From VC Bust to PE Success – The New Engen Story Part 2
How does a marketing agency rebound from VC challenges and scale under private equity? New Engen CEO Justin Hayashi breaks down disciplined M&A, content innovation, and growth strategy.
From VC Bust to PE Success – The New Engen Story
CEO of New Engen, Justin Hayashi, talks about building and scaling his digital marketing agency with private equity. With host Todd Taskey, Justin discusses the company’s pivot from a SaaS vision to an agency model, how VC and private equity differ in practice, and the importance of choosing the right PE partner and developing an M&A strategy for long-term growth.
Behind the Scenes of M&A – BluShark Digital & Herringbone Digital
With host Todd Taskey, Seth and Raj explain the importance of brand independence, how aligned incentives drive outcomes, and how AI and shared resources can fuel sustainable growth.
A Knock at the Door Leads To “Perfect Transaction” – What’s Still True 5 Years Later
Ben Landers, President and CEO of Ahead of Next, talks about selling his fast-growing digital marketing company. With host Todd Taskey, Ben explains how he evaluated buyers, prepared for a smooth transaction, and adapted to life after stepping away from the business.
How AI Agents Are Helping Agency Founders Create 70% Margins
Founder and CEO of 8 Figure Agency, Jordan Ross, discusses how AI-driven efficiency is reshaping agency operations. With host Todd Taskey, Jordan explains how agencies can unlock hidden profit, strengthen sales follow-up, and shift from service provider to business owner.
Closed Transaction: The CTO’s Perspective
Doug Hathaway, LawFi’s CTO/CPO, reflects on growing and selling his company while managing investor influence, board dynamics, and a near-collapsed deal.
Trust, Equity, and AI: The Surprising Deal Behind Levergy’s Sale To KickCharge
Discover how Ryan Redding navigated the Levergy sale to KickCharge with smart acquisition strategy, valuation, and cultural due diligence.
How To Navigate Key Staff in Your Agency Exit
M&A advisor Todd Taskey shares insights on hiring challenges, evaluating leadership for private equity deals, structuring equity, and navigating due diligence.
From Startup to Strategic Powerhouse: Jeff Spanbauer’s Journey Through the PE Growth Machine
Jeff Spanbauer, Founder and Executive Chairman of Relevate Health, shares how he led a data-driven healthcare marketing company through multiple acquisitions and a private equity partnership. With host Todd Taskey, Jeff talks about his patented regional segmentation strategy, the cultural and operational challenges of rapid growth, and how he structured equity incentives for his employees.
Behind the Scenes: How a “Search Funder” Acquired a Digital Agency
Owner and CEO of Sure Oak, Nick Fraunfelder, talks about how he launched a self-funded search for a digital marketing agency. With host Todd Taskey, Nick shares the realities of sourcing and funding his acquisition, the lessons from his early career ventures, and how he shifted his leadership focus from metrics to people.
Meet the Host
Todd Taskey
M&A Advisor for CEO's & Entrepreneur's
Todd is a 20+ year entrepreneur, business owner, investment banker and business finance advisor. In addition to M&A advice and investment banking activities, Todd has been a founding investor, board member or part of the management team of several business ventures.