Why I Joined Optima Mergers & Acquisitions

Last year marked a pivotal moment in my career as I became involved with Optima Mergers & Acquisitions, a Dallas-based firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for small to medium-sized businesses in the lower middle market (LMM). Led by seasoned entrepreneurs and M&A experts, Optima fills a critical gap in the market, specifically catering to businesses with annual revenues ranging from $5 to $100 million and EBITDA of $1 to $10 million. This sector represents a significant opportunity as many business owners, particularly baby boomers nearing retirement, seek to transition ownership—a trend known as the “silver tsunami.” Optima’s tailored advisory services, backed by deep industry knowledge and extensive experience, are designed to meet the unique needs of LMM businesses, providing them with the expertise needed to achieve optimal transaction outcomes.

Why Arkansas is a Great Market

Arkansas presents a promising landscape for Optima’s strategic expansion. The state is home to an estimated 3,500 middle market businesses, with the lower middle market encompassing companies typically generating annual revenues between $5 million to $50 million. These businesses operate across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and professional services, reflecting a robust and varied economic environment ripe for growth and transactional opportunities. Furthermore, more than half of small to medium-sized businesses in the U.S. are currently owned by individuals aged 55 or older, many of whom are located in Arkansas. As these owners approach retirement, there is a growing demand for expert advisory services to facilitate successful business transitions and maximize company valuations.

David’s Expertise and Approach

As Market President for Arkansas at Optima, I am excited to leverage my connections, knowledge, and expertise to support local businesses in navigating their transition phases effectively. While spearheading Optima’s efforts in this region I will continue to pursue opportunities with my team at Trent Premier Growth. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and client success remains unwavering as we navigate the dynamic landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the lower middle market.

With over three decades of entrepreneurial experience across sectors including wealth management, athletic training, and energy services, I specialize in exit planning and business acceleration. My focus is on helping business owners identify ways to enhance their company’s valuation and providing hands-on coaching to leadership teams. This includes developing robust strategies, optimizing sales processes, enhancing profitability, implementing effective hiring practices, and fostering strong leadership—all crucial elements for achieving growth or a successful exit within a 1-5 year timeframe.

Arkansas represents a dynamic market poised for growth and transformation in the realm of mergers and acquisitions. Optima’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and client success positions us uniquely to partner with local businesses on their journey towards achieving strategic goals and securing successful transactions. To learn more about how Optima Mergers & Acquisitions can support your business needs, visit www.theoptimateam.com and discover how we can redefine success together in the lower middle market.