SPRING 2023
Rather than a lecturing environment, our students are learning through a colloquium type
setting that is more reminiscent of the learning process in graduate school studies. Thus,
our instructors have been renamed as Professors for this Program. Each of the 10 Professors
spends a month on a different aspect of the business brokerage process. They meet with the
students live, online two times per month with pre-work, exercises and discussions with the
students participating in the colloquium setting. Topics include issues and experiences, and
are discussed by all sharing their ideas. It provides an opportunity for the CBI to learn of the
mistakes and accomplishments of others, saving many years of building those experiences
themselves. The ten Professors for this inaugural Program include Cress V. Diglio, Rich
Mowrey, Louis Pereira. Glen Cooper, Jim Afinowich, Andy Cagnetta, Tawnya Gilreath, Lou
Vescio, Monty Walker, and Pino Bacinello. The colloquium style of learning is delivered live,
online using IBBA’s learning platform at www.ibbauniversity.com.
The result is that the entire group gains the knowledge and virtual experiences of others.
Cress Diglio, with many years of experience, tell us that he has learned many new ideas from
the students. Lou Pereira, who is teaching the valuation session, spent zero time teaching
the math; every student already knew the valuation process. Instead, Professor Pereira was
more focused on the thought process involved in valuing a business. He posed interesting
scenarios for the students to discuss and the results, coming from various experiences, were
very helpful to all.
We have to date completed two months of the 10-month Program. The sessions were designed
to follow the various stages of the business brokerage process. They include:
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Prospecting for Sellers
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Pre-Due Diligence with Sellers
•
Analyzing and Valuing Businesses
•
Packaging and Marketing Businesses
•
Identifying and working with Qualified Buyers