John Bly is a Principal and CEO of LBA Haynes Strand. His entrepreneurial leadership and passion for M&A has propelled the Firm's growth.  In 10 years the Firm has completed 13 M&A transactions, growing from $0 to $10 million in revenue. LBA Haynes Strand has been named to the Inc. 5000 List and the Charlotte Business Journal's Fast 50 list for three consecutive years each.

In 2013, John published his first book titled, "Cracking The Code: An Entrepreneur's Guide To Growing Your Business Through Mergers and Acquisitions For Pennies On The Dollar." His book provides growth driven entrepreneurs with a strategic, step by step blueprint for sourcing, analyzing, financing and closing the right deals. John's passion for M&A's has led him to consult for 20-30 M&A transactions a year, both on the buying side and on the selling side.

John Bly is a powerful international business consulting speaker.  His in the trenches entrepreneurial experience, coupled with his global business acumen, make for a compelling presentation.  Fusing real-life examples with practical knowledge and exciting ideas, John's dynamic presentations provide thought-provoking insights and practical ideas filtered through his significant international business consulting experience.

"Cracking The Code To M&A Growth" serves as a guide to effectively find good deals for entrepreneurial businesses in the $1 to $30 million range.  John provides a blueprint for how to tackle such issues as: determining whether the deal is a good fit, due diligence, structuring the deal, tax issues, and how to land the perfect catch.  John will show you ways to find potential spots for rapid growth and accomplish, on a smaller level, what the larger companies do.  By breaking down the M&A process into approachable elements, you will find that your entire outlook on the topic will be transformed!

John has a passion for listening, learning and transferring knowledge through consultations with corporate clients to benefit the firm, our clients and others. His leadership locally and globally in the Entrepreneurs' Organization has earned client and peer accolades. John sits on the Global Board of Directors for the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and is one of nine members, that leads the strategic decisions for the Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Audience Reviews:

• "I enjoyed it!  Now I have a lot to do and a lot to start implementing in my own business!"
• "I thought John was fantastic.  Lots of good content!"
• "Love John's content and engaging personality."
• "I had a great takeaway thanks to John.  I will implement ASAP!"
• "Tons of useful information, delivered in an engaging way!"

As Seen & Heard On:

• Sky Business TV (Australia)
• Advantage Media: Author Success University
• Accounting Today Magazine
• AICPA
• Charlotte Business Journal
• Local Biz Now – 100.7 FM
• Small Business Advocate Radio Show
• Mastering Your Money
• Experience Pros Radio Show
• MergerMarket
• Paper Napkin Wisdom,
• Truly Amazing Life
• ExitCoachRadio.com
• Exit This Way Radio

Awards:

• 2013 National M&A Advisor 40 Under Forty
• 2013 Managing Partner Elite by "Accounting Today"
• Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under Forty for 2011
• Advantage Best Sellng Author
• 2014 NACVA - CTI 40 Under Forty