, he spent 15 years at American Capital, Ltd., holding various financial leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Treasury.
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
Lane Kasselman is the President and Chief Business Officer at Blockchain.com, where he has transformed the startup unicorn into a fast-growing multinational business. Kasselman has spent over two decades consulting on business strategy, public policy, crisis management and communications, running communications and public affairs for Uber, AT&T, The Messina Group and his own firm, Greenbrier. He began his career in politics, working for two California Governors, and later in communications for then-Senator Hillary Clinton’s Exploratory Committee for President. An avid startup advisor and investor, Kasselman holds degrees from California State University, Sacramento and Golden Gate University School of Law.
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
Troy W. Eckerd, Chairman of Eckerd Enterprises, shares his journey from humble beginnings to building over $1 billion in energy assets.With decades of experience in finance, oil & gas, and private capital, Troy explains how he navigates an industry riddled with obstacles, misrepresentation, and high failure rates to deliver real returns for investors.
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
Brint shares how his firm produces more adjudicated data than anyone else and is changing the tax landscape forever.From leveraging AI and ChatGPT to optimize taxes in real-time, to navigating the ever-changing gray areas of the tax code, Brint dives into how innovation, leadership, and technology intersect in the world of business taxes. We also get a glimpse into Ryan’s unique work culture, remote-first strategy since 2008, and global expansion plans.Tune in to learn how the government can’t slow you down when you harness data, AI, and expertise the right way.
Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, Vela Wood and Capital Southwest- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.
In this episode of The Deal Table, we sat down with Dr. Alex Farahmand.Dr. Alex Farahmand MD, is the co-founder and president of Tidal Medical Technologies, a pioneering medical device company transforming respiratory care through smart technology. Tidal Medicals flagship innovation is InSee which is a connected, user-friendly incentive spirometer designed to boost patient compliance and improve outcomes in hospitals and at home. With a background in emergency medicine and a passion for healthcare innovation, Dr. Farahmand leads InSee’s mission to modernize pulmonary recovery tools. Under his leadership, the company has completed clinical trials and submitted for FDA clearance, paving the way for a new standard in respiratory monitoring and patient engagement.
In our latest episode of The Deal Table, we had the honor of hosting Tom Leppert- former Mayor of Dallas, CEO of Turner Construction, White House Fellow, and an all-around leadership powerhouse.What stood out most wasn’t just his impressive resume, it was how he got there.
Chris Gannett believes that business is the leverage point for global change- and he’s got the track record to back it up.He has raised millions in funding, contributed to over $500 million in M&A value, and invested in over 50 startups. As a CMO and GM with Sony, "American Idol," Elvis Presley Enterprises, TheBlaze and MediaMath, Chris' work helped achieve multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards, three Guinness Records, three turnarounds, three exits, and two Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader Awards.
As the founder of Gannett.Partners, Chris combines coaching science, capital, and company-building expertise to help leaders deliver sustainable progress and superior returns. Since launching the firm in 2022, he’s worked with founders, CEOs, investors, and public figures across 10 countries, impacting startups, Fortune 500s, nonprofits, and family offices alike.
Today’s guest, Jimmy Tran, blends business acumen with deep personal perspective. As the former VP of Corporate Strategy and M&A at CBRE, Jimmy led over $2 billion in acquisitions and played a key role in tripling earnings in just 8 years. He also spent time as a management consultant with Bain & Company, working in Dallas, Hong Kong, and Singapore, helping global leaders make smarter, faster decisions.
But Jimmy’s outlook is shaped by more than just boardrooms and spreadsheets. His parents came to the U.S. as refugees from Vietnam- a legacy that continues to inform his approach to leadership and opportunity.
Today on The Deal Table, we're joined by Scott Harper- Dallas-based entrepreneur and co- founder of Dialexa, the digital product engineering firm he launched in 2010 with just "$50, a domain name, and big dreams".Under his leadership, Dialexa grew into a powerhouse consultancy serving clients like Uber, Amazon, and Toyota before being acquired by IBM in 2022.Scott helped define "digital product engineering" as its own category, incubated ventures like Vinli and Robin Autopilot, and earned recognition as EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
This week on The Deal Table, we sit down with John Donovan, former CEO of AT&T Communications and current investor in some of the most disruptive technologies reshaping the world as we know it.In one of our most thought-provoking conversations yet, John pulls back the curtain on the frontier of innovation- from quantum computing and synthetic biology to AI, space tech, and hypersonics.
Today on The Deal Table, we’re joined by Leib Bolel, founder of Lioncrest Ventures, a firm focused on flexible, multi-product financing solutions for early growth-stage tech companies. He also serves as a Partner at Grayhawk Capital, where he’s spent nearly seven years investing in and supporting B2B software companies.Before that, Leib was the CEO and founder of the Arizona Israel Technology Alliance, where he built bridges between the U.S. and Israel through M&A, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. He’s been named to the National List of Influential Young Executives and honored in the Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.”
On this episode of The Deal Table, we sat down with Eric Bennett to talk about the next frontier in biotech: brain health.
Eric launched Brain Capital Partners and the Brain Superfund in 2025 to invest in brain science venture and growth capital. The Fund focuses on mental health, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, brain injuries, wellness, and longevity. It targets companies offering therapeutics, neuro tech, diagnostics, digital health, and clinical access. The goal: accelerate breakthrough treatments, improve lives, and deliver strong returns.In 2013, Eric became founding Executive Director of the Brain Performance Institute at UT Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth, scaling cognitive neuroscience programs. Under his leadership, BPI raised $105M+, built a new facility, and served 50,000+ people.
Reach out to Eric: eric@braincapitalpartners.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-w-bennett-54456336/
Follow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/Follow Ryan Harper:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/Follow Lane Carrick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/Sign up for the Deal Table Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Optima Mergers & Acquisitions: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdWork with Harper Belmont Media: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsdThe Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media#Biotech #BrainHealth #VentureCapital #MentalHealth #Neuroscience #AI #HealthcareInnovation #StartupInvesting #TheDealTable
In this episode of The Deal Table, we sit down with Mara McNeill, a powerhouse in the world of finance, banking, and public service. From scaling Toyota Financial Savings Bank from $1B to $6B in just four years, to navigating complex regulatory waters during the 2008 financial crisis at the U.S. Treasury, Mara brings unmatched experience in strategic leadership, community banking, and transformative dealmaking.Tune in for a rich conversation on how bold decisions and disciplined execution can shape the future of finance.
This week on The Deal Table, we sat down with Victor Vescovo, a true modern-day explorer, decorated U.S. Navy Commander, deep-sea adventurer, Everest summiter, Blue Origin astronaut, and seasoned venture capitalist.From the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest, from space travel to investing in cutting-edge tech and de-extinction, Victor shares the mindset, discipline, and calculated risk-taking that drive both exploration and investment success.