Harbert Podcast

Auburn University Harbert College of Business · July 14, 2026

Don Bravaldo joined the Harbert Podcast, produced by Auburn University's Harbert College of Business, for a conversation about building Bravaldo Capital Advisors from the ground up. Don discusses spotting a gap in the market for quality advisory work on smaller deals, launching BCA at the outset of a recession, and why timing — not urgency — should drive decisions like succession planning and business sales.

He also shares his perspective on helping owners treat a sale as a strategic decision rather than an emotional one, and on why working directly with clients at a firm like BCA can be a better path early in a career than a standstill at a large firm.

Listen to the Episode →

Key Insights

  1. Start preparing three to five years before you plan to exit. The earlier BCA gets involved, the more time there is to strengthen financial reporting, reduce customer concentration, and position the business for a stronger valuation.
  2. Most sales are driven by the “Four Ds”: Death (or a health scare), Divorce, Discouragement, or Divestiture. Only about 20% of business owners are proactive planners; the rest come to BCA when an event forces the decision.
  3. Trying to DIY the process is the costliest mistake owners make. Whether it’s negotiating directly with a strategic or PE buyer, or cutting corners on professional fees, owners without experienced representation are the ones most likely to leave money on the table.
  4. Timing and market cycles matter. Certain sectors, including data centers, industrial services, and business services, are seeing strong multiples right now, and understanding where your industry sits in the cycle can significantly affect the outcome of a sale.