Buying a business is an amazing path for many successful entrepreneurs. Learn how to buy a business from the entrepreneurs who have already done it. Stories, insights, & valuable advice about acquisition entrepreneurship. Hosted by Will Smith, who is on his own path to acquire a business.
The Acquiring Minds podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in buying a small business. Hosted by Will, the podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs who have successfully acquired businesses and are willing to share their insights and experiences. Each episode provides practical wisdom and inspiration, making it a must-listen for aspiring business owners.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the variety of guests featured. Will showcases searchers from diverse backgrounds who have embraced the search process and lifestyle. This allows listeners to gain insights from individuals with different perspectives and expertise. The guests on the show are quality individuals with great stories, and Will does a terrific job of asking insightful questions to bring out the best in them.
Another highlight of The Acquiring Minds podcast is the practicality of the information shared. Listeners can expect to learn about every aspect of buying and running a small business, from finding opportunities and negotiating deals to managing operations and growing revenue. The episodes are filled with valuable advice, tips, and strategies that listeners can directly apply to their own business acquisitions.
On the downside, some listeners may find that certain topics or industries covered in the podcast do not align with their specific interests or goals. However, given the wide range of guests featured on the show, there is still something valuable to take away from each episode.
In conclusion, The Acquiring Minds podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone considering buying a small business. With its engaging interviews, practical insights, and diverse range of guests, this podcast provides invaluable knowledge and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting your search or already in the process of acquiring a business, this podcast is definitely worth tuning into.
Register for the webinars: Liquidity Options for Search Investors - Wed Sep 24th - https://bit.ly/41WmQymEmployee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - TODAY!- https://bit.ly/4nrvvkDMark Anderegg built the largest private daycare business in New England. He loved the model so much he's doing it again. Topics in Mark's interview:Raising a search fund himselfBeing the “world's worst searcher”Acquiring a 16-location childcare networkPressure of running an essential businessThe unsolved staffing conundrumScreening for cultureUnderestimating the cost of new locationsEarning a high-integrity reputationGrowing through acquisitionSelling the business twiceReferences and how to contact Mark:LinkedInLittle SproutsA.J. WassersteinDavid M. DodsonLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar: Employee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - Thu Sep 18th - https://bit.ly/4mbU9EIJerod Pierce bought an HVAC business with $500k of SDE. Five years later, private equity was desperate to buy him out.Topics in Jerod's interview:Challenging upbringing in foster careAdaptability as a survival skillJoining the investment club in collegeGetting his MBA from Harvard Business SchoolLearning about ETA from Rick and RoyceSearching only in Seattle by cold callingBuying HVAC before it was coolValue of being there every dayExiting for $90 million-ishHis nightmare second acquisitionReferences and how to contact Jerod:LinkedInOlympic Holdings InvestmentsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar: Buyer of Choice Series Pt 1: Building Your Personal Buyer Brand (in a Sea of Searchers) - TODAY!- https://bit.ly/46ntJLGDoug Lepisto has partnered with 7 searchers to acquire businesses strictly in Western Michigan. Momentum is building.Topics in Doug's interview: Having one foot in academia, one in businessPlace-based private equity modelDelivering returns while elevating Western MichiganCompetitive advantage through building local trust“Find the operator, find the deal” philosophyInvesting in searchers with one-on-one educationThe tide is shifting to long-term hold strategyWestern Michigan students intern at portfolio companies5 elements of his private equity modelPlenty of businesses, shortage of owner-operatorsReferences and how to contact Doug:LinkedInSleeping Giant CapitalCenter for Principled Leadership and Business StrategyGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar: Buyer of Choice Series Pt 1: Building Your Personal Buyer Brand (in a Sea of Searchers) - Thu Sep 11th - https://bit.ly/4pcznI8Jeremy Hunka bought a $2m cabinet business, and year one consumed him. Leadership had to evolve for things to improve.Topics in Jeremy's interview:Buying a business at age 27Rocky first day as ownerLiving 1.5 hours from the businessEmployees wanting him present every dayTaking too long to fire an employeeWatching sales drop dangerously lowFacing resistance from employeesLearning to balance empathy with boundariesHiring a great sales leaderInstalling a CEO to run the day-to-dayReferences and how to contact Jeremy:LinkedInSummit Mountain CoatingsDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar: Love & Leverage: Lessons from Couples Who Acquired Together - TODAY! - https://bit.ly/4mBLyw5Brett Maxam bought a concrete business with high 6 figures of earnings. Despite being a plane ride away, it's gone well.Topics in Brett's interview:His desire to “run the show” after watching acquisitions up closeInvolving his wife as a sounding boardBuying a business a plane ride awayProactively negotiating for a seller note“Shut up and let them do a little more talking”Using ROBS to fund a 30% down paymentGetting a 70% seller note with a sub 3x multiple13-week cashflow forecast is criticalDelegating management to the local teamDeciding whether to grow the business or acquire againReferences and how to contact Brett:LinkedInGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar: Love & Leverage: Lessons from Couples Who Acquired Together - Thu Sep 4th - https://bit.ly/47PpZ6LFelipe Corcuera bought an automation company that didn't offer AI. Since ChatGPT was released, he has had to adapt.Topics in Felipe's interview: Imperfect information in the lower middle marketPivoting from investing to operatingFinding a partner with complementary strengthsHow he defines success during searchAI threats to traditional SaaS businessesTesting for seller motivationValuation based on revenueAggressively reinvesting in the businessPros and cons of being an AI companyEconomics of sharing deals for a finder's feeReferences and how to contact Felipe:LinkedInBeeckerRelay InvestmentsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
About fall conferences: Southeast Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Conference2025 Buy Then Build SummitMcguireWoods Independent Sponsor ConferenceM &A Launchpad's Fall Show (use ACQUIRINGMINDS for a discount)Despite tight search criteria, Daniel Batista found a business that excited him. The eye-popping margins were a bonus.Topics in Daniel's interview:His experience in the film industryLaunching a Latino media brandSearching for a fun businessAcquiring an indoor playground LA demographics are perfect for this businessHigh initial installation costs but 50% EBITDA marginsCandeeland Kids' unique franchising structureSurprisingly low maintenance costsTeenage hourly laborAdding an arcade to his locationReferences and how to contact Daniel:LinkedInCandeeland Kids DowneyShell Zhang on Acquiring Minds: Awakening to Entrepreneurship to Buy a Not-Boring BusinessSam Rosati on Acquiring Minds: How to Shorten Your Search: Big 3, Little 2Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
About fall conferences: Southeast Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Conference2025 Buy Then Build SummitMcguireWoods Independent Sponsor ConferenceM &A Launchpad's Fall Show (use ACQUIRINGMINDS for a discount)Kyle Boyden & Jake Furfaro bought tiny cleaning companies, five times. While painful, it taught them ops & integration.Topics in Kyle and Jake's interview:Leaving a “cushy sales job” to buy a businessDoing no due diligence on the first acquisitionCons of property managementTrading property management for janitorialBuying very small cleaning businessesLosing faith in SBA loan underwritersEducating sellers about valuationSeller financing on all 7 dealsSupport from previous ownersNo more acquisitions for nowReferences and how to contact Kyle and Jake:Kyle Boyden LinkedInRainier Cleaning SolutionsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points - Thu Aug 21st - https://bit.ly/4oB4zAkBryan Houck was fatigued of his search and broken deal costs when he finally closed on an award-winning creative agency.Topics in Bryan's interview:Losing everything in a startup at 41Discovering his personal talentsUsing a buy-side advisorUps and downs of searchImportance of meeting the ownerBuying an in-person creative agencyThe “Superbowl winning” team at Extra Credit ProjectsTalking to clients about priceBuying a business at 58The “Stoopid Framework” he inventedReferences and how to contact Bryan:LinkedInExtra Credit ProjectsThe E-Myth Revisited by Michael GerberGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points - Thu Aug 21st - https://bit.ly/3UrzG3FJeff Horn left a lucrative path to buy a $5m copier sales and service firm. 5 years later he exited for a great return.Topics in Jeff's interview:Feeling a calling to leadLeaving a high-paying job to searchYou have to check the character boxAcquiring a Xerox dealershipSpending the first 90 days building relationships3 buckets of growthLearning to rely on great employeesChallenges of scalingGrowing revenue from $5m to $30mExiting and becoming an investorReferences and how to contact Jeff:LinkedInMasked Rider CapitalJD Hasley on Acquiring Minds: How to Grow Revenue 50% in Year 1Download the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Smithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one:Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessAfter success as a traditional searcher, Eric Calderon started building an industry-focused holding company in 2020.Topics in Eric's interview:Accepting investment from Rick and RoyceAcquiring through traditional searchCommitment to community banksUps and downs of the oil and gas industry“You gotta tell your story to anyone who's listening”Emotional challenges of downsizingShared services vs. decentralizationRecruiting patient capital for a long-term holdWhy $1m SDE is the target size for holdco acquisitionsEvolving from operator to investorReferences and how to contact Eric:LinkedInTXE CapitalRick & Royce on Acquiring Minds: The 2 Professors Who Helped Start the ETA MovementReid PennebakerETA Circle - HoustonGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Smithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one:Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessWhen Luis Reyes bought a small fire safety business, he saw an opportunity. 24 acquisitions later, he's at $8m EBITDA.Topics in Luis's interview:Luis's early careerLaunching a roll-up strategy in SpainIdentifying consolidation opportunitiesFirst acquisitions in poultry distribution and fire safetyBuilding and leading a team for a high-velocity, high-volume roll-upIntegrating operational-complex businesses at scaleLeveraging AI in fire safetySpain's capital marketsAdapting acquisition criteriaGoal for the platformReferences and how to contact Luis:LinkedInIBVMinds Capital PodcastGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:The "Plant Your Flag" Strategy: Build an Empire with ETA + Franchising - TODAY - https://bit.ly/3UH3w45After years of corporate success, Jesus Wong yearned for something else. When he discovered ETA, he knew he'd found it.Topics in Jesus's interview:Childhood in Mexico and CanadaFamily history of entrepreneurshipBuying a Canadian garment repair businessLow capex, high labor costsStructuring his deal without the SBAMitigating the risk of high customer concentrationValue of a high-quality deal teamHigher closing costs in CanadaPaying 5% interest on his loanAnswering the call of entrepreneurshipReferences and how to contact Jesus:LinkedInGear re-StoreVail ResortsPatagoniaScott Walton on Acquiring Minds: Building a $10m Platform from 2 Low-SDE BusinessesAndrew Stordeur on Acquiring Minds: $700k EBITDA with No SBA, No Money DownYan Vinarskiy on Acquiring Minds: From Searcher to Sponsor: How to Buy a $22m BusinessMarc Nzojibwami on Acquiring Minds: The Model for a 3-Way, Long-Term HoldcoHaifeng Hu of Bennett JonesKevin Yu of MNPJoey Tai of Crete CapitalLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:The "Plant Your Flag" Strategy: Build an Empire with ETA + Franchising - Thu Aug 7 - https://bit.ly/45i7eGeAvery Tomek bought his first little $1m FedEx route with an SBA loan. 3 years later, he has 240 trucks and $600k weeks.Topics in Avery's interview:Pivoting from real estate to FedEx routesUps and downs of CovidExpanding his fleetRunning his logistics business remotelyEverything hinges on weekly depositsWhat makes a route lucrative (or costly)No marketing or sales. Just operations.Resale value of a FedEx routeDemanding nature of the business“If you're good, the world will compensate you.”References and how to contact Avery:LinkedInWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Smithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one:Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessTyler & Zach Gordon's search for an overlooked industry with good prospects led to a franchise system of thrift stores.Topics in Tyler & Zach's interview:Zach and Tyler's backgrounds in franchisingLooking for career fulfillmentFormulating a search strategyFocusing on overlooked industriesDiscovering thrift store franchisingEvaluating franchise opportunitiesTransitioning from franchisee to franchisorStructuring the acquisition and partnershipFocusing their marketing on vendorsPrioritizing franchisee success and future growthReferences and how to contact Tyler & Zach:Tyler's LinkedInZach's LinkedInHorizon Point Capitaltyler@bcfranchise.comzach@bcfranchise.com Uptown Cheapskate FranchiseKid to Kid FranchiseBuy a Franchise Portfolio: How to Choose a BrandDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Smithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one:Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessAnica John bought a print-on-demand business to have more time with her kids without compromising her career ambitions.Topics in Anica's interview:Experience at Amazon, WalMart, and Disney StreamingChoosing entrepreneurship over returning to officeBuying a publishing company for indie authorsHigh capex = moatDiversity of their genres and clientele Resurrecting a dead dealHow DiggyPOD stacks up to Amazon KDPCarefully planning tech upgradesAward-winning customer serviceRunning a business from out of stateReferences and how to contact Anica:LinkedInanica@anicajohn.comDiggyPODrejiggGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Working Capital for SMB Acquisitions - TODAY - https://bit.ly/4kQcGGjAt a low point in life, Raj Kankaria was served papers. But he liked the business and bought a process-serving company. Topics in Raj's interview:From investment banking to process serverWhat he liked about process servingBuying the company from his bossBuilding industry relationshipsWhat TV gets wrong about process servingTechnology in process servingMaking changes on day oneCommunicating unpopular changes to employeesTrading a high salary for ownershipVision for business growthReferences and how to contact Raj:LinkedInLone Star Attorney ServiceGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinars:The Math & Logic of Deal Making - July 22nd - https://bit.ly/459kJJnWorking Capital for SMB Acquisitions - July 24th - https://bit.ly/4lBEhftEnrique Rodriguez bought a project-based construction business (gasp) with $1.4m in revenue. One year later it's at $4m.Topics in Enrique's interview:17 years in project-based constructionGetting his MBA and electrician's licenseBuying too small for an SBA loanBringing a machine gun to a knife fightInjecting his own money during the J-curveDoing his own quality of earningsHis wife and father's roles in the businessDisagreement with Walker Diebel Assertiveness in managing employeesCelebrating milestones with his teamReferences and how to contact Enrique:LinkedInMAC GeneralThe ReWild GroupMatthew Pohl on Acquiring Minds: 2 Welders and a Shop... to $3.8m in SalesJustin WillessJustin Willess on Acquiring Minds: Business Collapse After Going All-InGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Common Legal Diligence Issues (and How to Handle Them) - July 17th - https://bit.ly/4kwHlbwYan Vinarskiy began as a self-funded searcher but shifted his model mid-search when he found a business too big for SBA.Topics in Yan's interview:Using a buy-side broker to search and closeBeing inspired to take on a large dealTrade-offs of independent sponsor economicsBoard dynamics and governanceBuilding a pitch deckRefining his investor pitchHostility from sellers after closeTransforming a toxic company cultureExpanding the business modelManaging 2 separate businessesReferences and how to contact Yan:LinkedInFloorguardCalder CapitalNiklas James on Acquiring Minds: Self-Funded Search vs. Independent SponsorshipMike Okhravi on Acquiring Minds: Doing It His Way: First-Timer Buys 2 at OnceLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Common Legal Diligence Issues (and How to Handle Them) - July 17th - https://bit.ly/4lo4SwuAccomplished CEO Marci LaRouech sought to build a business without investor pressure. A sub $1m HR firm was the way.Topics in Marci's interview:Leading Makai HR through growth and exit as CEO2 reasons she likes project workComparing HR consulting and PEO business modelsAcquiring Seay HR with 40% seller financingLeveraging associations and networks for client growthBuilding a strong team for high-touch HR serviceGrowth in fractional HR workBecoming the leading HR firm for the pest control industryHow AI can be useful for human resourcesEase of hiring in HRReferences and how to contact Marci:LinkedInmarci@seay.usSeay HRSeay HR ETA for SearchersIris Levine on Acquiring Minds: $6m Business, 3 Minutes From Childhood HomeWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
By reconceiving the paint dealership he bought as a marketing & sales organization, Ryan Adams pushed it to new heights.Topics in Ryan's interview:Transferring from military to businessFocusing on selling one serviceUnderestimating working capital needsThe business tanked after acquisitionRescuing the company by fixing his sales processProperly incentivizing for the outcome he wantsLearning digital marketing himselfCost per acquisition metricWhere he finds good sales guysExpanding his territory by buying a competitorReferences and how to contact Ryan:LinkedInRhino Shield$100M Leads: How to Get Strangers To Want To Buy Your Stuff by Alex HormoziDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Adam Rao took a chance on an exhibit production business that had generated zero revenue in 15 months. It's gone well.Topics in Adam's interview:Discovering impact companiesAcquiring with a business partnerBuying a distressed business during CovidGetting 100% seller financingInheriting an angry, dysfunctional staffA brutal first 9 monthsAcquiring an add-on with an SBA loanHis role as the visionaryAchieving stability by merging companiesReducing waste in a high-waste industryReferences and how to contact Adam:adam.rao@triple20.coLinkedInTriple20Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Phil Miller turned a tiny pet shop doing $100k in sales into a regional pet boarding brand — and the ideal PE platform.Topics in Phil's interview:Pivoting from real estate to the pet industrySlow renovation creating a financial messDelegation is the key to growthThe real cost of a cheap turnaroundBuilding a pet resort brandAccelerating growth with Store CapitalWhy franchising is a poor option in his industryDealing with tire-kicking searchersPartnering with private equityEmotional rollercoaster of combining culturesReferences and how to contact Phil:LinkedInPawvilleBuy Back Your Time by Dan MartellTaylor Wallace - first appearance on Acquiring Minds: Buying Doggy Daycares After 10 Years in TechTaylor Wallace - second appearance on Acquiring Minds:Why Sell to Private Equity: Former Guest Has an ExitStore CapitalGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Offshore in a Blue Collar Business - July 1st - https://bit.ly/406jR5kMatt Brunnig hired aspiring SMB owner Kevin Peer for special projects, strategy & more at his $3m manufacturing holdco.Topics in Matt & Kevin's interview:Searching for a wife and a businessOvercoming the fear of uncertaintyLocally searching in St. Petersberg, FLLong term payoff of bringing donutsQuickly growing through marketingUsing Pinterest to stoke demand for their productIntroducing the Searcher in Residence conceptTrade-offs and benefits for the SIR and ownerAdditional acquisitions in manufacturingRunning the holdco with TractionReferences and how to contact Matt & Kevin:Matt's LinkedInKevin's LinkedInSunrise Yacht ProductsJJ PlasticsCustom Quality CoversTraction by Gino WickmanKevin's one-pagerGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Offshore in a Blue Collar Business - July 1st - https://bit.ly/406jR5kA friend pressed Grania Michel to change her search as if she had to close in 4 months. She was under LOI 2 weeks later.Topics in Grania's interview:Operating a business in EcuadorEmotional ups and downs during the search processKeeping her search private in the beginningSending LOIs as quickly as possibleAcquiring a commercial printing business in MiamiManaging the deal process, debt consolidation, and equity structuringTranslating her day one speech to Spanish on the flyLosing key employees after transitionWhy she recommends buying all the accounts payableBuilding a long-term legacy for her daughtersReferences and how to contact Grania:LinkedInAssociated Photo & Imaging Tripp Lawson and Mike McCoy at Viking Mergers Joe Spina and Taylor Gorman at Cullen and DykmanAppleTreeJosh Richman at NewCo RiskAspen HRJared Johnson of First Internet BankSearch Fund CoalitionLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Offshore in a Blue Collar Business - July 1st - https://bit.ly/406jR5kBrian Hartman 3x'd revenue in 2 years at the tree business he bought, then partnered with an investor to grow even more.Topics in Brian's interview:Picking up the phone is crucialGrowing so fast the wheels nearly came offHiring top-tier managers and ops staff earlyManaging cash flow and receivables through growthExpanding via acquisition, starting in DallasEnsuring safety for employeesPartnering with another Acquiring Minds guestAiming for $55–70M in revenue by 2030Buying a business with baby #3 on the wayHow landscaping is different from tree serviceReferences and how to contact Brian:LinkedInNorthside Treebrian@northsidetreeprofessionals.comWebinar with Brian: Should You Buy a Business?Adrian Pinto and Mike Botkin on Acquiring Minds: One Acquiring Minds Guest Buys AnotherAdrian Pinto #2: Building a Blue Collar EmpireAdrian Pinto #1: How to 2x Sales in a Service Business You BuyWill Gano on Acquiring Minds: After 4 Years of Part-Time Searching, SuccessJohn Wilson on Acquiring Minds: Buying Small, Growing Big: From $1m to $26mWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Offshore in a Blue Collar Business - July 1st - https://bit.ly/406jR5kWith no PE background, Nick Huber had to learn quickly as he raised money to acquire a fast-growing offshoring agency.Topics in Nick's interview:Origin of the Sweaty Startup guyNick's role in Support Shepherd's growthBackstory of the Support Shepherd dealHow Nick structured incentives to make it worthwhileWhat turned off investorsInbound leads collapsing in year 1Is building a Twitter following worth it?Big changes to the business since acquisitionThe value (or not) of distributionAnnual cost and org chart of Nick's media teamWhy write a bookReferences and how to contact Nick:LinkedInnick@sweatystartup.com Sweaty Startup by Nick HuberSomewhere.comDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinars:DO's and DON'Ts of the LOI - Jun 17th - https://bit.ly/441EocMHow to Offshore in a Blue Collar Business - July 1st - https://acquiringminds.co/hiringKevin Ramsier bought a "guy in a truck" business for radon mitigation. 10 years later it was a multi-state franchise.Topics in Kevin's interview:Finding ways to earn money as a kidBouncing back from early career setbacksThe Wall Street Journal ad that changed everythingTurning around a bankrupt concrete businessBuilding and scaling a radon mitigation companyUsing franchising to manage growth and quality control3 questions that transformed his lifeTransitioning into the role of an independent sponsorInvesting in people instead of public marketsHow he teaches his kids to value moneyReferences and how to contact Kevin:LinkedInSier Capital PartnersGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:SBA Loans 101 + Program Updates - Jun 12th - https://bit.ly/3FGQIqBSarah Chiles & Matthew Ferguson left careers in VC to buy the only auto repair shop for 35 miles in their native Aspen.Topics in Sarah & Matthew's interview:Backgrounds in engineering and VCPreserving local fabric by buying businessesThe “tackle shop” nature of businesses in small townsSeasonality in a small resort townGaining the respect of employeesVision of a hometown holdcoCrisis management when their operator leftModernizing and restructuring the auto repair businessFinding out what each employee wantsLong-term commitment to Aspen References and how to contact Sarah & Matthew:Sarah's LinkedInMatthew's LinkedInAspen Total AutomotiveShop Fix AcademyAdam Markley on Acquiring Minds: Getting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a HoldcoCassi Niekamp on Acquiring Minds: Buying a $1.2m Fencing Business & Earning Trust QuicklyGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProducer by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:SBA Loans 101 + Program Updates - Jun 12th - https://bit.ly/4jG0FSVAfter Evan Stewart found his footing in his printing business, he pushed it from $1.8m to $3.2m EBITDA in under 2 years.Topics in Evan's interview:Experience in the Acquisition Lab6 months of imposter syndromeEarning the right to be heardChanges in direct mail printing technologyStanding out amongst fierce competitionHis wife joining the businessMoving his family to be closer to the businessAccepting investment from friends and familyPutting a lien on his house to get the loanBuying into a shrinking industryReferences and how to contact Evan:LinkedInDirect OneAlex Holley on Acquiring Minds: Networking His Way to $800k SDEGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited By Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Outsource Your Search: Understanding Buy-Side Advisory - Jun 5th - https://bit.ly/43PpR4RChristine Traylor is bringing entrepreneurial ambition to a business often dismissed as a side gig for retireesTopics in Christine's interview:Pivoting from international development to business ownerAcquiring a historic B&B in Dupont Circle A seller who refused to negotiate on priceLiving on site with her family at the B&BCalculating the value of the real estateRaising 2 small children in their businessLong, frustrating buying processCombining SBA, conventional loan and seller noteDifficulty in hiring an innkeeperStanding out amongst the hospitality competitionReferences and how to contact Christine:LinkedInchristine@swannhouse.comSwann HouseInstagramWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Outsource Your Search: Understanding Buy-Side Advisory - Jun 5th - https://bit.ly/44XWwX3JD Hasley bought an upscale frame shop doing $600k. One year later, he's returned all his equity & grown it to $900k.Topics in JD's interview:Finding his business on broker's own websiteBuying a retail frame shopWhy DFW is a great location for a frame shopLearning to do the framing himselfStanding out by answering email quicklyGetting customers to pay in full up front50% growth in the first yearOnline marketing to drive revenueHow frame shops scaleEmpowering employees to implement changeReferences and how to contact JD:LinkedInhasley@uptownframe.comUptown FrameLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Outsource Your Search: Understanding Buy-Side Advisory - Jun 6th - https://bit.ly/43q0JQRKin Sio first tried real estate as he explored a path out of tech, but buying a business was his ultimate destination.Topics in Kin's interview:Immigrating from ChinaPivoting from tech to entrepreneurshipWanting more flexibility to care for familyDeciding against using ROBSRunning his Hawaiian business from SeattlePlans to expand to the mainlandBuilding and maintaining a company cultureConverting seller hours to human hoursManaging hotel room pricingHow culture influences risk takingReferences and how to contact Kin:LinkedInLights OnDoug Johns on Acquiring Minds: Opening Up to Franchises to Buy a Great BusinessGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Buy a Business, Not a Fantasy: Addressing This Month's 7 Most Common Buyer Concerns - Wed May 28th - https://bit.ly/43u7otoWhen Julia Hensel decided to pursue entrepreneurship, husband Grant helped her find a remote business with a great team.Topics in Grant & Julia's interview:Julia's background at BCGGrant's many zero-to-one businessesKey lessons learned from failed LOIs Why they avoided SBA loansThe acquisition of Lexigate and what made it the right fitStanding out in a competitive processIs AI destroying SEO?Meeting clients and employees before purchaseTransitioning from BCG to business ownershipLeading a mostly Romanian teamReferences and how to contact Grant & Julia:Julia's LinkedInGrant's LinkedInLexigateNonprofit MegaphoneEntrepreneurial CapitalThe Culture Map by Erin MeyerDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-Up - TODAY May 22nd - https://bit.ly/4jgfQSYCovid forced Scott Alexander to pivot & rebuild the marketing agency he'd acquired just one year earlier. It worked.Topics in Scott's interview:Buying a digital marketing agencyDisappointment with the sellerUnderstanding customer churnPost-transition surprises with bookkeepingTurning around a bad company cultureWartime CEO vs Peacetime CEORevenue devastated during CovidRebranding and redirecting the companyUsing Facebook for medical salesMarketing Agency 101References and how to contact Scott:LinkedInJason Andrews on Acquiring Minds: How I Bought & Sold a Healthcare Business for 8 FiguresScott@jairusmarketing.comJairus MarketingGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-Up - Thu May 22nd - https://bit.ly/4kj566XDevin Fitzgerald bought two businesses after one sentence changed his life: It's easier to buy revenue than create it.Topics in Devin's interview:Business is just solving problemsIt's easier to buy revenue than create itLosing 8 months to a dead dealBuying 2 declining businessesTurning around a bad work cultureHerding sellers to the finish lineHow the new SBA rules affected his second acquisitionHonoring his grandmother's memoryBringing high energy to workThe gift of getting to choose your teamReferences and how to contact Devin:LinkedInRML Service GroupGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-Up - May 22nd - https://bit.ly/4mays9pMichael Davidov bought a home care agency with an SBA loan. 6 years later, he's grown & acquired to $140m in revenue.Topics in Michael's interview:His “other side of the table” moment in private equityPartnering to buy a home health agencyDigitizing a pen and paper businessSeeing his employees as customersNarrowly avoiding a payroll disasterGoing slow to go fastRapid growth through additional acquisitionsHis hiring criteria for leadersAbsorbing a business much larger than themselvesGrowing revenue beyond $100 million References and how to contact Michael:LinkedInPine Street GroupJonathan SassoverJerome Buillon: How to Double and Exit a Home Care AgencyWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:How to Use a Buy-Side Advisor to Buy a Business - Thu June 5th - https://bit.ly/3H4mduTThe original plan was for Lindsay Buckheit to buy a business. As husband Kevin Black got involved, that plan evolved.Topics in Lindsay and Kevin's interview:Their desire to leave corporate lifeJoining Codie Sanchez's Contrarian CommunityNo deals after 8 months of part-time searchingEnlisting AcquiMatch to help them find a businessClosing on 2 businessesOffering a higher sale price in exchange for a seller noteMitigating key man risk in both businesses Finding a bank to finance their acquisitionsWhy they recommend flat-rate due diligence servicesThe arduous loan application processReferences and how to contact Lindsay & Kevin:Lindsay LinkedInKevin LinkedInCollective Creative OutdoorsHoldsworth & NicholasAcquiMatchCodie SanchezLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Deal Structuring Under the New SBA Rules - TODAY May 8th - https://bit.ly/4jFLpX2Jason Jackson thought he bought a $1.5m SDE dental practice. In fact, the business was losing money & engaging in fraud.Topics in Jason's interview:Value of pattern recognition in businessMissing fraud despite $400k of due diligenceTurning around a business with negative EBITDAWhen to fire a top performerFixing a broken work cultureWhy he decided not to sue the sellerHands-on learning in every roleChanging their revenue model during CovidFocusing on cash, culture, and communicationWhy his investors were thrilled with a 2x returnReferences and how to contact Jason:LinkedInJason's partner Olaide LawalFutaleufu PartnersThe Manager's Handbook by David DodsonGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Deal Structuring Under the New SBA Rules - Thu May 8 - https://bit.ly/4m7VH47Marvin Karlow & his partner bought a powder-coating business with $500k in equity. 8 years later, they sold it for $21m.Topics in Marvin's interview:Going from corporate to blue collar businessBuying a business with his best friendPicking a lane and staying in itBiggest customer slashing prices right after transitionPutting personal money into the businessLosing a major customerThe customer that turned it all aroundBuying 2 turnaroundsMerging and exiting the businessesTax savings through QSBSReferences and how to contact Marvin:LinkedInmarvin.karlow@raincatcher.comRaincatcherSteve MarianiDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar: Anatomy of a Franchise Holdco - Thu May 1 - https://bit.ly/4jreo0UDan Angel knew he wanted to buy this B2B travel company with $3m top line. But the sale would shock the key number-two.Topics in Dan Angel's interview:Leaving his dream career at a hedge fundComing in a little too hot as the new ownerAdding 3 offshore employeesGrowth isn't freeRunning a fully remote teamTrying to change the world by 9:00 amTopics in Jayme Moylan's interview:Her 15 years working for Lodging SourceBeing blindsided by the acquisitionUncertainty over who to answer to while the seller was still thereFiguring out how to interact with DanReferences and how to contact Dan and Jayme:Dan Angel LinkedInJayme Moylan LinkedInLodging SourceSelf-Funded Search vs Traditional Search FundsSam Rosati on Acquiring Minds discussing Big 3, Little 2: How to Shorten Your Search to Buy a BusinessChris Williams on Acquiring Minds: System Six: One Year UpdateGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar: Anatomy of a Franchise Holdco - Thu May 1 - https://bit.ly/4k8HKBdJan Roll bought a $6m residential contractor, a harrowing experience he calls one giant ambiguous ball of figure-it-out.Topics in Jan's interview:Contracting means learning 25-30 tradesMargin of safety in a residential construction businessValue of paying vendors immediatelyEngendering trust in a low-trust industryRevenues dropping 25% in first year of ownershipUsing ROBS to buy the businessPitfalls in contractor licensingThe harm in not having an employee agreement with a business partnerHow to diligence a business partner (or can you?)How SEO & digital marketing supercharged leadsReferences and how to contact Jan:LinkedInVictoria RenovationsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Anatomy of a Franchise Holdco - Thu May 1st - https://bit.ly/3RWj0QhIn 2019, Matt Kopp bought a supplier to elementary schools with $350k SDE. 6 years later, he has a portfolio of them.Topics in Matt's interview:Business buying market in AustraliaEliminating interruptions at workTracking email open rates to improve his outreachBuying a science class supplierChallenge of selling to schools without a relationship Overcoming people problems during transitionWeathering Covid lockdownsForming an education holdcoBeating out private equity for his last acquisition Selling to private equity after growing the businessReferences and how to contact Matt:LinkedInSimon Plummer on Acquiring Minds: From Frustrated Searcher to $3.5m Owner to Holdco BuilderPete Seligman on Acquiring Minds: Making a Career of Buying BusinessesEnduring Investment PartnersSouthern BiologicalHands on ScienceJunior RockersPrimary Music InstituteLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDSConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron
Register for the webinar:Should You Buy a Business? A Live Panel with Lab Members - Wed Apr 23rd - https://bit.ly/3EBvXvNJoe Ziolkowski found the deal of a lifetime — a $10m manufacturing business — by expanding his filters on BizBuySell.Topics in Joe's interview:Investing with a friend in real estateBacking out of a Mr. Rooter dealAcquiring a restoration businessDealing with insurance in restorationMaking a bad operations hireSelling the business at a profit after 6 monthsAcquiring a wood veneer manufacturing companyGetting a great deal on both businessesSeller's daughter staying on as VPWhy it's impossible to start a wood veneer businessReferences and how to contact Joe:LinkedInjoe@woodlandface.comWoodland FaceWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron