Most searchers focus on finding the perfect business to buy—but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode, Monique Mills sits down with investor and experienced entrepreneur Mario Montag to discuss what really drives post-acquisition success. Spoiler: it’s not just adding new tech and CRMs.

Mario shares what he looks for in searchers before investing, why operational execution is the #1 factor in long-term success, and the importance of EOS (from the book Traction). He also reveals the biggest mistakes searchers make, why keeping customers is the most critical post-close task, and why the ETA space needs more honest conversations about its challenges.

If you’re thinking about acquiring a business or investing in one, don’t miss this conversation!

Key Topics:

• The investor mindset in ETA
• Key operational improvements that drive value
• How to assess risk and avoid hidden pitfalls in acquisitions
• Why seller notes and earnouts are essential protections
• Lessons from failed deals
• 
  

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

🔗 The Book Traction (EOS Framework): https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

🔗 Mario Montag’s Website:https://mariomontag.com

🔗 Mario Montag on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariomontag/

🔗 Fruition Capital:https://fruitioncap.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, hosts discuss how cash flow can make or break your business. Whether you're running a company, buying one, or just trying to keep your finances in check, understanding how money moves through your business is essential.

Joined by Josh Tejkl, a Fractional CFO and cash flow expert, he uncovers the biggest financial mistakes entrepreneurs make—and how to fix them.

He breaks down how to collect payments faster, why cash flow forecasting is essential, and the real difference between Controllers, CFOs, and Bookkeepers (so you don’t overpay for what you don’t need).

If you're serious about building a financially strong business, avoiding cash shortages, and learning real-world financial strategies, this is a must-listen episode.

Key Takeaways:

• How late payments can silently kill your business
• The right way to chase invoices & collect payments faster
• The cash conversion cycle & why it matters more than you think
• How AI is disrupting financial management (and what’s next)
• The biggest cash flow traps in business acquisitions

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Guest Co-Hosts:

Company -->August Advisory - https://augustadvisory.co/

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjtejkl

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Company --> Sunset Coast Partners

NEW BOOK RELEASING SOON! https://buyerbewarebook.carrd.co/

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/

Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Thinking about buying a small business? You’ve probably seen all the hype online about acquisition entrepreneurship—no money down, seller financing, and easy paths to wealth.

But what if most of that isn’t true?

In this episode, Kinza Azmat, a business broker and acquisition entrepreneur, breaks down the realities of buying a business, the biggest misconceptions, and what buyers and sellers get wrong. We dive into red flags in deals, the truth about business brokers, why most businesses aren’t actually sellable, and how to avoid a financial disaster.

If you’re considering buying or selling a business, this episode will help you go in with your eyes wide open and avoid the pitfalls that many first-time buyers fall into.

Topics Discussed:

🔥 The biggest myths about buying a business (and what first-time buyers get wrong)

🔥 Why some businesses should never be acquired—even if the financials look great

🔥 How to uncover hidden risks before signing an LOI

🔥 Why business brokers sometimes overpromise to sellers (and how that affects buyers)

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about buying or selling a business.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Kinza’s Book (Preorder & Course Access) – Check it out https://www.thechiefrebel.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com