Shows / The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or Exit
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or Exit
Boardroom Buzz is the straight-talk playbook for owners who built their service businesses from the crawlspace up and want to master the next move—whether that’s doubling down on growth or preparing for a life-changing exit.
Hosted by Jason & Jeremy Julio—“The Blue-Collar Twins” who turned a service-truck start-up into a multimillion-dollar success—and mentored by veteran deal-maker Paul Giannamore, the show turns boardroom finance into stories you’d swap over a tailgate. Expect 40-minute…
Episodes
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 130 — AdVance Your Leadership with Garland Vance, PhD
Garland Vance has a PhD in leadership. Literally. Garland has helped industry-giant Rollins build and develop their leadership pipeline. Keynote speaker…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 129 — Better Call Paul: More Listener Questions
You don’t want to miss this round of listener-submitted questions, including Andy Sanefski’s question on past and future consolidation trends. Is there such a…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 128 — Preventing Partnership Problems
This one’s for the partners out there. Before pressing play, ask yourself if there’s a common theme behind partnership problems. How do you prevent blowing up…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 127 — The Mixed Bag of Questions One
Let’s keep this short and sweet. Paul and Patrick answer six listener questions. So the 6th listener to email thebuzz@potomaccompany.com with the Subject Line…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 126 — From Pest Pro to Plumbing Proprietor with David Johnson
He’s made his way up the ranks in the pest industry but David Johnson finds himself falling into plumbing of all places. Buy a commercial plumbing company in…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 125 — Commercial Broker to Janitor-in-Charge with Ryan Bishop
Of all people, how did Patrick’s college friend Ryan Bishop get swept into the cleaning business? Ryan leads DTK Facility Services’s over 1,600 employees…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 124 — Pest to Mechanical: Working Across The Trades with Bryan Benak
You could say that Bryan Benak worked his way up in the trades. Recruited by Albert Cantu himself into the glory days of Terminix, Bryan went from managing a…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 123 — Held Hostage by The Banks
What do Switzerland, Cypress, Japan, Turkey, Israel, Germany have in common? This episode, of course. Banks are in the headlines. From SVB to Credit Suisse…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 122 — Highs & Lows: Cross-Selling, Margins, and Capital Allocation
From building phase to harvesting phase to lining up fund sequences, Paul breaks down private equity funds’ capital allocation and limited duration. What…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 121 — Moneyball
Without strategy, that list of hopes and desires is just a list. It’s time to put on your thinking caps, and dive deep on this brain-straining exercise. From…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 120 — The Process to Create Wealth
Is there really a formula to creating wealth? Can it be distilled down to creating, documenting, and following a process? Credit to John Roberts PhD author of…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 119 — The Flip Side: A Sell-Side Perspective
Buyers appreciated the sage advice and a good ol’ Fat Pat case study in Episode 118, but Paul turns the tables. Sellers, take heed. The stage is set for one…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 118 — Buy-Side 102: Realistic Expectations
With buy-side M&A on the mind, how do you go about grounding a seller whose visions include sugar plum fairies and a whole lot more? Who doesn’t loooooove a…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 117 — Next Level HR with Former Terminix CHRO David Dart
The Boardroom dives into human resources, but it’s not all warm and fuzzies as former Terminix CHRO David Dart steps into The Boardroom. From his time in the…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 116 — Breakthrough: Revenue Plateaus
Feeling stuck? You’re not alone. It’s all about facts over feelings in this high-speed, low-drag chat between Patrick, Paul, and Seth. Look for fact patterns…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 115 — Entries and Exits: Financing, Deal Structures & Partnerships
Happy New Year from The Boardroom Buzz! With 2022 in the rearview mirror, what’s the outlook for 2023? With a potential credit event on the horizon, Paul…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 114 — High Stakes: At Risk of Losing Urban Entomology at Clemson
Welcome Scott Fortson of Terminix Service, Craig Heath of Aiken Pest, and Clemson’s not-quite-retired Urban Entomology Chair, Eric Benson PhD. The Clemson…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 113 — One Focus: $40 Million in Commercial Pest with Ross Treleven
As president of Sprague Pest Solutions, Ross Treleven holds the reins of the nearly century old family business. Following in the footsteps of the 3rd…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 112 — Former Terminix CFO Tony DiLucente: 4 CEOs in 4 Years
Please give a warm Boardroom welcome to one of Paul’s all-time favorite CFOs, Tony DiLucente. Although a CFO, there's a lot more in this conversation than just…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 111 — 14 Key Buyer Considerations for M&A Deals
Paul and Patrick compare notes from recent Potomac | TV episodes, wouldn’t you know it’d uncover Jarl Dahlfors Anticimex Road Show investor presentation? A…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 110 — Control the Narrative: Public Relations with Mike Harris
When it comes to public relations, there’s a lot to learn. Who better than Mike Harris from Uproar PR (not Puerto Rico) to discuss PR? Take it from the guy…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 109 — Blue Ocean: Lake Management with Kevin Tucker
You first heard about SOLitude Lake Management back in Episode 70 with Jay Davis and Jason Pananos, but where (or who) gave SOLitude its start? Kevin Tucker…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 108 — Compensation and Culture Conundrums
The King of Route Density, Tony Sfreddo, surprised us all in his Potomac TV debut. It’s time to take another shot in “The Great Civil War” compensation…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 107 — Brett Madden: Listen. Learn. Lead.
Brett Madden. Problem solver, risk taker, inventor, author, esquire, but don’t call him boss. From problem child to Cigar Aficionado, hear how younger Brett…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 106 — Pour on some Rocket Fuel with Author Mark C Winters
You’ve likely heard the term EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System). Maybe you read Traction. Heck, maybe you’ve drunk the Kool-Aid. The real question is…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 105 — The Battle of EBIT’s
EBIT, EBITA, and EBITDA all sound and look similar, but what sets them apart? USA vs rest-of world; buy-side vs sell-side; there are many views and preferences…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 104 — What's next for The Buzz?
Paul Giannamore and behind-the-scenes Producer, Dylan Seals discuss the past, present, and future of The Boardroom Buzz as well as the introduction of POTOMAC…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 103 - Daniel Schröer: Flipping the Switch on Green Tech
Pest control in Europe is different, but how? Futura Germany CEO Daniel Schröer steps in to share the perspective from his side of The Pond. Both Daniel and…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 102 — At Last, A Listener Drops His Termite Offering
Real estate and termite-less businesses are at the top of the listeners’ list. Paul makes time for a few listener questions between four closings and his…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 101 — Technical Services 101 with Cassie Krejci PhD
Dress in your best socks and sandals because class is in session. Welcome @cassiethebugdoc aka the face of Terminix into The Boardroom. “Nerd” is a term of…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 100 — Know Thyself: The Dunning-Kruger Effect with David Dunning PhD
Years before Boardroom Buzz fans celebrated their 100th episode, Paul participated as a guinea pig back in his Cornell college days. It turns out the research…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 99 — Franchising with The Redneck CEO, Gary Findley
Welcome Gary Findley into The Boardroom this week. Literally. Gary steps into Patrick’s office for this sit-down on the ins and outs of franchising. Hear how…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 98 — Scaling a Commercial Powerhouse with Andrea Brubaker
Andrea Brubaker takes us back to earlier days at Triple S. Triple S, you say? Yes, Episode 5 Tony Sfreddo’s Triple S. From shame to shamelessly fabulous…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 97 — A New Economy: A Wall Street Perspective with Jamie Clement
They say that history repeats itself, but where (or when) do we look back to see what’s in store for this economic outlook? Pest control thrived in 2020…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 96 — Bubble Trouble: Expanded
History repeats itself. The economy is plagued with mispriced assets, but what’s next? Tune in to hear which era paints a dismal future. Paul places his bet on…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 95 — Developing Leaders the “American” Way with David Billingsly
From Episode 24 to Supernova to Bubble Trouble, you’ve seen and heard from David Billingsly, but it’s time to put Coach Dave in the hot seat. With a glass (or…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 94 — The curious case of private equity and Fat Pat’s Pest
MUST READ before you watch this episode… Instead of providing you a brief overview about Paul’s experience with private equity, capital structure, the…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 93 — Byron Gifford: On 'Another' Mission From God
You don’t want to miss this conversation with Byron Gifford. There are grandaddies of door-to-door, but there’s only one “great grandaddy”. Even before…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 92 — Frank & Cindy Miller: nobody goes into pest control to kill bugs
Right Time Take a stroll down memory lane as Frank and Cindy Miller step into the San Juan Boardroom. It’s clear that opposites attract as you hear about their…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitOff The Record With Paul Giannamore - Episode 3
Join us for a new segment of The Boardroom Buzz where Paul gives direct market commentary as well as answers your questions. Please write in your questions to…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 91 — Jay Keating: Creating opportunities with PestCo and Thompson Street Capital
Jay Keating finds himself at the helm as CEO of PestCo Holdings, a Thompson Street Capital Partners portfolio company. He returns to The Boardroom to dive…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitOff The Record With Paul Giannamore - Episode 2
Join us for a new segment of The Boardroom Buzz where Paul gives direct market commentary as well as answers your questions. Please write in your questions to…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 90 — Jared Borg has never regretted being bold
You first heard about Chicago-based Pointe Pest in Episode 15 with Tim Mulrooney. Tim gave Pointe props on his annual-recurring research quest. Now 75 episodes…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitOff The Record With Paul Giannamore - Episode 1
Join us for a new segment of The Boardroom Buzz where Paul gives direct market commentary as well as answers your questions. Feel free to write in your…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 89 — Jared Borg and Jay Keating: A Blank Check to Grow and Grow
Jared Borg and Jay Keating step into The San Juan Boardroom as the ink dries on their new business relationship. It’s a tale of two pest control backgrounds…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 88 — Sticktoitiveness (noun) : don’t quit with David Clark
There are countless lessons that second generation-owner David Clark learned from his dad. His dad preaching and modeling “sticktoitiveness” won’t soon be…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 87 — Chris Eby: "Living In A Lambo, Down By The River."
The Boardroom is so glad you decided to join us for this communication session. Chris Eby avoided the steady diet of government cheese, by jumping out of…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 86 — Risks On The Horizon: The Buzz Returns to San Juan
Step back into The Boardroom for the second round of the San Juan sessions. The cameras rolled as Paul brought clients through Puerto Rico for some R&R…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 85 — Adam-ize It: Best Practices with Todd Leyse
Harold was Zod Dad of Todd Pest Jest got made to lead the trade adam's life cycle can find no rival Harold plus Don a name they gave up on rat bait in mixers…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 84 — A Legacy of Learning with Pest Daily’s Seth Garber
Seth Garber’s first venture into the pest control industry lasted four years before selling his Florida-based business. It may be hard to retire from pest…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 83 — The Modern Firm: Culture & Incentives with John Roberts PhD
Inquiring minds want to know (Patrick included) what Paul’s predictions are for M&A in 2022, especially in light of the Rentokil / Terminix deal. Place your…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 82 — A Show About Nothing
It’s time for Paul and Patrick to catch up on listeners’ (and Patrick’s) questions. Episode 80 seems like yesterday, but there’s an update to give on the…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 81 — From Acquaintance to Acquirer: Buy-Side with Bill Hoffman
Bill Hoffman breaks down his buy-side basics in the Boardroom. Paul and Bill first met in Philly 15 years ago. Since then, Hoffman’s Exterminating has grown…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 80 — The Rentokil / Terminix Merger Brings Back Tim Mulrooney
It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas for Tim, at least until the news broke of Rentokil making a move to acquire Terminix. Join in as William Blair’s…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 79 — An Insider’s View on Executive Leadership with John Byrne
Grab a beverage, and join the Boardroom conversation about boardroom conversations. John Byrne, former editor at both Fast Company and BusinessWeek, goes into…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 78 — Teeka Tiwari: Bitcoin or Bust?
Peter Schiff argued for gold while denying all things Bitcoin in Episode 56. The Buzz makes its way back to the same table but this time for the flip side of…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitBonus Buzz — Merry Christmas from San Juan
Watch Here You couldn’t ask for better weather as the duo enjoy Cuban cigars on Paul’s balcony. Paul makes time to chat as his firm works on closing out a…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 77 — The San Juan Sessions: Attorney Phil Tortorich Returns
Link To Video Episode You know there’s going to be good information when the interview starts with a legal disclaimer. Phil Tortorich sits down poolside with…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 76 — Lessons from Disney: Systematic Magic with Vance Morris
You can sprinkle pixie dust and hold your breath, or you can build a system to deliver a world-class experience for your customers. Stop waiting to exhale and…
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or ExitEpisode 75 — The New Nisus President: Head Coach Lee Barrett
The locker room meets The Boardroom as Paul and Patrick visit with the newly appointed president of Nisus, Lee Barrett. It wasn’t just any ordinary agent that…