{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"#327: Unlocking Real Value in Small Business Acquisitions with Dave Lam, USAFA \u201811","description":"Dave Lam is a seasoned investor, veteran, and strategic operator focused on unlocking value in microcap and lower-middle market companies. A former U.S. Air Force contracting officer, he offers deep expertise on execution, strategy, and operational excellence. As a Principal at Phalanx Partners, he helps lead independent sponsorship and advisory efforts for growing companies across multiple sectors. He is also a Managing Principal at Oakwood Legacy Partners, a private holding company investing in alternative assets including real estate, cryptocurrency, and private debt. With a decade of experience managing complex vendor portfolios and leading operational strategy, Dave\u2019s expertise spans procurement, underwriting, and portfolio management. His background includes work with the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard, where he oversaw projects in medical services, construction, communications, and defense manufacturing. Dave holds an MS in Finance from Boston College and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Whether advising founders or evaluating new investments, he brings a rigorous, data-driven approach to growth, risk management, and long-term value creation. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Dave about:  From Military to Main Street:&amp;nbsp;How Dave\u2019s background as an Air Force contracting officer led him to pursue small business acquisitions. The PHX Playbook:&amp;nbsp;A value-driven model where founders sell majority ownership but stay on to scale with strategic support. Smart Acquisition Strategy:&amp;nbsp;Why clean financials, low owner dependency, and operational upside are essential for a successful deal. Opportunity in the Lower Market:&amp;nbsp;Dave targets $1\u20133M EBITDA businesses where hands-on improvements can drive major returns. The Power of Relationships:&amp;nbsp;Trusted veteran and referral networks are key to finding deals and aligning the right people for growth.  Timestamps:  00:41 Dave\u2019s Background and Introduction 01:48 The Importance of Due Diligence 03:00 Introduction to Phalanx Partners 06:02 Opportunities in Business Acquisitions 14:19 Pitfalls in Business Acquisitions 18:27 Secrets to Finding Deal Flow 20:22 Building Your Professional Network 21:15 Strategic Referral Partners 23:20 Investment and Value Addition 27:28 Optimizing Small Businesses 33:15 Future Goals and Aspirations 38:00 Acquisitions and Exit Circle 39:50 Connecting and Contact Information  Connect with Dave:  LinkedIn Email: dave.lam@phalanxpart.com  If you found value in today\u2019s episode, don\u2019t keep it to yourself\u2014share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you\u2019re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we\u2019d love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode\u2014subscribe now and help support the show:   Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review!  A special thank you to Dave for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA \u201901 &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Service Academy Business Mastermind","author_url":"https:\/\/www.sabmgroup.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/37213215\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/37213215"}