Buy and Grow a Small Business with Grit and Strategy with Jon Staenberg

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Jon Staenberg, a veteran investor and expert in the search fund space. The conversation explores the growing role of search funds in the transition of small businesses across America and why now is a pivotal moment for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike. 

Jon shares his journey, from growing up in a small town to traveling the world, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on entrepreneurship. He discusses the grit and passion required to buy and operate a business, and dives into his personal ventures—including owning a winery in Argentina. With a strong belief in mentorship and community, Jon highlights the need to train the next generation of business leaders to take over the nearly 12 million small businesses facing transition. 

The conversation covers the evolution of the search fund model, global trends, integrating philanthropy, and the increasing role of technology and AI in the M&A space. Whether you're an investor looking to get into search funds or an entrepreneur exploring alternative ways to acquire a business, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss: 

• The rise of the search fund asset class 

• Why small business transitions matter now more than ever 

• How mentorship and community fuel entrepreneurial success 

• The economics and models behind search funds 

• Why grit and passion are critical traits in operators 

• The role of AI and technology in business acquisitions 

• Personal stories of taking risks and building a life through entrepreneurship 

You can connect with Jon Staenberg via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/ 

Additional Resources: 

• Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. 
  
  Schedule a discovery call with Patrick of O'Connell Advisory Group—your dynamic Quality of Earnings partner. 
  
  Visit: www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com 

• Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference on May 3rd in Houston — a premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Tickets and details at malaunchpad.com 

• Access our archive of video interviews on YouTube 

• Get in touch with show hosts Casey Minshew and Feras Moussa at – [email protected]  

• Looking to invest in M&A opportunities or partner with an advisor to acquire, scale, or sell your business? Visit www.Equity-Launchpad.com