Business Talk With Chalfin

Hosted by Bob Chalfin

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Please join Robert Chalfin during Business Talk with Chalfin as he speaks with business owners, experts, academics, authors, and other professionals on topics that are critical to your business and you. Bob is an attorney, CPA, and a Lecturer in Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches graduate-level courses on acquiring closely held businesses and real estate entrepreneurship to MBA candidates. He has been the recipient of several Wharton Teaching Excellence Awards. He is an owner/investor of several closely held businesses, developed real estate, and has been the Court-appointed receiver and fiscal agent of several businesses. He is the author of the books, A Practical Guide to Selling a Business (2022), A Practical Guide to Buying a Business (2020), and Selling Your IT Business: Valuation, Finding the Right Buyer, and Negotiating the Deal. (2006). Mr. Chalfin is the CEO of The Chalfin Group Inc., a Metuchen, New Jersey-based firm that offers advisory services in connection with the purchase and sale of closely held businesses, strategic planning, and valuation.

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45 recent

August 20, 2026Episode 4516 min

From Search to Acquisition: Buying and Building a Small Business with Cory Halbardier

In this episode of Business Talk with Chalfin, Bob Chalfin speaks with Cory Halbardier, who recently purchased J&G Lawn and Garden in Fortuna, California, about his journey from Wharton to entrepreneurship through acquisition. Cory shares how he discovered the business, evaluated more than 150 potential companies, revised his acquisition criteria, and ultimately found the right opportunity. He also discusses the importance of meeting and building a relationship with the seller, conducting thorough due diligence, managing liquidity and working capital, and navigating the complexities of transferring a contractor license in California. The conversation offers a candid look at what it really takes to search for, acquire, and take over a small business — including the lessons Cory learned along the way and why, just weeks after closing, he says he is having more fun in his career than ever before.

June 4, 2026Episode 4423 min

Hospitality Investing and Growth

In this episode of Business Talk with Chalfin, Bob Chalfin sits down with Kevin Fleming, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Avenir Hospitality, an investment platform focused on boutique hotels in upscale leisure destinations. Kevin discusses the firm's approach to hospitality investing, the opportunities and challenges of operating boutique hotel properties, and the experience of building a portfolio that currently spans eight properties across three distinct markets. He also shares perspectives from his career in real estate private equity, including his time on the investment team at Whitman Peterson. The conversation explores hospitality as an asset class, the importance of market selection, and the factors that drive long-term success in the boutique hotel space. Kevin is a graduate of The Wharton School, where he earned his MBA, and Pepperdine University, where he received his BA in Economics.

April 9, 2026Episode 4320 min

Personal Guarantee Insurance: A Conversation with Brendan Burdette & Ryan Conner

In this episode of Business Talk with Chalfin, Bob Chalfin sits down with Brendan Burdette, Co-Founder & CEO, and Ryan Conner, Co-Founder & President of Braddock Road Insurance, to explore Personal Guarantee Insurance (PGI) — an emerging and innovative form of insurance that allows borrowers to hedge a portion of the risk tied to personal guarantees. As personal guarantees remain a critical — and often daunting — component of small business lending and entrepreneurship through acquisition, Brendan and Ryan unpack how PGI works, why it matters, and how it could reshape access to capital for business owners. Drawing on deep experience across insurance, legal, and regulated industries, they discuss the development of this category-defining product, the regulatory considerations behind it, and the broader impact on lenders, investors, and entrepreneurs. This conversation offers a forward-looking perspective on risk, innovation, and the future of financing — particularly for those navigating the complexities of acquiring or growing a business.

February 20, 2026Episode 4226 min

Value Creation in Children’s Dentistry: A Conversation with Amir Fardshisheh

In this episode of Business Talk with Chalfin, Bob Chalfin sits down with Amir Fardshisheh, Co-CEO of Vitana Pediatric & Orthodontic Partners, to explore what true value creation looks like in the world of children’s dentistry. Amir shares insights on scaling pediatric and orthodontic practices, building strong doctor partnerships, and creating long-term enterprise value while maintaining clinical excellence and patient-centered care. The conversation dives into growth strategy, operational discipline, culture, and the unique dynamics of healthcare-focused private equity. Whether you’re a practice owner, investor, or entrepreneur interested in healthcare services, this episode offers a thoughtful look at building sustainable value in a specialized and highly personal industry.

January 16, 2026Episode 416 min

🎙️ 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.

December 4, 2025Episode 409 min

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.

October 16, 2025Episode 396 min

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.

July 9, 2025Episode 3824 min

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.

May 26, 2025Episode 3724 min

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.

April 12, 2025Episode 3620 min

Tariffs-A Brief Discussion

For this conversation, Bob talks with Gad Allon, the Jeffrey A. Keswin Professor and Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, and the director of the Management and Technology Program at The Wharton School. He received his PhD in Management Science from Columbia Business School in New York and holds a Bachelor and Master degree from the Israeli Institute of Technology. Gad is an award-winning educator, teaching courses on scaling operations and operations strategy. He has also been an innovative leader in many educational technology initiatives. He is the co-founder of ForClass, a platform that enables professors to drive higher student engagement and accountability in their classrooms. Professor Allon regularly consults firms both on service strategy and operations strategy.