Business Talk With Chalfin

🎙️ Business Talk Brief: Preparing to Meet the Owner

In this Business Talk Brief, attorney and business advisor Bob Chalfin walks through how to prepare for your first meeting with a business owner — what to research in advance, the right questions to ask, and how to approach the conversation strategically and professionally. This short episode highlights common missteps buyers make early in the process and offers practical guidance to help you make a strong first impression while protecting your interests.

Business Talk with Chalfin Brief: Searching for a Business

In this Business Talk Brief, Bob Chalfin explores what to consider when searching for a business to buy — from identifying the right industry and evaluating opportunities, to understanding deal structures and avoiding common legal pitfalls. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur exploring acquisition, this short episode delivers practical insights to help you start your search with clarity and confidence.

Business Talk with Chalfin Brief: The Attraction of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition.

The Attraction of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition.   These Briefs are shorter, topic-focused episodes released throughout the season — quick insights on key legal and business issues designed to fit your schedule.   Whether you are a business owner preparing to pass the torch or a next-gen leader stepping into new responsibility, this conversation offers practical insights and a deeper look at the opportunities hidden within the challenges of succession.

SBA Loans - An Update: A Brief Discussion of Some of the Recent Changes to the SBA Loan Program

With over 35 years of SBA lending experience and the past 9 years focused solely on Mergers and Acquisition lending, Bruce Marks helps buyers finance lower middle market M&A transactions. Bruce works with financial buyers, searchers, and corporate buyers seeking financing for business acquisition transactions. He specializes in transactions with enterprise values between $3 and $8 million dollars and has closed over 1,200 SBA transactions.

Family Business: Challenges and Opportunities of Succession with Megan Helzner

In this episode of Business Talk with Chalfin, Bob sits down with Megan Helzner, Principal at CFAR, to explore one of the most critical — and complicated — topics in family enterprise: succession. With more than 15 years of experience working across family-owned businesses, nonprofits, healthcare, and higher education, Megan brings a unique systems-based perspective to navigating leadership transitions. Together, Bob and Megan dive into the emotional and operational complexities of succession planning, from governance and generational dynamics to strategy and communication. Whether you are a business owner preparing to pass the torch or a next-gen leader stepping into new responsibility, this conversation offers practical insights and a deeper look at the opportunities hidden within the challenges of succession.