Better Together: Mergers and Acquisitions with Will Grey and Justin Bolles

When you read about M&A in the news, it usually comes across as very “spreadsheety.” Black and white. Hard numbers. Dollar signs.

But the headlines only tell one side of the story. 

M&A is really about people—blending two separate organizations with distinct cultures, values, and goals into a one, unified team. It’s a deeply human process, and one that triggers a lot of emotions.

Between 2019 and 2022, Resultant acquired four companies. ConnectThink was the first; Teknion, the last. 

On this episode of Rezzer Rewind, you’ll hear raw, human perspectives from both.

Justin Bolles (ConnectThink) and Will Grey (Teknion) join Mark to share reflections and behind-the-scenes stories. You’ll hear how the ConnectThink acquisition almost didn’t happen, Resultant “accidental values” in action, and all the emotional ups and downs along the way. 

 

Find Justin and Will on LinkedIn:

Will Grey, Resultant VP of Data Services: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willgrey/

Justin Bolles, Resultant Principal Architect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbolles/ 

 

Jump In:

[02:50 - 04:20] Meet Justin Bolles, principal architect and former partner at ConnectThink

[04:43 - 06:17] Meet Will Grey, VP of data services and former Teknion client success managing director

[07:54 - 09:19] How acquisitions can easily become unmitigated disasters

[09:21 - 13:40] Why ConnectThink joined Resultant: Tech agnosticism alignment

[14:05 - 20:47] Why Teknion joined Resultant: Deep values alignment 

[21:36 - 28:35] The human, emotional journey of getting acquired

[29:08 - 34:00] Speed bumps, missteps, and challenges

[34:01 - 37:27] The difficulties of a “verbal” culture; accidental values in action

[37:27 - 40:16] How geography & remote work impacted acquisition transitions

[40:16 - 41:47] Justin’s favorite story: Scrotal circumference 

[41:48 - 42:30] Will’s favorite story: Cowboy Christmas party

[42:49 - 50:24] Mark & Kate’s takes: The underappreciated, underrepresented aspects of M&A