Agency Bytes is a podcast for owners of creative, marketing, and advertising agencies that packs a ton of important agency information on one topic, from one expert into a 25-minute brief. Why 25 minutes? Because who has the attention span for much more these days, and you can squeeze in a listen between meetings with time for a bathroom break or coffee refill before your next meeting. Agency Bytes is brought to you by Steve Guberman from Agency Outsight. Steve is a 20-year agency veteran who works as a business coach for agencies around the country. He coaches owners of branding, marketing, design, and PR agencies to conquer their goals and overcome their challenges. Learn more about Agency Outsight at www.agencyoutsight.com
Episodes
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Featuring: Clara Stedman and Ben Engvall, Palmer Advisors
In episode 116, I sit down with Clara Stedman and Ben Engvall, founding partners of Palmer Advisors, a boutique M&A firm focused on marketing, media, and tech agencies in the lower to middle market. Clara and Ben break down what agency owners need to understand about selling their business, navigating deal structures, and preparing for acquisition—even if an exit isn’t on the immediate horizon.
We talk about why Palmer was founded, the major shifts in deal terms over the last few years, and why so many agency founders are choosing to stay on post-acquisition. They also share candid insights into common red flags that signal an agency isn’t ready to sell—and what to do about it. We dive into how niching (especially by industry) impacts valuation, what kinds of agencies are in high demand, and how AI and proprietary tools may influence future multiples.
Whether you’re dreaming of an exit, fielding buyer interest, or just want to understand how your agency is valued, this episode pulls back the curtain on the M&A process and what today’s buyers really want.
Key Bytes
• Palmer Advisors focuses on M&A for service-based businesses.
• The agency market is evolving with new deal structures.
• Cultural fit is crucial in agency acquisitions.
• Founders should not exit at their peak performance.
• Timing is key when going to market for an exit.
• Having a strong leadership team is essential for agency sales.
• Niche agencies are more attractive to buyers.
• Understanding EBITDA is vital for agency owners.
• Deal structures can be creative and flexible.
• The future of M&A looks promising with technology advancements.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites
01:47 The Formation of Palmer Advisors
03:35 Reflections on the First Year
05:32 Understanding Agency M&A Dynamics
09:23 Identifying Readiness for Exit
13:28 The Importance of Owner Involvement
16:02 The Value of Niching in M&A
19:09 Demystifying M&A Terminology
23:19 Future Trends in M&A
25:11 The Role of IP and Technology in Valuation
28:34 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Clara Stedman and Ben Engvall are the founding partners of Palmer Advisors, a boutique M&A advisory firm built specifically for founders of service-based businesses. With a focus on marketing, media, and tech agencies in the lower to middle market (typically $1–10M in EBITDA), Clara and Ben bring a modern, founder-first approach to buying, selling, and valuing businesses. They’ve quickly built a reputation for their strategic deal-making, brutally honest readiness assessments, and commitment to crafting win-win outcomes that align both financial and cultural goals. Clara leads as CEO, bringing a background in corporate retail and fitness, while Ben heads up M&A with a traditional finance foundation. Together, they’re reshaping what agency exits can—and should—look like.
Contact Ben and Clara on LinkedIn or on the Palmer Advisors website.
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