In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams of Stambaugh Ness sits down with Ernesto Aguilar, President & CEO of Ardurra, a private equity-backed firm, to explore the crucial elements behind successful mergers and acquisitions in the AEC industry. Together, they break down Ardurra’s 3F's rule—Fit, Future & Financials—and how these factors determine the outcome of any M&A deal.

Drawing on his experience leading Ardurra through private equity-backed growth, Ernesto offers valuable insights into evaluating financial health, anticipating industry trends, and ensuring cultural alignment for long-term success. Whether you’re part of a leadership team considering a merger, navigating private equity, or curious about how to thrive in today's competitive landscape, this episode delivers actionable strategies and hard-won wisdom to guide your next M&A decision.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that uncovers the key to unlocking AEC M&A opportunities through the lens of private equity-backed expansion.

Discover how M&A can help you scale your AEC firm and compete with industry giants in this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition. Your host, Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness sits down with Mike Ramos, President of Raymond to explore the power of M&A for small businesses.

Mike shares invaluable insights, revealing how his firm leveraged mergers and acquisitions to achieve exponential growth, expand into new markets, and enhance its capabilities. Learn how Raymond strategically strengthened its federal presence through mentor-protégé relationships and expanded service offerings.

Whether you’re a small business owner considering M&A or simply curious about the strategies driving industry leaders, this episode offers a must-listen perspective. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and unlock the potential of your AEC firm.

The Family Office is a winsome alternative to traditional private equity in the AEC industry. Join your host, Jeff Adams, as he discusses this topic with Chris Cook, CEO of ELEV8 Holdings. ELEV8 Holdings is an investment company dedicated to reshaping and consolidating the fragmented civil, structural, and architectural engineering sector across the United States.

Chris Cook shares his unique journey and discusses how Family Offices provide a more personal touch and greater autonomy compared to traditional private equity. Learn about the Carling Group’s entrepreneurial spirit and how their Family Office model is designed to foster growth and collaboration within the AEC industry.

The conversation reviews the concept of a conglomerator, highlighting how the Carling Group’s strategy of building a diversified portfolio across multiple sectors, including technology, sports, health, and buildings, can benefit AEC firms. Discover how ELEV8 Holdings is selecting and vetting potential investments, their approach to partnerships and exit strategies, and why Family Offices and conglomerators might be the future of M&A in the AEC sector. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about alternative investment strategies, this episode offers valuable insights and expert analysis.

Tune in to understand this transformative potential in the AEC industry and why they are becoming a preferred choice for many business owners looking for growth and successful exits. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Thinking about buying or selling your AEC firm? Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can also be a strategic move to propel your business forward.

This episode of AEC Unscripted explores the legal aspects of M&A in the AEC industry. Host Jeff Adams sits down with Lawson & Weitzen M&A attorney George Christodoulo, a recognized expert with over 400 deals completed!

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• The critical role of experienced legal counsel on both sides of the deal
• How to navigate common issues that arise during negotiations
• Why clear communication is essential for a smooth M&A process
• The importance of industry-specific expertise in AEC M&A

Listen in and gain valuable insights to ensure your next M&A transaction is a success story.

𝗜𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗘𝗖 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺? The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is experiencing a surge of private equity (PE) investment. Jeff Adams, CPA, CMAA, and Ira Starr, Long Point Capital, explore how PE can fuel your firm's growth.

In this episode, Ira and Jeff explore the typical investment model, how to position your firm for PE (platform vs. add-on strategy), and the key benefits and considerations. Learn how to leverage PE to access capital, strategic expertise, and achieve your growth goals. Tune in and unlock the potential of private equity for your AEC firm!

In our inaugural episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, Director, M&A at Stambaugh Ness chats with Dan Huntington, Executive Vice President of the M&A Synergy Team at IMEG, a leading national engineering and design consulting firm. Dan discusses the secrets behind their impressive M&A growth, having grown from just 3 deals in 2018 to integrating 19 firms in just 28 months! He emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and building strong partnerships as key factors in their success.

You'll also learn about IMEG's vast network. With a national presence of over 2,800 employees and 90 offices, they consider a staggering 150 to 200 firms annually. This unique combination provides clients with both national expertise and the power of local connections. Whether you're interested in M&A insights or seeking a top-notch engineering and design firm, this episode has something for you.