Ep.33 Reinventing Small Business M&A | Dylan Gans & the Future of SMB Acquisitions

In this episode, Sean Smith sits down with Dylan Gans, founder of Baton, to discuss how technology is transforming the way small businesses are bought and sold. Drawing from his entrepreneurial background and experience selling a startup to Aramark, Dylan shares why he believes millions of small businesses need better succession solutions and how Baton is modernizing the traditionally fragmented business brokerage industry. The conversation explores why relationships matter more than ever in acquisitions, how buyers can improve their chances of closing deals, why many owners have unrealistic expectations about valuation, and how Baton combines technology with experienced M&A advisors to simplify the entire transaction process. Sean and Dylan also discuss: Why millions of small businesses will change hands over the next decade The "Silver Tsunami" creating unprecedented acquisition opportunities Common mistakes first-time buyers make Why passive ownership is often an unrealistic expectation Building trust between buyers and sellers Off-market opportunities and Baton's valuation-first approach How AI is changing white-collar work—and why entrepreneurship may become even more important Lessons learned from hundreds of small business transactions 00:00 Introduction to Innovative Brokerage Solutions 01:13 Dylan Gans' Entrepreneurial Journey 04:22 Bridging Technology with Traditional Brokerage 10:03 Understanding the Value of Business Valuation 15:14 Enhancing Buyer-Seller Relationships 19:44 Exploring Off-Market Deal Dynamics 22:40 Understanding Seller Expectations 27:20 Building Trust in Buyer-Seller Relationships 29:52 Common Buyer Pitfalls 37:12 Real-Life Examples of Thoughtful Engagement 41:44 The Call to Action for Future Buyers Whether you're an entrepreneur, search fund operator, acquisition entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in buying your first business, this conversation offers valuable insights into today's SMB acquisition landscape. If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and operators shaping the future of small business acquisitions. 📩 Connect with the speakers: - Dylan Gans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-gans/ - Baton: https://www. baton.com - Sean Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-smith-47ab2a70/ - SMB Investor Network: https://www.smbinvestornetwork.com/ Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments—we'd love to hear your perspective. #SmallBusiness #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #SearchFunds #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessBroker #SMB #BusinessBuying #AI #Baton