In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Jeff Parnell, a seasoned CEO, advisor, and author with deep expertise in helping businesses navigate major transitions. With decades of experience spanning ecommerce, consumer goods, food manufacturing, and more, Jeff shares how his work with companies of all sizes, especially family-owned and private-equity-backed businesses, has helped them achieve clarity and direction during high-stakes periods of change.

Listeners will hear insights on what makes or breaks a transition plan, why succession is about more than leadership change, and how owners can build scalable value while preparing for a smooth exit. Jeff also discusses the importance of outside advisory voices, the emotional dynamics of business succession, and how his work at JHP Advisors supports CEOs in developing a clear vision for the future.

Curious how to exit your business with both value and peace of mind? This episode unpacks the emotional, financial, and strategic layers behind successful transitions—press play to get ahead of the curve.

If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why being honest with yourself is essential before any major business transition
• The role of ego, pride, and emotional readiness in exiting your business
• How to identify and work with a truly effective advisor
• What qualities to look for in someone supporting your transition (and what to avoid)
• The importance of asking good questions over having all the answers
• How Jeff’s personal mission to “help people come out the other side” shapes his work
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Jeff Parnell is a CEO, advisor, and author who specializes in succession and exit planning for CEOs, business owners, boards, and investors. Through his work with JHP Advisors, Jeff draws on decades of C-suite experience across ecommerce, consumer goods, home furnishings, food manufacturing, and family-owned businesses. He has led companies through high-stakes transitions, tripled and quadrupled revenue in established businesses, and launched a $100M ecommerce division within a publicly traded firm. As an interim and fractional CEO, he helps organizations scale with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

The Heart of Transition

The Heart of Transition Book

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. welcomes John Carpenter, National Practice Partner at ERA Group and a strategic advisor known for helping companies stop cash leakage and improve profitability through smarter expense management.

John shares real-world strategies for driving EBITDA growth by optimizing vendor contracts, identifying overlooked cost centers, and rethinking long-standing supplier relationships. He explains why many companies overpay, especially in high-spend areas like insurance and medical supplies, not out of necessity, but out of habit and assumption. Through this conversation, John makes a compelling case for why effective procurement and strategic cost control aren't just operational concerns but they’re key levers for business valuation and sustainable success.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, or dealmaker, this episode will sharpen your lens on financial efficiency and challenge how you view cost and value across your organization.

If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why strategic expense management is one of the fastest ways to grow your EBITDA
• How to identify hidden cash leakage within your organization
• The risks of staying loyal to long-time vendors without reviewing contracts
• Why medical supplies and insurance are common areas of overspending
• How to negotiate better value without always switching providers
• Why you need to challenge assumptions like “we’re already getting the best deal”
• How fitness and networking play a surprising role in long-term business performance
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

John Carpenter is the National Practice Partner at ERA Group and a leading expert in strategic cost optimization, vendor management, and financial efficiency. With a passion for helping mid-to-large-sized companies take command of their expenses, John has helped organizations unlock significant profitability by reevaluating long-held supplier strategies. As a board member, advisor, and sought-after speaker, he works with clients to identify cash leaks, maximize EBITDA, and build lasting value through smart financial operations.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with John on LinkedIn

ERA Group

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

What does it take to build a law firm that runs like a high-performance business—not just a legal practice? In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, host J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Chris Murphy, partner and co-founder of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, to explore the entrepreneurial mindset behind building a thriving, people-centered commercial real estate law firm.

Chris shares how he and his partners approached the firm from day one with the intention of creating something scalable, sustainable, and mission-driven. He discusses the value of running a firm like a real business, building a team that believes in a shared vision, and treating every role, no matter how public-facing or behind the scenes, as equally vital to the firm’s identity.

Listeners will also hear candid reflections on the challenges and sacrifices of entrepreneurship, the importance of risk tolerance, and what it really means to go “beyond the deal” in the legal space.

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• What separates great firms from good ones in commercial real estate law
• How shared mission and equity partnerships foster strong internal culture
• Why every role, from receptionist to partner, is equally essential
• The personal trade-offs of owning and running your own firm
• The value of risk tolerance and following your instincts
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Chris J. Murphy is a partner and co-founder of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, where he leads the Land Use, Zoning and Redevelopment, and Tax Credits and Incentives practice groups. With experience securing over $800M in tax credits and incentives, Chris is a trusted advisor to major developers across New Jersey. He is also co-author of the Financial Incentives chapter in Commercial Real Estate Transactions in New Jersey and has been featured in publications such as NJBIZ and The Wall Street Journal. Before practicing law, Chris competed professionally in both ice hockey and boxing.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

MurphyLLP.com

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.