A Practical Guide to ETA Deal Pre-Screening

Today, I’m proud to share a teaser of a new resource I’ve developed: A Practical Guide to ETA Deal Pre-Screening. Within the full 35-page guide are 29 Immediate Deal Killers, 22 Likely Deal Killers, and 20 Due Diligence Flags — each capable of killing or derailing a deal. For searchers and investors, this is a no-BS checklist of specific red flags to watch for when evaluating lower-middle-market opportunities before due diligence even begins. For business owners, it’s an inside look at the hidden pitfalls that can quietly derail your retirement or exit plan. If you’re a searcher, investor, business owner, or part of the ETA/PE ecosystem and want access to the full guide, simply comment on this post with your email address & I’ll send you the file directly. And if you’re part of a consulting firm, PE group, or investor team seeking support with deal screening or value-creation projects, I’m currently exploring Summer 2026 opportunities.