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G&A: Smart Growth, Human Integration, and AI That Works + The Sosh = Justin Mecham

Exit Is Inevitable. Leverage Is a Choice.

AuthorAuthor

Gia Cilento & Ronald Skelton
May 13, 2025

📬 The Signal – Gia Cilento

This issue marks the beginning of a new format—one that reflects what I use to build, lead, and advise.

If you’ve outgrown newsletters that chase the news cycle, sell you clichés, or treat every founder like a startup bro in his 20’s—this is for you.

You’re going to see sharper signals. Fewer filler links. More takeaways that you can use right now—whether you’re preparing to sell, scaling smartly, or finally ready to lead in alignment with what matters.

The goal here isn’t volume. It’s clarity.
Thanks for joining me. Let’s build what holds.

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🗼 This Week's Signal

by Gia Cilento

If you’re a business owner building for long-term value, this week’s signal is clear:

→ Acquisitions are back on the table—even for smaller players. And the smart ones are structuring creatively. (See the Pods section for strategic insight)
→ AI isn’t a side topic anymore. It’s fueling how deals are made, how teams scale, and how companies increase valuation. (See the AI-forward articles in In the News)
→ Founders are hitting capacity—not because the business isn’t growing, but because the way it’s growing no longer fits. (See Credit Union & PE deal shifts + Featured Event)

This issue gives you signal on:

  • How to grow without burning out

  • What tools to watch (and ignore)

  • Why getting your exit wrong is more expensive than ever

Let’s cut the noise and look at what’s real.

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🧩 In the News

  • M&A: Small Deals Can Create Big Problems for Private Equity in M&A
    Private equity is leaning harder into add-on acquisitions—but they’re discovering smaller deals come with deeper operational complexity. (Read more)

  • Growth: Credit Unions as a Global Force for Small Business Growth
    Credit unions worldwide are stepping into the SME finance gap, helping small businesses scale when traditional lenders fall short. (Read more)

  • AI: How Generative AI Services Are Transforming Business Operations
    From customer service to strategy planning, AI isn’t just automation—it’s intelligent augmentation. (Read more)

  • Growth & AI: The Future of Digital Business in 2025
    Digital transformation has moved from theory to economic engine. Here’s how smart companies are driving revenue with AI as core infrastructure. (Read more)

  • AI: AI Tools for Small Business Growth
    Practical AI tools now allow small teams to operate like much larger ones—with speed, personalization, and strategic insight. (Read more)

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🎧 In the Pods

Featuring Original Reviews by Ron Skelton
Founders don’t always know what’s changing until someone sends them the signal. If this issue brought clarity—share it with someone who needs it. Share Growth & Acquisition Newsletter.

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🧠 The Sosh

 Who to follow this week: Justin Mecham

A go-to voice in the world of SBA lending, deal structuring, and acquisition entrepreneurship. Justin doesn’t just talk about SMB deals—he lives them. If you’re searching, selling, or structuring your next chapter, follow him.

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🏢 The Big Guys

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M&A Source Spring Conference & Deal Market
May 20 & 21 | Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld

If you’re looking for active deal flow, buyer access, and in-room strategy, this is the one to attend. It’s where buyers go when they’re serious.

📅 SMB Acquisitions Entrepreneurs Bi-Monthly Networking - This month, we’re meeting today, Tuesday, May 13, at 8 am PT.

Join a growing number of acquisitions entrepreneurs, seekers, and experts who get together twice a month, every 1st and 3rd Tuesday, to network, build teams, share ideas and resources, and help each other succeed. Join us and meet some new people actively searching - the first and Third Tuesday of each month. Check it out...
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If you are interested in what wineries were pouring at M&A West, please see the list below for links and be sure to visit them and mention how much you enjoyed their tasting at M&A West. Special thank you to Daniel Ha, DMH for procuring the wines for the conference. Check it out…_______________________________________________________________________________

Featuring:  International M&A thought leadership sessions, M&A Connects Networking and One-on-One Meetings, 16th Annual International M&A Awards and 16th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards. Check it out…_______________________________________________________________________________

From broad perspectives on deal-making to insightful tips on exiting a business, attendees gained a wealth of knowledge. Want in? Don’t miss our 2025 Summit. Check it out…
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Featuring: Financing, restructuring, and M&A thought leadership sessions, M&A Connects Networking and One-on-One Meetings and 24th Annual M&A Advisor Awards. Check it out…

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🚀 What Comes Next

Next week, we’re tracking how private equity is repositioning AI investments and why that should change how you’re building.

Subscribe. Share. Or forward this to a founder who’s thinking about what’s next.

Some founders read the signal. Others build from it.
Watch for the private tier launching next month—access analysis, early tools, and strategic sessions.

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