Growing EBITDA

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 c...

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 avoidin...

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 befor...

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 professional...

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 pac...

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 ...

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 e...

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 dynami...

In this insightful episode of "Growing EBITDA," hosts James Bandy and Mike McSweeney take a deep dive into the world of private equity. They share their personal journeys from industry into the to private equity world, offering listeners a unique perspective on the intricacies of the private equity ecosystem. From understanding the basics of private equity to exploring the operational strategies that drive growth, this episode is p...

In this episode of “Growing EBITDA,” Mike McSweeney and James Bandy deliver a crucial Public Service Announcement (PSA) on the hidden costs of inadequate ERP systems and their impact on the bottom line.

With their signature blend of expert insights and dry humor, the hosts dive into how outdated or underperforming ERP systems can cripple operations, escalate costs, and even affect M&A valuations. They share real-world anecdotes ...

In this episode of "Growing EBITDA," hosts Mike McSweeney and James Bandy dive into the transformative power of ERP systems for middle-market businesses. They discuss the significant efficiency gains, revenue growth, and strategic advantages that come with upgrading or enhancing ERP systems. With a blend of professional insights and a touch of dry humor, they explore real-world examples and share practical advice for business leade...

In this episode of "Growing EBITDA," hosts James Bandy and Mike McSweeney dive into the world of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and their critical role in driving middle-market growth. From operational efficiency to scalability, they explore the key benefits and challenges of implementing and upgrading ERP systems. With a touch of dry humor, they share real-life anecdotes and expert insights to help business leaders, pr...

In this episode of Growing EBITDA, we dive into the critical topic of cybersecurity and its growing importance for middle-market companies. With cybercrime projected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, business leaders and private equity investors need to be more vigilant than ever. Our hosts, Mike and James, discuss the alarming statistics, the impact of cyber threats, and practical steps businesses can take to prot...

In this episode of "Growing EBITDA," we dive into the critical role of IT diligence in private equity investments. Our hosts, James and Mike, discuss why IT diligence has become an essential work stream in today's M&A landscape. From understanding cybersecurity risks to evaluating business enablement and infrastructure, they cover it all. Tune in to learn how IT diligence can uncover hidden risks, influence deal valuation, and ...