AI and EBITDA: Unlocking Value in M&A with Mike Fedorov | Ep. 155

AI is everywhere, but most AI projects never move the bottom line. On this episode of The M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen talks with Mike Fedorov, COO and co-CEO of Applied AI Labs. He has 26 years of operations and supply chain experience, including time at Mars and Accenture. Mike explains why about 80% of AI work today is stalled pilots or “theater,” and how AI is changing the economics of buy-and-build strategies. He also shows how targeted fixes delivered in two-to-four-week sprints can produce real EBITDA results. That includes a voice AI solution that added more than $1 million a year in revenue for a beauty salon network.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why most AI efforts are stalled pilots or “theater,” and how to focus on measurable EBITDA impact
  • How Applied AI Labs work with sponsors and operating companies in two-to-four-week sprints
  • Why AI lets buyers build a platform’s technology readiness after the acquisition instead of requiring it up front
  • The fundamentals that still matter most: healthy financials, strong leadership, and a capable team
  • The “water level” analogy for coordination work that grows as add-ons pile up
  • A real example where voice AI recovered about 80% of lost calls and added more than $1M in annual revenue
  • Why getting employees involved early matters more than technology itself
  • The two questions every M&A advisor should ask before choosing an AI solution

 

 

About the Guest:

Mike Fedorov is COO and co-CEO of Applied AI Labs. The firm helps mid-market companies find operational gaps that drain EBITDA and close them in weeks using AI agents, with results measured against the company’s actual bottom line. Mike has 26 years of operations and supply chain leadership experience. He led operations planning and execution at Mars and later served as a Director at Accenture. Learn more at aalc.ai or connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

About the Show:
The M&A Mastermind Podcast provides actionable insights and effective strategies tailored for dealmakers in the lower middle market. Hosted by Nick Olsen, the show features conversations with leading industry experts who share valuable knowledge on topics such as industry intelligence, deal management, collaborative successes, and specialized expertise. Listeners who support small to medium-sized business owners will find practical tactics and advice they can immediately apply to advance their mastery in mergers and acquisitions.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps more lower middle market dealmakers find the show.

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