Creative Business Services

07/23/2026

New guest column by Norm Monsen in Cheese Market News.

Every business has a story. Norm shares why preserving the people, relationships and values behind it matters when an owner steps away.

"When owners begin thinking about retirement or transitioning their business, the conversation often turns quickly to assets, financial statements, equipment and facilities. Those are all important. But they don’t tell the whole story. The real story of a business is found in the people," says Creative Business Services' Norm Monsen in a guest column:

https://www.cheesemarketnews.com/guestcolumn/2026/17jul26.html

06/01/2026

Thinking about selling your business in 2027?

John Foster and Michael Schwantes discuss what owners should be doing now to prepare.

This episode covers valuation, clean financials, owner dependence, confidentiality, deal terms, timing, and life after the sale.

Listen to the full episode here: https://cbs-global.com/our-team/john-foster/radio-show/

05/14/2026

📣 New guest column by Michael Schwantes

In his latest Cheese Market News column, Michael explains why sellers should look beyond price when the first offer comes in.

"In a business sale, the first offer is not always the best offer. More importantly, it is rarely just about the price. A first offer tells you how the buyer views your business, how they understand the opportunity, what risks they see and how serious they are about getting a deal done," says Creative Business Services' Michael Schwantes in a guest column:

https://www.cheesemarketnews.com/guestcolumn/2026/08may26_01.html

04/21/2026

Great to be at CheeseExpo 2026 in Milwaukee.

Michael Schwantes and Norm Monsen enjoyed reconnecting with friends across the cheese and dairy industry and having some good conversations along the way.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us.

03/19/2026

New guest column by Michael Schwantes in Cheese Market News.

If you’re a dairy business owner thinking about the future, this is worth a quick read. Michael shares why having a clear plan matters in today’s market.

"In a consolidating industry like dairy, standing still rarely keeps you in the same place. Over time, the middle becomes a dangerous place to operate," says Creative Business Services' Michael Schwantes in a guest column:

https://www.cheesemarketnews.com/guestcolumn/2026/13mar26_02.html

03/13/2026

🎉 Deal Closed

Wire Tech of Appleton, WI, has transitioned to new ownership.

Congratulations to Kenneth & Jill Rodgers and Jon Mason of Mason Family Holdings LLC. We were pleased to assist with this transition.

Learn more 👉 👉 https://cbs-global.com/press-releases/

10/21/2025

🎯 New Guest Column by Norm Monsen

In his latest article for Cheese Market News, Norm explains why goodwill can be a big part of a business’s value when it’s time to sell — and how to protect it.

If you're a business owner thinking about the future, this short read is worth your time.

"Goodwill" for a business translates to more than dollars and cents and a raw value. It is literally based on two words that, when separated, can make all the difference: “good will,” says Creative Business Services' Norm Monsen in a guest column:

https://www.cheesemarketnews.com/guestcolumn/2025/17oct25_01.html

10/06/2025

🐄 World Dairy Expo 2025 🚜

Michael Schwantes and Norm Monsen attended this year’s World Dairy Expo in Madison, reconnecting with familiar faces and industry friends.

Always great to stay connected with the dairy community. See you next year!

09/26/2025

📣 New Column Alert!

Our CEO, Michael Schwantes, is back in Cheese Market News with insights on navigating consolidation in today’s dairy industry.

From timing your exit to buyer preparation, this column offers strategic advice for business owners considering a sale.

📖 Read it on link below.

"There’s no question that consolidation in the cheese and dairy industry is accelerating. Whether it’s regional processors merging, national players expanding their footprint or private equity looking for scale, one trend is clear: the industry is changing hands — fast," says Creative Business Services' Michael Schwantes in a guest column:

https://www.cheesemarketnews.com/guestcolumn/2025/19sept25_01.html

09/09/2025

📊 Just The Facts – New Episode Available!

John Foster and Michael Schwantes dive into why so many small businesses are hitting the market—and what buyers and sellers need to know.

🎧 Catch the full conversation here: https://bit.ly/JustTheFacts-CBS-Global