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504 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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How to Use an SBA Loan to Roll Up from $6m to $140m
15 mei 2025 · 1 uur 30 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-Up - May 22nd - https://bit.ly/4mays9p
Michael 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 equity
Partnering to buy a home health agency
Digitizing a pen and paper business
Seeing his employees as customers
Narrowly avoiding a payroll disaster
Going slow to go fast
Rapid growth through additional acquisitions
His hiring criteria for leaders
Absorbing a business much larger than themselves
Growing revenue beyond $100 million
References and how to contact Michael:
LinkedIn
Pine Street Group
Jonathan Sassover
Jerome Buillon: How to Double and Exit a Home Care Agency
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How 1 Couple Bought 2 Businesses
12 mei 2025 · 1 uur 25 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How to Use a Buy-Side Advisor to Buy a Business - Thu June 5th - https://bit.ly/3H4mduT
The 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 life
Joining Codie Sanchez’s Contrarian Community
No deals after 8 months of part-time searching
Enlisting AcquiMatch to help them find a business
Closing on 2 businesses
Offering a higher sale price in exchange for a seller note
Mitigating key man risk in both businesses
Finding a bank to finance their acquisitions
Why they recommend flat-rate due diligence services
The arduous loan application process
References and how to contact Lindsay & Kevin:
Lindsay LinkedIn
Kevin LinkedIn
Collective Creative Outdoors
Holdsworth & Nicholas
AcquiMatch
Codie Sanchez
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Recover from a Fraudulent Seller
8 mei 2025 · 1 uur 25 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Deal Structuring Under the New SBA Rules - TODAY May 8th - https://bit.ly/4jFLpX2
Jason 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 business
Missing fraud despite $400k of due diligence
Turning around a business with negative EBITDA
When to fire a top performer
Fixing a broken work culture
Why he decided not to sue the seller
Hands-on learning in every role
Changing their revenue model during Covid
Focusing on cash, culture, and communication
Why his investors were thrilled with a 2x return
References and how to contact Jason:
LinkedIn
Jason’s partner Olaide Lawal
Futaleufu Partners
The Manager’s Handbook by David Dodson
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
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Turning a $250k Investment into $7m+
5 mei 2025 · 1 uur 27 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Deal Structuring Under the New SBA Rules - Thu May 8 - https://bit.ly/4m7VH47
Marvin Karlow & his partner bought a powder-coating business with $500k in equity. 8 years later, they exited.
Topics in Marvin’s interview:
Going from corporate to blue collar business
Buying a business with his best friend
Picking a lane and staying in it
Biggest customer slashing prices right after transition
Putting personal money into the business
Losing a major customer
The customer that turned it all around
Buying 2 turnarounds
Merging and exiting the businesses
Tax savings through QSBS
References and how to contact Marvin:
LinkedIn
marvin.karlow@raincatcher.com
Raincatcher
Steve Mariani
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Buying a Remote, 20-Year-Old Business with $900k of SDE
1 mei 2025 · 1 uur 58 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Anatomy of a Franchise Holdco - Thu May 1 - https://bit.ly/4jreo0U
Dan 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 fund
Coming in a little too hot as the new owner
Adding 3 offshore employees
Growth isn’t free
Running a fully remote team
Trying to change the world by 9:00 am
Topics in Jayme Moylan’s interview:
Her 15 years working for Lodging Source
Being blindsided by the acquisition
Uncertainty over who to answer to while the seller was still there
Figuring out how to interact with Dan
References and how to contact Dan and Jayme:
Dan Angel LinkedIn
Jayme Moylan LinkedIn
Lodging Source
Self-Funded Search vs Traditional Search Funds
Sam Rosati on Acquiring Minds discussing Big 3, Little 2: How to Shorten Your Search to Buy a Business
Chris Williams on Acquiring Minds: System Six: One Year Update
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
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
21 Months to Stability Buying a $1.2m SDE Business
28 april 2025 · 1 uur 24 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Anatomy of a Franchise Holdco - Thu May 1 - https://bit.ly/4k8HKBd
Jan 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 trades
Margin of safety in a residential construction business
Value of paying vendors immediately
Engendering trust in a low-trust industry
Revenues dropping 25% in first year of ownership
Using ROBS to buy the business
Pitfalls in contractor licensing
The harm in not having an employee agreement with a business partner
How to diligence a business partner (or can you?)
How SEO & digital marketing supercharged leads
References and how to contact Jan:
LinkedIn
Victoria Renovations
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Build a Niche Holdco with $2m in Earnings
24 april 2025 · 1 uur 45 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Anatomy of a Franchise Holdco - Thu May 1st - https://bit.ly/3RWj0Qh
In 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 Australia
Eliminating interruptions at work
Tracking email open rates to improve his outreach
Buying a science class supplier
Challenge of selling to schools without a relationship
Overcoming people problems during transition
Weathering Covid lockdowns
Forming an education holdco
Beating out private equity for his last acquisition
Selling to private equity after growing the business
References and how to contact Matt:
LinkedIn
Simon Plummer on Acquiring Minds: From Frustrated Searcher to $3.5m Owner to Holdco Builder
Pete Seligman on Acquiring Minds: Making a Career of Buying Businesses
Enduring Investment Partners
Southern Biological
Hands on Science
Junior Rockers
Primary Music Institute
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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 mark@aspenhr.com
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Hiding in Plain Sight on BizBuySell: $800k SDE for 2x
21 april 2025 · 1 uur 38 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Should You Buy a Business? A Live Panel with Lab Members - Wed Apr 23rd - https://bit.ly/3EBvXvN
Joe 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 estate
Backing out of a Mr. Rooter deal
Acquiring a restoration business
Dealing with insurance in restoration
Making a bad operations hire
Selling the business at a profit after 6 months
Acquiring a wood veneer manufacturing company
Getting a great deal on both businesses
Seller’s daughter staying on as VP
Why it’s impossible to start a wood veneer business
References and how to contact Joe:
LinkedIn
joe@woodlandface.com
Woodland Face
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Build a $100m Holdco: The Power of ESOPs
17 april 2025 · 1 uur 39 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Licenses & Regulatory Issues in Acquisitions - Thu April 17th - https://bit.ly/4i7vsY5
With 300 employees across 5 companies, the holdco that Chris Fredericks is building has an uncommon feature at its core.
Topics in Chris’s interview:
What is an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)?
Finding purpose and meaning at work
Concept of dignity at work
What ESOP employees do and don’t vote on
Using an internal podcast to communicate about employee ownership
Mitigating risks in ESOPs
Employee reactions to being acquired
Selling employees on the ESOP concept
His role as investor, not operator
Keeping a bad hire for too long
References and how to contact Chris:
LinkedIn
Empowered Ventures
The Empowered Owners Podcast
The Great Game of Business
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@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 of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Reinvent a $1m Candle Manufacturer
14 april 2025 · 1 uur 26 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Licenses & Regulatory Issues in Acquisitions - Thu April 17th - https://bit.ly/3G9vf9F
Adam Goldberg had to adapt his corporate approach after buying a nearly-closed manufacturer whose sales were down 80%.
Topics in Adam’s interview:
Building & exiting a wholesale costume jewelry business
Deciding he was too young to retire
Acquiring a small, distressed candle business
Never go into business with friends
Mistakes in over-hiring
Trying to be an absentee owner
Apologizing to his team
Why he prefers small business to corporate
Expanding beyond candles
Carving out their brand story
References and how to contact Adam:
LinkedIn
Seracon
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Stars Align After 4 Broken Deals
10 april 2025 · 1 uur 19 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Fri Apr 11 - https://bit.ly/4ljGigo
Keegan Dum wound down his search fund after 2 years without a deal, but he went on to acquire & create a great outcome.
Topics in Keegan’s interview:
Choosing traditional search
No deal after 2 years of searching
Selling the business after 18 months
Finding a business on his own through consulting
Role of software in car washes & auto shops
Renegotiating terms with previous investors
Low churn for you means low churn for your competitors
The “always on” nature of running an essential business
Spreadsheet vs reality of operating the business
Profitable exit after 18 months
References and how to contact Keegan:
LinkedIn
Matt Bauer & Chris Hartman on Acquiring Minds: Exited but Tired: 5 Years in a Hard Business
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
When Buying a Retail Business Makes Sense
7 april 2025 · 1 uur 26 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Fri Apr 11 - https://bit.ly/4ji2UMu
Ken Eyjolfson looked at tons of businesses before deciding on a mattress outlet with $500k SDE and 700 5-star reviews.
Topics in Ken’s interview:
8 years with the Soccer Shots franchise
Spending too long searching for the perfect deal
Buying a discount mattress retailer
How the Canadian mattress industry works
Buying from a “shady seller”
Getting the lowest wholesale mattress prices
Starting with a large Facebook following
Expanding through pop-up shops
Private equity acquiring mattress companies
Financing without the SBA
References and how to contact Ken:
ken@mrliquidator.ca
LinkedIn
Mr. Liquidator
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
Seller’s reality TV show The Liquidator
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
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
FedEx & Fencing: A Pivot into Ownership
3 april 2025 · 1 uur 29 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
5 Steps to the Business Buying Process - Thu April 10th - https://bit.ly/41RC4oN
After his foray into SMB ownership went well with FedEx routes, Matt O'Brien bought & doubled a $2.5m fencing business.
Topics in Matt’s interview:
Buying and expanding FedEx routes
Nuances of buying a FedEx route
Selling his routes at peak value during Covid
Acquiring a commercial fencing business
Keeping the seller’s son on as president
Injecting more money for working capital
Impact of equipment on debt
Trucking acquisition that failed
Where he finds high quality employees
Private equity in the fencing industry
References and how to contact Matt:
LinkedIn
Professional Fence Co.
Chris Edwards on Acquiring Minds: Buy, Grow, Exit for a 24x Return in 3.5 Years
Brett Kennedy on Acquiring Minds: Reflections on 2 Years in the Knife Fight
Sam Rosati on Acquiring Minds: How to Become an Independent Sponsor
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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 mark@aspenhr.com
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Why Buy a Travel Agency (Because They Can Crush It)
31 maart 2025 · 1 uur 18 min
You thought the internet killed them off, but the travel agency Jared Benoff bought does $1m SDE by dominating a niche. Lees meer
Topics in Jared’s interview:
His 9.5 year stint at Twitter/X
Helping his dad with the family business
Buying his parents’ destination wedding business
Evolution of travel agencies
His dad’s successful YouTube videos
Advantages of buying the family business
Standing out with customer service
The pain of 4-star reviews
Working with a loan broker
Buying for 2x SDE
References and how to contact Jared:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Vacationeeze
Shell Zhang on Acquiring Minds: Awakening to Entrepreneurship to Buy a Not-Boring Business
Jordan Evans on Acquiring Minds: White Collar Roll-Up from $700k to $12m
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
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 $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Deciding to Start, Not Buy, a Small Business
27 maart 2025 · 1 uur 20 min
Initially drawn to buying a business, Kevin Moyer instead decided to start a project-based blue collar business instead. Lees meer
Topics in Kevin’s interview:
Is the franchise fee worth it?
Buying 3 de novo Smash My Trash territories
His appreciation for reversible decisions
A small business is an extension of the owner
Recurring revenue is overrated
Simple is nice, but complexity is a moat
Starting a business with his friend
Advantages of having a business partner
Resiliency of physical world businesses
Simplicity of a binary outcome business
References and how to contact Kevin:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Smash My Trash
Golden Home Access
Nick Haschka on Acquiring Minds: Building a $10m EBITDA Leader in a Fragmented Space
Kevin’s substack
Kevin’s substack post: Changing My Mind & What’s Next
Johannes Hock on Acquiring Minds: Buy and 3x a Project-Based Business in Just 2 Years
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 of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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 Business
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Buy a Multinational
24 maart 2025 · 1 uur 25 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How to Reduce Surprises with Operational Diligence - Wed Mar 26 - https://bit.ly/4hxp0tj
Seeking a fit with his industrials experience, Adam Salmen bought an 8-figure business with locations around the world.
Topics in Adam’s interview:
Looking beyond “arts and crafts” businesses
Partnering with Novastone to search and acquire
Acquiring a multinational industrial company
China's dominance in steel production
Tariffs and the steel industry
Crowdfunding attempt that failed
Don’t buy a PowerPoint presentation
False summits in business ownership
Being inspired by Naval Ravikant
Putting your name on a business
References and how to contact Adam:
LinkedIn
Novastone
Cliff & Christine on Acquiring Minds: Behind Every Great Searcher: A Wife’s Journey with Search
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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.
Produced by Pam Cameron. -
Lessons from 24 Acquisition Nightmares
20 maart 2025 · 1 uur 57 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How to Reduce Surprises with Operational Diligence - Wed March 26 - https://bit.ly/4igNOqz
After his acquisition failed, Jed Morris connected with dozens of others who'd experienced the same. There are patterns.
Topics in Jed’s interview:
Pivoting from Air Force to tech
Interning for the company he bought
Acquiring 2 landscaping companies a few weeks apart
Insurance cost increased 30% after acquisition
Pros and cons of long-term employees
Misjudging his employability
Going out of business
His upcoming book about business failure
What bankruptcy really looks like
Top 3 reasons businesses fail
References and how to contact Jed:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
From Tech Sales to Forklift Repair
17 maart 2025 · 1 uur 38 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How to Reduce Surprises with Operational Diligence - Web March 26 - https://bit.ly/4kVYn3U
Recently laid off and a baby on the way, Shaugn Lindley pivoted into SMB ownership by buying a business with $550k SDE.
Topics in Shaugn’s interview:
Getting laid off from tech
Reaching out to 600 local landscaping companies
Finding a mentor through Acquiring Minds
Why he decided against landscaping
Acquiring a forklift repair business
The importance of follow up
Being the second best option
Challenge of hiring technicians
Standing out from the competition
Getting the business listed on Google
References and how to contact Shaugn:
Twitter
LinkedIn
R&R Lift
Mike Loftus Twitter
Adrian Pinto & Mike Botkin on Acquiring Minds: One Acquiring Minds Guest Buys Another
Matt Bauer & Chris Hartman on Acquiring Minds: Exited but Tired: 5 Years in a Hard Business
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
Listen to Meeting of the Minds, our new sister podcast about independent sponsors and deal-by-deal private equity:
YouTube, Spotify, Apple
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
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Building a Beloved Brand from a Tiny, Dying Business
13 maart 2025 · 1 uur 21 min
Register for: Lees meer
Employee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - Thu March 13th - https://bit.ly/41vg9SL
The live Q&A with Harley on March 27th - https://bit.ly/43vYX24
Harley Sitner bought a struggling VW van repair shop for $100k in 2013. Today it's an 8-figure business and brand.
Topics in Harley’s interview:
His career in software
First business acquisition: West Coast Nurseries
Harley buys a VW Camper Van
"I'd rather hug 100 people than serve a billion"
Irrational passion of VW van owners
Overpaying for a failing auto repair shop
VW Van culture
The value of the brand
Building 6 different lines of business
The app he's developing for VW owners
References and how to contact Harley:
LinkedIn
PeaceVans
harley@peacevans.com
Instagram
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.com
Attend SMBash in Dallas, April 2-4, to meet fellow business buyers, operators, and investors:
SMBash.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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
The Appeal (and Risk) of Buying a Consulting Firm
10 maart 2025 · 1 uur 31 min
Register for: Lees meer
Employee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - Thu March 13 - https://bit.ly/3F6dasG
The live Q&A with Nick on March 25th: https://bit.ly/3DoZfgD
Industry outsider Nick Munsee bought a traffic engineering firm for a good price, carefully de-risking the acquisition.
Topics in Nick's interview:
Managing from out of state
The white whale: a deal that almost happened
Lessons from a failed acquisition
Finding Hales Engineering
Understanding the traffic consulting business
Navigating lender challenges
Incentivizing key employees
Challenges in consulting business growth
Project-based revenue insights
The abrupt customer hand-off
References and how to contact Nick:
LinkedIn
Hales Engineering
nick@saltbros.co
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Why Treat an Acquisition Like a Startup
6 maart 2025 · 1 uur 28 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu March 6 - https://bit.ly/3QEgIoA
Employee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - Thu March 13 - https://bit.ly/4koXrFb
Live Q&A with Sean Daly - Tue March 18 - https://bit.ly/41yzjZ7
Day 1 changes? Yes please. Sean Daly brought a spirit of experimentation, iteration, and speed to a small HVAC business.
Topics in Sean’s interview:
Founding and exiting his own company
Going hard with cold outreach
Hiring an offshore assistant to source deals
Entrepreneurs are risk reducers
Building an offshore back of house team
Paying mostly in cash for the business
His decisive leadership style
ETA is sales
Treating his low-SDE business like a start-up
Failed experiment with outbound marketing
References and how to contact Sean:
LinkedIn
Ice C Cool
Attend SMBash in Dallas, April 2-4, to meet fellow business buyers, operators, and investors:
SMBash.com
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Buying in a Small Market, Building a Regional Powerhouse
3 maart 2025 · 1 uur 50 min
Register for: Lees meer
Live Q&A with Jonathan Bournigal - Thu March 19 - https://bit.ly/41lwPwc
Webinar: 5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu March 6 - https://bit.ly/41m0o0i
Jonathan Bournigal returned to his native Dominican Republic to buy a business. He found a small one and has 6x'd it.
Topics in Jonathan’s interview:
Boomer-owned businesses vs family-run businesses
Avoiding the label of “tire kicker”
Searching in a country the size of Rhode Island
Why multiples are higher in the Dominican Republic
Selling when your life depends on it
Real estate: own or rent?
Venture capital vs. growth equity vs. LBO
Growing the business without debt
Pros and cons of dominating the market in a small country
How to structure investor terms in markets where exits are rare
References and how to contact Jonathan:
LinkedIn
BUNKER
Carabela Search and Management
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@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 of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Build a Holdco Foundation: Patiently
27 februari 2025 · 1 uur 20 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu March 6 - https://bit.ly/435spfe
Barker Squire has grown his crane servicing business gradually over 6 years. Now he turns his attention to what's next.
Topics in Barker’s interview:
Leading teams in the Marine Corps
Getting a conventional loan instead of SBA
Keeping his ears open in seller meetings
Pros and cons of government contracts
Employees walking out
Staying safe in a dangerous job
The owner staying as an employee
Growing revenue 3x in 6 years
His vision to build a holdco
Promoting an employee to CEO
References and how to contact Barker:
LinkedIn
Barker's album on Spotify
Craneworks, Inc.
John Gilson
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 mark@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Back from the Brink: When Everybody Quits Day 1
24 februari 2025 · 1 uur 29 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
First 100 Days: Survive & Thrive as a New Business Owner - Wed Feb 26 - https://bit.ly/4hFqGle
24 hours into Jack Carr's ownership of a tiny HVAC business, disaster struck. Just 2.5 years later, it did $3m in sales.
Topics in Jack’s interview:
All HVAC techs quit on the first day
Buying an HVAC business with no physical location
Why he feels like his 2x multiple was too high
Teaching himself HVAC skills via YouTube
How he prices a book of business
His process for retaining customers after acquisition
Value of a business owner community
How Google reviews keep the phone ringing
Understanding the risk of buying small
Listening to your employees without being held hostage
References and how to contact Jack:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Owned and Operated
Pete Ciaverilla on Acquiring Minds: Bullseye: Buying a $1m SDE Business in a Hot Industry
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
Listen to Meeting of the Minds, our new sister podcast about independent sponsors and deal-by-deal private equity:
YouTube, Spotify, Apple
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Buy & Transform a 120-Year-Old Manufacturer
20 februari 2025 · 1 uur 44 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Using a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a Business - Thu Feb 20 - https://bit.ly/3QjGZYR
First 100 Days: Survive & Thrive as a New Business Owner - Wed Feb 26 - https://bit.ly/4hCxC2G
Subscribe to the new podcast, Meeting of the Minds:
On YouTube
Spotify & Apple links coming soon!
Lucas Philips bought a niche manufacturer with $200k SDE, aiming to make it an ecommerce/DTC business. It's working.
Topics in Lucas’s interview:
How his startup mindset influenced his acquisition
Buying a super-niche manufacturer at age 23
Motivating staff (or not) with $3/hr raises
Learning to fire and trust his instincts
Modernizing the business
Advantages of buying a business young
Anxiety issues post-acquisition
How bolt-ons have lengthened the J curve
Expanding into the Porsche market
Looking ahead to using AI
References and how to contact Lucas:
LinkedIn
lucas@newarkauto.com
Newark Auto
Benjamin Ross Group
Ben Jasper on Acquiring Minds: Factory Life: Buying a Manufacturer with $1m SDE
The Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Behind Every Great Searcher: A Wife's Journey with Search
17 februari 2025 · 1 uur 52 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Using a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a Business - Thu Feb 20 - https://bit.ly/3X1BqSQ
Subscribe to the new podcast, Meeting of the Minds:
On YouTube
Spotify & Apple links coming soon!
Cliff & Christine Nelson navigated him buying a big but remote business while she was pregnant, then a first-time mom.
Topics in Cliff and Christine’s interview:
Highs and lows of the 2-year search
Cliff quitting his job right before Covid
Becoming parents and closing on a business the same week
What Cliff liked about the traditional search model
Acquiring a business with 100 employees
Being alone in an unfamiliar city as a new mom
Christine getting very sick during the move
Feeling like a bad father and a bad CEO at the same time
Experiencing the J curve
“I wouldn’t live through it again, but I’m glad we did it.”
References and how to contact Cliff and Christine:
Cliff LinkedIn
Christine LinkedIn
PsychoGeriatric Services
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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 mark@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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
Networking His Way to $800k SDE
13 februari 2025 · 1 uur 20 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Legal Aspects of Debt Financing - Thu Feb 13 - https://bit.ly/4aOwtlM
Using a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a Business - Thu Feb 20 - https://bit.ly/4hQbn9e
It took Alex Holley a few months of daily meetings to find a $4.5m home services business in his local Louisville, KY.
Topics in Alex’s interview:
Networking through 100 meetings in 4 months
Buying 2 businesses at once
Learning how to run a crew
Going on jobs to learn about the work
Leaving consulting for blue-collar industry
Owning weather-dependent businesses
Taking on a friend as a silent partner
A close call with payroll the first week
Building rapport with the employees
Having a blast in home services
References and how to contact Alex:
LinkedIn
BDry Systems of Louisville
RamJack
Adam Duggins on Acquiring Minds: From Determined Searcher to $75m Accidental Holdco
Ben Rizzo on Acquiring Minds: How a First-Timer Did a Turnaround (Including an Exit)
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
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
Credits:
Produced by Pam Cameron
Edited by Anton Rohozov
-
Buy, Grow, Exit for a 24x Return in 3.5 Years
10 februari 2025 · 1 uur 10 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Legal Aspects of Debt Financing - Thu Feb 13 - https://bit.ly/414vOtc
Using a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a Business - Thu Feb 20 - https://bit.ly/42I4dPY
Former guest Chris Edwards has sold the $1.7m flooring business he bought with $200k of his own money and an SBA loan.
Topics in Chris’s interview:
Why he chose to sell his flooring business
Deciding not to rebrand
Owning and operating in a small, isolated town
A countertop acquisition that went south
How a holdco is different from running one business
Fetal positions and sleepless nights
Improving their customer service
Why he might build his next business from scratch
Losing clients to a former employee
Growing EBITDA from $500k to $1.1M
References and how to contact Chris:
Twitter
LinkedIn
chris@sanitasequity.com
Chris’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Survive Acquiring a $3.5m Flooring Business
Chris’s second appearance on Acquiring Minds: Would They Do It Again? 1 Year Later with 5 Early Guests
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Credits:
Produced by Pam Cameron
Edited by Anton Rohozov
-
How to Lead a Trades Business Without Knowing the Trade
6 februari 2025 · 1 uur 24 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu Feb 6 - https://bit.ly/4aNHmEz
Legal Aspects of Debt Financing - Thu Feb 13 - https://bit.ly/3PXBEX6
Industry-agnostic Trip Biesanz brought his sales skills to a glass fabrication & install business doing $3m in revenue.
Topics in Trip’s interview:
Being a franchisee for 7 years
Networking through MBBI and XPX
Working with Calder Capital to find a business
Narrowing down his search to construction
Value he saw in long-term employees
Managing cashflow in construction
Relying on his team in an unfamiliar trades business
Competitive nature of construction
Highs and lows of running a business
Franchising compared to owning an independent shop
References and how to contact Trip:
LinkedIn
G&C Glass, Mirror & Construction
MBBI
XPX
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
-
How to Move the Needle in a $600k SDE Trades Business
3 februari 2025 · 1 uur 41 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu Feb 6 - https://bit.ly/3En1vFu
Legal Aspects of Debt Financing - Thu Feb 13 - https://bit.ly/3EjjOex
7 months into ownership of a $2m fencing business, Kirk Olson is learning how to manage culture, tech, and cash flow.
Topics in Kirk’s interview:
Achieving financial independence, but deciding not to retire
Buying a business for a total life upgrade
Negotiating with very difficult sellers
Structuring real estate into the deal
Returning after the first deal died
Sales dropping after the transition
Learning to calculate the cost of a job
Introducing a CRM and ditching the fax
Making Mike’s Fencing a great place to work
Turning on digital marketing
References and how to contact Kirk:
kolson@mikesfencing.com
Mike’s Fencing
John Murphy’s episode: The Double Life of Owning a Business 2.5 Hours Away
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 mark@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
-
Awakening to Entrepreneurship to Buy a Not-Boring Business
30 januari 2025 · 1 uur 42 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Legal Preparation for Your Search - Thu Jan 30 - https://bit.ly/4hlhlic
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu Feb 6 - https://bit.ly/3Qautet
When Shell Zhang recognized her own tolerance for risk she stepped off a linear path to buy a $600k SDE travel business.
Topics in Shell’s interview:
Buying a group tour business
Overcoming key-person risk
Going from a regional company to a national company
Avoiding “boring businesses”
Paying over asking price for the business
Why payment processors consider her business “high risk”
Starting from zero with online marketing
What her clients love about the business
Possible areas for growth
Her goal of redoing the website
References and how to contact Shell:
LinkedIn
Nada’s Italy
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
From this page or contact mark@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
-
How a Couple Left Tech to Buy a Business Together
27 januari 2025 · 1 uur 17 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Legal Preparation for Your Search - Thu Jan 30 - https://bit.ly/4heHi35
5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu Feb 6 - https://bit.ly/4h7HOQj
Ray & Dana Chery sensed a need for change in their careers. A 26-year-old portable sink manufacturer was the answer.
Topics in Dana and Ray’s interview:
Going all-in as a couple buying a business
How they beat out 50 other buyers
Moving from the finance world to manufacturing
Buying a portable sink manufacturer
How Ray applies his banking skills
Revamping the website and logo
Opportunities to sell to more school districts
Challenge of prioritizing tasks at the business
Their vision to grow the company to 8 figures
Wide variety of use cases for portable sinks
References and how to contact Dana and Ray:
Ray’s LinkedIn
Dana’s LinkedIn
Monsam Portable Sinks
Will Gano on Acquiring Minds: After 4 Years of Part-Time Searching, Success
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
Produced by Pam Cameron -
How to Survive Buying into a Terrible Industry
23 januari 2025 · 2 uur 4 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
•Legal Preparation for Your Search - Thu Jan 30 - https://bit.ly/3CbswuP
Months into his ownership, Ayo Phillips realized his industry was fatally flawed. He survived and 5 years later, exited.
Topics in Ayo’s interview:
Acquiring with funding from a family office
Buying a declining business in a competitive industry
Unethical practices within his industry
Being honest about your motivation to buy a business
Losing 19 employees who became competitors
Treating his business like a startup
Pivoting from countertops to driveways
The toll the business took on his family
Successfully exiting the business
His 16 Commandments of Search
References and how to contact Ayo:
The 16 Commandments of Acquisition Entrepreneurship
LinkedIn
Twitter
Operators Coach
Twitter thread
LP First Capital
Thomas Ince
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
Credits:
Edited by Anton Rohozov
Produced by Pam Cameron -
The $50m Lifestyle Holdco
20 januari 2025 · 1 uur 45 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
•Is It a Fair Multiple? The Art of Making Your Offer - Wed Jan 22 - https://bit.ly/4asGoxw
•Legal Preparation for Your Search - Thu Jan 30 - https://bit.ly/3CbswuPAbhi Ravishankar & 3 partners devised a novel holdco structure to prioritize flexibility, cash flow, and the long term.
Topics in Abhi’s interview:
Going from BCG partner to small business buyer
Starting a holdco with 3 friends
Their primary and secondary partner model
Setting up contingency plans in their operating agreement
Goal of spending more time with family
Not taking on investors
Quickly learning about potential industries
Closing on a pool business in 6 weeks
4 add-ons in 18 months
Acquiring 2 ShelfGenie franchise locations
References and how to contact Abhi:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Marc Nzojibwami’s episode: The Model for a 3-way Longterm Holdco
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
-
How to 4x a Contracting Business in 3 Years
16 januari 2025 · 1 uur 34 min
Mike Heath bought a garage door installer from owners who didn't use email. He grew sales fast, but profits came harder. Lees meer
Topics in Michael’s interview:
Passing on a commercial cleaning business
Acquiring a garage door business with silent partners
Installing an operator on day one
Messy, unkempt books from the seller
Hitting a cashflow crisis
Bringing in a consultant and keeping her on full-time
Paying off the SBA loan early
Doubling their gross margin
Splitting revenue across 3 partners
Acquiring 2 pool businesses
References and how to contact Michael:
LinkedIn
Stateline Products of Missouri
Florida Pool and Spa
Pool King Recreation
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
-
How to Buy a $13m Business with No PG, No Investors
13 januari 2025 · 1 uur 28 min
Sale-leaseback and asset-based lending enabled Carlo Santelli to acquire and own 100% of a $3.5m EBITDA manufacturer. Lees meer
Topics in Carlo’s interview:
Applying 3x to Columbia before getting in
Leaving a finance career to buy a business
Why he only buys proprietary, not through brokers
Maintaining deal momentum when a seller is very busy
The power of asset-based lending
The power of a successful sale leaseback
Being comfortable learning as you go
How he thinks about risk
Closing on 4 businesses this year
His ambitious goal for next year
References and how to contact Carlo:
LinkedIn
carlo.santelli@gmail.com
Cortina Capital Partners
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
-
Bullseye: Buying a $1m SDE Business in a Hot Industry
9 januari 2025 · 1 uur 55 min
Pete Ciaverilla bought a $12m HVAC business, then grew earnings 50% in 3 years. His timing couldn't have been better. Lees meer
Topics in Peter’s interview:
Combining households with his parents while searching
Using a buy-side advisor
Funding less than 5% of the deal himself
Transitioning the seller’s family out of the business
Buying a company with 65 employees, $12M in revenue
Advantages of buying a bigger company
Balancing commercial and residential HVAC
Impact of seasonality on revenue
Why private equity likes HVAC
Feeling comfortable with taking on a large loan
References and how to contact Peter:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
-
Taking a Flower Shop from $600k to $9 Million
6 januari 2025 · 1 uur 50 min
Michael Jacobson bought his uncle's barely-profitable 45-year-old flower shop in LA. In 4 years he's grown it 16x. Lees meer
Topics in Michael’s interview:
Revamping his uncle’s flower shop
Replacing the overpriced phone system
Building custom software for the floral industry
Why flower shops are hard to run
How “wire services” like 1-800 Flowers work
Switching to Google Ads for better ROI
Doubling revenue with a new website
Operating as a digital-first brand with physical locations
Becoming the French Florist franchise
Why he’s not interested in private equity money
References and how to contact Michael:
LinkedIn
michael@frenchflorist.com
French Florist
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email 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
-
The Path to Becoming a Better Operator & Strategist
2 januari 2025 · 1 uur 24 min
Tim Lahey has doubled the $1.6m company he bought, and buying small has prepared him well for the next phase of growth. Lees meer
Topics in Tim’s interview:
Being inspired by Doug Cook
Looking for a “dusty, not rusty” business
Partnering with an M&A firm to search
Acquiring a home technology company
Getting bitten on a cashflow crunch
Handling customer complaints as the owner
Culture of small businesses
Changing too much too fast
Listening for what customers want
Challenges of buying small
References and how to contact Tim:
LinkedIn
timlahey@rhometech.com
r:home
The Trusted Advisor
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
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First-Timer Buys 8-Figure Business 4 Hours Away
30 december 2024 · 1 uur 31 min
Nick Molina on how he found, acquired, & plans to manage a 275-employee business in Minneapolis from his home in Miami. Lees meer
Topics in Nick’s interview:
Taking his first company public in 1998
His unwillingness to retire
The tremendous cost of start-ups
Which state he won’t do business in
Buying a business he doesn’t have to operate
Importance of listening in sales
Living in Miami while owning a business in Minneapolis
What makes a good property management business
Using a loan broker
Appeal of keeping a business in his family
References and how to contact Nick:
LinkedIn
Twitter
nick@endangeredinvestments.com
Endangered Investments
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
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How to Buy Franchise Businesses, Then Sell to PE
26 december 2024 · 1 uur 11 min
After buying then exiting a 12-unit franchise portfolio, Alicia Miller became expert on how to attract private equity. Lees meer
Topics in Alicia’s interview:
Leaving her corporate career to buy a franchise
Acquiring a portfolio of Sylvan Learning Centers
Turning around unprofitable locations
Her tips for negotiating an acquisition
How private equity has impacted franchising
Acquiring existing franchise locations vs. de novo development
Which brands attract private equity and why
New brands that are disrupting their industries
Why Subway has value despite closing locations
How emerging franchise brands change as they grow
References and how to contact Alicia:
LinkedIn
Big Money In Franchising by Alicia Miller
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
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From Frustrated Searcher to $3.5m Owner to Holdco Builder
23 december 2024 · 1 uur 23 min
Dismissed by brokers, Simon Plummer bought & grew a manufacturer 75% in 3 years. Today he's building a long-term holdco. Lees meer
Topics in Simon’s interview:
Creating the “BizBuySell” of Australia
Buying a manufacturing business
Difficulty of acquisition in Australia
Running the machines himself for 18 months
Learning from his cashflow mistakes
Launching their brand in the UK, US, and Canada
How a bricklaying YouTuber skyrocketed sales
Finding and hiring a CEO
Anxiety of owning a small business
Building a long-term holding company
References and how to contact Simon:
LinkedIn
Arbor Permanent Owners
BT Engineering USA
BT Engineering Australia
Rowan Grant
Jason Andrew
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
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
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Perils in Partnership: Plumbing Acquisition Gone Wrong
19 december 2024 · 1 uur 31 min
Josh Key partnered with a master plumber from his church to acquire a plumbing business doing $1.25m. It ended badly. Lees meer
Topics in Josh’s interview:
Buying a plumbing business with a partner
Quitting his job to go all-in
Inadequate due diligence on his partner
His partner’s wife getting involved in the business
Emotional outbursts and threats from his partner
Employees and clients leaving due to the partner
Closing the business and filing for bankruptcy
What he learned about due diligence
How his mindset is guided by his faith
What he wants to do next
References and how to contact Josh:
josh@castlekeyholdings.com
LinkedIn
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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
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Adjusting to Life in a Nocturnal Business (with $525k SDE)
16 december 2024 · 1 uur 35 min
Tom & Dawson Matter bought a vent cleaning business operating out of a parking lot. The transition has been interesting. Lees meer
Topics in Tom and Dawson’s interview:
Teaming up to acquire Pro Duct Cleaning
The nocturnal, detailed, messy nature of the work
Tom keeping his W-2 while Dawson runs operations
Maintaining a 42% margin
Learning to deal with angry customers
Upgrading the equipment and facilities
Hiring Dawson’s wife to help with operations
Switching from Google Calendar to a real CRM
Trouble communicating with employees
Chasing down payment from clients
References and how to contact Tom and Dawson:
Pro Duct Cleaning
info@pdcleaning.com
Dan Tagliatela on Acquiring Minds: Reward for a Brutal Transition: $760k EBITDA on 3 Hours/Week
George Vallone on Acquiring Minds: When Buying Small Goes Right (3x Growth)
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
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How (and Why) to Buy an Electrical Business
12 december 2024 · 1 uur 35 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Where Searchers Go Wrong, Part 2 - Thu Dec 12 - https://bit.ly/3VtCvC1
Fred McGill liked the trades and zeroed in on electrical. The $3.2m business he bought is likely to grow 25% in year 1.
Topics in Fred’s interview:
Founding a real estate start-up
Comparing rental income to small business
Acquiring an electrical company
Reassuring employees during transition
Learning how to hire electricians
Compensation in the electrical industry
Growth through digital marketing
Miscalculating working capital
Importance of making the phone ring
Helping searchers through Blue Collar Advisory
References and how to contact Fred:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Bray Electrical Services
fred@bluecollaradvisory.com
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email 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
-
First Acquisition in March, $200m by Year End
9 december 2024 · 1 uur 44 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Where Searchers Go Wrong, Part 2 - Thu Dec 12 - https://bit.ly/4igqBVQ
Jordan Dubin and his partners are rolling up a home services industry. They blew by their 5-year goal in the first year.
Topics in Jordan’s interview:
Partnering with his 2 friends
Hand writing 200 letters to potential sellers
Building a platform of garage door businesses
Maintaining local brands
Why private equity hasn’t picked over the industry yet
How they chose the garage door market
Building trust through honesty
Hitting $20 million EBITDA in the first year
Beachhead and tuck-in strategies
The role of timing in acquisition success
References and how to contact Jordan:
LinkedIn
Guild Garage Group
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
-
Buying in a Huge but Overlooked Market
5 december 2024 · 1 uur 21 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Where Searchers Go Wrong, Part 2 - Thu Dec 12 - https://bit.ly/41ivxUl
Fragmentation & an enormous TAM drew Jonathon Tupper to buy a 30-year-old business in the asset-based lending industry.
Topics in Jonathon’s interview:
Moving from politics to investment management
Importance of liquidity
Factoring: a form of asset-based lending
What kinds of businesses benefit from factoring
Buying a factoring business
Acquiring without an SBA loan
Paying 2x EBITDA
Competing with banks and other lenders
Running a Houston business from Southern California
Challenge of hiring good employees
References and how to contact Jonathon:
LinkedIn
Jobe Services Inc.
jonathont@jsifactoring.com
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
-
The Thrill & Validation of Becoming an Owner
2 december 2024 · 1 uur 35 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
• Where Searchers Go Wrong, Part 2 - Thu Dec 12 - https://bit.ly/4f0320C
Michael Johnson started searching in April. Today he's having the time of his life as owner of a $1.2m printing business.
Topics in Michael’s interview:
Marine Corps experience in Iraq
Acquiring a vending machine
Frustration with his W-2 job
Acquiring a SpeedPro location
Ups and downs of negotiation and funding
Frustrating first day as owner
High demand for printing car wraps
Empowering employees to be autonomous
Hiring his wife to work in the business
What he loves about the franchise model
References and how to contact Michael:
LinkedIn
The one-pager Michael used during outreach
SpeedPro NW Raleigh
Dominick Blue on Acquiring Minds: Buying & Growing a Business While Keeping a Day Job
Jesse Safir on Acquiring Minds: Surviving the Nightmare: Sales Plunge 95%
Dan Verboski on Acquiring Minds: Candid Reflections on 7 Years of SMB Ownership
Jarett Berke on Acquiring Minds: When a Restaurant is a Great Business to Buy
Adam Markley on Acquiring Minds: Getting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a Holdco
Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of 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
-
Micro-Acquiring to $300k SDE on 5 Hours Per Week
27 november 2024 · 1 uur 27 min
Link Moser built a nearly-passive business portfolio by acquiring tiny web design & hosting shops on favorable terms. Lees meer
Topics in Link’s interview:
Learning to build websites in the 90’s
Starting a web design/hosting business
Sending out letters to target businesses
Acquiring other digital marketing agencies nearby
Integrating the businesses he bought
Customer attrition rates during transition
Getting bored with passive income
Considering buying a traditional, non-digital business
Willingness to sell his own business
Pros and cons of remote work
References and how to contact Link:
LinkedIn
Windhill Design
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
Book a call with Tim or email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
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
-
High Margin & Big Upside in Lice Treatment
25 november 2024 · 1 uur 38 min
Derek Croft bought a $1m SDE business with a national footprint in an unusual niche. Just don't call him The Lice King. Lees meer
Topics in Derek’s interview:
Leaving Bain to search for a business
Acquiring LiceDoctors
Why it’s good for a profitable business to be imperfect
Personal satisfaction from helping customers
Payroll emergency on day 2
Competition in the lice removal industry
High staff turnover despite good pay
Speeding up their response time
Raising public awareness of their service
His goal to double in 5 years
References and how to contact Derek:
LinkedIn
LiceDoctors
ETA Circle
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:
Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
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