What if your path to business ownership was less about finding the “perfect” opportunity and more about cultivating clarity and readiness from the inside out? Are you helping your clients build resilient, sustainable enterprises, or just reacting to their immediate wish lists and blind spots?

Too many advisors and brokers get caught solving surface-level problems, overlooking the underlying systems, preparation, and mindset shifts that actually drive long-term success. As this episode reveals, transformative progress happens when you challenge ambitious owners to plan beyond their current horizon, systematize their operations, and prepare their businesses (and themselves) for the capital, scale, and transitions they dream of.

In this episode, Dayo Oyetuga, Certified Business Advisor at the Washington SBDC, brings experience in both entrepreneurship and large-scale organizational transformation. He shares eye-opening lessons on preparing businesses for growth, demystifying capital readiness, leveraging technology, and mastering the unglamorous—but essential—routines of strategic planning and honest self-assessment.

From helping business owners avoid the “lost opportunity” trap to equipping first-time buyers with the right questions and accountability, Dayo Oyetuga offers practical strategies and real-world stories for anyone looking to move from reactive to deliberate, from overwhelmed to empowered.

Subscribe for more insights on building your deal flow, elevating your advisory skills, and leading your clients toward lasting, meaningful success.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-kovsky-460aab7/
Email: gregory@ibainc.com
Website: https://ibainc.com/

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - The Next Venture
• (00:00:34) - Next Venture Alliance Show
• (00:02:05) - What led to your current role at SBDC?
• (00:07:19) - Does Business Planning Help Entrepreneurs Grow?
• (00:10:12) - What Does a Plan Look Like for Your Business?
• (00:16:18) - Does SBDC provide business advisory services?
• (00:24:39) - Clear Clarity on Your SBA Loan
• (00:25:08) - 4 tips for business owners on the loan application process
• (00:31:20) - How to Get More Out of a SBDC Advisor?
• (00:38:27) - An Owner's Role in a Sale
• (00:44:23) - In the Elevator With First Time Buyers
• (00:46:01) - What's the most useful kind of carryover skill from the corporate
• (00:53:31) - Should I Acquire a Successful Business?
• (00:59:05) - How Much Money Do You Want to Make As a Business Owner?
• (01:04:27) - The Right Questions for Advisors
• (01:05:35) - Balance: Research vs. Action
• (01:10:55) - The Transition to a Chief Executive Officer
• (01:15:23) - Does Money Change Your Mind?
• (01:17:45) - How to grow a specialty garden business under your umbrella
• (01:24:59) - Will AI Replace Your Business Tools?
• (01:29:43) - What Kind of Business Advisory Services Should Business Owners Have?
• (01:31:46) - Will the SBDC help you with legal and accounting issues?
• (01:36:06) - Top Sources of Information for Business Owners
• (01:42:39) - 6 tips for becoming a better business owner
• (01:45:21) - 71 and Change: Bringing All As One
• (01:51:03) - On The Acquisition
• (01:52:13) - Dreams of Playing in the NFL
• (01:56:37) - Dreaming of playing for the Finnish national team
• (02:00:49) - Seattle Seahawks player on the World Cup
• (02:04:13) - The Next Venture: Small Business Development

What if the secret to long-term success in business brokerage has less to do with technical skills and more to do with personal authenticity, relentless education, and treating people right? Are you building your deal flow on a foundation of deep regional knowledge, lasting relationships, and a win-win mentality? Or are you simply chasing transactions?

When you look beyond commissions and truly invest in your own expertise and your clients' success, you build not only trust but also a practice that stands the test of time. As this episode reveals, the best brokers, the ones whose businesses endure, obsess over team building, continual learning, transparency, and the strength of their reputations, not just their pipelines.

In this special episode with Gregory Kovsky, President and CEO of IBA, the lessons go far beyond EBITDA multiples and negotiation tactics. You’ll learn how Gregory’s journey from basketball coach to top dealmaker shaped a leadership philosophy built on the golden rule, education, and team excellence. The episode covers the nuances of local versus national brokerage, the power of full disclosure and mentorship, and how building a legacy means raising the bar for the entire industry, not just yourself. Real-world tales of complex deals, cross-cultural challenges, and the human element of business transitions make this a must-listen for any broker seeking lasting impact.

Subscribe for more insights on how to grow your deal flow and become a truly trusted advisor in business sales and succession.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-kovsky-460aab7/
Email: gregory@ibainc.com
Website: https://ibainc.com/

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - The Next Venture
• (00:00:34) - Meet Gregory Kofsky
• (00:03:11) - Gregory Koski on His Background and Fatherhood
• (00:05:00) - Rudy Wade on His Career as a Coach
• (00:18:50) - In the Elevator With Business Brokers
• (00:24:38) - Bradley: Business Broker: A Unique Profession
• (00:34:25) - Local Knowledge of the Northwest
• (00:44:19) - Local Knowledge in Selling a Property
• (00:45:54) - In the Elevator With Steve Jobs
• (00:46:43) - Intermediaries: The Golden Rule
• (00:55:18) - Full Disclosure of Retirement Plans
• (01:05:57) - How Numerology Can Make or Break a Deal
• (01:06:29) - Competition in Business Brokerage
• (01:09:35) - Mentorship and Competitive Business
• (01:21:45) - A Moment of Inspiring a Broker
• (01:29:06) - Recharge Your Battery With Vacations
• (01:37:57) - Pushing the Right Question in Negotiations
• (01:39:22) - The importance of personal relationships in the business
• (01:43:33) - Do Business Real Estate Deals Need a Human Touch?
• (01:49:56) - Does an IBA Broker Need a Multiple?
• (01:56:29) - How Good Are You at Valuing Your Clients'?
• (02:00:08) - Minimum Wage and the Business Owner
• (02:05:22) - Real Estate Broker: Qualifications of Buyers and Sellers
• (02:12:17) - Seizing the Day
• (02:17:04) - IBA President Joe Carbone on His Legacy
• (02:21:53) - Leave the Business Better Than You Found It
• (02:23:32) - How Do You Compare to Your Brokerage Career?
• (02:33:08) - Wales World Cup 2018
• (02:42:06) - Who Will Win the NCAA Tournament?
• (02:44:31) - A Moment of Truth

Are you wondering why insurance feels more complicated (and expensive) than ever?

In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov sits down with commercial insurance expert Julie Janowicz to pull back the curtain on the real state of insurance—what’s changed, what’s insurable, and what you actually need to know before your next big business move.

From wild stories about insuring axe-throwing bars and navigating drone inspections, to actionable advice on getting the best value from your broker, you’ll hear insider knowledge that’s critical for business owners, buyers, and anyone trying to survive today’s unpredictable insurance environment. Whether you’re dealing with commercial policies, fleet auto, D&O, or want to understand how AI is affecting your rates, this conversation is essential listening.

Don’t miss out! Subscribe for more no-BS conversations with industry insiders.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliejanowicz/
Company: http://www.dcigi.com/
Email: Julie@dcigi.com

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance

When is the right time to start financial planning? Is it only after you’ve “made it,” or is it something you should be thinking about much earlier as a business owner?

For many entrepreneurs, financial planning feels like something they’ll get to later. But the truth is, real planning isn’t about perfect timing or complex spreadsheets—it’s about clarity. It’s about understanding your goals, your values, and the “why” behind your decisions. Saving money is important, but planning is what turns uncertainty into confidence and gives your future direction.

In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov sits down with Tim Melia, Principal at Embolden Financial Planning, for an honest and practical conversation. Tim shares his journey from the tech world into wealth management, lessons learned as a business owner, and his passion for helping clients—from Gen Z to Baby Boomers—make smart, values-aligned financial decisions.

If you’re looking for clear guidance and want to start financial planning in a way that actually fits your life, this episode is for you. Listen in, reflect on what truly matters to you, and take the first step forward.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/timjmelia
Company: https://www.emboldenfp.com/
Email: tim.melia@emboldenfp.com

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - What Does It Take to Build a Startup?
• (00:00:31) - Startups and Real Estate: The Venture Alliance
• (00:02:30) - How to Start a Business and Get Paid
• (00:08:43) - How to Talk About Financial Planning in a Vocabulary
• (00:15:07) - Should I Offer Financial Planning as an Advice Only Fee?
• (00:21:23) - The Importance of Financial Planning for Kids
• (00:28:57) - What is College Planning for Your Kids?
• (00:31:05) - How to Plan for the Business's eventual sale
• (00:35:42) - How Much Money Do You Need to Sell Your Business?
• (00:39:18) - The Non-Numbers Conversations
• (00:43:57) - How Do You Integrate Your Personal and Professional Lives?
• (00:48:40) - Do Tax Laws Affect How You Structure Your Advice?
• (00:56:53) - The Importance of Talking About Goals With Clients
• (01:01:18) - Will Money Advice Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence?
• (01:08:42) - In the Elevator With Madison Management
• (01:09:34) - Turnaround: Starting a Business on Your Own
• (01:14:53) - A. Work-Life Balance
• (01:17:02) - In the Transition of a Business
• (01:18:47) - Starting a Business: Flexible Plans
• (01:19:35) - How to Die With Zero
• (01:28:12) - A Financial Planner's Introduction Meeting

What does it really take to turn a simple cup of coffee into a thriving community hub? Is the American dream of entrepreneurship still alive in today’s specialty coffee scene? And how does someone go from spinning records in nightclubs around the world to roasting coffee beans in a quiet seaside town?

Behind every successful small business is a story of reinvention, risk, and resilience. True entrepreneurship often looks less glamorous than people imagine—it’s built on consistency, grit, and showing up even when the work feels ordinary. Personal background, an eye for opportunity, and a deep connection to community can turn a business into something far greater than its product, especially when adaptability and long-term commitment lead the way.

In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov explores Ben Cook’s remarkable journey—from a bohemian upbringing in Berkeley and a thriving DJ career across New York and Europe, to becoming the owner of Better Living Through Coffee in Port Townsend. Together, they unpack lessons from family entrepreneurship, the influence of music and travel, the realities of staff culture, and the challenges—both literal and figurative—of running an independent café, all while debunking myths about what success really looks like.

If this conversation sparked ideas about entrepreneurship, community, or redefining success, take the next step—listen to the full episode, visit or support Better Living Through Coffee, and subscribe, share, or leave a review.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/benjamincook2
Company: ptcoffee.com
Email: ben@ptcoffee.com

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - The Next Venture: What It Takes to Build a Business
• (00:00:38) - In the Elevator With Oliver Kotelnikov
• (00:01:34) - The Story of Pete's Coffee and Starbucks
• (00:06:42) - When Did Coffee and You First Cross paths?
• (00:08:12) - Top Coffee Producers on Their Coffee
• (00:12:39) - The Importance of the Harvest Festival
• (00:17:00) - How to Keep Your Place in the Business
• (00:18:09) - Being a rebel at school
• (00:26:17) - The cafe's relaxed culture
• (00:31:50) - The golden years of your life
• (00:36:51) - On Growing Up Without A Helicopter
• (00:38:58) - Dance Lessons For Young People In The 90s
• (00:41:47) - Living in the Ghettos of Oakland
• (00:45:31) - Talking Heads on His Discography
• (00:49:45) - Ben Collins on Working With Rick Rubin
• (00:54:28) - "For the Sake of Art"
• (00:55:15) - Benji On The End of His Music Career
• (01:00:40) - Maroon 5 on Starting a Record Label
• (01:06:02) - How I Learned To Stop Worrying About My Job
• (01:08:04) - Bailing out on a boat
• (01:13:10) - The culture of working in Russia
• (01:16:37) - "Seven Times I Went to Moscow"
• (01:21:04) - In the Elevator With Bernie
• (01:26:48) - The life of a farm hand
• (01:31:11) - Baristas on Buying a Coffee Shop
• (01:36:14) - Becoming an Owner of a Coffee Company
• (01:40:44) - The cafe that survived the Great Recession
• (01:41:52) - Bill Gates on Consistency
• (01:47:11) - One of the managers at Nordstrom's said
• (01:52:53) - Portland Coffee Roasters on their Coffee
• (01:57:56) - Better Living Through Coffee
• (02:01:39) - Sip & Coffee: Better Living Through the Coffee
• (02:07:10) - A Pink Floyd Song

What if the evolving landscape of hospitality isn’t just about changing consumer behavior — but a signal for advisors and brokers to rethink how they guide client success? Are you equipping your clients with data-driven strategies, or relying on assumptions shaped by a different era?

In this episode, Jason Brandt, President and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, along with Joseph Holcraft, hospitality M&A advisor at IBA, explore why past experience alone is no longer enough to stay ahead.

Together, they unpack labor market realities, leadership challenges, and the risks of static thinking. From the quiet power of engaged teams to the growing role of innovation — including AI, tax strategy, and evolving guest expectations — the conversation highlights how authentic listening and strategic partnerships create long-term resilience.

If you’re ready to move beyond hoping for better conditions — and start intentionally shaping the future of your deals and advisory practice — subscribe for more grounded conversations designed to help you grow your deal flow and strengthen your role as a trusted advisor.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmbrandt/
Company: https://www.oregonrla.org/
Email: jbrandt@oregonrla.org

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - Next Venture: What It Takes to Build a Business
• (00:01:55) - Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO
• (00:05:04) - Restaurant Hotel Owners: The New Normal
• (00:07:54) - What Needs to Change in the Hospitality Industry?
• (00:11:48) - Restaurant Review: The New Model
• (00:23:24) - Oregon and California: Tip Credits vs. Minimum Wage
• (00:26:26) - Oregon's minimum wage law
• (00:30:06) - Oregon Tourism Jobs: Save Tourism Jobs
• (00:36:47) - Do Small Businesses Need SBA Financing?
• (00:40:55) - ORLA: What Business Owners Should Know About ORLA
• (00:53:13) - Restaurants and Hotels: Voices of the Industry
• (00:59:15) - The importance of skilled tax preparers in the hospitality industry
• (01:08:30) - Oregon's commitment to the hospitality industry
• (01:18:26) - Culinary and Business Management Teams Compete at Nationals
• (01:21:20) - Portland's food and culture scene
• (01:30:05) - Portland Business Talk: Hybrid Work
• (01:33:44) - What are some of the top resources in the kind of hospitality industry
• (01:40:53) - Setting the Table: Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential
• (01:46:30) - Restaurant and Lodging Industry Outlook for 2026
• (01:52:49) - Next Venture Alliance: Exploring the Future

What if putting off your “legal homework” is actually holding back your clients’ growth—and your own? Are you approaching deals transactionally, or are you ready to become the advisor who helps entrepreneurs thrive through preparation, proactive counsel, and hard-earned trust?

Winning as a broker isn’t just about managing the transaction—it’s about mindset. This episode underscores the transformational value of forward-thinking legal guidance, where preparation, candid conversations, and strategic relationships replace last-minute scrambling and fire drills. True dealmakers earn the right to advise by speaking the language of both business and risk—long before the signatures hit the page.

Michelle Bomberger, award-winning attorney and CEO of Equinox Business Law Group, sits down with Oliver to unpack what proactive, business-minded legal counsel looks like. She shares real scenarios in M&A, walks through the power—and pitfalls—of letters of intent, due diligence, reps and warranties, and even AI policy.

You’ll learn why the most successful brokers start building their client’s “legal data room” far ahead of the sale, how to become a true trusted advisor, and where future-ready legal strategy is headed for professional advisors.

Subscribe for more practical conversations on moving from transactional to transformational—so you can grow your pipeline by helping clients build businesses buyers actually want. Share this episode with a broker or advisor ready to lead the way.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellebomberger/
Company: www.equinox.law
Email: michelle@equinoxbusinesslaw.com

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - What Does It Take to Build a Startup?
• (00:00:34) - In the Elevator With Michelle Bomberger
• (00:04:28) - Legal Innovation: Celebrating our 20th Anniversary
• (00:11:15) - How to Plan for the Next 6 Months?
• (00:16:46) - How a Lawyer Can Help Business Owners
• (00:21:09) - Purchase and Sale Agreement
• (00:25:39) - What is a LOI and Is It Binding?
• (00:26:16) - Five Things in an LOI That Need to Be Included
• (00:27:41) - The Role of the Seller in a Sale
• (00:30:09) - Bradley: Trust and Confidence
• (00:36:12) - The role of planning in business
• (00:37:58) - 4 Things All Businesses Should Be Prepared for
• (00:41:39) - Invoicing and Defending the Contract
• (00:44:22) - What are some of those things that it should just be a flat
• (00:46:08) - Should the Owner Know What the Employees Know or Don't Know?
• (00:52:39) - Does a Small Deal Get More Money?
• (00:55:17) - Should I Review or Draft the Purchase and Sale Agreement?
• (00:57:07) - Reasons to Judge a Property Deal's Length
• (01:02:06) - Commercial Brokers Association document discussion
• (01:05:08) - Dispute Resolution Clauses in Contract
• (01:06:25) - Broker Talk: Trust in the Deal
• (01:12:24) - Experience is important in business law
• (01:20:56) - An Active Advisor Model
• (01:22:17) - Are We Adopting an AI Policy for our Business?
• (01:29:06) - Lawyers on AI: Where Are the Risks?
• (01:36:16) - Equinox CEO on Next Step for Entrepreneurs
• (01:44:08) - EO and Vistage: Are You Still a Member?
• (01:47:50) - The Future of the Purchase & Sale Agreement
• (01:53:35) - Next Venture Alliance: Happy New Year!

Are you approaching your business with intention—or relying on hope and momentum to carry you forward?

In business, much like in poker, long-term success has very little to do with luck. It’s built through discipline, emotional control, and an honest understanding of risk. The strongest players don’t force outcomes—they know when to lean in, when to step back, and how to stay grounded through volatility. Community, trust, and resilience matter just as much as technical skill, especially when uncertainty is part of the game.

In this episode, Oliver Kotelnikov sits down with longtime friend and poker community leader Stevie Ray Helton to explore the striking parallels between poker and entrepreneurship.

Drawing from decades of running Seattle’s underground Monday Night Poker League, Stevie shares lessons on bankroll management, ego, adaptability, diversity at the table, and why mindset and relationships often determine outcomes more than raw talent. Together, they connect these insights to business brokerage, leadership, and building sustainable success.

Listen in and reflect on how you’re managing risk, relationships, and resilience in your own journey.

Guest Links:
Email: stevenhelton@outlook.com

Connect with Oliver:
Email: oliver@ibainc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliverkotelnikov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextVentureAlliance
Instagram: instagram.com/nextventurealliance

• (00:00:00) - Next Venture Alliance
• (00:01:50) - Poker Legends: The Boom
• (00:05:47) - The Diversity of Poker
• (00:08:25) - Was the tournament poker system outdated?
• (00:14:36) - Poker Star on Running a Business
• (00:16:14) - Poker Player on The Cast of Characters
• (00:21:38) - Poker on a Monday Night
• (00:27:27) - Poker Stars: How to Manage a Bankroll
• (00:34:06) - "Crazy Odds"
• (00:34:31) - Poker Lesson: Game Theory
• (00:40:15) - Poker Star Mike McDermott on His Mistake
• (00:46:09) - Poker Players On How To Buy Bitcoin
• (00:49:42) - The World of Poker
• (00:55:39) - Poker's Nostalgia Will Always Be There
• (01:03:26) - Poker Stars on the Evolution of the Game
• (01:08:25) - Top Poker Stars on the
• (01:14:29) - Flipping a Straight in Omaha
• (01:18:12) - Poker Legends on Monday Night Events
• (01:21:47) - Raised Events
• (01:28:25) - Pro Poker Stars: Giving Back Through Events
• (01:33:56) - What is a Charity Poker Tournament?
• (01:35:45) - How to Get Out of Real Estate Hacks
• (01:39:20) - Real Estate: Demand for Homes, Real Estate Prices
• (01:45:52) - Chat GPT and Artificial Intelligence
• (01:51:59) - Phil Keating on Daniel Negrano's
• (01:57:43) - Talking Up a Good Habit
• (02:01:55) - Americans on the Convenience Crisis
• (02:03:54) - Stevie Jackson on His Next Step
• (02:06:41) - Poker on My Face With Nicole
• (02:12:12) - The Kangaroo and Nicole
• (02:14:57) - Lars Had A Bar Near Ballard
• (02:18:29) - Next Venture Alliance: Exploring the Unknown