In this episode of Growing EBITDA, Mike McSweeney and James Bandy dive into the high-stakes world of post-merger integration (PMI). Drawing from real-life experiences—including energy drinks in Bonham, Texas, and project work in Rattlesnake Bayou—they unpack the common pitfalls and overlooked challenges that derail integrations.

From talent flight and system disruptions to missed synergy targets and brand damage, they explore what can go wrong—and how to prevent it. With humor and honesty, the conversation highlights what it takes to successfully integrate businesses and realize the full value of a deal.

Highlights:

• Integration war stories: Bonham, Texas and Rattlesnake Bayou, Alabama
• Common PMI failures: talent flight, system mismatches, and brand confusion
• Missed synergies: Why most integrations fall short of modeled expectations
• Financial impacts: Margin erosion, lost customers, and project mismanagement
• The role of project planning and accountability in successful execution
• Why day zero planning is just as important as day one
• Tips for setting integration strategy and leadership alignment
• Finding quick wins to build momentum: indirect procurement and more
• Trivia: What is the expert-recommended timeline for full integration?

Whether you’re buying a company, merging platforms, or integrating a carve-out, this episode delivers practical insights to help you avoid the traps and make the most of your deal.

In this episode of Growing EBITDA, Mike McSweeney and James Bandy explore the real-world applications—and limitations—of AI in middle-market businesses. Drawing from boardroom conversations, client engagements, and hands-on use cases, they unpack how executives and operators can use AI to improve workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and drive smarter decisions.

They also address the growing hype around AI tools, offer advice on avoiding overspending, and share practical tips for building secure and cost-effective solutions.

Highlights:

• How AI adoption has evolved in the middle market over the past 18 months
• Key areas where AI is already delivering value: customer service, inventory planning, finance, and executive workflows
• How to build lean, efficient automations using tools like ChatGPT
• Where AI is still overhyped—and how to spot inflated platforms
• Practical examples of using AI for board prep, market research, and lead targeting
• Safe and smart AI usage: privacy concerns, governance, and internal safeguards
• TriVista’s approach to responsible AI implementation and use case vetting
• ROI expectations and the importance of a business-first mindset
• Trivia: What year was the term “artificial intelligence” first coined?

AI isn’t just for tech giants—it’s quickly becoming essential for the middle market. Tune in to hear how leaders are putting it to work in real, measurable ways.

In this episode of Growing EBITDA, Mike and James take a deep dive into cybersecurity at the board level—why it matters, how to communicate risks effectively, and the critical steps businesses should take to protect their operations, financials, and reputation.

They explore why cybersecurity is often overlooked at the board level, how to frame cyber discussions with investors, and what management teams can do to mitigate risks before an incident occurs. Plus, they break down the best strategies for proactive cybersecurity planning rather than just reacting when an attack happens.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding Cyber Risk: Why many mid-market companies underestimate their exposure

• The Board’s Role: How to effectively present cybersecurity concerns at the board level

• Common Misconceptions: Why cybersecurity is not just an “IT problem”

• Risk Assessments & Gap Analyses: How to evaluate vulnerabilities before a crisis

• Operational Disruptions: The real impact of cyber breaches on day-to-day business

• Cyber Playbooks: How some PE firms set clear expectations for portfolio companies

• Security Audits & Training: What’s needed to ensure ongoing cybersecurity maturity

• Incident Response Planning: How businesses should prepare for worst-case scenarios

• Sell-Side Cyber Due Diligence: Why cybersecurity is becoming a critical factor in M&A

Cyber threats aren’t just an IT problem—they’re a business risk that can impact valuation, deal flow, and overall company performance. Whether you’re a CEO, a private equity investor, or a management team member navigating your first board meeting, this episode provides actionable insights to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

Tune in now and learn how to protect your company’s future from cyber risks.

In this episode of Growing EBITDA, Mike and James break down the critical first 100 days after a private equity firm acquires a business. What happens once the ink is dry? How do PE firms drive value quickly? And what should management teams expect in those first few months under new ownership?

They unpack the strategies, priorities, and challenges that come with the transition, offering insights for both private equity professionals and newly-backed management teams.

Highlights:

• The Speed Factor: Why the first 100 days matter in private equity

• Assessing the Business: Key financial and operational assessments post-close

• Fixing Inefficiencies: Common challenges identified and tackled early

• Aligning Leadership & Strategy: How PE firms and management teams sync up on priorities

• Operational Improvements: The low-hanging fruit that drives quick wins

• Financial Visibility: Why enhanced reporting and cash flow management are critical

• Technology & Systems: The role of ERP upgrades and process automation

• Culture & Leadership Changes: Navigating executive transitions and team alignment

If you’re a business leader, investor, or PE-backed executive, this episode provides a roadmap for successfully navigating the first 100 days and setting the foundation for long-term growth.

Listen now to learn what separates the best PE-backed transitions from the rest!

In this episode of "Growing EBITDA," hosts James Bandy and Mike McSweeney dive deep into the intricacies of Value Creation Plans (VCPs) within the private equity landscape. They share their expert insights on how VCPs serve as strategic frameworks to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency, and maximize enterprise value. From defining what a VCP is to discussing its core components and execution strategies, this episode is packed with valuable information for business leaders, private equity professionals, and consulting clients. Tune in to learn about the importance of alignment among stakeholders, the role of strategic planning, and practical tips for successful VCP implementation.

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Highlights:

• Introduction and background of the deal

• Importance of Value Creation Plans in private equity

• Core components of VCPs

• Differences between strategic plans and VCPs

• Role of the CEO and management team in VCPs

• Collaboration between private equity firms and management teams

• Tactical and strategic elements of VCPs

• Long-term goals and operational improvements

• Importance of regular updates and accountability

• Practical tips for VCP implementation

• Tying VCPs to EBITDA growth

• Closing thoughts and key takeaways

In this episode of Growing EBITDA, Mike and I sit down with James Lowe, a Director at TriVista, to explore the fundamentals of warehouse optimization. We break down how optimizing warehouse operations can significantly reduce costs, improve efficiency, and drive top-line growth.

James shares insights from his 13+ years of experience in supply chain and warehousing, discussing hidden costs, process inefficiencies, and best practices for leveraging technology, automation, and strategic warehouse design.

Key topics covered:

• Identifying inefficiencies and hidden costs in warehouse operations

• How warehouse optimization impacts the bottom line

• The role of technology in streamlining warehouse management

• The importance of inventory control and process standardization

• Practical steps for improving warehouse efficiency

Whether you’re leading a distribution-heavy business, a manufacturer, or a private equity-backed portfolio company, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you optimize your warehouse operations and drive EBITDA growth.

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive deeper into advanced optimization strategies and the impact of AI and automation on the future of warehousing.

Listen now and start unlocking the full potential of your warehouse operations.

In this episode of "Growing EBITDA," hosts Mike McSweeney and James Bandy dive into the intricacies of sell-side due diligence, a crucial process for business leaders, private equity professionals, and consulting clients. They discuss the importance of preparing a business for sale, the benefits of conducting thorough due diligence, and how it can maximize exit value. With a focus on middle-market growth, M&A, and operational efficiency, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone involved in the transaction advisory business. Tune in to learn about the key components of sell-side diligence, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure a smooth exit process.

Follow Mike McSweeney & James Bandy on LinkedIn

Learn more about TriVista

Highlights:

• Introduction to Sell-Side Due Diligence

• Importance of Preparing for Sale

• Key Components of Sell-Side Diligence

• Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Ensuring a Smooth Exit Process

• Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

• Closing Thoughts and Final Tips

Episode Title: Tariffs & M&A: Navigating Uncertainty in 2025

In this episode of Growing EBITDA, Mike McSweeney and James Bandy break down the impact of tariffs on middle-market businesses and private equity. They discuss how shifting trade policies are affecting supply chains, deal structures, and valuation models, creating uncertainty for investors and operators alike.

With tariffs reshaping cost structures and market dynamics, the hosts explore how businesses can hedge against risk, leverage technology, and implement sourcing strategies to maintain stability. Whether you’re a business owner, private equity professional, or operator, this episode provides key insights into managing EBITDA growth in a turbulent economic landscape.

Highlights:

• Introduction: How tariffs are disrupting budgets and dealmaking in 2025

• Private Equity & M&A: How investors are adjusting valuation models

• Creative deal structuring: Holdbacks, contingency pricing, and earnouts

• Supply chain impacts: Nearshoring, reshoring, and alternative sourcing strategies

• ERP & data visibility: How technology helps businesses manage tariff risks

• Lessons from past disruptions: What COVID-19 and past trade wars taught us

• Trivia question of the week: Who is the largest trading partner of the U.S.?

Follow Mike McSweeney & James Bandy on LinkedIn.

Learn more about TriVista.