Closing Remarks

Closing Remarks is Benchmark International’s exclusive podcast, where leading CEOs, thought leaders, business experts, and M&A professionals share insights from the front lines of dealmaking. Each episode explores the strategies, stories, and lessons that shape successful transactions and lasting legacies. Whether you’re an entrepreneur preparing for the next chapter or a professional navigating the complexities of the middle market, Closing Remarks offers the perspectives you need to stay ahead in today’s business landscape.

Closing Remarks is a business podcast hosted by by Benchmark International, with 16 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

by Benchmark International hosts Closing Remarks, a business show with 16 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #16

  E16: Scott Fink on Success & Relationships

  Aug 19, 202652 minS1

  How do strong business relationships and bold leadership turn a struggling dealership into a nationwide success story? In this episode of Closing Remarks , Dara Shareef talks with Scott Fink, the Chairman and CEO of Giant Auto Group–Fink Auto Group, about the business relationships, leadership, and bold decisions that shaped his success in the automotive industry. Scott shares how he helped transform a struggling Mitsubishi dealership into the number one Mitsubishi dealership in the nation within three years, then went on to build a Hyundai dealership that became the number one Hyundai store in the country, earning the top spot 12 times. Along the way, his automotive portfolio expanded to include Volkswagen, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda, Chevrolet, and Genesis brands. Throughout the conversation, Scott shares how building strong business relationships, putting relationships before transactions, and choosing to “come out and fight” when competitors pulled back helped drive his success and create lasting opportunities. Whether you’re building a business, considering a sale, or thinking about your team and legacy, this episode features someone who has built, sold, and successfully grown businesses, including a #1 dealership, all while giving back to the community. What You’ll Learn How Scott Fink built some of the nation’s top-performing automotive dealerships by putting relationships ahead of transactions The leadership mindset behind the “leave the foxhole” philosophy and why taking action when others retreat can create opportunities Practical lessons on preparing a business for sale, negotiating deals, selecting advisors, and structuring earnouts Why planning for life after an exit is just as important as building a successful business

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  Episode #15

  E15: Doug Starcher on Simplifying M&A Legal Terms

  Aug 12, 202654 minS1

  The most important parts of a business sale often aren’t found in the purchase price; they’re hidden in the legal language of the deal. In this episode of Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef sits down with Doug Starcher, a Managing Partner at Nelson Mullins, to break down the legal terms that every business owner should understand before selling a company. With more than 35 years of M&A experience, Doug explains everything from Letters of Intent (LOIs) and purchase agreements to representations and warranties, indemnification, disclosure schedules, working capital, and deal structure. Whether you’re preparing for an exit or want to understand the M&A process better, this episode provides practical guidance to help you protect the value you’ve built. What You’ll Learn Why the Letter of Intent (LOI) sets the foundation for a transaction The role of an experienced M&A attorney throughout the deal process How representations and warranties help buyers understand a business Why indemnification and disclosure schedules matter after closing The importance of working capital and transaction structure Why assembling an experienced deal team can help protect value

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  Episode #14

  E14: Josh Weis on Growth, Culture & Winning

  Aug 5, 202651 minS1

  What separates companies that consistently outperform their competitors? In this episode of Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef sits down with Josh Weis, CEO of Vehlo, to talk about how to use data to drive better decisions and build a people-centered winning culture. Drawing on his experience scaling companies across multiple industries, Josh shares the leadership lessons that have shaped his approach to managing change, driving growth, and helping teams perform at their highest level. Vehlo provides technology and payment solutions for automotive dealerships and independent repair facilities. Through dealership management platforms like Dealerlogix and Velocity Automotive, the company helps streamline operations, repair workflows, and customer communication for service departments, including those representing major automotive brands such as Mitsubishi. From the Rule of 40 and Goodhart’s Law to the buffalo mindset, Josh breaks down the frameworks that have influenced his leadership philosophy. Whether you’re growing a business, preparing for an exit, or leading a team through change, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you build a stronger, more resilient company culture. What You’ll Learn Winning is contagious and why it's important to celebrate your wins How AI is transforming sales coaching, customer experience, and business operations How to apply the principles of Goodhart’s Law by putting people ahead of metrics What the buffalo mindset means and how it helps leaders face challenges head-on Why the Rule of 40 is one of private equity’s most important growth metrics The leadership principles behind integrating 19 acquisitions into one organization

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  Episode #13

  E13: Will Sullivan on Private Equity Trends

  Jul 29, 202647 minS1

  Where are buyers placing their capital, and what does that mean for business owners? In this episode of Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef talks with Will Sullivan, Managing Director at Benchmark International, to explore where buyers are deploying capital, which industries are attracting the most attention, and the market trends shaping middle-market M&A. The biggest opportunities in today’s M&A market aren’t always where you’d expect. From industrials and infrastructure to AI-driven demand and evolving deal structures, this conversation examines the forces influencing buyers and what business owners should understand before taking their business to market. Watch the episode to learn where capital is flowing, what today’s buyers are looking for, the industries buyers are watching closely, and how today’s market could impact your future exit strategy. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why industrial and infrastructure businesses continue to attract buyers How AI and data centers are influencing M&A investment Where private equity firms are deploying capital in 2026 How deal structures like earnouts and rollover equity are evolving Why strategic buyer fit can matter more than price What business owners can do today to prepare for a future sale

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  Episode #12

  E12: Casey Gonzmart Jr. on Family Business Succession

  Jul 22, 202659 minS1

  What does it take to build a family business that lasts for generations? In this episode of Closing Remarks, Casey Gonzmart Jr., a fifth-generation owner and operator of Columbia Restaurant Group and 1905 Family of Restaurants, talks about family business succession, leadership, and the decisions that have shaped his family’s business for more than a century. Casey shares how the family’s story began with the Columbia Saloon in 1903, which was destroyed by a fire before reopening as the Columbia Restaurant in 1905. More than 120 years later, the family continues to build on that legacy through iconic concepts, including the Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, and Casa Santo Stefano, while remaining committed to thoughtful growth and to serving their communities. From introducing air conditioning long before it became the standard to expanding with new restaurant concepts, Casey explains how every generation has embraced innovation without losing sight of what made the business successful in the first place. He also shares lessons on preparing the next generation of leaders, navigating challenges such as the Great Depression, Prohibition, World Wars, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and on why investing in people remains at the heart of the family’s success. Whether you plan to pass the reins to future generations or build a stronger business, this episode covers succession planning, leadership, business growth, and legacy building that grows over time. What You’ll Learn Why business succession starts long before ownership changes How every generation can innovate without losing the company’s identity Why long-term thinking often outperforms chasing short-term trends The leadership lessons behind preserving a business for more than 120 years

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