2026 ACG Oklahoma April Content Program

ACG Oklahoma invites you to an insightful and candid panel discussion featuring founders and operators who have successfully navigated the M&A and exit process. Moderated by Seth Deutsch, Founder & CEO of Samson Partners Group, founder of Samson Partners Group and author of The Owner’s Manual, a nationally recognized advisor in value creation, M&A readiness, and institutional investor expectations within the middle market. This session brings together leaders with firsthand transaction experience—from building enterprise value to negotiating deal terms and managing post‑exit realities.

_{About the Panel}

Our panelists bring a diverse and deeply informed set of perspectives across M&A, scaling, strategic growth, and founder‑led exits:

• Chris Byers — Chris is a technology entrepreneur best known for transforming Formstack from a small startup into a global SaaS platform serving over 20,000 organizations. During his 13‑year tenure as CEO, he built a scalable operation and high‑performing team capable of sustainable growth, operational excellence, and investor‑backed expansion. His background also includes raising significant capital in healthcare finance and co‑founding an international nonprofit. Chris brings firsthand insight into scaling, leadership, value creation, and preparing a company for investor transitions.
• Jeff Wills — A serial entrepreneur and former co‑founder of multiple healthcare businesses, each grown and successfully sold to larger acquirers. Jeff now serves as Managing Director at Waypoint Private Capital, where he advises business owners on selling, buying, and capital sourcing.
• John Hare — CEO at Sisu Energy & Environmental and Sisu Commercial Products, where he has developed and commercialized industrial and engineered solutions across energy and manufacturing sectors. With nearly two decades as EVP of Operations at Express Assets Group, he has deep experience optimizing asset‑intensive operations, driving margin improvement, and preparing organizations for transaction readiness. John offers a practical operator’s perspective on aligning leadership, operations, and long‑term strategy to support successful exits.
• Matt Schachman is a senior leader with experience across investment banking, private equity, and human capital advisory. He is the founder of Chamberlain Advisors, a former operating partner with Cold Bore Capital Management, and a U.S. Army Infantry Officer veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. A graduate of West Point and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, Matt brings a strong leadership and M&A perspective to founder‑owned businesses.

^{What Attendees Will Learn}

This session will explore the real‑world elements of preparing for and navigating an exit, including:

• How founders position their companies for a stronger valuation
• Common risks, challenges, and “lessons learned” from past transactions
• What owners often underestimate going into a deal
• How to manage leadership, operations, and culture through the exit timeline
• Key insights into what buyers truly prioritize

Panelists will share practical “from the trenches” insights shaped by real experiences—both successes and challenges—offering founders and business leaders a grounded understanding of the exit landscape.

_{Who Should Attend}

• Founders and business owners
• Executives preparing for M&A or strategic growth
• Investors, PE firms, and deal professionals
• Advisors supporting founder‑led companies

Join us for an evening of actionable insight, strategic conversation, and meaningful networking with Oklahoma’s business and M&A community.