Alle afleveringen
504 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Buying a 138-Year-Old Navy Bell Maker
22 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
Jon Hyatt was under LOI on a dental practice when a late-night Craigslist search turned up one he couldn't resist. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Structuring LOIs: Competitive Enough to Win, Bankable Enough to Close - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4s1pAWV
Topics in Jon’s interview:
Using Facebook groups for industry research
Why labor became a search constraint
The abandoned dental roll-up thesis
Discovering E.J. Willis on Craigslist
Falling for a 138-year-old heritage brand
Buying a tiny business
Navigating an asset purchase and carve-out
Selling bells to defense shipbuilders
Building direct-to-consumer bell demand
Reviving forgotten products and company history
References and how to contact Jon:
LinkedIn
E.J. Willis Co.
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Take Over the Business Before You Buy It
19 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
Elias Youssef stepped into an unprofitable plumbing company as its GM, grew it 6x, then got an SBA loan to buy it. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Structuring LOIs: Competitive Enough to Win, Bankable Enough to Close - Thu, Oct 22 - https://bit.ly/4B7XVHU
Topics in Elias’s interview:
Dropping out of community college
Stacking cash as an appliance salesman
Early real estate joint ventures
Breaking even on an assisted living acquisition
Seeking out HVAC mentorship
The brutality of cold calling
Operating before buying
Majority equity is majority work
Buying is easy. Running it is the hard part.
Getting out of operations
References and how to contact Elias:
LinkedIn
Frost and Flow
Elias’s announcement of Kyle’s acquisition
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Buying a 1-Product Business, Building It to a Big Exit
15 oktober 2026 · 2 uur 7 min
Jay Boren bought a tiny grease tool business run out of a living room, then grew it into a brand with 250 products. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
The Small Things That Sink First-Year Owners - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/3VAOWiq
Topics in Jay’s interview:
Choosing Vermont over Silicon Valley
Solving geography through ETA
Discovering LockNLube through Tuck
Turning a grease coupler into opportunity
Navigating a hostile South African supplier
Buying LockNLube as an intern
Structuring a heavily seller-financed acquisition
Expanding from one SKU to 250
Scaling through digital advertising and Amazon
Exiting LockNLube and staying through integration
References and how to contact Jay:
LinkedIn
LockNLube
Jarrett Burke on Acquiring Minds: When a Restaurant Is a Great Business to Buy
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Get 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 Minds
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Side Hustle Acquisition to $5m in Revenue
12 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 22 min
Brendan Guerin was 21 when he and 3 friends bought a dog daycare on the side. Today: 6 Midwest locations. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Debt Financing Your Deal (SBA & Independent Sponsor) - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4rRpQaY
The Small Things That Sink First-Year Owners - Thu, Oct 15 - https://bit.ly/4idBtVx
Topics in Brendan’s interview:
He bought his first doggy daycare at 21
The first acquisition was a deliberate starter deal
Four partners split ownership and responsibilities.
The $1.1M deal included real estate
EBITDA margins approached 50% before rent
Buying real estate protects long-term business control
Midwest real estate makes their model work
Covid unexpectedly supercharged dog daycare demand
Brendan eventually left finance to operate full-time
Today, Argos spans six Midwest locations
References and how to contact Brendan:
LinkedIn
brendan@argospartners.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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The Roll-Up with No Investors & No Clock
8 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 42 min
Tyler Hoffman has bought 4 telecom companies with no outside equity, and works 15 hours a week to get to $50m. Lees meer
Topics in Tyler’s interview:
Lessons from being fired repeatedly
Finding and acquiring Metro Wireless
Filling experience gaps with charisma
Financing the $4.5 million acquisition
Navigating a difficult ownership transition
Discovering hidden operational problems post-close
Losing half of earnings — and surviving
Rebuilding Metro Wireless through operational improvements
3 tuck-in acquisitions
Balancing business growth with personal autonomy
References and how to contact Tyler:
LinkedIn
Hoffman Capital
Metro Wireless
Jeff Homer’s webinar: Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up
Get 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 Minds
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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$33m Holdco: Teddy Bears to Insurance Claims
5 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Colin King and his 50/50 partner have paid themselves little since 2018, reinvesting profits back into their businesses. Lees meer
Topics in Colin’s interview:
Growing Circle City Capital’s business portfolio
Don’t call them private equity
Why Colin stopped wanting operational roles
Why critical mass matters for holdcos
He still earn less than operators
Holdco strategy versus industry-specific rollups
The fox versus hedgehog framework
Learning through hands-on operating experience
Why chasing money can make things harder
Costly mistakes and failed acquisitions
References and how to contact Colin:
colin@circlecitycapitalgroup.com
LinkedIn
Colin King’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a $28m Holdco (in 6 Years)
Circle City Capital Group
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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The $150k Hiding in the Business He Bought
1 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 30 min
Patrick Dunphy acquired a low-seven-figure interpreter agency, then halved its collection times in year one. Lees meer
Topics in Patrick’s interview:
From Army aviation to business ownership
Why Patrick chose ownership over corporate success
Three years searching while working full-time
Turning red flags into acquisition opportunities
Why intrinsic value matters beyond financial returns
Building a scalable, contractor-driven service business
Structuring an SBA acquisition without seller financing
Cutting payment times in half through better invoicing
Preserving trust through a quiet ownership transition
Growing through new markets and government contracts
References and how to contact Patrick:
LinkedIn
JS Languages
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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How to Buy a $2.1m Business Without the SBA
28 september 2026 · 1 uur 28 min
Jack Rauch left politics for a niche Florida business no bank would finance. He's doubled revenue twice since. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Sizing an SBA Loan to the Cash Flow - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4hrFwge
Topics in Jack’s interview:
From the White House to entrepreneurship
Discovering an overlooked private provider niche
Customers helped save the business
How private inspections accelerate construction projects
Expanding beyond the seller's tiny territory
Navigating licensing requirements without industry experience
Financing the deal without SBA backing
Raising prices and finding unexpected growth
Doubling revenue during each ownership year
Joining industry leadership to reduce regulatory risk
References and how to contact Jack:
LinkedIn
Tew & Taylor
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Buying a $7.3m Golf Course with No Money Down
24 september 2026 · 1 uur 30 min
Kyle Holmes spent 8 years running Quail Ridge for its investor owners. Then they asked if he wanted to buy it. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Protect the Business: How to Diligence Insurance Pre-Close - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4xvNj2E
Sizing an SBA Loan to the Cash Flow - Tue, Sep 29 - https://bit.ly/4y1Xr4a
Topics in Kyle’s interview:
Growing up in a golf family
Running Quail Ridge before becoming an owner
Being approached about buying the golf course
Golf’s boom, recession, and post-COVID resurgence
Michigan’s surprisingly strong golf market
Revenue from golf, dining, events, and driving range
Improving Quail Ridge before buying the business
Valuing land worth more than operations
Negotiating from $6.5 million to $7.3 million
Financing with SBA, conventional, and seller debt
References and how to contact Kyle:
LinkedIn
Quail Ridge Golf Club
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Get 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 Minds
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Buying a $12.5m Contractor to Create 1,000 Jobs
21 september 2026 · 1 uur 31 min
Manolo Diaz Corrada came home to Puerto Rico to build for decades and keep the wealth from leaving the island. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Working Capital: What Buyers Need to Know Before Closing - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4yJUdSX
Protect the Business: How to Diligence Insurance Pre-Close - Thu, Sep 24 - https://bit.ly/4rlZei3
Topics in Manolo’s interview:
Building a career across engineering, business, and law
Fighting Puerto Rico’s brain drain
Launching a self-funded search in a tiny market
Why traditional search fund investor passed on Puerto Rico
Finding an acquisition through family connections
Navigating SBA financing challenges in Puerto Rico
Using reputation as a due diligence tool
Betting on Puerto Rico’s infrastructure boom
Using backlog to underwrite acquisition risk
Structuring a deal with seller financing
References and how to contact Manolo:
LinkedIn
Bonneville Group
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Losing a $1m SDE Business to Bankruptcy
17 september 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
Morli Desai bought an e-commerce brand with an SBA loan. Three years later: liquidation, Chapter 11, and gratitude. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Equity Financing: From SBA Deals to Independent Sponsors - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4r81edB
Working Capital: What Buyers Need to Know Before Closing - Tue, Sep 22 - https://bit.ly/4gZWFxh
Topics in Morli’s interview:
Acquiring a skincare brand
Why she felt confident in the company
Early red flags she minimized
Amazon shipping disaster
Rising cost per click
8-12% customer retention rate
Unique challenges of ecommerce
Negotiating multiple loan deferrals
Stress of the personal guarantee
Filing subchapter V bankruptcy
References and how to contact Morli:
LinkedIn
Morli’s first Acquiring Minds episode: How to Buy a $4m E-com Business with an SBA Loan
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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$340k to $1.3m of Earnings in 14 Months
14 september 2026 · 1 uur 32 min
Rob Brooks bought a $1.9m Sarasota HVAC shop, then ignored the advice to wait 90 days before changing it. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Equity Financing: From SBA Deals to Independent Sponsors - Thu, Sep 17 - https://bit.ly/3VqwuZu
Topics in Rob’s interview:
Choosing an industry where he had an edge
Buying smaller to reduce debt risk
Understanding prepaid customer obligations
Using ChatGPT to learn HVAC
Making changes immediately after acquisition
Inheriting a GM and long-tenured employees
Digitizing operations and increasing accountability
Transforming a blame culture into a problem-solving culture
Adding weekly employee training sessions
Practicing radical honesty with customers
References and how to contact Rob:
LinkedIn
Gary Air
Grant Hensel
Jack Carr on Acquiring Minds: Back from the Brink When Everybody Quits Day 1
Get 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 Minds
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Buy a Business with Your Tax Bill
10 september 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
Adam Whelchel paid himself instead of the IRS, putting $35k down on an escape room doing $365k with room to grow. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
The Deal I Almost Bought (And Why I Passed) - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4hVeKik
Topics in Adam’s interview:
Built a $1.5M accounting firm
Business brokerage opened the acquisition door
Wanted a business his daughter could appreciate
An escape room caught his attention
Fixed costs created massive operating leverage
Bought the business for roughly $220K
Put about $35K into the deal
Business acquisition as a tax strategy
Re-engaged customers and local businesses
Plans to double capacity to 20%
References and how to contact Adam:
LinkedIn
Axis Accounting & Tax
Jeff Homer on Acquiring Minds: 1 Music School to $100m in Revenue
Adam’s slides
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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First-Timer Buys a $15m Business in Distress
7 september 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
Mike Bourgeois bought an HVAC company bleeding $3m a year, all cash and no SBA, then cut $1.4m of costs in 2 weeks. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
The Deal I Almost Bought (And Why I Passed) - Thu, Sep 10 - https://bit.ly/4zKAGTN
Topics in Mike’s interview:
Led major Air Force medical practice
Found a search partner with complementary skill sets
Bet on distressed businesses with liquidation value
Found a deal through veteran ETA Slack
Speed beat the highest bid
Immediately cut $1.4M in annualized expenses
Raised gross margins from 7% to 49%
Shifted from silos to teamwork
Emphasis on ongoing staff training
His goal of being a capital allocator/investor
References and how to contact Mike:
LinkedIn
Cardinal Heating & Air
Book: The Compounders: From Small Acquisitions to Giant Shareholder Returns
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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An Engineer's Mini Berkshire: 2 Auto Shops in 1 Year
3 september 2026 · 1 uur 45 min
Sujith Shankar left 25 years in corporate to buy cash-flowing businesses: a $1.2m repair shop and a $2m body shop. Lees meer
Topics in Sujith interview:
How Rivian layoffs changed everything
Falling down the Warren Buffett rabbit hole
Why auto repair beat real estate
Funding a deal without an SBA loan
Running a business while keeping a W-2
Winning over skeptical employees after closing
Planning a mini Berkshire Hathaway
Is EV adoption really a threat?
Buying a second business just months later
Collision shops vs. repair shops
References and how to contact Sujith:
LinkedIn
The Billionaire Who Wasn’t by Conor O’Clery
Edgar Galindo on Acquiring Minds: How 1 SBA Loan Brought Down 2 Businesses
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Right-Tail Outcome for a Husband & Wife Search Fund
31 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 43 min
Courtney and Jonathan Dunn bought a fast-growing SaaS at 3-4x ARR, doubled it, then merged for a life-changing exit. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4gXkwPt
Topics in Jonathan & Courtney’s interview:
Their background in oil & gas
Turning down an offer from Apple
Improving their investor pitch
Traveling extensively to search
Acquiring a niche healthcare software company
Using all equity, no debt, for the deal
Using an earn-out to resolve valuation disagreements
Having a baby during the acquisition process
The hire they wish they’d made sooner
Advice for couples considering building a business together.
References and how to contact Jonathan & Courtney:
Jonathan’s LinkedIn
Courtney’s LinkedIn
Cerbo
Ned Tomasevic spelling on Acquiring Minds: How to 4x EBITDA in 3 Years Without Growing Sales
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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The Ferrari of Signage: $9.5m Pipeline in 6 Months
27 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 58 min
Andrew Sova and Alex Clark revived sales at a 40-year-old sign manufacturer, the first acquisition of their holdco. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
New SBA Rules: What Business Buyers Need to Know - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4hGNwMi
Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up - Tue, Sep 1 - https://bit.ly/4qc7dxx
Topics in Andrew & Alex’s interview:
Meeting at BCG
Partnership provided accountability and motivation
Looking for direct-impact roles
Prioritizing speed with brokered search
Their vision to build a holdco
Winsor Fireform makes uniquely durable signage
Employee growth = key success metric
Seller chose buyers based on trust, not price
Customers include parks, transit systems, and stadiums
Long negotiation over working capital
References and how to contact Andrew and Alex:
Andrew Sova’s LinkedIn
Alex Clark’s LinkedIn
Novo Foundry
Cayne Crossing
Winsor Fireform
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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40 Schools to 130: The Roll-Up 2 Years Later
24 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 18 min
Jeff Homer returns with an update: revenue past $100m, a new dance division, and 50% growth expected this year. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Licenses & Regulatory Issues When Buying a Business - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/4ccatTW
New SBA Rules: What Business Buyers Need to Know - Thu, Aug 27 - https://bit.ly/4c3b6zj
Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up - Tue, Sep 1 - https://bit.ly/4zdTbj2
Topics in Jeff’s interview:
Building a music school roll-up
Scaling through monthly acquisitions
Expanding into dance schools
Back-office value creation
Transitioning from operator to CEO
Building middle management
Avoiding private equity pitfalls
100x return for early investors
Constant travel as CEO
Future vision for Ensemble
References and how to contact Jeff:
LinkedIn
Ensemble
Jeff’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy 40 Businesses in 4 Years
Webinar:Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up
Get 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 Minds
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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From $700k Purgatory to $3m: A Mosquito Joe Update
20 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Neil Finneran returns 3 years after buying a business so small it barely paid him a salary — now on pace for $800k. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4qg4P9k
Licenses & Regulatory Issues When Buying a Business - Tue, Aug 25 - https://bit.ly/4wTADDf
Topics in Neil’s interview:
Neil’s previous appearance on Acquiring Minds
His background in hedge funds
Pain of buying small
Managing labor and no-shows
Implementing a hybrid-pay model for techs
The acquisition that tripled his revenue
Christmas lights services in the off season
Rising customer acquisition costs
Barriers to entry in pest control
Why his outcome diverged from Jesse Sunquist’s
References and how to contact Neil:
LinkedIn
Mosquito Joe of Andover-Peabody
Neil’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Survive Going from Hedge Funds to SMB Owner
Jesse’s most recent appearance on Acquiring Minds: 3 Years, $80k In: An Honest Update
Jesse’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Widen Your Search to Buy a Business
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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3 Years, $80k In: An Honest Update
17 augustus 2026 · 59 min
Jesse Sunquist put a GM in charge and stepped back to 5 hours a week — proud of the experience, restless about the outcome. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - Thu, Aug 13 - https://bit.ly/4wPHY6R
Topics in Jesse’s interview:
Buying a business for flexibility
Geographical search in New Jersey
Lowering his minimum SDE threshold to $300K
Acquiring 2 Mosquito Joe territories
His plan to build wealth through franchise roll-ups
Modest growth followed by shrink
How other owners handle the off-season
Taking a W2 with the intent to sell
Inability to find a buyer
Hiring a great GM to run it
References and how to contact Jesse:
LinkedIn
Mosquito Joe
Jesse’s previous interviews on Acquiring Minds:
Reflections After 1 Year of Searching Full Time
A Reward for Widening Search to $300k SDE
Neil Finneran on Acquiring Minds: How to Survive Going from Hedge Funds to SMB Owner
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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$400k Profit Fixing Church Pews
13 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 9 min
Greyson Boerner traded startup life for a 28-year-old niche business — now on pace to grow revenue 50% in year one. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4z0fkBx
Topics in Greyson’s interview:
Founding software startups
ETA as a path to stability
Getting his education with Acquisition Lab
Finding business brokers through Google Maps
Uncovered niche church pew restoration business
Competitor closure created significant growth opportunity
Church visit reinforced acquisition decision
Hired bilingual ops manager to bridge communication
Stolen truck fiasco
Revenue up 50%, margins pressured by investments
References and how to contact Greyson:
LinkedIn
Worship Interiors Group
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Surviving a 2-Month Revenue Freeze in Year 1
10 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 9 min
Chibunna Chimezie's seller left $15k in the account. His post-acquisition liquidity is the only reason he made it. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - Thu, Aug 13 - https://bit.ly/4wUCNSY
Topics in Chibunna’s interview:
His family’s immigration story from Nigeria
Interest in how American healthcare works
Learning to manage risk in business school
Acquiring a service provider for veterans
Government shutdown meant no revenue first 2 months
Post-acquisition liquidity for the win
Challenges veterans face back home
Answering the after-hours phone himself
His journey from banking to behavioral health
Investment from New Majority Capital
References and how to contact Chibunna:
LinkedIn
Veterans Room
New Majority Capital
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Second-Time CEO Buys a $30m Title Company
6 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
Randy Rempp turned around a $17m insurance business as a rookie CEO, then used that track record to raise a search fund. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
The 3 Paths to Franchising for Acquisition Entrepreneurs - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4yGEhSe
Topics in Randy’s interview:
From insurance lawyer to business operator
Leading 300 employees at age 29
Why ownership beats being the hired gun
Switching to a traditional search fund
Investors bet on operators, not deal finders
River guides unlock industries and warm introductions
Inside the $31 million acquisition structure
Why every CEO needs a strong CFO
The F-reorg that saved the deal
Refinancing to return capital and fuel growth
References and how to contact Randy:
LinkedIn
Meridian Title Corporation
Young Presidents Organization (YPO)
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition:
Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Acquiring Isn't Always a One-Way Door
3 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 36 min
Gabriel Cruz Avila bought a $1.4M remodeling business, weathered a divorce and burnout, then sold it two years later. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
The 3 Paths to Franchising for Acquisition Entrepreneurs - Thu, Aug 6 - https://bit.ly/4pY7VOX
Topics in Gabriel’s interview:
Lessons learned from his dad’s business
Getting bored in the oil and gas industry
Joining ETA Circle in Houston
Leaning on his warehouse management experience
Acquiring a tile and marble company
Failing to dig deep into historical revenue
Using technology to eliminate 2 admin roles
Negative working capital in home remodels
Going through a divorce
Burnout led to selling the business
References and how to contact Gabriel:
gabriel.cruz.avila@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Katy Tile & Marble
ETA Circle
Get 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 Minds
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
How 1 SBA Loan Brought Down 2 Businesses
30 juli 2026 · 1 uur 35 min
Edgar Galindo and his partner bought 2 businesses with SBA loans. Now he's facing the consequences of shuttering both. Lees meer
Topics in Edgar’s interview:
Construction background in his family business
“Google-funded search”
Wanted flexibility to start a family
Austin-only geographic search
Found partner through Searchfunder
First deal: Austin landscaping company
Buying a second business within 6 months
Making quick changes to the business
Undisclosed liabilities and customer-stealing employees
Closing both businesses and facing bankruptcy
References and how to contact Edgar:
LinkedIn
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
60% Concentration That Killed an Exit
27 juli 2026 · 1 uur 50 min
Raj Mahajan bought a salon software business, tripled it to $11M ARR. Then his biggest customer launched a competitor. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Tax Issues: Entity and Deal Structuring - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4frQstm
Topics in Raj’s interview:
Wanting to move “from coach to quarterback”
Buying a niche point-of-sale software company
Converting to cloud-based SaaS
Growing recurring revenue from $4 to $11 million
Establishing a headquarters for the remote company
A failed exit to private equity
His biggest customer stealing his software
Emotional turmoil of Covid + lawsuit
Choosing to protect his team
Lessons learned from good and bad years
References and how to contact Raj:
LinkedIn
Jaan Capital
Lessons for New Operators - 2020
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Product-Market Fit in the Trades: 4x in 2.5 Years
23 juli 2026 · 1 uur 38 min
Patrick Beal left tech to buy an HVAC business with 90% seller financing, no SBA. He's on track to hit $3.5m this year. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Working Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4f8pSGY
Topics in Patrick interview:
Entrepreneurship in his family
Zoom fatigue from remote work
Searching in Northeast Ohio
Finding a business through his network
Meeting with the seller for almost a year
Structuring 10% down, 90% seller note
Underestimating working capital needs
Keeping his W-2 until the business grew
Quadrupling revenue in 2 years
Working on getting his HVAC license
References and how to contact Patrick:
LinkedIn
Temperature Control Maintenance
Linh Tran on Acquiring Minds: The Dream Outcome: From $300k to $5m EBITDA
Steve Carroll on Acquiring Minds: ETA Unicorn: $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 Years
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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No SBA, No Investors: The Liquidity Access Line
20 juli 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
Brian Jungles bought a $400k direct mail business in Atlanta and skipped SBA by pledging his portfolio as collateral. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Don't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/3T4OQOJ
Working Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - Thu, Jul 23 - https://bit.ly/3T1aELe
Topics in Brian’s interview:
Leaving his corporate career at Adobe
Finding a business through his network
Acquiring for $400k cash
Getting a personal line of credit through his bank
Direct mail is still effective
Growth is a lot of work
Humbling experience of learning Quickbooks
Picture-perfect transition of ownership
Learning to translate “corporate speak”
“The entrepreneur community all wants to help each other.”
References and how to contact Brian:
LinkedIn
City Publications Atlanta
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Acquiring a $7m Niche Marketing Agency with 50 Employees
16 juli 2026 · 1 uur 22 min
Rob Belk networked his way to "the most caffeinated guy in town" searching for a local business — then found it online. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4aKP3fY
Don't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - Tue, Jul 21 - https://bit.ly/4feY1DP
Topics in Rob’s interview:
Geographic search in the Triad of North Carolina
Networking with local business owners
Finding a business through Axial
Buying a marketing and consumer research agency
His choice to stay out of the weeds
Bringing in a consultant (maybe too) early
How his agency intersects with the trades
Structuring a 50% earnout
Consensus-based leadership style
Finding clients through Substack
References and how to contact Rob:
LinkedIn
Sales Factory
Adam Duggins on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a Holdco of 4 Blue Collar Businesses in 10 Years
Joe Soelberg on Acquiring Minds: Buying Small to Then Buy Larger $1m SDE
Bryan Houck on Acquiring Minds: 4th Time's the Charm: 3 Broken Deals to Buy a Great Business
Scott Alexander on Acquiring Minds: Rebuilding from 80% Collapse to Mid 7 Figures Revenue
Rob’s 10-page Search Learnings
Get 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 Minds
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Escaping the J-Curve in a $700k SDE Ecom Business
13 juli 2026 · 1 uur 30 min
Chris Farkas endured a 7-week fetal position moment when he finally found a website bug that had cost him $500k in sales. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - Thu, Jul 16 - https://bit.ly/4vRBhk8
Topics in Chris’s interview:
Going through Acquisition Lab
First deal fell through on Christmas Eve
Acquiring an ecommerce business with a warehouse
Buying inventory he didn’t want
The marketing agencies that hurt his business
Business almost tanked due to website glitch
Doing $10k in sales per day
Hardship of traveling every other week
Why he stays off Amazon
Make only one change at a time
References and how to contact Chris:
LinkedIn
EmergencyKits.com
Russ Hadlock on Acquiring Minds: The Front Lines of a Crisis
Dave Richards of Keystone Business Advisors
Kalen Foster of Live Oak Bank
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Never Worked Harder, Never Been Happier
9 juli 2026 · 1 uur 28 min
After 25 years in corporate, Gina Rosen bought a jewelry wholesaling business with $635k in sales — now on track to $1m. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Finance Essentials Before You Close - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4fcxTdK
Topics in Gina’s interview:
Leaving corporate for more family time
Decoupling her salary from her value
Acquiring the supplier for her side gig
Her mistake with buying inventory
Keeping her corporate job the first year
Going full time in the business to focus on sales
Standing out by making sales calls in-person
Operating a highly seasonal business
How tariffs have affected her business
Acquiring without the SBA
References and how to contact Gina:
LinkedIn
Seasons Jewelry
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Career Consultant Who Bought a 7-Figure Manufacturer
6 juli 2026 · 1 uur 27 min
Buying a metal fabricator with $1m in earnings pivoted Paul Callahan into the new entrepreneurial chapter of his career. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Finance Essentials Before You Close - Thu, Jul 9 - https://bit.ly/4eMaUow
Topics in Paul’s interview:
M&A, integrations, and private equity experience
COVID Zoom fatigue sparked career pivot
Atlanta’s crowded deal market challenges
Hiring buy-side help while still working
Pursuing full ownership without outside investors
Navigating two simultaneous LOIs carefully
Choosing SBA 504 over 7(a) financing for the real estate
Acquiring a high capex business
Replacing Ferrari equipment with Toyota reliability
Why consultants make strong ETA operators
References and how to contact Paul:
LinkedIn
Metro Metal Works
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
(replay) Art of the Roll-Up: 40 Businesses in 4 Years
2 juli 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
Jeff Homer bought a small local music school as a fun side hustle. It turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime. Lees meer
Topics in Jeff interview:
Switching from high finance to music schools
Buying his first music school as a side project
Raising growth equity after first 2 acquisitions
Acquiring a music school every month
Artists’ negative predisposition toward selling
Comparing profitability of music vs. dance
Importance of general managers in scaling
Implementing apps to streamline operations
Other industries with roll-up potential
Rolling up 60+ music/dance schools nationwide
References and how to contact Jeff:
LinkedIn
Ensemble Performing Arts
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Growing a $5m Metal Business 40% in Year 1
29 juni 2026 · 1 uur 36 min
Caleb Standafer believed in manufacturing and wanted to spend his career there. A multi-year pivot and ETA got him in. Lees meer
Topics in Caleb’s interview:
Moving from tech to manufacturing
Manufacturing is important for our country
7 years operating before searching
The manufacturing concept of “going to Gemba”
His 4-year part-time search
Taking time weekly to develop his leaders
Partnering with his dad
Modernizing 1970s technology
Managing 75% customer concentration
Renegotiating payment terms with his largest customer
References and how to contact Caleb:
LinkedIn
Springfield Tool & Die
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
How to 4x EBITDA in 3 Years Without Growing Sales
25 juni 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
Ned Tomasevic navigated an early crisis then grew EBITDA to $6m and exited at over 8x, four turns higher than he'd paid. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Transferable Skills: Crafting Your Resume for SBA Lenders - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4v3KOnf
Topics in Ned’s interview:
Being the first American in his family
Utilizing 20 interns for outreach
Acquiring with help from a search fund
Post-closing discovery led to lawsuit
Stress shows up in your body first
Getting guidance from his coach and mentors
Reducing shrink from 20% to 3%
Quadrupling EBITDA in 3 years
Taking a year off after exiting
His new role as investor, coach and mentor
References and how to contact Ned:
LinkedIn
Searchers Fund
Jason Jackson on Acquiring Minds: How to Recover from a Fraudulent Seller
Get 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 Minds
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Leaving $700s/Yr to Buy an Underperforming Printing Business
22 juni 2026 · 1 uur 26 min
Dominick Smith left a lucrative track in PE to pursue a path that offered more meaning. Buying a business has delivered. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/3Qx1g0W
Transferable Skills: Crafting Your Resume for SBA Lenders - Thu, Jun 25 - https://bit.ly/4uOEqQD
Topics in Dominick’s interview:
Leaving a lucrative job in his late 20’s
Dodging bullets with due diligence
Renegotiating purchase price
Managing white collar vs blue collar employees
Wasting money on ineffective marketing
Learning budgeting and frugality
Advantages of staying in the weeds
Aggressively pursuing new business
Discovering and fixing poor website speeds
His intent to sell the business
References and how to contact Dominick:
LinkedIn
Printmoz.com
Heather Endresen at Viso Business Capital
Brendan O’Brien at Huntington Bank
Aizik Zimmerman on Acquiring Minds: Founder Mode for ETA: $6m to $25m in 3 Years
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
From Software to Concrete Cutting (and $1.4m of SDE)
18 juni 2026 · 1 uur 38 min
When the owner refused a seller note in the $6m transaction to sell his business, Tom McCormick had to get creative. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Understanding a Quality of Earnings Analysis: What's Included and Why - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/43sZcKn
Topics in Tom’s interview:
From IBM executive to acquisition entrepreneur
Building banker relationships to source better deals
Closing on his first LOI
Consulting agreement replaced traditional seller note
“I wish I would've started this path 15 years ago.”
Winning seller’s trust through shared values
Using ROBS to buy a larger company
A costly lesson about accounts receivable valuation
Prioritizing keeping the blue collar workforce happy
“I am so much happier now.”
References and how to contact Tom:
LinkedIn
Quality Cutting & Coring
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Good Bones: Saving a $3m Business in Decline
15 juni 2026 · 1 uur 49 min
Despite his love of operations, Himmat Singh intended to own his acquisition passively. Then the lead sales guy quit. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Understanding a Quality of Earnings Analysis: What's Included and Why - Thu, Jun 18 - https://bit.ly/4vhhY3t
Topics in Himmat’s interview:
Operating a business for a billionaire in India
Ran traditional search, closed zero acquisitions
Targeted recession-proof home care opportunities
Became CEO of elder care company he couldn’t acquire
Grew EBITDA 4x through operational cleanup and systems
Sold company to private equity, remaining CEO
Life-changing exit from elder care company
Landed printing acquisition through relationships
Prefers operating to financial modeling
Structuring a screaming deal on a printing business
References and how to contact Himmat:
LinkedIn
EPI-Colorspace
Circle of Life
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
How to Buy a $20m Business as a First-Timer
11 juni 2026 · 1 uur 31 min
When Alan Turkus found a business with a mission, he knew he'd found the right fit for the final chapter of his career. Lees meer
Topics in Alan’s interview:
Background in book publishing
Post-MBA career in tech
Taking a career break to raise his son
From co-op cashier to co-CEO
Seeking security through business ownership
Acquiring a home health and hospice franchise
Raising equity from search investors
Retaining a little over 50% ownership
Structuring with 2 forgivable seller notes
The advantage of buying a bigger business
References and how to contact Alan:
LinkedIn
Interim Healthcare of Twin Cities
Elliott Edge on Acquiring Minds: 1 Business vs Many: Deciding to Roll Up
Grant Hensel of Entrepreneurial Capital
Jacob Hall of Kando Capital
PROX Capital Group
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
How to De-Risk the Personal Guarantee
8 juni 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
Brendan Burdette and Ryan Conner have launched personal guarantee insurance to enable more — and stronger — SBA buyers. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Score It or Skip It: A Framework for Fast Deal Evaluation - Thu, Jun 11 - https://bit.ly/3Q1D9qM
Topics in Brendan & Ryan’s interview:
Psychological weight of the personal guarantee
Building a personal guarantee insurance product
Taking the risk from a 10 to a 5
Sequence of events after default
Targeting mid to late career operators
Premiums decrease over time
Balancing risk between unequal partners
Solving the seller rollover conflict
Philosophy of “skin in the game”
How they hope this affects ETA ecosystem
References and how to contact Brendan & Ryan:
Brendan Burdette’s LinkedIn
Ryan Conner’s LinkedIn
Personal Guarantee Insurance
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
The Origin Story of a Compounder ($80m and Counting)
4 juni 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
Greg Shapiro & Zach Cooper-Vastola are building a long-term, compounding business they see as the anti-PE of the trades. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Franchising for the ETA Buyer: Resales, Roll-Ups, and Real Deals - TODAY - https://bit.ly/49sKF4HTopics in Greg and Zach’s interview:
Founders combined technical and financial expertise
Shifted from SaaS to long-term ownership
Acquired century-old Manhattan HVAC company
High cost and complexities of New York market
Avoided SBA limits to scale acquisitions
What “Anti-PE” means to them
Digitization takes longer than you think
Living lean on low salaries
Predicting HVAC roll-up market shakeout ahead
Influence and investment from Will Thorndike
References and how to contact Greg and Zach:
Hickory
Greg Shapiro LinkedIn
Zach Cooper-Vastola LinkedIn
Will Thorndike
Steve Carroll on Acquiring Minds: ETA Unicorn: $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 Years
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
-
Started as SBA Searcher, Built to a PE Fund
1 juni 2026 · 1 uur 46 min
The first business Joe Wechsler bought had $280k of SDE. Seven years later, he runs a fund with $50m of buying power. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Franchising for the ETA Buyer: Resales, Roll-Ups, and Real Deals - Thu, June 4 - https://bit.ly/4vnGP5u
Topics in Joe’s interview:
Background in management consulting
Inspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad to own assets
Joining an early cohort of the Acquisition Lab
Searching is more fun with a partner
First deal died 10 days before closing
Discovering employees had never been paid overtime
Total office staff turnover in first 4 months
Acquiring 4 diverse businesses
Launching a $25M equity fund with 5 partners
It’s all about the people
References and how to contact Joe:
LinkedIn
Blueline Ventures
Who by Geoff Smart and Randy Street
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Richard T. Kiyosaki
Get 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 Minds
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Buying $1.5m of Earnings Without an SBA Loan
28 mei 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
As a South African in the US, Justus Luttig had to get creative to search then buy 2 trades businesses at the same time. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
New $10m Limit for SBA Loans: What You Need to Know - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4v3zKXh
Topics in Justus’s interview:
Growing up on a cattle ranch in South Africa
Disillusioned with the venture capital bubble
Perception of white collar work as “the dream”
Meeting successful owners of blue-collar businesses
Big deal failure on his birthday
Structuring a deal without the SBA
Challenges of searching on an H1B visa
Merging an HVAC with a plumbing business
The magic happens when you leave your desk
Acquiring during the slow season
References and how to contact Justus:
LinkedIn
Copeland Home Services
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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The Magic of Low Multiple + Growth
25 mei 2026 · 1 uur 34 min
David Graf went after a business that had sat on the market, acquiring $750k of EBITDA for 2.7x. It's going well. Lees meer
Register for the webinars:
Negotiating Working Capital in SMB Acquisitions - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4a2ozGe
New $10m Limit for SBA Loans: What You Need to Know - Thu, May 28 - https://bit.ly/49j3V4t
Topics in David’s interview:
Drive to earn money as a kid
Choosing to skip business school
Advantages of acquiring in Texas
Preparing his case to convince his wife
Working full time while searching
Growth is often underpriced
Wholesaling real estate he didn’t want
How to decide whether to keep an employee
Joining a group for manufacturing owners
Near-crisis days before closing
References and how to contact David:
LinkedIn
Danhard
Rand Larsen
Scalepath
Get a Grip by Mike Paton
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Rolling Up an Industry with 1.5x Multiples
21 mei 2026 · 1 uur 56 min
Truc Nguyen has acquired 2 nail salons, an overlooked but fragmented industry where businesses trade at low multiples. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Negotiating Working Capital in SMB Acquisitions - Tue, May 26 - https://bit.ly/4eQfCTR
Topics in Truc’s interview:
Why she chose the nail salon industry
Her vision for a rollup
Analyzing a current nail salon business listing
Low multiples in the nail space
Bargaining power of good nail techs
Square footage and number of chairs matters
Documenting SOPs for her first salon
Staffing a 7-day-a-week business
Creating a great company culture
The changing face of nail salons
References and how to contact Truc:
LinkedIn
Sarah Romer on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy a Salon as an Industry Outsider (and Survive)
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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The Origins and Future of a 9-Figure SMB Holdco
18 mei 2026 · 1 uur 50 min
Gant Elmore and Matt Moldenhauer each bought $2m businesses they built over years. Today their holdco does over $200m. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Revenue Recognition & Quality of Revenue in SMB Deals - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4dMvx4w
Topics in Matt & Gant’s interview:
3 generations of acquisition entrepreneurs
Matt started as operator, became partner
Bain mentors warned Matt not to do ETA
Goal of owning 50 companies by 2050
Being the Ferrari in a price-competitive industry
Why they prefer holding to exiting
Challenge of giving control to an operator
Gant and his dad teach ETA together
War stories from small business operations
Demand exceeds supply of great businesses
References and how to contact Matt & Gant:
Elmore Companies
matt.moldenhauer@elmorecompanies.com
Matt’s LinkedIn
Gant’s LinkedIn
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Get 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 Minds
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Too Good to Be True: Year 1 in a $700k SDE Business
14 mei 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
Zack Mutnik thought he bought a $1.5m electrical contracting business for 2.3x. The numbers weren't what they seemed. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Kill It Early: Spot Red Flags Before Spending on Diligence - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4eBVO6E
Topics in Zack’s interview:
Learning leadership in the Navy
Managing chaos with ADHD
Undisclosed surprises after acquisition
Replacing 8/10 employees
Heavy emphasis on company culture
Deciding to change the business name
Training his employees to be independent
Growing revenue despite a rocky start
Marketing is not a quick fix
Finding employees in a rural market
References and how to contact Zack:
TikTok
Facebook
LinkedIn
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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How to Structure Around Risk in a $250k SDE Acquisition
11 mei 2026 · 1 uur 17 min
Alicia Powers wanted to buy a general contractor but understood the risks in such businesses and negotiated accordingly. Lees meer
Register for the webinar:
Kill It Early: Spot Red Flags Before Spending on Diligence - Thu, May 14 - https://bit.ly/4wqiYU3
Topics in Alicia’s interview:
Air Force construction experience
Corporate job at an elevator company
Leading a shower remodeling startup
Layoff motivated her toward acquisition
Why franchising isn’t for her
Acquiring a small construction business
Getting her general contractor license
Specializing in home additions/ADUs
Tailwinds in the San Diego area
Surprisingly long sales cycle
References and how to contact Alicia:
LinkedIn
Price Builders
Get 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 Minds
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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Buying Small to Build for the Long Term ($300k SDE)
7 mei 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
Brendan Duebner's goal is to build a healthy, long-term business of 20-40 people. Buying a $1.2m MSP was his first step. Lees meer
Topics in Brendan’s interview:
Learning to lead in the Army
Summer internship with Josh Medow
Cold calling is unpleasant but effective
Living and acquiring in the Bay Area
Working in the business before closing
Signs of seller integrity
85% seller note with no personal guarantee
Implementing EOS himself
Choosing to only hire local
His mission of building a tribe
References and how to contact Brendan:
LinkedIn
IT Total Care
Josh Medow on Acquiring Minds: How to Unlock Growth in a 40-Year-Old Business You Buy
Abhi Ravishankar on Acquiring Minds: The $50m Lifestyle Holdco
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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A $800k Business to Start, $60m Portfolio Today
4 mei 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
Andrew Blazenko has made 6 acquisitions over the last ten years. Pairing businesses with operators is key to his model. Lees meer
Topics in Andrew’s interview:
Background as a business broker
Wanted the exit joy for himself
Danger of low barrier to entry
Finding great operators to run his businesses
Business acquisition requires reps
Executive in Residence program
Requiring operators to invest in the business
Difficulty of raising equity in Canada
Shipping costs as a natural moat
Living as a “gentleman of leisure”
References and how to contact Andrew:
LinkedIn
ProSafe
Eterna Equity
TrueFoam
The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:
The Acquisition Lab
Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.
Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.
Get 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 Minds
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron