Episode 109

Thriving Beyond the Bottom Line with Dena Jalbert

On today’s Performance Mindset, Amy welcomes Dena Jalbert, founder and CEO of Align Business Advisory Services. Align is one of the top women-led M&A consulting firms in the Southeast and is based in Winter Park, Florida. Dena works with companies of all shapes and sizes, from Fortune 500 giants to small, overlooked businesses that just need the right strategy to shine. Over the course of her career, she’s done over $3 billion in deals and is passionate about growing businesses, creating opportunities, and helping entrepreneurs see the potential of what they’ve built.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  1. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, and amortization) and its impact on a business’s valuation.
  2. Taking a partnership approach in M&A transactions with service providers of all types.
  3. The catalyst behind Dena Jalbert’s decision to start her own business and leave Corporate America.
  4. Why investors are buying smaller businesses now instead of large businesses worth millions or billions of dollars.
  5. Some of Dena’s more memorable “pinch me” moments that drive her “why.”
  6. The role of empathy in transactions involving small and family-owned businesses.
  7. Tools she employs to help someone sell a business whose identity may be wrapped up in their business.
  8. Dena’s process for walking a client through whether or not it’s time to sell their business.
  9. Turning down the highest offer to find the best fit for the business.
  10. The one mindset shift that can help someone move from just running a business to building value.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial - beyondcommercial.com/amy-calandrino-ccim

Amy Calandrino - linktr.ee/amycalandrino

Connect with Dena Jalbert:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/denajalbert

Website - alignba.com

Email - djalbert@alignba.com

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About the Podcast

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The Performance Mindset Show
Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.

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About your host

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Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.