Cracking the Code to M&A Growth - John Bly

Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection Builders

Mergers and acquisitions can sometimes feel daunting for entrepreneurs, but they don't have to be. In fact, growth through M&A can yield huge rewards if you are willing to accept some risk and remain open to opportunities. Today, we are joined by John Bly, the South Atlantic Regional Leader for Top 35 CPA firm, Aprio, as he cracks the code to M&A growth with us, sharing some of the lessons he has learned throughout his career journey and offering his advice for anyone considering M&A as a growth strategy.

You'll gain insights into John's trajectory, from the beginning of his career in public accounting at the Big 4 to starting his own CPA firm, completing more than 15 M&A transactions, and ultimately merging his firm with Aprio. John also shares the importance of being clear about how you drive value, the benefits John has seen from treating both sides of a transaction with fairness and respect, and the value of establishing appropriate expectations upfront.

Key Points From This Episode:

• A look at John's career trajectory, from big-four CPA to entrepreneur to regional manager.
• What starting his own firm taught John about working with small business owners.
• How John's firm grew exponentially thanks to M&A between 2006 and 2009.
• Why he believes in doing what you're passionate about, even if that means pruning clients.
• Lessons John has learned about the importance of taking your own advice.
• His experience of growing his business through a global financial crisis.
• What made John realize that his firm was unique when it came to M&A growth.
• Insights that came from making 15 acquisitions in 15 years, followed by the decision to ultimately merge with Aprio.
• What John means when he says "a CPA does not equal a CPA."
• Key takeaways from John's M&A growth strategy, including the importance of having clarity about how and where you drive value.
• Why it always pays off to treat both sides of a deal with the utmost respect and fairness.
• The value of establishing expectations and ensuring those expectations are appropriate.
• Questions to ask yourself to determine what is important to you going into an M&A deal.
• Why you should be thinking about M&A (and stay open to opportunities).
• How ego can get in the way of profound M&A growth.
• Advice for those considering M&A as a growth strategy: be open, listen, and make friends!

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