Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

When the President Steals the Deal: The $3.7 Million Cost of Lost Profits

In this episode, Kelly and I dive into a remarkable federal case involving a president, a business opportunity, lost profits, and millions of dollars in litigation costs. The case, Zip By v. Parzich, gives us a front-row look at what can happen when a corporate executive pursues an opportunity that belonged to the company he was leading—and how the financial consequences can extend far beyond the original dispute.

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Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

When Divorce Courts Get Business Valuation Wrong: Lessons from Bailey v. Bailey

In this episode, we're breaking down the recent Bailey v. Bailey appellate decision from North Carolina—a case that demonstrates how even a relatively small business valuation can unravel when proper legal standards and valuation methodology aren't followed. We'll discuss the costly consequences of relying on unsupported calculations, why valuation methodology matters just as much as the numbers themselves, and how overlooking established case law can send a divorce case straight back to court.

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Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

Stay Ready: How Smart Business Owners Prepare for Growth, Buyers, and Opportunity

In this episode, we explore what it really means to build a healthy business that is prepared for growth, valuation, and unexpected opportunities. Whether you're planning to sell your company someday or simply want to create a stronger, more resilient organization, Kendall shares practical insights on leadership, team alignment, systems, measurement, and the habits that separate thriving businesses from those that struggle.

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Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

Price Is Only the Beginning: Where Millions Are Won or Lost in M&A

In this episode, I’m joined by Holli Moeini, a seasoned CFO, CPA, and M&A advisor who has seen firsthand how deals can quietly erode—or significantly increase—value depending on how they’re structured. As someone who works closely with business owners navigating valuation, mediation, and complex financial decisions, I’ve also witnessed how easy it is to overlook critical elements that ultimately shape the outcome of a transaction.

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Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

What Makes a Company Fundable? Inside the Mind of an Investor

This episode is about pulling back the curtain on the investor mindset. Whether you’re preparing to raise capital or simply want to build a stronger, more scalable business, this conversation will give you a clearer lens into what truly matters—and what doesn’t.

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Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

Signs Your Spouse Is Hiding Money & How to Prove It

In this episode we are with Victoria Kirilloff, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and founder of Divorce Analytics, to break down one of the most common — and misunderstood — issues in divorce: Hidden money, financial manipulation, and how to actually prove it.

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Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

Discovery Is Power: Subpoenas & Divorce Strategy

In this conversation, we discuss with Becky how discovery really works in divorce cases, why subpoenas often get rejected, and how proper research and compliance can dramatically speed up legal outcomes.

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Melissa Gragg Melissa Gragg

Valuation Decisions That Shape Family Wealth

In this Episode I’m joined by Jeff Condren, an advisor to family business owners in the Chicagoland area who specializes in next-generation transitions and building the right team to make those transitions successful.

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Anna Graham Anna Graham

The Unexpected Cost of Not Planning Your Exit

I’m Melissa Gragg, a financial mediator and business valuation expert in St. Louis, Missouri. In today’s episode, I’m joined by returning guest Mark Howley — entrepreneur, former business owner, consultant, and podcaster — to break down the unexpected cost of NOT planning your exit.

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