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Programmatic M&A for SMB Growth: Building Durable Value Through Repetition, Not Big Bets 

Tony Ibargüen 
Executive Chair, Culligan Quench and Culligan Latin America 

September 11, 2026 

In this session, Tony Ibargüen will explain how small and mid-sized businesses can accelerate growth through programmatic mergers and acquisitions—a disciplined, repeatable approach to acquiring and integrating businesses rather than relying on occasional large deals. Drawing from his experience transforming Quench into North America’s leading commercial drinking water services provider, Tony will share practical strategies for developing an acquisition thesis, building a scalable M&A process, integrating acquisitions successfully, and creating long-term enterprise value. Attendees will gain actionable insights into using M&A as a sustainable growth engine and positioning businesses for premium exits. 

Insights & Resources

August 5, 2026

When Ownership Starts to Fade: Board Interventions That Restore Alignment Before Scale Slows Down 

By Francesca Molinari  Boards routinely review financial performance, strategic priorities, capital allocation, and risk. Those discussions are essential, but I believe
July 1, 2026

Leading What You’ll Hand Off: Stewardship Lessons from 110 Years of Independent Leadership

By William “Bill” Jones A dusty closet of long-forgotten oil portraits is not where you would expect to find lessons
June 19, 2026

Pricing Is a Strategic Decision, not a Sales Tactic 

By Syd Weinstein Most growth companies think about pricing too late, and for the wrong reasons.  It usually comes up
May 27, 2026

Value Creation Levers That Survive Diligence 

By Robert L. Reisley  Most founders and boards have a clear sense of what is driving their growth. What they are
April 22, 2026

The Discipline Gap: Why Growth Outpaces Operating Models 

By Thomas Anderson  Across a company’s life cycle, there are repeated moments where the organization will run up against skills
November 25, 2025

The Harmony Behind a Sound Business Plan

By Chuck Kerrigan We all love music, regardless of the genre. When we listen, we pick up melodies, individual instruments

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  • About ELAB
  • Board of Directors
  • Programs
  • ELAB Speaker Series
  • Advisors
  • Case Studies
  • Our Clients
  • Insights & Resources
  • Getting Started