Turning Headwinds into Tailwinds: Takeaways from the 11th Annual Business Focus Event

Published: October 6, 2025

Weintraub Tobin, CVF Capital Partners, and BFBA recently partnered to host the 11th Annual Business Focus Event, bringing together business leaders and advisors to discuss navigating today’s shifting economic landscape. This year’s theme, “Turning Headwinds into Tailwinds” framed a candid discussion on challenges, opportunities, and strategies for positioning companies for growth and successful transitions.

Keynote Insights: Economic Outlook

Chris Carleson discussed current economic conditions, highlighting uncertainty due to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and consumer spending. He emphasized the divide between high-income households driving spending and lower- to middle-income households facing affordability challenges. Key issues included rising household debt, slowing GDP growth, tariff impacts on trade and M&A, and consumer sentiment shifts. While risks remain, areas like tech and AI investments and private equity exits may provide momentum heading into 2026.

Key Takeaways

  1. Two-tier economy: High-income households continue driving spending and markets, while lower- and middle-income consumers face rising costs and affordability challenges.
  2. Economic headwinds and uncertainty: Slowing GDP growth, record-high household debt, inflation in essentials, and policy/tariff uncertainties are creating a complex environment for consumers and businesses.
  3. M&A and investment outlook: Despite global slowdowns, U.S. dealmaking remains resilient, with growth in tech, AI investment, and private equity exits offering potential momentum heading into 2026.

CEO Insights: Adapting to Change in Real Time

The panel featured three CEOs from very different industries: aircraft maintenance, outdoor recreation management, and beauty/wellness manufacturing. Despite their differences, each faced a similar challenge: how to adapt in the face of rapid market change.

  • Aerospace: Wendy highlighted how supply chain issues at Boeing and Airbus trickled down to the maintenance sector. By tightening expenses, emphasizing customer satisfaction, and pursuing long-term contracts, her company is better positioned for sustained growth and eventual M&A opportunities.
  • Recreation: Warren shared the unique dynamics of running a business dependent on government contracts. COVID brought record demand, but sustaining momentum has been difficult. His “accidental roll-up” strategy showed the value of relationships and timing while also underscoring the importance of being prepared for due diligence well before a sale.
  • Beauty & Wellness: Julio emphasized the shift from traditional manufacturing toward nimble, supply-chain-driven operations. COVID reset customer expectations, requiring contract manufacturers to adapt with smaller batch sizes, faster turnaround, and deeper partnerships with brands. His takeaway: being more than a supplier, being a true partner creates long-term value.

Expert Perspectives: What Buyers Look For

Jose Blanco of CVF and Ben Brown of BFBA offered practical advice for companies considering a future transaction:

  • Start early. Preparing for a sale takes 2–3 years of building strong financials, compliance systems, and transparent documentation.
  • Build a management bench. A company too dependent on its founder is less attractive to buyers. Developing second-line leadership is essential.
  • Reduce risk. Buyers pay more for businesses that demonstrate stability, clear processes, and reliable customer relationships.
  • Plan for taxes. Early tax planning can have a significant impact on the ultimate outcome of a sale.

The Intangibles: Culture and Trust

One consistent theme was trust. Whether it’s a company’s internal culture, the way it presents information during due diligence, or how it communicates its value proposition, buyers are looking for confidence that what they see is what they’ll get. Toxic culture, incomplete information, or last-minute disclosures can erode value quickly.

Key Takeaways

  1. Prepare early. Financial, legal, and compliance housekeeping pays off.
  2. Develop leadership depth. Don’t let the company’s value rest solely on the founder.
  3. Stay agile. Adapt to customer demands, supply chain shifts, and new technologies.
  4. Build trust. With employees, partners, and eventually, buyers.
  5. Think beyond transactions. Focus on creating sustainable enterprise value.

The Business Focus Event once again underscored why collaboration between business leaders, investors, and advisors is critical. In times of disruption and opportunity, the companies that plan ahead, invest in culture, and stay adaptable will be best positioned to turn today’s headwinds into tomorrow’s tailwinds. Stay connected for future events, webinars, and key industry insights by joining our Business Focus mailing list.