Ups & Downs of the CEO Life with Steve Divitkos

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew welcome special guest Steve Divitkos, discussing the challenges of launching and growing a search fund. Steve shares his experiences as a first-time CEO, the emotional toll, strategic decisions, and the eventual exit from his company.  Steve dives deep into what it’s like to be a CEO.  For example, the challenges he faced around the perception of young CEOs, as well as the decision process between firing and hiring top talent.  At the end of the day, Steve states that the path to growth is not line, smooth, nor easy. 

The podcast also highlights Steve’s current venture, Mineola Search Partners, his own podcast “In the Trenches”, and his perspective on investing in search funds. Steve is the type of person that, if you are looking to acquire a business, or invest in one, is a great guide/resource to talk to.  The episode provides valuable insights if you are looking to acquire a business or invest in a search fund. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• Life as a CEO


• Self-Awareness as a Business Leader


• The ETA Community 10 Years Ago


• Leveraging Your Network

You can connect with Steve by his podcast: In The Trenches Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Additional Resources:

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• 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 Equity Launchpad


• Come and see us at the M&A Launchpad Conference