For YEARS, business owners have been told to wait for the right time to make deals, especially when the economy feels uncertain.⁠
⁠
But… that strategy could be killing your momentum.
⁠
In this solocast episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I’ll break down…⁠
- Why fear-based decisions kill more deals than a downturn ever could
- How to shift your mindset from reactive to strategic
- What smart deal structures look like in a changing market
- How to stay confident (even when the headlines say panic)

And much more…
⁠
• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/keepclosing

• • •

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

If you’ve been hesitating to make a move or second-guessing your next step…⁠ You need to hear this.⁠

What you think selling a startup looks like vs. what it actually looks like

Here’s what most founders assume about startup acquisitions…⁠
⁠
You need to raise millions in VC funding first⁠

Only “unicorns” get acquired⁠

It’s a long, complicated process with lawyers and bankers⁠

You need to scale like crazy before you sell⁠

Only big-name founders get exits⁠
⁠
NOPE.⁠
⁠
You can build a lean, profitable business and sell it without a huge team, a pile of funding, or a decade of hustle.⁠
⁠
And Andrew Gazdecki is living proof.⁠
⁠
He’s the founder of Acquire—a platform simplifying startup acquisitions—and he’s breaking down exactly how it’s done in the this episode of the DealQuest Podcast

• Why selling might be smarter than scaling
• The real reason your startup isn’t selling
• The sneaky risks of building on platforms you don’t own
• And why white labeling exploded his growth without big funding⁠
  ⁠

Whether you’re a startup founder, solo SaaS builder, or just acquisition-curious… this one’s gold.⁠

• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/andrewgazdecki

• • •

FOR MORE ON ANDREW GAZDECKI
https://www.acquire.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/agazdecki/
https://x.com/agazdecki/highlights

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

Is your business really built to scale?

Most entrepreneurs dream of growing fast… but here’s the truth: speed alone won’t get you to sustainable success.

This insight from business growth expert Robert Levin says it all…

Scaling isn’t just about getting bigger—it’s about getting better, stronger, and more profitable in the long run.

And more and more entrepreneurs are learning this the HARD way after chasing growth at all costs…

These failures are due to poor scaling decisions…

Expanding too quickly. Hiring too fast. Investing in the wrong areas.

And guess what?

The businesses that took a strategic, execution-focused approach lasted 3x longer.

Robert said it best…

“Sustainable success isn’t about ideas—it’s about executing the right ones at the right time.”

So how do you make sure you’re scaling the right way?

We’ll dive deep into this (and so much more) in this episode of the DealQuest Podcast!

• The BIGGEST scaling mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• How to grow without overextending your team, resources, or cash flow
• The #1 growth strategy that keeps businesses thriving for the long haul

And much more

If you’re serious about scaling sustainably and profitably…

• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/robertlevin

• • •

FOR MORE ON ROBERT LEVIN
Robert Levin’s LinkedIn
CIS Ventures, LLC

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

Want to make your business irresistible to buyers? Let’s talk MARKETING in M&A…

Too often, businesses focus only on financials when preparing for an acquisition—

But buyers don’t just pay for numbers. They pay for BRAND, POSITIONING, and GROWTH POTENTIAL.

If you’re ignoring marketing due diligence in M&A, you’re leaving money on the table.

A strong marketing strategy = higher valuations, smoother transitions, and long-term success post-acquisition.

So, ask yourself…

• Is your marketing engine driving real, measurable growth?
• Are you positioning your brand to attract strategic buyers?

If not, it’s time to rethink your approach.

I sat down with Angelo Ponzi on the DealQuest Podcast to break down the role of marketing in M&A—why it matters, how to get it right, and what buyers actually look for.

Even if you’re not selling anytime soon, these insights will help you build a business that thrives.

• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/angeloponzi

• • •

FOR MORE ON ANGELO PONZI:
https://www.craftmarketingandbranding.com/

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

Thinking about selling your business? You need strong G2 & G3 leadership in place first.

Tune into my solocast episode to see why it’s a game-changer for valuation, deal structure, and a smooth exit.

If you're an investor or business owner planning for the future, pay close attention…

Because leadership gaps can kill a deal before it even starts.

A strong leadership pipeline ensures:

• Higher business valuation
• More attractive deal structures
• Seamless mergers & acquisitions
• A legacy that outlasts you

Most founders wait too long to set this up—don’t be one of them.

Want the full breakdown?

• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/G2matters
• • •

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN YOUR CAREER AND REAL ESTATE INVESTING."

Many people believe you can't successfully invest in real estate while maintaining another career or business.

THINK AGAIN.

Joel Miller has been investing in rental properties since 1978 and has flipped over 100 houses since 1991 – all while maintaining a 35-year career as a professional mobile DJ with 5,051 appearances.
And guess what? His first property from 1978? He STILL owns it 47 years later, and it's a "cash cow" with three units and three garages.

"It's harder to find the deal than it is to find the money. If you can find a deal that makes sense, you will find some way to get the money," says Joel.

We'll dive deep into this (and so much more) in this episode of the DealQuest Podcast!
- Learn how to balance a full-time career with real estate investing
- Discover the truth about hard money lending from someone who's both borrowed and lent
- Understand the mindset shifts needed for successful property investing

If you've ever thought about adding real estate to your investment portfolio while keeping your primary career, this episode is a must-listen.

• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/joelmiller

• • •

FOR MORE ON JOEL MILLER:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-miller-42981811/
https://joelmillerbooks.com/

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

Mergers are exciting… until the real work begins.

I had an incredible conversation with Jonathan Gardner on this podcast episode.

This is something we don’t talk about enough…

(We spend so much time focusing on closing the deal)…

But we’re not REALLY talking about what happens after—the post-merger integration that can make or break the entire deal.

When you…

• Align teams and company cultures seamlessly…
• Avoid the costly integration mistakes most businesses make…
• Ensure a smooth transition for customers, employees, and operations…
• And actually unlock the full value of your deal…

That’s when a merger becomes a real success story.

Otherwise? You’re leaving millions on the table.

Don’t make that mistake. Tune in to this game-changing episode now.

• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/jonathangardner

• • •

FOR MORE ON JONATHAN GARDNER:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/j-gardner-buy-and-sell-with-confidence
http://www.jgardnergroup.com

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

Had an incredible conversation with Devan Gonzalez about scaling a fitness business the right way—without burning out or sacrificing quality.

We broke down how he went from corporate trainer to thriving gym owner, built a game-changing franchise model, and turned sales into service (no sleazy tactics here).

We covered so much in this episode, including:
- How Devan went from corporate trainer to thriving gym owner
- The business model shift that benefits everyone—clients, trainers, & the gym
- Why selling isn’t about pushing—it’s about solving problems
- The key to strong business partnerships (hint: clear boundaries)
- His unique approach to franchising smart, not fast—and why most people get it wrong

And much more!

If you’re a fitness entrepreneur—or dreaming of turning your passion into a real business—this episode is packed with gold.

Tune in to this episode to hear Devan Gonzalez share his insights on building a sustainable business model, empowering franchisees, and creating long-term success in the fitness industry.

• • •

FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:
https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/devangonzalez

• • •

FOR MORE ON DEVAN GONZALEZ
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devangonzalez/
https://www.tiktok.com/@devan.gonzalez
https://www.youtube.com/@devan.gonzalez
https://www.strive11fitness.com/franchise

FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/
http://coreykupfer.com/

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!