Hey, founder friends! If you’re running a $5 million to $50 million business, you’re in the sweet spot—big enough to matter, scrappy enough to hustle. But when it’s time to sell, grow, or snag some capital, investment banking can feel like a black-tie gala you weren’t invited to. Fear not—I’m Daniel, and at Icon Business […]
Blog
Hey, business trailblazers! The lower middle market—those gritty $5 million to $50 million companies—is where the real action lives. At Icon Business Advisors, we’re out there meeting top entrepreneurs across the U.S., from tech innovators to niche manufacturers, and we’re seeing the M&A landscape shift faster than a line dance at a Nashville bar. These […]
Hey, sell-side superstars! So, you’re ready to hand over the keys to your business—congrats on building something worth selling! But here’s the million-dollar question (maybe literally): who’s the right buyer? Picking one isn’t like swiping right on a dating app—though, let’s be honest, it’s just as nerve-wracking. I’ve sold pieces of my own ventures, from […]
Hey there, business warriors! Selling a company sounds like a victory lap—pop the champagne, cash the check, ride off into the sunset, right? Well, sure, but it’s also a rollercoaster that can leave you dizzy, teary, or wondering who you are without your 9-to-5 (or, let’s be real, 24/7). I’ve been there—after scaling Five Doors […]
Hey, growth chasers! So, your business is humming along—maybe not “buy a private jet” humming, but solid—and you’re ready to kick it up a notch. Problem is, cash doesn’t grow on trees (trust me, I’ve checked my backyard in Nashville). You’ve got two big options: equity or debt. It’s like choosing between selling a piece […]
Alright, folks, let’s say you’re ready to sell your business. Maybe you’re dreaming of a beach house, a boat, or just a life where “urgent email” isn’t your alarm clock. I’ve been there—after hustling through $450 million in sales at Living TN, I learned a thing or two about cashing out with a grin. Selling’s […]
Hey, business owners! If you’re reading this, chances are the thought of selling your company has crossed your mind—maybe as a fleeting “what if” over coffee, or maybe it’s keeping you up at night. I’ve been there. After scaling businesses like Five Doors Network and Owen Capital, I’ve stared down that crossroads myself. It’s a […]
Hey there, fellow business builders! If you’re running a company generating between $3 million and $50 million in revenue, you’re in what I like to call the “Goldilocks Zone” of the business world—not too small, not too big, but just right for making a real impact. Problem is, when it comes to mergers, acquisitions, or […]
Greetings from Nashville! I’m Daniel Askew, and I’m thrilled to pull back the curtain on Icon Business Advisors—a company born from my own entrepreneurial highs, lows, and everything in between. If you’re a business owner with a company generating between $3 million and $50 million in revenue, you’ve likely felt the squeeze: too big for […]