Shows
Acquiring MindsThe Path from $2.5m to $60m in a Tree BusinessRegister for the webinar:How to Offshore in a Blue Collar Business - July 1st - https://bit.ly/406jR5kBrian Hartman 3x'd revenue in 2 years at the tree business he bought, then partnered with an investor to grow even more.Topics in Brian’s interview:Picking up the phone is crucialGrowing so fast the wheels nearly came offHiring top-tier managers and ops staff earlyManaging cash flow and receivables through growthExpanding via acquisition, starting in DallasEnsuring safety for employeesPartnering with another Acquiring Minds guestAiming for $55–70M in revenue by 2030Buying a business with baby...2025-06-231h 28
Sorry to InterruptWilly boy talks NHL playoffsWelcome back to the Sorry to Interrupt podcast! Will Smith is back to preview the Stanley Cup Playoffs. First, Will gives his thoughts on the clonusion of the regular season including Ovechkin breaking Gretzky’s record, all four US “original six” teams missing the playoffs and what went wrong for the Rangers. Next, Will previews each 1st round series and gives predictions. Let’s do that hockey!2025-04-1929 min
Acquiring MindsFedEx & Fencing: A Pivot into OwnershipRegister for the webinar:5 Steps to the Business Buying Process - Thu April 10th - https://bit.ly/41RC4oNAfter 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 routesNuances of buying a FedEx routeSelling his routes at peak value during CovidAcquiring a commercial fencing businessKeeping the seller’s son on as presidentInjecting more money for working capitalImpact of equipment on debtTrucking acquisition that failedWhere he finds high quality employeesPrivate equity in the fenci...2025-04-031h 28
Acquiring MindsHow to Buy a MultinationalRegister for the webinar: 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” businessesPartnering with Novastone to search and acquireAcquiring a multinational industrial companyChina's dominance in steel productionTariffs and the steel industryCrowdfunding attempt that failedDon’t buy a PowerPoint presentationFalse summits in business ownershipBeing inspired by Naval RavikantPutting your name on a businessReferences and how to contact...2025-03-241h 24
Acquiring MindsFrom Tech Sales to Forklift RepairRegister for the webinar:How to Reduce Surprises with Operational Diligence - Web March 26 - https://bit.ly/4kVYn3URecently 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 techReaching out to 600 local landscaping companiesFinding a mentor through Acquiring MindsWhy he decided against landscapingAcquiring a forklift repair businessThe importance of follow upBeing the second best optionChallenge of hiring techniciansStanding out from the competitionGetting the business listed on GoogleReferences and how to...2025-03-171h 37
Acquiring MindsThe Appeal (and Risk) of Buying a Consulting FirmRegister for:Employee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - Thu March 13 - https://bit.ly/3F6dasGThe live Q&A with Nick on March 25th: https://bit.ly/3DoZfgDIndustry 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 stateThe white whale: a deal that almost happenedLessons from a failed acquisitionFinding Hales EngineeringUnderstanding the traffic consulting businessNavigating lender challengesIncentivizing key employeesChallenges in consulting business growthProject-based revenue insightsThe abrupt customer hand-offReferences and how...2025-03-101h 31
Acquiring MindsWhy Treat an Acquisition Like a StartupRegister for the webinars:5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu March 6 - https://bit.ly/3QEgIoAEmployee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - Thu March 13 - https://bit.ly/4koXrFbLive Q&A with Sean Daly - Tue March 18 - https://bit.ly/41yzjZ7Day 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 companyGoing hard with cold outreachHiring an offshore assistant to source dealsEntrepreneurs are risk reducersBuilding an offshore back of house teamPaying mo...2025-03-061h 27
Acquiring MindsHow to Build a Holdco Foundation: PatientlyRegister for the webinar:5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu March 6 - https://bit.ly/435spfeBarker 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 CorpsGetting a conventional loan instead of SBAKeeping his ears open in seller meetingsPros and cons of government contractsEmployees walking outStaying safe in a dangerous jobThe owner staying as an employeeGrowing revenue 3x in 6 yearsHis vision to build a holdcoPromoting an employee to CEOReferences and how to...2025-02-271h 20
Acquiring MindsHow to Buy & Transform a 120-Year-Old ManufacturerRegister for the webinars:Using a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a Business - Thu Feb 20 - https://bit.ly/3QjGZYRFirst 100 Days: Survive & Thrive as a New Business Owner - Wed Feb 26 - https://bit.ly/4hCxC2GSubscribe to the new podcast, Meeting of the Minds:On YouTubeSpotify & 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 acquisitionBuying a super-niche manufacturer at ag...2025-02-201h 43
Acquiring MindsBuy, Grow, Exit for a 24x Return in 3.5 YearsRegister for the webinars:Legal Aspects of Debt Financing - Thu Feb 13 - https://bit.ly/414vOtcUsing a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a Business - Thu Feb 20 - https://bit.ly/42I4dPYFormer 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 businessDeciding not to rebrandOwning and operating in a small, isolated townA countertop acquisition that went southHow a holdco is different from running one bu...2025-02-101h 10
Acquiring MindsHow to Lead a Trades Business Without Knowing the TradeRegister for the webinars:5 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu Feb 6 - https://bit.ly/4aNHmEzLegal Aspects of Debt Financing - Thu Feb 13 - https://bit.ly/3PXBEX6Industry-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 yearsNetworking through MBBI and XPXWorking with Calder Capital to find a businessNarrowing down his search to constructionValue he saw in long-term employeesManaging cashflow in constructionRelying on his team in an unfamiliar trades businessCompetitive nature of...2025-02-061h 24
Acquiring MindsHow a Couple Left Tech to Buy a Business TogetherRegister for the webinars: Legal Preparation for Your Search - Thu Jan 30 - https://bit.ly/4heHi355 Stages of the Business Buying Process - Thu Feb 6 - https://bit.ly/4h7HOQjRay & 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 businessHow they beat out 50 other buyersMoving from the finance world to manufacturingBuying a portable sink manufacturerHow Ray applies his banking skillsRevamping the website and logoOpportunities to sell to mor...2025-01-271h 16
Acquiring MindsThe $50m Lifestyle HoldcoRegister for the webinars: •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 buyerStarting a holdco with 3 friendsTheir primary and secondary partner modelSetting up contingency plans in their operating agreementGoal of spending more time with familyNot taking on inves...2025-01-201h 45
Acquiring MindsHow to 4x a Contracting Business in 3 YearsMike Heath bought a garage door installer from owners who didn't use email. He grew sales fast, but profits came harder.Topics in Michael’s interview:Passing on a commercial cleaning businessAcquiring a garage door business with silent partnersInstalling an operator on day oneMessy, unkempt books from the sellerHitting a cashflow crisisBringing in a consultant and keeping her on full-timePaying off the SBA loan earlyDoubling their gross marginSplitting revenue across 3 partnersAcquiring 2 pool businessesReferences and how to contact Michael:LinkedInStateline Products of MissouriFlorida Pool and SpaPool King RecreationGet a free review of yo...2025-01-161h 33
Acquiring MindsTaking a Flower Shop from $600k to $9 MillionMichael Jacobson bought his uncle's barely-profitable 45-year-old flower shop in LA. In 4 years he's grown it 16x.Topics in Michael’s interview:Revamping his uncle’s flower shopReplacing the overpriced phone systemBuilding custom software for the floral industryWhy flower shops are hard to runHow “wire services” like 1-800 Flowers workSwitching to Google Ads for better ROIDoubling revenue with a new websiteOperating as a digital-first brand with physical locationsBecoming the French Florist franchiseWhy he’s not interested in private equity moneyReferences and how to contact Michael:LinkedInmichael@frenchflorist.comFrench FloristWork with an SBA broker...2025-01-061h 50
Acquiring MindsThe Path to Becoming a Better Operator & StrategistTim Lahey has doubled the $1.6m company he bought, and buying small has prepared him well for the next phase of growth.Topics in Tim’s interview:Being inspired by Doug CookLooking for a “dusty, not rusty” businessPartnering with an M&A firm to searchAcquiring a home technology companyGetting bitten on a cashflow crunchHandling customer complaints as the ownerCulture of small businessesChanging too much too fastListening for what customers wantChallenges of buying smallReferences and how to contact Tim:LinkedIntimlahey@rhometech.comr:homeThe Trusted AdvisorGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefi...2025-01-021h 24
Acquiring MindsHow to Buy Franchise Businesses, Then Sell to PEAfter buying then exiting a 12-unit franchise portfolio, Alicia Miller became expert on how to attract private equity.Topics in Alicia’s interview:Leaving her corporate career to buy a franchiseAcquiring a portfolio of Sylvan Learning CentersTurning around unprofitable locationsHer tips for negotiating an acquisitionHow private equity has impacted franchisingAcquiring existing franchise locations vs. de novo developmentWhich brands attract private equity and whyNew brands that are disrupting their industriesWhy Subway has value despite closing locationsHow emerging franchise brands change as they growReferences and how to contact Alicia:LinkedInBig Money In Franchising by Alicia Mi...2024-12-261h 10
Acquiring MindsPerils in Partnership: Plumbing Acquisition Gone WrongJosh Key partnered with a master plumber from his church to acquire a plumbing business doing $1.25m. It ended badly.Topics in Josh’s interview:Buying a plumbing business with a partnerQuitting his job to go all-inInadequate due diligence on his partnerHis partner’s wife getting involved in the businessEmotional outbursts and threats from his partnerEmployees and clients leaving due to the partnerClosing the business and filing for bankruptcyWhat he learned about due diligenceHow his mindset is guided by his faithWhat he wants to do nextReferences and how to contact Josh:josh@castlekeyholdings.comL...2024-12-191h 31
Acquiring MindsHow (and Why) to Buy an Electrical BusinessRegister for the webinar:Where Searchers Go Wrong, Part 2 - Thu Dec 12 - https://bit.ly/3VtCvC1Fred 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-upComparing rental income to small businessAcquiring an electrical companyReassuring employees during transitionLearning how to hire electriciansCompensation in the electrical industryGrowth through digital marketingMiscalculating working capitalImportance of making the phone ringHelping searchers through Blue Collar AdvisoryReferences and how to contact Fred:LinkedInTwitterBray Electrical Servicesfred@bluecollaradvisory.co...2024-12-121h 35
Acquiring MindsThe Thrill & Validation of Becoming an OwnerRegister for the webinar: • Where Searchers Go Wrong, Part 2 - Thu Dec 12 - https://bit.ly/4f0320CMichael 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 IraqAcquiring a vending machineFrustration with his W-2 jobAcquiring a SpeedPro locationUps and downs of negotiation and fundingFrustrating first day as ownerHigh demand for printing car wrapsEmpowering employees to be autonomousHiring his wife to work in the businessWhat he loves about the franchise modelRef...2024-12-021h 34
Acquiring MindsHigh Margin & Big Upside in Lice TreatmentDerek Croft bought a $1m SDE business with a national footprint in an unusual niche. Just don't call him The Lice King.Topics in Derek’s interview:Leaving Bain to search for a businessAcquiring LiceDoctorsWhy it’s good for a profitable business to be imperfect Personal satisfaction from helping customersPayroll emergency on day 2Competition in the lice removal industryHigh staff turnover despite good paySpeeding up their response timeRaising public awareness of their serviceHis goal to double in 5 yearsReferences and how to contact Derek:LinkedInLiceDoctorsETA CircleWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclu...2024-11-251h 37
Acquiring MindsBuying Blue Collar (But Automated & Asset Light)Register for the webinars: • Understanding the Waterfall - Thu Nov 21 - https://bit.ly/4ftXfl8Carley Mitus bought a home inspection business doing $380k SDE that runs leans & requires only 10 hours per week.Topics in Carley’s interview:Her goal to retire at 35Partnering to do a search (maybe too quickly)Building relationships with brokersBuying a home inspection businessRocky transition to ownershipTaking existing clients to dinner (25+ times)Getting referrals from real estate officesHow they keep great inspectorsTricky relationship with the sellerEarning the respect of their older colleaguesReferences and how to co...2024-11-211h 19
Acquiring MindsHow to Become an Independent SponsorRegister for the webinars: Where Searchers Go Wrong - Thu Nov 14 - https://bit.ly/3O0im2aLegal Office Hours: Understanding the Waterfall - Thu Nov 21 - https://bit.ly/3O3zqo2Sam 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 lawBeing inspired by Chenmark and Brent BeshoreAcquiring Alpha Dumpsters with his brotherBirth of SMBashOrigin story of SMB LawHow an independent sponsor differs from a self-funded searcherInvesting in a commercial fencing bus...2024-11-141h 43
Acquiring Minds$6m Business, 3 Minutes From Childhood HomeIris Levine bought a 30-year-old construction firm just steps from the rough Nashville neighborhood where she grew up.Topics in Iris’s interview:Working 3 jobs to pay for collegeBackground in high-growth startupsForming her own acquisition mastermind groupFinding an unlisted business through a brokerBuying a porch construction companyPutting 5% down without outside investorsChoosing to forego a quality of earningsAdding technology for project managementMotivation to find work-life flexibilityPossibility of expanding their offeringsReferences and how to contact Iris:LinkedInEpisode #233 with Alan LochridgeWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Ma...2024-11-041h 15
Acquiring MindsBuying & Building a $60m ManufacturerRegister for the webinar:How to Run a 2-Year Search in 2 Months - Friday, Nov 1 - https://bit.ly/3YEN9YEWhen, 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 ZellAcquiring a furniture manufacturer in 1996You’re better off with smart competitors than dumb competitorsCutting his lead time in half the first yearImplementing lean manufacturingOwning the business with his dadChina devastated US furniture manufacturingJoining John Bassett to sue China for breaking trad...2024-10-281h 52
Acquiring Minds2 Years to Buy, Double & Exit a Medical Billing FirmRegister for the webinars:Cap Tables 101: How Capital Structure Works When Buying a Business - Thu Oct 24 - https://bit.ly/3UihUQGHow to Run a 2-Year Search in 2 Months - Friday Nov 1 - https://bit.ly/3UfYJqzNik 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 hospiceLosing his job while his wife was in laborSearching for a business to fit his skillsetIndustry is more important than businessMargins in...2024-10-241h 26
Acquiring MindsBusiness Collapse After Going All-InRegister for the webinars:Due Diligence Office Hours - Wed Oct 16 - https://bit.ly/4h3R74oCap Tables 101: How Capital Structure Works When Buying a Business - Thu Oct 24 - https://bit.ly/3zT8sMAJustin 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 careerBuying a construction companyConstruction landscape in Northern VirginiaDiscovering cooked books after transitionSeller refused to release promised fundsEmptying his 401k to make payrollCalm is co...2024-10-141h 39
Acquiring MindsMargins in Mulch: Buying a $1m Erosion Control BusinessRegister for the webinars:Which Business Should You Buy? - Thu Oct 10 - https://bit.ly/3TYdVZ8Due Diligence Office Hours - Wed Oct 16 - https://bit.ly/3BznZl0As 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 businessBig risks of doing an asset saleHow ownership is different than expectedRisks and benefits to buying smallWhy erosion control matters to infrastructureBeing tied to the construction industryManaging ca...2024-10-101h 33
Acquiring MindsWhy Sell to Private Equity: Former Guest Has an ExitRegister for the webinars:Which Business Should You Buy? - Thu Oct 10 - https://bit.ly/4gQqKP5Taylor 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 equitySelling to private equity but not exitingGood PE vs. bad PETransition to a corporate structureComparing outcomes with tech startupsReferences and how to contact Taylor:TwitterLinkedInTaylor Wallace’s original Acquiring Minds interview: Buying Doggy Daycares After 10 Years in TechTopics in Tyler’s interv...2024-10-031h 29
Acquiring MindsThe Appeal of Franchise Buying: $1m EBITDA in 2 YearsRegister for the webinars:Legal Office Hours (Deal Structure & Its Tax Implications) - Thu Sept 26 - https://bit.ly/4grubvDHow to Hire an Operator to Replace Yourself - Fri Sept 27 - https://bit.ly/3zgUbJrCorey 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 jobWhat he likes about Batteries PlusBuying an expansion location for $100k cashChanging the culture at one locationRemotely managing Texan teams from IowaAn HVAC acquisition that went poorlyWhat...2024-09-231h 56
Acquiring MindsOne Year Into a Garage Door Business with $350k SDERegister for the webinars:Due Diligence Office Hours - Thu Sept 19 - https://bit.ly/3B2oF29How Much to Budget for a Self-Funded Search - Fri Sept 20 - https://bit.ly/4e4FWpVLegal Office Hours (Deal Structure & Its Tax Implications) - Thu Sept 26 - https://bit.ly/4emLEn1How to Hire an Operator to Replace Yourself - Fri Sept 27 - https://bit.ly/3ZrbCl1It was a revelation when Brittney Orellano heard about buying businesses. 6 months later, she'd done it herself.Topics in Brittney’s interview:Ru...2024-09-191h 18
Acquiring MindsControl & Family: Drivers of a Self-Funded SearchRegister for the webinars:Thu Sept 12 - How Big a Business Should You Buy? - https://bit.ly/3XmtR8vThu Sept 19 - Due Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/4ghprZbFri Sept 20 - How Much to Budget for a Self-Funded Search - https://bit.ly/4e1QjeqAcquiring 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 sponsorshipCarrying on his family legacy in manufacturingHis goal of having control over his wo...2024-09-121h 25
Acquiring MindsLeaving Corporate to Buy a $4m ManufacturerAn engineer at heart, Mike Dey set his sights on buying a manufacturing business for the next stage of his career.Topics in Michael’s interview:Pivoting from aerospace engineering to business ownershipSelling his real estate investment to buy a businessBeware turning your passion into your incomeBuying a business in his 40’sHow risky is business ownership?The risk build-up model of valuing a businessSaying no to a friend’s investmentBuying a business bundled with real estateManaging a blue collar workforceHaving to suddenly switch lendersReferences and how to contact Michael:LinkedInTwitterAmerican Spray TechnologiesWork w...2024-09-031h 47
Acquiring MindsYoung Couple Starts a Family Business By Buying OneRegister here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issueshttps://bit.ly/3ySUJ7RTopics in Meredith & Michael’s interview:Buying an employment screening companyThe seller staying on as an employeeStrict industry regulations serve as a moatUpgrading technology after acquisitionHow the seller eased clients through the transitionWhy they’re not worried about AIMeredith’s growth as a managerBuying a business as a young coupleWhy this may be a difficult industry to roll upPersonal impact of owning a businessReferences and how to contact Meredith & Michael:Meredith LinkedInMichael LinkedInMeredith TwitterMichael TwitterBackgroundConnect...2024-08-261h 20
Acquiring MindsInvestor Perspective on Self-Funded SearchRegister here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issueshttps://bit.ly/3YQP2lpNiklas 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 businessesDesirable traits for searchersBalancing investor returns and personal gains3 common modeling mistakesRole of put options in dealsHow searchers sabotage their own dealsRealistic expectations for business growthHope is not a strategyOperational experience trumps finance knowledgeSelf-funded search termsReferences and how to contact panelists:Niklas...2024-08-221h 25
Acquiring MindsOne Couple, 4 Kids, and a Business 3 Hours AwayGabe Perez sought a way out of corporate while Kristen sought a way back to working. Buying a $4m business offered both.Topics in Gabe and Kristen's interview:The role Acquiring Minds played in their acquisitionAcquiring a cold storage manufacturerPaying a premium for a growing companyBuying a business three hours awayRisks of taking on big projectsImplementing video conferencing Impact of business ownership on their familyKeeping business and family time separateGetting his lender comfortable with the business’s cyclicalityTheir goal of creating a great workplaceReferences and how to contact Gabe & Kristen:Gabe’s LinkedInKristen’s Linke...2024-08-121h 42
Acquiring MindsAfter 4 Years of Part-Time Searching, SuccessWill Gano was rewarded for his persistence & vision when he bought an 8-figure, 125-year-old ingredients manufacturer.Topics in Will Gano’s interview:Getting experience in the food industryDoing outreach while working full timeHiring a buy-side broker to search for himGoing through years of “search purgatory”Writing a personal letter with his LOIBuying a food ingredient manufacturerThe upside of losing a major client before the transactionImportance of food safetyJumping through hoops for licensingInfluence from his late grandfatherReferences and how to contact Will Gano:LinkedInBear StewartCalder CapitalWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclus...2024-08-081h 13
Acquiring MindsTangible & Collectible: Buying a Consumer Product CompanyYears after one venture ended in failure, Jeff Velker bought a $2.5m pen maker with a strong brand & devoted customers.Topics in Jeff’s interview:His experience as a franchiseeBankruptcy after the 2008 crashThe difference between buying a job and owning a businessLosing his favorite pen led him to a pen companyAppeal of pens in our digital ageAcquiring with 2 partnersNegotiating with a seller who won’t go lowerGetting buy-in from spousesThe risks of having his manufacturer in TaiwanHis goal of $10M in 10 yearsReferences and how to contact Jeff:LinkedInjeff@retro51.comRetro 51Work with an S...2024-08-011h 14
Acquiring MindsReflections on 2 Years in the Knife FightRegister for the webinar:How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - https://bit.ly/4fa3CKBBrett 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 familyBuying Furniture Taxi, a moving companyDriving the truck himself when employees don’t showSurprises the seller failed to mentionGood and bad of buying smallDaily stressors of running a small businessHiring a GMDoubling the business despite a shrinking marketYour employees are your customers The next company...2024-07-251h 38
Acquiring MindsGetting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a HoldcoRegister for the webinars:Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4cvUOwVOvercoming Common Deal Sticking Points - https://bit.ly/4cD9z17How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - https://bit.ly/3LpQEuKHow 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 acquisitionSBA loans vs. seller notesRaising your potential with partnershipsHis holdco of 6 diverse companiesHow acquisitions in th...2024-07-181h 27
Acquiring MindsBuying & Growing a Business While Keeping a Day JobRegister for the webinars:SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/4bydwTeDue Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/3WbVpxTSearch Investor Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/45SWMEYPurchase Agreement Fights: How to Avoid (or Win) Them - https://bit.ly/4eQ7z79How 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 companiesMistakes he made during di...2024-07-111h 54
Acquiring MindsTurning $500k into a $38m Holdco (No Investors)Register for the webinars:Thu July 11 - SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market - https://bit.ly/3XSdIcGFri July 12 - Due Diligence Office Hours - https://bit.ly/3W1zQA6Garrison 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 agencyHis objective to do the most good for the most peopleEarly ventures into real estateBuying and quickly selling a restaurantAcquiring in the manufacturing spaceUnderstanding and applying Po...2024-07-011h 47
Acquiring MindsCandid Reflections on 7 Years of SMB OwnershipRegister here for the webinar, How to Buy a Business & Hire an Operator at Oncehttps://bit.ly/3KJnYwg7 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 retailBuying a sign company in Tyler, TexasCulture clashes and problem employeesSelling off his real estate to keep the business goingHow he learned to fire fasterBuilding a new company cultureMaking personal changes to recover from burnoutStanding out by answering the phoneWhat he wo...2024-06-271h 42
Acquiring MindsAnnouncing: Minds CapitalRegister here for the webinar, How to Buy a Business & Hire an Operator at Oncehttps://bit.ly/3KH9RaSWill 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 togetherWhat it was like to raise money from LPs for a blind poolWhy a business might be great for a searcher but not an investorHow different investors have different needsWhy small acquisitions are hard for a fund to invest inValue of community...2024-06-241h 07
Acquiring Minds3x Revenue Despite Turnover, Hangovers & ThreatsRegister here for the webinar, How to Buy a Business & Hire an Operator at Oncehttps://bit.ly/3RuI018--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 dealBuying a tiny plumbing businessBringing operations into the 21st CenturyLearning from hiring mistakesExpanding th...2024-06-171h 53
Acquiring Minds1 Business vs. Many: Deciding to Roll UpElliott Edge started as a searcher looking for a single business, then pivoted to a roll-up. He's 7 acquisitions in.Topics in Elliot’s interview:His philosophy on submitting LOI’sAcquiring a managed service provider amidst CovidHis wife’s role in the acquisitionValue of an MBA in acquiring a businessQuickly going remote when Covid hitBuilding trust with employeesHow soon and fast to make changesCreating more value through roll-upsIntegrating new acquisitions into the roll-upHis belief in continuous changeReferences and how to contact Elliot:Recording of the The Anatomy of an LOI webinar with Sam RosatiLinkedInVelonex Techno...2024-06-131h 39
Acquiring MindsRolling Up EBITDA and Rents with Auto Repair ShopsRegister here for the webinar, The DO's & DON'Ts of the LOI (legal office hours)https://bit.ly/4538koZStephen 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 shopsRetaining talent by adding employee benefitsFleet vs. passenger car businessAlmost losing a foreman on day oneWhy they love the Mountain WestRecruiting California workers to IdahoInnovative real estate and business acquisition strategyOffering quality service and strong warrantiesExecuting the SBA 504’s Green Loan strategyLimitations of the SBA 7(a) loan for roll...2024-06-031h 56
Digital Marketing Masters PodcastWill Smith Interview: I Stream Games for a Living on Will's Got Games at CEX 2024 (256)The episode features an interview with Will Smith, a video game streamer, discussing his journey into streaming, challenges faced, and strategies for success. Will shares insights on consistency, streaming platforms, content repurposing, and ad placement on YouTube. He also talks about his favorite games and upcoming releases.Will's Got GamesHook Digital MarketingMatt Rouse2024-05-2916 min