The First 100 Days

​Learnings from ETA Entrepreneurs after the Close

​Presented by CincyETA, in collaboration with Xavier University.

You’ve closed the deal. The papers are signed, the funds are wired, and you finally have the keys to your new business. Now what?

​The acquisition is just the beginning. The first few months of operations are a critical period of transition, learning, and setting the stage for future success. This journey, "The First 100 Days," is filled with unique challenges, from integrating with an existing team and establishing leadership to managing cash flow and implementing new systems.

​Join CincyETA and Xavier University's Sedler Center for Experiential Learning on November 12 for a candid discussion with a panel of operators who have been there. We’ll dive straight into real-world learnings from operators who have successfully navigated the post-acquisition sprint.

​Whether you are a current searcher, a new owner-operator, or an aspiring ETA entrepreneur, this is your opportunity to learn from those who have done it.

​Our Panel

​We've assembled a panel of acquisition entrepreneurs who have all stepped into the CEO/President role post-acquisition. They will share their unvarnished stories, critical mistakes, and biggest wins from their first 100 days at the helm.

​Moderator:

• ​Joe Sunderman Jr.

​Panelists:

• ​Katherine Butler Dines: Acquired Affinity Travel Services in September 2024 through a solo search.

• ​Michael Wackenhut: Acquired Cincinnati Stoneworks in January 2025 alongside fellow searcher, Will Smith, and coming out of Sam Rosati's SMB Bootcamp.

• ​Tom O'Brian: Acquired Acme Lock in January 2021 and successfully sold it to Cobalt Service Partners, a portfolio company of Alpine, in 2025.

• ​Andrew Hauser: Acquired Simpson Fence in June 2025.

• ​Nick McMahon: Acquired PDQ doors in January 2023. After selling a majority stake to Guild Garage in September 2024, he continues to operate the company.

​Event Details

• ​Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

• ​Time: 4:30 - 7:00 PM

• ​Location: Xavier University

• ​Agenda:

  • ​4:30 - 5:00 PM: Arrival

  • ​5:15 PM: Panel (45 minutes)

  • ​6:00 - 7:00 PM: Networking and Refreshments

​



How to Obtain a Visitor Parking Permit 

​All visitors are required to register their vehicle and obtain a parking permit to park on campus. Follow these simple steps to get started: 

​1.            Visit Our Visitor Permit Portal: Go to xavier.edu/visitorpermit  

​2.            Select the “Don’t have an event code? Click Here” Select Daily or Hourly Permit Type depending on length of stay and tap GO 

​1.            Hourly (Half-Day 0-5 hours) 

​2.            Daily (Full-Day over 5 hours) 

​3.            Register Your Vehicle: Enter your vehicle information and personal details, including your cell phone number. Cell phone authentication is required for safety purposes. It is important that visitors fill this out themselves so they can authenticate with their personal number. 

​1.            Fields without an asterisk (*) are optional and do not need to be completed.  

​4.            Checkout

​You’re Done! Your License Plate is Your Permit: Once you’ve registered, there’s nothing to print or display. Your license plate serves as your parking permit, and our system will recognize it when you park on campus.