Issue 235, June 30, 2024
It was great seeing some new faces, or some faces not seen in some time at this last meeting. We had a good turnout to hear our speaker, Mac Holley.
Mac Holley discussed his extensive background in banking and his significant contributions to community service. His career highlights include his tenure at Bank of America and various leadership roles in civic organizations such as the Northeast Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the University of Northeast Florida Foundation board. Holley’s speech emphasized the importance of community involvement and leadership, drawing from his personal experiences in banking and public service. He also touched on his role in economic development through the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and his contributions to local healthcare and educational institutions. Mac introduced his colleague Joe Hawkins and asked him to come up to say a few words.
Joe Hawkins focused on the trends and strategies in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) sector. He outlined the primary services his firm provides, including company valuation, consulting for improving company value, capital raising, and facilitating acquisitions and sales. Hawkins explained how the COVID-19 pandemic affected deal volumes and company valuations, highlighting a significant drop during the pandemic and a subsequent rebound due to pent-up demand. He also differentiated between strategic buyers and private equity buyers, emphasizing how each type approaches acquisitions differently. Hawkins stressed the importance of exit planning for business owners, advising them to prepare their companies for sale to maximize value and ensure a smooth transition. His presentation included insights on economic trends, such as the impact of rising interest rates and inflation, and practical advice on planning for the future.
Mike Best
2024 President