This week on Wealth Wisdom, we sit down with Rudy Scarito, founder of RS Finance & Consulting, a powerhouse in middle market M&A with a resume that includes Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and decades of hard-earned experience helping founders close multi-million dollar deals. But Rudy didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur—she was thrown into it after the 2008 financial crisis flipped her world upside down. What started as survival turned into a thriving boutique investment banking firm helping business owners navigate the most important financial decision of their lives. In this episode, we get into: 💼 What “middle market” businesses actually are—and why they’re such a hot space 📉 How getting laid off in 2008 led Rudy to build something of her own 📈 The emotional and strategic side of selling your life’s work ⚙️ What you need to have in place before talking to buyers 🤝 What buyers truly care about (spoiler: it’s not always top-line revenue) ⏳ How to plan for your next chapter after the deal is done 👀 The red flags that can kill a deal—even at the finish line If you’re a founder in your 50s or 60s thinking about your next move—or just want to build a business that’s worth something when the time comes—this episode is full of real talk, sharp advice, and lessons you won’t hear anywhere else. Timestamps: 01:03 Career Beginnings at Lehman Brothers and Goldman Sachs 02:09 Transition to Boston and Tucker Anthony 03:56 Founding RS Finance and Consulting 04:10 Challenges During the Financial Crisis 05:05 Winning the First Client 06:32 Building RS Finance and Networking 12:57 Defining the Middle Market 17:17 Challenges in Mergers and Acquisitions 20:42 Focus on M&A Over Capital Raising 21:55 Balancing M&A and Financing Deals 22:53 Post-COVID Market Trends 23:34 Challenges for Business Owners 27:22 Impact of Interest Rates on Valuations 30:40 Generational Shifts in Business Ownership 33:26 Preparing a Business for Sale 41:48 Final Advice for Business Owners Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on finance, investing, and wealth-building strategies. Wealth Wisdom aims to give you the insights and tools to navigate financial trends with confidence. Through conversations like these, we strive to make complex financial topics more accessible and actionable for everyone. Join us on this journey as we explore the many facets of financial growth and well-being. Remember to subscribe and stay connected for more valuable perspectives from Fox Hill Wealth Management. DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Past performance of the market is not a guarantee of future results. Always consult with a financial professional before making investment decisions. About Fox Hill Wealth Management At Fox Hill Wealth Management, we believe wealth is about more than just money—it’s about financial freedom, confidence, and security. As a fee-only, fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we provide unbiased, expert financial guidance with your best interests at heart. We specialize in: ✅ Active Investment Management – Helping you grow and protect your wealth ✅ Comprehensive Financial Planning – A roadmap for your short- and long-term goals ✅ Tax Strategy & Estate Planning – Keeping more of what you earn while securing your legacy We help individuals and families take control of their finances so they can live life on their terms. If you’re looking for a financial partner who prioritizes your success, we’d love to connect! https://foxhillwealth.com Follow along at: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fox-hill-wealth 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxhillwealth 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FoxHillWealthManagement #BusinessExit #FoxHillWealthManagement #MiddleMarket #SellYourBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessValuation #InvestmentBanking #FounderJourney #SuccessionPlanning #WealthWisdomPodcast

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