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The Entrepreneur Behind the Business with Nellie Akalp

Business Ownership Deal Process Selling Episode 228 October 19, 2026

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The Deal Board Podcast

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Transcript

JT welcomes you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, he sits down with Nellie Akalp, founder and CEO of CorpNet, to explore the entrepreneur behind the business and what it takes to evolve alongside a growing company. Nellie explains why buyers and sellers must treat business formation records, good standing, and ongoing compliance as essential parts of due diligence and a smooth transaction. She also reflects on selling her first company to Intuit, rediscovering purpose after the exit, and returning to entrepreneurship with a clearer sense of impact. They discuss why change feels uncomfortable, how owners can pivot during disruption, and why an accurate valuation and personal readiness matter before a sale. Nellie also shares how adaptability, collaboration, shared vision, and persistence helped CorpNet grow through a difficult second act. Tune in to learn how to build a compliant, resilient business without losing sight of the purpose and fulfillment that sustain the person behind it.

Listing of the Week:

JT Harp from Transworld Cincinnati presents a longstanding wood-products supplier serving contractors, builders, and commercial clients. The business operates from a 50-acre property that is included in the opportunity and provides substantial room for storage, expansion, and operational efficiency. The sale also includes the tangible assets, brand, reputation, client list, and an experienced employee base, making it suitable for a new entrant or an established operator seeking growth through acquisition. For more information, call JT Harp at (513) 725-7283 or email him at jharp@tworld.com.

Deal of the Week:

Austin Zhao from Transworld South & West Texas shares the full-price sale of a seafood distributor and its cold-storage property. Established in 1999, the business reported $8.1 million in revenue and $405,000 in seller’s discretionary earnings and operated from a warehouse of more than 23,000 square feet. The business sold for $1.45 million and the real estate for $3.4 million, bringing the total transaction to $4.85 million. The cash deal had no financing contingency, although the buyer arranged separate financing for the real estate. Austin spent three months consolidating four entities and four sets of financials, then kept the delayed closing on track by educating both parties and coordinating every participant. For more information, call Austin Zhao at (281) 630-6666 or email him at austin.zh[email protected].

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

• [00:30] Background on Nellie and how her business journey shaped her perspective on entrepreneurship.

• [03:10] Explore how she balances strategy, financial oversight, team leadership, and daily problem-solving at CorpNet.

• [04:48] Hear how CorpNet supports business formation, compliance, expansion, and closure.

• [07:05] Learn which compliance checks buyers should make during due diligence.

• [11:58] Hear why Nellie returned to entrepreneurship after selling her first company to Intuit.

• [13:11] Consider how purpose and impact can extend beyond a business owner’s company.

• [15:18] Discover how Nellie handled the loss of identity and routine after her first exit.

• [17:24] Deal of the Week: Austin Zhao closes a $4.85 million seafood distribution and real estate transaction after preparing four entities and guiding both parties through a delayed closing.

• [23:25] Uncover why resisting change can prevent the growth entrepreneurship requires.

• [25:38] Find out how an Intuit partnership discussion became an unexpected acquisition.

• [27:44] Recognize how an accurate valuation and readiness can reduce seller’s remorse.

• [29:53] Appreciate why owners need to pivot and prepare a Plan B before problems arise.

• [32:41] Gain insight into the traits, talent, and shared vision that help owners thrive.

• [38:26] Nellie’s advice for finding fulfillment when buying or selling a business.

• [41:49] Listing of the Week: JT Harp presents a longstanding wood-products supplier with a 50-acre property, tangible assets, an experienced team, and room for expansion.