executive perspectives: Big Business

R. Scott Sutton, CFE, is a big player in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and franchising markets. As the director and vice president of Dallas-based Safeguard Acquisitions Inc., Sutton directed what has been referred to as the "most aggressive and successful acquisition and conversion strategies" in company history.

A sizable accomplishment, no doubt, but for Sutton, this is just another day—or as he sees it, another way to get business owners one step closer to fulfilling their dreams. The seller mapping out his retirement plan. The franchisee seeking corporate gain. The entrepreneur hoping to expand her brand. This is the type of passion that drives Sutton in every deal he completes.

"When we find the right deal, with the right culture and with the right people, it creates a scenario where everyone can win, where every person touched—seller, buyer, customer, employee, company—can achieve a goal and nurture a passion," he said. "It's a blessing and an honor, but also a responsibility to make sure we preserve and help grow the legacy of each business we purchase and each employee, customer and community it touches."

Read on as Sutton talks shop.

Print+Promo (P+P): How does the economy continue to affect the industry?

R. Scott Sutton (RSS): I've read, seen and heard from many who consider the current and evolving economic conditions to be risks to the industry. I see them as opportunities. Throughout the latest period of economic volatility, there is one noticeable constant that seems glaring. In many businesses, people are doing more with less. For some businesses, it may mean doing more—trying to grow their business—with less access to capital. For others, it may mean a focus on innovation with fewer employees, for example. These companies, especially the ones who've been able to thrive during a period when many companies were simply trying to survive, are relying on their business partners (i.e., their consultants and vendors) to help them solve their problems. From my perspective, those realities present a phenomenal opportunity for our industry.