Alle afleveringen
504 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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How 2 Entrepreneurs are Rolling Up a New Market
18 november 2024 · 1 uur 46 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
• Understanding the Waterfall - Thu Nov 21 - https://bit.ly/3AMj6Fk
Francisco Del Rio & Diego Silva are 5 acquisitions into a venture to consolidate veterinary practices in Chile & beyond.
Topics in Francisco & Diego’s interview:
Vetting each other before partnering
Teaming up to roll up vet clinics in Chile
Pitching themselves to clinic owners
Searching during strict Covid lockdowns
Educating owners about business valuation
Understanding the seller’s perspective
Making variable compensation work
Teaching receptionists to use sales scripts
Finding investors and growing the business
Vision to expand to neighboring countries
References and how to contact Francisco & Diego:
Diego Silva LinkedIn
diego@latamvet.com
Francisco del Rio LinkedIn
francisco@latamvet.com
Latam Vet
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 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
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How to Become an Independent Sponsor
14 november 2024 · 1 uur 43 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Where Searchers Go Wrong - Thu Nov 14 - https://bit.ly/3O0im2a
Legal Office Hours: Understanding the Waterfall - Thu Nov 21 - https://bit.ly/3O3zqo2
Sam Rosati & partners built the Sunbelt's largest commercial fencing contractor in 3 years. But the origins were modest.
Topics in Sam’s interview:
His background in accounting and law
Being inspired by Chenmark and Brent Beshore
Acquiring Alpha Dumpsters with his brother
Birth of SMBash
Origin story of SMB Law
How an independent sponsor differs from a self-funded searcher
Investing in a commercial fencing business
The role of luck in success
Acquiring and consolidating fence businesses
Partnering with private equity
References and how to contact Sam:
LinkedIn
Twitter
SMBootcamp
Chandler Reed on Acquiring Minds: Boom, Bust, Boom: Buying a Whiplash Business
John Hubbard on Acquiring Minds: Why Buy a Small Manufacturing Business? and Time to Sell? Growing EBITDA from $750k to $2m
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
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
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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The 2 Professors Who Helped Start the ETA Movement
11 november 2024 · 1 uur 32 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Where Searchers Go Wrong - Thu Nov. 14 - https://bit.ly/40HZtZK
Legal Office Hours: Understanding the Waterfall - Thu Nov 24 - https://bit.ly/4hEzVTh
The story behind "Rick & Royce", who've probably done more to grow entrepreneurship through acquisition than anyone.
Topics in Rick and Royce’s interview:
How they met in academia
Growth of their ETA class at Harvard
Unexpected success of their book
Satisfaction of changing students’ lives
Thoughts on their sons searching for businesses
Partner/family perspectives on search
Value of learning about failed acquisitions
How attitudes about small business have transformed
Using their podcast to educate about small business
Thoughts on pursuing wealth
References and how to contact Rick and Royce:
The book: HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business
The podcast: Think Big, Buy Small
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
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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Buying a Job to Build a Business
7 november 2024 · 1 uur 16 min
When he realized he was willing to do the work himself, Matthew Railla bought a $500k SDE termite inspection business. Lees meer
Topics in Matt’s interview:
His family’s culture of entrepreneurship
His background running a winery
Becoming a business broker
Buying his own listing
Buying a tough-to-sell business
Getting an SBA loan using the new partial buyout rules
Crawling under houses himself to learn the trade
Seller agreeing to teach him for 2 years
The 3 branches of pest control
His plan to expand the business
References and how to contact Matt:
LinkedIn
matt@toptermiteco.com
https://www.toptermiteco.com
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
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
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$6m Business, 3 Minutes From Childhood Home
4 november 2024 · 1 uur 16 min
Iris Levine bought a 30-year-old construction firm just steps from the rough Nashville neighborhood where she grew up. Lees meer
Topics in Iris’s interview:
Working 3 jobs to pay for college
Background in high-growth startups
Forming her own acquisition mastermind group
Finding an unlisted business through a broker
Buying a porch construction company
Putting 5% down without outside investors
Choosing to forego a quality of earnings
Adding technology for project management
Motivation to find work-life flexibility
Possibility of expanding their offerings
References and how to contact Iris:
LinkedIn
Episode #233 with Alan Lochridge
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
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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Buying a Business to Build a Life
31 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 27 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How to Run a 2-Year Search in 2 Months - Nov 1 - https://bit.ly/48sjkh9
Seattle-based Dan Drake & his wife wanted to raise their kids in Bend, Oregon. Buying a business allowed them to do it.
Topics in Dan’s interview:
His search in Bend, Oregon
Understanding negotiation tactics
Bundling the real estate with the business
His seller-financed deal
Renegotiating after sales dipped 20%
Pros and cons of having experienced staff
Explaining balloon payments
Giving back to Central Oregon
Meeting with top customers to understand their needs
Improving inventory management and website
References and how to contact Dan:
LinkedIn
Industrial Applied Electric
Negotiate Without Fear by Dr. Victoria Medvec
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
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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Buying & Building a $60m Manufacturer
28 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 53 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How to Run a 2-Year Search in 2 Months - Friday, Nov 1 - https://bit.ly/3YEN9YE
When, at age 29, Gat Caperton bought a furniture maker in his native West Virginia, he was also buying himself a career.
Topics in Gat’s interview:
Working for the legendary Sam Zell
Acquiring a furniture manufacturer in 1996
You’re better off with smart competitors than dumb competitors
Cutting his lead time in half the first year
Implementing lean manufacturing
Owning the business with his dad
China devastated US furniture manufacturing
Joining John Bassett to sue China for breaking trade laws
The evolution of “Made in America”
How to evaluate a furniture manufacturer
References and how to contact Gat:
LinkedIn
Gat Creek
Factory Man by Beth Macy
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt and Jeff Cox
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
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2 Years to Buy, Double & Exit a Medical Billing Firm
24 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 27 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Cap Tables 101: How Capital Structure Works When Buying a Business - Thu Oct 24 - https://bit.ly/3UihUQG
How to Run a 2-Year Search in 2 Months - Friday Nov 1 - https://bit.ly/3UfYJqz
Nik Hulewsky bought a $3.2m medical billing company during peak Covid, anticipating a surge in demand. He was right.
Topics in Nik’s interview:
Tragedy that ignited his passion for hospice
Losing his job while his wife was in labor
Searching for a business to fit his skillset
Industry is more important than business
Margins in home health
Calculating return on brain damage
Learning firsthand about the J curve
Importance of relationship with the seller
Being in business with his brother-in-law
Advice for young entrepreneurs
References and how to contact Nik:
Twitter
Cofounders.com
Nikonomics
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)
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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Small SDE, Big Upside: Buying a Business with 5 Employees
21 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 23 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Cap Tables 101: How Capital Structure Works When Buying a Business - Thu Oct 24 - https://bit.ly/4dR5CWq
How to Run a 2-Year Search in 2 Months - Friday Nov 1 - https://bit.ly/4dQifkn
Kristiana Laugen left tech to buy a 40-year-old pool business with $300k SDE. Fast growth from a small base is the plan.
Topics in Kristiana’s interview:
Her career working for start-ups
Her desire to “eat what she kills”
Finding a business sooner than expected
Acquiring a commercial pool maintenance/repair business
How commercial pool maintenance differs from residential
Quickly firing all but one technician
Making changes in the first 90 days
Seller retained 5% equity
Using an app for routing efficiency
The numbers game of hiring
References and how to contact Kristiana:
LinkedIn
klaugen119@gmail.com
Twitter
RD Pools, Spas & Fountains
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
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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Leaving Amazon to Buy a $3m Apparel Brand
17 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 54 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
Cap Tables 101: How Capital Structure Works When Buying a Business - Thu Oct 24 - https://bit.ly/3zTykbc
Tech industry vet Eric Bauer wanted to build something for himself. Buying a hat brand across the country was the path.
Topics in Eric’s interview:
Skills he acquired during 10 years at Amazon
Moving from Seattle to Alabama to buy a business
Red flags in business listings
Comparing BizBuySell and Axial for business search
Acquiring a hat distributor
Solving problems with hat sizing
Learning how to motivate his staff
Hiring difficulties
Inventory management complexities
Self-confidence as a business owner
References and how to contact Eric:
eric@turnerhat.com
LinkedIn
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 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
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Business Collapse After Going All-In
14 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 39 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Due Diligence Office Hours - Wed Oct 16 - https://bit.ly/4h3R74o
Cap Tables 101: How Capital Structure Works When Buying a Business - Thu Oct 24 - https://bit.ly/3zT8sMA
Justin Willess liquidated his 401k to buy a $8.5m construction business. He lost the business and may lose his house.
Topics in Justin’s interview:
Frustration with his consulting career
Buying a construction company
Construction landscape in Northern Virginia
Discovering cooked books after transition
Seller refused to release promised funds
Emptying his 401k to make payroll
Calm is contagious
Closing the business
What he learned from the failed acquisition
Why he wants to acquire again
References and how to contact Justin:
LinkedIn
justinwilless@gmail.com
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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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Margins in Mulch: Buying a $1m Erosion Control Business
10 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 33 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Which Business Should You Buy? - Thu Oct 10 - https://bit.ly/3TYdVZ8
Due Diligence Office Hours - Wed Oct 16 - https://bit.ly/3BznZl0
As a banker Greg Bruns dealt with business owners, wanting what they had. When a friend bought a business, he saw a way.
Topics in Greg’s interview:
Leaving his banking career to buy a business
Big risks of doing an asset sale
How ownership is different than expected
Risks and benefits to buying small
Why erosion control matters to infrastructure
Being tied to the construction industry
Managing cashflow in a project-based business
How weather affects his bottom line
Involving his employees in business decisions
The good/bad of keeping the seller in the business
References and how to contact Greg:
LinkedIn
Twitter
greg@alliedhydromulch.com
Allied Hydromulch
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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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The Model for a 3-Way, Long-Term Holdco
7 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 12 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Which Business Should You Buy? - Thu Oct 10 - https://bit.ly/47TzaBc
Marc Nzojibwami and 2 partners bought a business in Calgary, with a plan to keep buying (and without investor capital).
Topics in Marc’s interview:
Early attempts at launching companies in university
Acquiring with 2 partners
Their plan to build a holdco together
Acquiring a 40 year old sign shop
Financing their deal in Canada
Negotiating purchase price and seller note
One change they made immediately
Growing EBITDA 30% the first year
Challenges and benefits of partnerships
Searching full-time for his next acquisition
References and how to contact Marc:
LinkedIn
marc@auxano.ca
ABL Imaging Group
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 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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Why Sell to Private Equity: Former Guest Has an Exit
3 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 30 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Which Business Should You Buy? - Thu Oct 10 - https://bit.ly/4gQqKP5
Taylor Wallace & Tyler O'Connor return to discuss selling to private equity & the painful reality of managing people.
Topics in Taylor’s interview:
Evaluating the risk/reward of selling to private equity
Selling to private equity but not exiting
Good PE vs. bad PE
Transition to a corporate structure
Comparing outcomes with tech startups
References and how to contact Taylor:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Taylor Wallace’s original Acquiring Minds interview: Buying Doggy Daycares After 10 Years in Tech
Topics in Tyler’s interview:
Comparing his military service with business ownership
Unexpected hospitality aspect of the business
Being both CEO and the sales department
Delegating more to his general manager
Working capital in a seasonal business
References and how to contact Tyler:
Tyler O’Connor’s original Acquiring Minds interview: Using $100k to Buy a 7-Figure Dream Business
SMBootcamp
Bird Golf Academy
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
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Turning Around a Blue Collar Business in Decline
30 september 2024 · 1 uur 40 min
George Tibil & Keith Fields bought a $1.1m janitorial business with falling revenues. 9 months later, sales are up 60%. Lees meer
Topics in George and Keith’s interview:
Their dissatisfaction with the corporate ladder
Calling on Acquiring Minds guests for search advice
Acquiring a ServiceMaster Clean franchise location
What changed their minds about franchises
Firing their first employee before taking ownership
Cleaning all night when business was understaffed
Managing an immigrant-heavy workforce
Turning the culture around
40% growth without outbound sales
Power of good partnerships
References and how to contact George and Keith:
ServiceMaster Clean Buffalo
George Tibil LinkedIn
George Tibil Twitter
Keith Fields on LinkedIn
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
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When the Business Can't Be Saved: Resilience
26 september 2024 · 1 uur 19 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Legal Office Hours (Deal Structure & Its Tax Implications) - Thu Sept 26 - https://bit.ly/4dhSAAX
How to Hire an Operator to Replace Yourself - Fri Sept 27 - https://bit.ly/3MU6hLu
Dustin Fusillo bought a struggling ATM parts & services business. Unhappily, the decline continued under his ownership.
Topics in Dustin’s interview:
Starting a private school in Florida
Personal growth after divorce
Losing money in 3 business ventures
Reaching out to successful people for advice
Backing out of a bad deal after selling his home and moving
Buying a turnaround ATM business
Liquidating inventory to a competitor
Learning to manage anxiety and anger
Importance of an industry-specific accountant
His current role as a P&L manager
References and how to contact Dustin:
LinkedIn
Twitter
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 email hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
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
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The Appeal of Franchise Buying: $1m EBITDA in 2 Years
23 september 2024 · 1 uur 56 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Legal Office Hours (Deal Structure & Its Tax Implications) - Thu Sept 26 - https://bit.ly/4grubvD
How to Hire an Operator to Replace Yourself - Fri Sept 27 - https://bit.ly/3zgUbJr
Corey Robinson bought 4 locations in the legacy franchise Batteries Plus. He quickly bought 8 more, growing to $10m/yr.
Topics in Corey interview:
Leaving the security of his corporate job
What he likes about Batteries Plus
Buying an expansion location for $100k cash
Changing the culture at one location
Remotely managing Texan teams from Iowa
An HVAC acquisition that went poorly
What he learned about making big changes
Operating an independent business compared to a franchise
The toll it took to spread himself over multiple industries
His current role as an investor in small business acquisitions
References and how to contact Corey:
Webinar cited in the intro: How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur
LinkedIn
Instagram
Batteries Plus
Brian Beers Acquiring Minds interview
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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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One Year Into a Garage Door Business with $350k SDE
19 september 2024 · 1 uur 19 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Due Diligence Office Hours - Thu Sept 19 - https://bit.ly/3B2oF29
How Much to Budget for a Self-Funded Search - Fri Sept 20 - https://bit.ly/4e4FWpV
Legal Office Hours (Deal Structure & Its Tax Implications) - Thu Sept 26 - https://bit.ly/4emLEn1
How to Hire an Operator to Replace Yourself - Fri Sept 27 - https://bit.ly/3ZrbCl1
It was a revelation when Brittney Orellano heard about buying businesses. 6 months later, she'd done it herself.
Topics in Brittney’s interview:
Running a property management business while acquiring
Winning over the employees after transition
Unexpected costs of maintaining equipment
Cashflow problems led to layoffs in off-season
Getting used to project-based revenue
Putting an extra out-of-pocket $30k into the business
Using local service ads on Google through slow season
Being inspired by Codie Sanchez and Tommy Mello
Comparing startups with acquired businesses
Owning and operating a business with her husband
References and how to contact Brittney:
LinkedIn
brittney@rcgdg.com
Tommy Mello
Codie Sanchez
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
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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Buying the Neighborhood Nursery (with $800k in Earnings)
16 september 2024 · 1 uur 33 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Due Diligence Office Hours - Thu Sept 19 - https://bit.ly/4d27MSA
How Much to Budget for a Self-Funded Search - Fri Sept 20 - https://bit.ly/4gk4XPH
Legal Office Hours (Deal Structure & Its Tax Implications) - Thu Sept 26 - https://bit.ly/3zl0H1w
How to Hire an Operator to Replace Yourself - Fri Sept 27 - https://bit.ly/3TuzvEG
Rory Tyer bought the nursery where he'd been a loyal customer. Today it generates not just cash for him, but peace.
Topics in Rory’s interview:
Searching by driving around
Advantage of buying in a high-growth area
Buying a business his kids would be proud of
Getting a “screaming deal” on a garden center
Negotiating an unlisted deal
Explaining deal structure to a seller
Challenges of staffing a business with seasonality
Decision to stay closed on Sundays
Insurance costs tripling after acquisition
Gardening as the antidote to screen fatigue
References and how to contact Rory:
Twitter
LinkedIn
rory@spnursery.com
South Pleasantburg Nursery
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 $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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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Control & Family: Drivers of a Self-Funded Search
12 september 2024 · 1 uur 26 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Thu Sept 12 - How Big a Business Should You Buy? - https://bit.ly/3XmtR8v
Thu Sept 19 - Due Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/4ghprZb
Fri Sept 20 - How Much to Budget for a Self-Funded Search - https://bit.ly/4e1Qjeq
Acquiring a $2.5m pallet manufacturer was Michael Kelker's first step to building a legacy business for his family.
Topics in Michael’s interview:
Self-funded vs. traditional vs. independent sponsorship
Carrying on his family legacy in manufacturing
His goal of having control over his work
Acquiring a custom pallet manufacturer
Getting the deal done during Covid
Challenges with the appraisal
Navigating the lumber price surge
Hiring a banker as CFO
Learning from his employees and customers
Optimism despite pallet industry downturn
References and how to contact Michael:
LinkedIn
mkelker@timberlinepallet.com
GBR Riverdale
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
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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Building a Portfolio of Nostalgia Restaurants
9 september 2024 · 1 uur 31 min
Register here for the webinar, How Big a Business Should You Buy? Lees meer
https://bit.ly/4cSC6is
Topics in Jackson’s interview:
Fulfilling his dream of living on the beach
Transitioning from real estate to restaurants
Buying a nostalgic restaurant with his friend
Unique aspects of owning a business in a tourist town
Cashflow advantage in restaurants
Lack of competition for acquiring restaurants
Finding and installing an experienced operator
Evaluating a restaurant’s potential
Acquiring a second restaurant with 4 locations
Investing in equipment and technology that increases sales
References and how to contact Jackson:
Cowboy Group
Jackson Speaks Twitter
Jackson Speak's LinkedIn
Pizza by the Sea
Cowgirl Kitchen
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
-
White-Collar Sisters Buy a Blue-Collar Business
5 september 2024 · 1 uur 19 min
Register here for the webinar, How Big a Business Should You Buy? Lees meer
https://bit.ly/4dPunmC
Without backgrounds in business, Julie & Janna Hottinger have grown the $2.1m trades business they bought last year 50%.
Topics in Julie and Janna’s interview:
Being warned away from the asphalt industry
Sisters who bought a construction business
How the seller worked to ease the transition
Acquiring with no prior business experience
Slowly taking the all-paper business digital
Cash flow challenges as a subcontractor
Building trust with the existing team
Growing revenue by hiring more employees
How Covid affected commercial business spaces
Why industry trends aren’t always accurate
References and how to contact Julie and Janna:
Janna’s LinkedIn
Janna Twitter
Julie’s LinkedIn
Julie Twitter
janna@signature-woodworking.com
julie@signature-woodworking.com
Signature Woodworking
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
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
-
Leaving Corporate to Buy a $4m Manufacturer
3 september 2024 · 1 uur 47 min
An engineer at heart, Mike Dey set his sights on buying a manufacturing business for the next stage of his career. Lees meer
Topics in Michael’s interview:
Pivoting from aerospace engineering to business ownership
Selling his real estate investment to buy a business
Beware turning your passion into your income
Buying a business in his 40’s
How risky is business ownership?
The risk build-up model of valuing a business
Saying no to a friend’s investment
Buying a business bundled with real estate
Managing a blue collar workforce
Having to suddenly switch lenders
References and how to contact Michael:
LinkedIn
Twitter
American Spray Technologies
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
-
Exited but Tired: 5 Years in a Hard Business
29 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 34 min
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues Lees meer
https://bit.ly/4dWmPxV
After 5 years of owning a scale business, Matt Bauer & Chris Hartman were burning out. Fortunately they'd created value.
Topics in Matt and Chris’s interview:
Two military buddies bought a scale business
Demanding grind of the industry
Downside of providing a mission-critical service
Building a sales team to grow the business
Challenges in training technicians
Attempting to acquire a competitor
Doubling earnings in 5 years
Deciding it was time to sell
Their 8-figure exit
Investing in a port-a-potty startup
References and how to contact Matt and Chris:
Matt Bauer LinkedIn
Chris Hartman LinkedIn
Chris Hartman Twitter
12 South Capital Partners
----- SPONSORS -----
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
-
Young Couple Starts a Family Business By Buying One
26 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 20 min
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3ySUJ7R
Topics in Meredith & Michael’s interview:
Buying an employment screening company
The seller staying on as an employee
Strict industry regulations serve as a moat
Upgrading technology after acquisition
How the seller eased clients through the transition
Why they’re not worried about AI
Meredith’s growth as a manager
Buying a business as a young couple
Why this may be a difficult industry to roll up
Personal impact of owning a business
References and how to contact Meredith & Michael:
Meredith LinkedIn
Michael LinkedIn
Meredith Twitter
Michael Twitter
BackgroundConnect
----- SPONSORS -----
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 $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th:
M&A Launchpad Conference & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS
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
-
Investor Perspective on Self-Funded Search
22 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 26 min
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3YQP2lp
Niklas James, Adam Borcz, and Tony Cappeart reflect on terms, risk & reward of the still-young self-funded search model.
Topics in Search Investor Roundtable:
White collar buyers of blue collar businesses
Desirable traits for searchers
Balancing investor returns and personal gains
3 common modeling mistakes
Role of put options in deals
How searchers sabotage their own deals
Realistic expectations for business growth
Hope is not a strategy
Operational experience trumps finance knowledge
Self-funded search terms
References and how to contact panelists:
Niklas James LinkedIn
Adam Borcz LinkedIn
Tony Cappaert LinkedIn
Adam Borcz’s Acquiring Minds interview
Niklas James’s Acquiring Minds interview
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
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
-
5 Businesses Acquired with a Long-Term Hold Model
19 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 37 min
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues Lees meer
https://bit.ly/46OH4LN
Ryan Sullivan's group is buying businesses with investor capital, SBA loans & operating partners — but it's not a fund.
Topics in Ryan’s interview:
“Moneyball approach” to buying businesses
Making a career change at 48
Why it’s hard to find a good business
Buying and holding manufacturing businesses
Operating a holdco with 5 partners
Generating returns from cash flows, not exits
How soon to make changes (and exceptions)
What he loves about having partners
Funding deals one at a time
Moving a business and retaining 100% of staff
References and how to contact Ryan:
LinkedIn
North Park Group
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
-
SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market
15 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 21 min
3 top players in SBA lending to the searcher ecosystem discuss what they're seeing in the market as of summer 2024. Lees meer
Topics in SBA Lender Roundtable:
Role of personal guarantee in SBA loan
Why valuations remain high
Rising amount of equity in deals
How to find the right lender
Industries: what’s hot, what’s not
Financing for fast-growth businesses
Increase in forgivable seller notes
More re-trading in recent years
Importance of buyer-seller trust
SBA rule changes and their impact
References and how to contact panelists:
Lisa Forrest LinkedIn
Lisa Forrest Twitter
Lisa's weekly office hours on Wednesdays & Thursdays
Matt Dolsky LinkedIn
Brad Hettich LinkedIn
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
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
-
One Couple, 4 Kids, and a Business 3 Hours Away
12 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 43 min
Gabe Perez sought a way out of corporate while Kristen sought a way back to working. Buying a $4m business offered both. Lees meer
Topics in Gabe and Kristen's interview:
The role Acquiring Minds played in their acquisition
Acquiring a cold storage manufacturer
Paying a premium for a growing company
Buying a business three hours away
Risks of taking on big projects
Implementing video conferencing
Impact of business ownership on their family
Keeping business and family time separate
Getting his lender comfortable with the business’s cyclicality
Their goal of creating a great workplace
References and how to contact Gabe & Kristen:
Gabe’s LinkedIn
Kristen’s LinkedIn
kristen@rsofne.com
Refrigerated Structures of New England
New Majority Capital
Christian Bateson’s episode
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
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
-
After 4 Years of Part-Time Searching, Success
8 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 14 min
Will Gano was rewarded for his persistence & vision when he bought an 8-figure, 125-year-old ingredients manufacturer. Lees meer
Topics in Will Gano’s interview:
Getting experience in the food industry
Doing outreach while working full time
Hiring a buy-side broker to search for him
Going through years of “search purgatory”
Writing a personal letter with his LOI
Buying a food ingredient manufacturer
The upside of losing a major client before the transaction
Importance of food safety
Jumping through hoops for licensing
Influence from his late grandfather
References and how to contact Will Gano:
LinkedIn
Bear Stewart
Calder Capital
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
-
Buy Fast: A Good Reason to Buy Small
5 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 28 min
Rob Carpenter was eager to start operating, so it only took 90 days to start searching then buy a $200k SDE business. Lees meer
Topics in Rob’s interview:
His background in AI and software development
His desire for a lower-stress lifestyle
Prioritizing speed in his business search
Changing his mind about franchises
Buying 3 Merry Maids territories
Digitizing processes in the business
How labor turnover affects customer turnover
Benefits of a negative cash cycle
Comparing startup culture with running a small business
Possibilities of bolt-ons in the future
References and how to contact Rob:
rob@frostrivercapital.com
LinkedIn
Merry Maids
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
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
-
Tangible & Collectible: Buying a Consumer Product Company
1 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 15 min
Years after one venture ended in failure, Jeff Velker bought a $2.5m pen maker with a strong brand & devoted customers. Lees meer
Topics in Jeff’s interview:
His experience as a franchisee
Bankruptcy after the 2008 crash
The difference between buying a job and owning a business
Losing his favorite pen led him to a pen company
Appeal of pens in our digital age
Acquiring with 2 partners
Negotiating with a seller who won’t go lower
Getting buy-in from spouses
The risks of having his manufacturer in Taiwan
His goal of $10M in 10 years
References and how to contact Jeff:
LinkedIn
jeff@retro51.com
Retro 51
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
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
-
White Collar Roll-Up from $700k to $12m
29 juli 2024 · 1 uur 47 min
Jordan Evans left tech & bought a tiny, decades-old language services business. 6 years later, revenue is 17x larger. Lees meer
Topics in Jordan’s interview:
Acquiring his parents’ language services business
Spending 2 years preparing the deal
Overpaying for a 180k SDE business
Doubling the businesses through organic growth
Pros and cons of seller notes
“We’re buying a bucket of people and problems”
Bolting on language companies as a growth strategy
How fast they integrate newly acquired businesses
Opportunities for white-collar rollups
Growing from 4 to 42 employees
References and how to contact Jordan:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Language Network
Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential by Greg Crabtree
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
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
-
Reflections on 2 Years in the Knife Fight
25 juli 2024 · 1 uur 39 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - https://bit.ly/4fa3CKB
Brett Kennedy has doubled & strengthened the sub-$1 million moving business he bought — but it hasn't been without pain.
Topics in Brett’s interview:
Being raised in an entrepreneurial family
Buying Furniture Taxi, a moving company
Driving the truck himself when employees don’t show
Surprises the seller failed to mention
Good and bad of buying small
Daily stressors of running a small business
Hiring a GM
Doubling the business despite a shrinking market
Your employees are your customers
The next company he wants to buy
References and how to contact Brett:
LinkedIn
Adrian Pinto’s episode
Atlanta’s Furniture Taxi
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
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
-
The Scrappy Path of a One-Man Holdco
22 juli 2024 · 1 uur 44 min
Register for the webinar: Lees meer
How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - https://bit.ly/3WwZqNR
When Dustin Carreon reached a ceiling in his first small business, he used the profits to start buying other businesses.
Topics in Dustin’s interview:
Growing up in his parents’ scrapping business
Inheriting and growing Freelance Electronics
Learning the most from a difficult acquisition
Timing and luck matters
Key person risk in small-staff businesses
His mistake of expanding before establishing expectations
Cross-training employees as part of his holdco vision
An investor attitude compared with an entrepreneur attitude
Building a holdco without a college education
Challenge of writing down processes
References and how to contact Dustin:
LinkedIn
Twitter
COI Holdings
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
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
-
Getting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a Holdco
18 juli 2024 · 1 uur 28 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4cvUOwV
Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points - https://bit.ly/4cD9z17
How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - https://bit.ly/3LpQEuK
How Adam Markley evaluated thousands of businesses for sale and bought a handful of his own (6 in his portfolio today).
Topics in Adam’s interview:
Using online courses to teach business acquisition
SBA loans vs. seller notes
Raising your potential with partnerships
His holdco of 6 diverse companies
How acquisitions in the UK and US differ
Power of personalized outreach
2 main tracks to business acquisition
An operating partner who emptied the bank accounts
Working in a medical staffing agency before buying it
Looking at both on and off-market businesses
References and how to contact Adam:
LinkedIn
Twitter
amarkley@proxcapitalgroup.com
PROX Capital Group
Adam’s fractional CFO firm, Veracity CFO
Tato Corcoran’s episode
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
-
Building a $10m EBITDA Leader in a Fragmented Space
15 juli 2024 · 1 uur 25 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4cCMyuZ
Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points - https://bit.ly/3LkCpr3
How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - https://bit.ly/4f2hCGc
Nick Haschka & Dillan Ferguson are 5 months and 2 acquisitions into a roll-up targeting $50-60m revenue in 5 years.
Topics in Nick and Dillan interview:
How Nick and Dillan met on Twitter
The future of reliance on generators
Serving both residential and commercial customers
Separating the business into service and installation teams
Doubling the number of employees
Atmospheric river caused a crisis 3 weeks after acquisition
Being a leader is different than being an employer
Developing their own software
Where they find their technicians
Comparing the risk of an asset purchase and a stock purchase
References and how to contact Nick and Dillan:
Nick Haschka Twitter
Nick Haschka LinkedIn
Dillan Ferguson Twitter
Dillan Ferguson LinkedIn
OnPoint Generators
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
-
Buying & Growing a Business While Keeping a Day Job
11 juli 2024 · 1 uur 55 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4bydwTe
Due Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/3WbVpxT
Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/45SWMEY
Purchase Agreement Fights: How to Avoid (or Win) Them - https://bit.ly/4eQ7z79
How Dominick Blue bought an air duct cleaning business and took it into HVAC services, all while retaining his W-2.
Topics in Dominick’s interview:
Keeping his W-2 while acquiring companies
Mistakes he made during diligence
Revamping service offerings
Looking for “diamond in the rough” leaders
Expanding from air duct cleaning into HVAC
His fetal position moment
Being ghosted by his bank
Buying a business while expecting a baby
Advantage of selling directly to consumers
Drawing from his training in the U.S. Marines
References and how to contact Dominick:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Air ASAP
Winning Moves by Dan Cremons
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
-
Buy as Search Fund, Keep as Long-Term Owner
8 juli 2024 · 1 uur 51 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4eTZ8Yn
Due Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/3WbAs6h
Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4eVYDxc
Purchase Agreement Fights: How to Avoid (or Win) Them - https://bit.ly/4bwcgQx
By doubling a $3m EBITDA business Juan Aguilar bought with traditional search fund terms, he is able to hold it forever.
Topics in Juan’s interview:
Huge challenge of buying a business in Central America
Buying a door manufacturer in Guatemala
Implementing EOS
Moving his focus from “how” to “who”
Raising prices 25%
Focusing on service, quality, and volume
Finding a CEO to replace him
Having a liquidity event without exiting the business
Transitioning towards a permanent capital model
Plan for a holdco
References and how to contact Juan:
LinkedIn
Paltus Capital
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
-
It Really Happened: 100% Financing for an $8m Business
4 juli 2024 · 1 uur 37 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Thu July 11 - SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4eJqUXB
Fri July 12 - Due Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/3VPQf9p
We caution against thinking you can find it: 100% seller financing. But Renan Cortez did — and on a sizable business.
Topics in Renan’s interview:
His background as an Army medic
Learning about acquisition via Codie Sanchez
Using a virtual assistant to search for a business
Negotiating a 100% seller note
Feeling motivated by philanthropy
Spending too much money too fast after transition
Getting a bridge loan to make payroll
Rebranding the restoration company
Raising capital for growth
His large roll-up vision
References and how to contact Renan:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Syndicate Building Solutions
Syndicate Venture 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
Smithlist is a new 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
-
Turning $500k into a $38m Holdco (No Investors)
1 juli 2024 · 1 uur 47 min
Register for the webinars: Lees meer
Thu July 11 - SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/3XSdIcG
Fri July 12 - Due Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/3W1zQA6
Garrison Snell enjoyed a modest exit at age 24. By 30, he'd parlayed that into a holdco with $9m EBITDA and a mission.
Topics in Garrison’s interview:
Building and exiting a recording artist marketing agency
His objective to do the most good for the most people
Early ventures into real estate
Buying and quickly selling a restaurant
Acquiring in the manufacturing space
Understanding and applying Porter’s 5 Forces
Advantage of being a low-cost, essential supplier
Recent leadership challenges at a new acquisition
Building an indefinite holding company
Power of a community-minded small business
References and how to contact Garrison:
LinkedIn
Twitter
garrison.snell@snellventures.com
Rafael Quinn’s episode
Competitive Strategy by Michael E. Porter
Smithlist is a new 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
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
-
Candid Reflections on 7 Years of SMB Ownership
27 juni 2024 · 1 uur 43 min
Register here for the webinar, How to Buy a Business & Hire an Operator at Once Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3KJnYwg
7 years ago Dan Verboski bought a sign business with $650k in earnings. He's doubled it, but ownership has taken a toll.
Topics in Dan’s interview:
Background in the Marines and retail
Buying a sign company in Tyler, Texas
Culture clashes and problem employees
Selling off his real estate to keep the business going
How he learned to fire faster
Building a new company culture
Making personal changes to recover from burnout
Standing out by answering the phone
What he would do differently next time
His growth as a leader
References and how to contact Dan:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Leon’s Signs Inc.
ETA Circle in Houston, where Dan will be appearing on July 10th
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
-
Announcing: Minds Capital
24 juni 2024 · 1 uur 8 min
Register here for the webinar, How to Buy a Business & Hire an Operator at Once Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3KH9RaS
Will Smith has partnered with Niklas James & Max Lummis in a fund to invest in searcher & independent sponsor deals.
Topics in this episode:
Why raise a fund?
How a fund comes together
What it was like to raise money from LPs for a blind pool
Why a business might be great for a searcher but not an investor
How different investors have different needs
Why small acquisitions are hard for a fund to invest in
Value of community in a fund
Minds Capital’s process to assess deals
Evaluating deal strengths systematically
“Best deal of the month” filter
References and how to contact Niklas, Max and Will:
Minds Capital (to learn more & submit a deal)
Minds Capital page for investors
Max Lummis
Niklas James
Will Smith
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
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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Why Work IN the Business You Buy (Not Just On It)
20 juni 2024 · 1 uur 29 min
Register here for the webinar, How to Buy a Business & Hire an Operator at Once Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3Rto4Mc
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Get Remediation Company CIM - Request the NDA to get the CIM of the Midwestern niche remediation company.
https://bit.ly/45spnAI
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Before acquiring a commercial painting business doing around $2m, Colin Gates worked on a crew as one of its painters.
Topics in Colin's interview:
Aggressively saving while working in private equity
Recurring revenue is BS
Don’t sweat getting the perfect purchase price
Working as a painter for a month before buying
Managing prima donna employees
His strategy of constantly bidding jobs and hiring
Putting in a project manager and a GM
Why he stopped requiring deposits
The seller staying on as an employee
Importance of cash flow in keeping a business going
References and how to contact Colin:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Mastercraft Coatings
mastercraftcoatingsfl@gmail.com
Smithlist is a new 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
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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
-
3x Revenue Despite Turnover, Hangovers & Threats
17 juni 2024 · 1 uur 54 min
Register here for the webinar, How to Buy a Business & Hire an Operator at Once Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3RuI018
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Get Remediation Company CIM - Request the NDA to get the CIM of the Midwestern niche remediation company.
https://bit.ly/4b6rnjA
--
JD Beck transformed a small (and small-town) plumbing business, took it into a larger market, and tripled it in a year.
Topics in JD’s interview:
Lessons learned from a failed deal
Buying a tiny plumbing business
Bringing operations into the 21st Century
Learning from hiring mistakes
Expanding through further acquisition
Raising prices and employee pay
Making sacrifices to run the business
Competitive landscape in home services
Home services pricing models
Your reputation determines the talent you attract
References and how to contact JD:
Ben Rizzo’s Episode
Nick Patrick’s episode
Twitter
Mountain Valley Plumbing
jd@mtnvalleyplumbing.com
LinkedIn
Smithlist is a new 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
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
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
-
1 Business vs. Many: Deciding to Roll Up
13 juni 2024 · 1 uur 40 min
Elliott Edge started as a searcher looking for a single business, then pivoted to a roll-up. He's 7 acquisitions in. Lees meer
Topics in Elliot’s interview:
His philosophy on submitting LOI’s
Acquiring a managed service provider amidst Covid
His wife’s role in the acquisition
Value of an MBA in acquiring a business
Quickly going remote when Covid hit
Building trust with employees
How soon and fast to make changes
Creating more value through roll-ups
Integrating new acquisitions into the roll-up
His belief in continuous change
References and how to contact Elliot:
Recording of the The Anatomy of an LOI webinar with Sam Rosati
LinkedIn
Velonex Technologies
Smithlist is a new 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
Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory
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
-
2 Welders and a Shop... to $3.8m in Sales
10 juni 2024 · 1 uur 44 min
Register here for the webinar, The DO's & DON'Ts of the LOI (legal office hours) Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3VeWF1B
Matt Pohl & his wife bought a small welding business with extreme key person risk. They 4x'd the business in 2 years.
Topics in Matt’s interview:
Starting, growing and selling his own business
Acquiring a welding business with his wife
Learning how to hire welders
The difficulties of hiring through a staffing agency
Transient nature of welders
Growing while maintaining margins
Stress of running a business
Comparing zero-to-one to acquisition
Cashflow management in a project-based business
Using ReWild’s methods to grow the business
References and how to contact Guest:
mpohl@rewildgroup.com
LinkedIn
The Rewild Group
Smithlist is a new 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
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
-
Buying a Bankrupt 117-Year-Old Manufacturer
6 juni 2024 · 1 uur 57 min
Register here for the webinar, The DO's & DON'Ts of the LOI (legal office hours) Lees meer
https://bit.ly/3yCQaOw
Despite having no experience in manufacturing, Jens Grudno jumped when he heard about a failing straight-razor business.
Topics in Jens’s interview:
Buying a bankrupt razor manufacturer
Embracing risk in German business culture
Cleaning out and moving a 116-year old business
Another company poaching their clients
Pitfalls to avoid when buying a business
Developing a new, innovative product
Operating a company six hours from home
Comparing start-ups to acquisition
Value of going where there's less competition
The craft of manufacturing
References and how to contact Jens:
j.grudno@dovo.com
LinkedIn
Twitter
DOVO Online
Smithlist is a new 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
Register for the Self-Funded Search Conference, September 13th - 15th in Dallas:
Self-Funded Search Conference
Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition Lab
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
-
Rolling Up EBITDA and Rents with Auto Repair Shops
3 juni 2024 · 1 uur 57 min
Register here for the webinar, The DO's & DON'Ts of the LOI (legal office hours) Lees meer
https://bit.ly/4538koZ
Stephen Quindlen & Paul Westhart have found powerful multipliers that could yield huge returns in an unlikely industry.
Topics in Stephen and Paul’s interview:
Acquiring auto repair shops
Retaining talent by adding employee benefits
Fleet vs. passenger car business
Almost losing a foreman on day one
Why they love the Mountain West
Recruiting California workers to Idaho
Innovative real estate and business acquisition strategy
Offering quality service and strong warranties
Executing the SBA 504’s Green Loan strategy
Limitations of the SBA 7(a) loan for roll-ups
References and how to contact Stephen and Paul:
Stephen Quindlen - LinkedIn
Paul Westhart - LinkedIn
stephen.quindlen@bluewrench.com
paul.westhart@bluewrench.com
Blue Wrench
Smithlist is a new 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
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
Register for the Self-Funded Search Conference, September 13th - 15th in Dallas:
Self-Funded Search Conference
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter
-
3 Years Later, Climbing Out of the J Curve
30 mei 2024 · 1 uur 21 min
Matt Drndak bought a parts business with a plan to grow it. It worked — he's doubled earnings. But it's taken patience. Lees meer
Topics in Matt’s interview:
Losing everything in the Great Recession
His experience in franchises
Buying an online store for construction equipment parts
Leveraging service to stand out from competitors
Determining the value of the inventory
Serving customers with low computer literacy
Non-mechanic buying a mechanical parts business
Capturing the seller’s technical knowledge in YouTube videos
Doubling revenue in 3 years
Implementing EOS for future success
References and how to contact Matt:
LinkedIn
Twitter
DHS Equipment
Smithlist is a new 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
Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR
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