Morning Connections by the Bay Reflections from ACG OC’s Breakfast with the Board

There’s something energizing about starting your day alongside fellow professionals who understand the grind and the vision. That was exactly the vibe at ACG Orange County’s recent “Breakfast with the Board,” hosted at the stunning Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Newport Beach. With yachts gently bobbing in the harbor and the sun rising over the coast, the atmosphere set the tone for a morning full of thoughtful discussion and purposeful networking.

The gathering brought together a diverse mix of leaders from across finance, investment, and operations all with unique perspectives but a shared commitment to growth and collaboration. The conversations were dynamic and grounded, with none of the surface level chatter you sometimes get at larger events. Instead, people came ready to talk about real business how to build stronger companies, make smarter decisions, and stay ahead of the curve.

M&A was top of mind for many in the room. Whether through strategic rollups, private equity partnerships, or succession planning, deals are reshaping the middle market in significant ways. The conversation wasn’t just about activity it was about intent. Leaders are looking at acquisitions not just to grow, but to gain capabilities, talent, and resilience. Integration strategies, post close planning, and deal readiness were common themes, especially as we move into an increasingly competitive environment where timing and structure can make or break a deal.

Another major thread in the room was global policy and specifically, the long tail of former President Trump’s tariffs. While no longer headline news, their impact still looms large, especially for mid sized companies that import goods or rely on international supply chains. For many, these tariffs weren’t just a cost they were a wake up call. Companies have had to rethink everything from sourcing strategies and vendor relationships to pricing models and customer expectations.

Some have turned to domestic manufacturing or nearshoring solutions. Others are exploring M&A as a way to gain geographic diversification or bypass some of the constraints caused by policy volatility. What’s clear is that tariffs changed the way companies view global trade less about chasing the cheapest cost, and more about managing risk and maintaining agility. And in that shift, there’s opportunity for bold, well informed decision making.

Events like this demonstrate how even a single morning can lead to valuable conversations and unexpected insights. What makes gatherings like these stand out is the depth of engagement they offer more than just networking. They create opportunities to share ideas, challenge perspectives, and lay the groundwork for future business relationships that go beyond the usual exchange of cards.

And that’s really the beauty of this community. It’s not just about who’s in the room it’s about the mindset. These are people who understand that success doesn’t happen in isolation. It comes from listening, collaborating, and evolving with the market and each other.

As we continue through the year, I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this. The issues we face whether in M&A, global policy, or operational growth aren’t going away anytime soon. But when you’re part of a network that values honest conversation and strategic thinking, you’re never facing them alone.