11:15AM – 12: 30PM: |
SUPER PANEL – Behind the Golden Curtain of an Acquisition
Thinking about buying a transportation company or selling yours? There are three national operators who have all gone through the process of buying and selling their businesses in the last few years. Get a front-row seat at this candid discussion about the real experiences these owners went through on their respective journeys.
Guest Stars:
Diane Forgy, former owner of Overland Chauffeured Services, KS
At Diane’s suggestion, her parent started the company in 1979. Diane assumed control of Overland years later when her parents passed away. Over two decades, she grew the business from a small retailer to a multimillion-dollar corporate-focused company and amassed a truckload of awards along the way. Post-pandemic, Diane made the emotional decision to cash out and to sell her business to her primary competitor. From a first-time seller’s perspective, Diane will share her personal journey and what she had to do to prepare herself and her company for the sale along the way.
Jeff Nykos, CEO of Leros Point to Point, NY
Leros Point to Point started as a small family business in 1983. Jeff and his brother Chris are the “drivers” of the company’s growth. Today, Leros PtP employs 250 people and is a global monster of a company. Much of their expansion was done by acquiring small and mid-sized companies. Jeff will share their formula for success. He will also discuss the mistakes to avoid before buying, selling, or merging your company.
Joe Guilino, Gem Limousine Worldwide, NJ
Founded in 1976, Gem is a 3rd generation business and considered a premier operation in the Northeast. In 2020 Gem purchased Concord Worldwide after the founder used the Pandemic to speed up his exit strategy. Concord Worldwide was started with one limousine in 1984 by Bob Bellegamba who grew to over 100 vehicles and became Gem’s competitor – albeit a friendly one! Joe will share his experience making his first acquisition, which happened to be an extremely large purchase.
Mo Garkani, The COTS Group
This LIVE CONVERSATION will be facilitated by
Sara Eastwood-Richardson, GCLA Executive Director and President of RAS International.
Ken Lucci, Principal / Business Analyst, Driving Transactions |