In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. welcomes John Carpenter, National Practice Partner at ERA Group and a strategic advisor known for helping companies stop cash leakage and improve profitability through smarter expense management.

John shares real-world strategies for driving EBITDA growth by optimizing vendor contracts, identifying overlooked cost centers, and rethinking long-standing supplier relationships. He explains why many companies overpay, especially in high-spend areas like insurance and medical supplies, not out of necessity, but out of habit and assumption. Through this conversation, John makes a compelling case for why effective procurement and strategic cost control aren't just operational concerns but they’re key levers for business valuation and sustainable success.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, or dealmaker, this episode will sharpen your lens on financial efficiency and challenge how you view cost and value across your organization.

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Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why strategic expense management is one of the fastest ways to grow your EBITDA
• How to identify hidden cash leakage within your organization
• The risks of staying loyal to long-time vendors without reviewing contracts
• Why medical supplies and insurance are common areas of overspending
• How to negotiate better value without always switching providers
• Why you need to challenge assumptions like “we’re already getting the best deal”
• How fitness and networking play a surprising role in long-term business performance
• And much more…

John Carpenter is the National Practice Partner at ERA Group and a leading expert in strategic cost optimization, vendor management, and financial efficiency. With a passion for helping mid-to-large-sized companies take command of their expenses, John has helped organizations unlock significant profitability by reevaluating long-held supplier strategies. As a board member, advisor, and sought-after speaker, he works with clients to identify cash leaks, maximize EBITDA, and build lasting value through smart financial operations.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with John on LinkedIn

ERA Group

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