Shows
Acquiring MindsGetting Unstuck by Buying a BusinessThe construction services business Christian Bateson bought will do $7.5m in 2024. It also rescued him from the depths.Topics in Christian’s interview:His front row seat to the 2008 financial crisisQualities of a top salespersonBusiness acquisition as a way out of a miserable careerShopping around for an SBA loanChoosing to play to his strengths and outsource his weaknessesDifficulty in hiring for constructionBouncing back and growing after Covid lossesRed flags he ignored when acquiring his second businessHow his finance background benefited himHis $100 million goalReferences and how to contact Christian:LinkedInResolute ServicesGet complimentary du...
2025-12-221h 54
Acquiring MindsBuilding a $25m FedEx Route Empire from $100k EquityRegister for the webinar:The "Plant Your Flag" Strategy: Build an Empire with ETA + Franchising - Thu Aug 7 - https://bit.ly/45i7eGeAvery Tomek bought his first little $1m FedEx route with an SBA loan. 3 years later, he has 240 trucks and $600k weeks.Topics in Avery’s interview:Pivoting from real estate to FedEx routesUps and downs of CovidExpanding his fleetRunning his logistics business remotelyEverything hinges on weekly depositsWhat makes a route lucrative (or costly)No marketing or sales. Just operations.Resale value of a FedEx routeDemanding nature of the business“If you’...
2025-08-041h 29
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
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 Rouse
2024-05-2916 min
Acquiring MindsFrom Midnight Deliveries to $28m Holdco (in 6 Years)Summary from Webflow: The first business Colin King bought was tiny & unpleasant but also the crucial first step to buying more & better ones.Topics in Colin’s interview:Finding his first business (and business partner) on CraigslistDelivering auto parts in the middle of the nightBuying a turnaround silk florals businessWhen his clothing business doubled in revenue overnightDay-to-day logistics of running diverse businessesAcquiring remote businesses: bookkeeping and e-learningImportance of working capital in seasonal businessesPros and cons of having a diverse portfolio of companiesAsking advice for the future of his holdco Finding and managing talent across diverse businessesR...
2024-05-281h 37
Acquiring MindsFinding a Great Business in Cow CountryCody Agee thought food testing would be a good recession-resistant business to buy. 2 weeks later, one listed for sale.Topics in Cody interview:Bypassing business schoolCashing out his 401(k) without using ROBSBuying a food safety and testing labThe moat of licensing requirementsHis advantage over much larger competitorsAdjusting purchase price based on quality of earnings reportFinding investors on TwitterPersonally guaranteeing the seller noteHow he uses EBITDAR vs. EBITDAPutting in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systemReferences and how to contact Cody:LinkedInTwitter/Xcody@splitmountaincapital.comSierra Dairy LaboratoryDino SawayaSmithlist is a new job board...
2024-05-231h 27
Acquiring MindsWhen a Restaurant Is a Great Business to BuyJarett Berke told his intermediary "no restaurants" but changed his tune when he saw what a great business Lou's was.Topics in Jarett’s interview:Finding a business through an accountantWhy restaurants are a tough businessComparing military service to running a restaurantBuying a restaurant with exceptional marginsLearning every job in the restaurantPivoting to delivery during CovidDoing a stock deal instead of an asset purchaseReinvesting by adding tables and renovating60% growth in 6 yearsWhat he likes about the restaurant businessReferences and how to contact Jarett:LinkedInLou’s Restaurantjarett@lousrestaurant.comGet complimentary due diligence on y...
2024-05-161h 30
Acquiring MindsHoldco Origin Story: The Bumpy Road to $3m EBITDA4 acquisitions, 3 years after the first deal, and 2 dishonest sellers before Chandra Rao went full-time in his holdco.Topics in Chandra’s interview:Learning from due diligence mistakesLosing $300k in the first yearChallenges with payment terms and working capitalTrue value of a seller noteOne of his partners embezzled from the companyFpppChoosing a conventional loan over SBAThe electrical contracting and fiber optic cabling businesses6x growth in 4 yearsJuggling a roll-up and a W-2A seller who committed fraudReferences and how to contact Guest:LinkedInchandra@millermn.comMiller UtilitiesGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review fo...
2024-05-091h 42
Acquiring MindsThe Allure of Buying a Marketplace BusinessZach Smith bought a 30-year-old membership business that connects patients with dentists to return it to former glory.Topics in Zach’s interview:His exit from UberDifficulty of starting a marketplace businessWhen spreadsheets meet realityBuying a shrinking businessGoing with a stock sale instead of asset saleCurrent problems with dental insurance plansHow American Dental Care differs from insuranceThe view from the bottom of the J curveHis plan to grow all sides of the marketplaceForgoing an SBA/bank loanReferences and how to contact Zach:LinkedInTwitterAmerican Dental CareGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's in...
2024-05-061h 28
Acquiring MindsSelling $100k of Dog Training… Per DayGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDSGarth Fasano searched part time for 5 years before finding a target with very sticky revenue & great business-buyer fit.Topics in Garth’s interview:Searching for 5 yearsBenefiting from the SBA looking at calendar-year financials (not TTM)Top Dog’s unique business modelWhy this business should be bought, not builtHis relationship to a dog training franchiseImpact of outcome-based pricing Purposely hiring less-experienced sales peopleHow Top Dog differs from online marketingExpanding to industries outside of do...
2024-04-291h 43
Acquiring MindsRolling-Up to $15m EBITDARobert Graham & Aaron Blick's first acquisition did $1.2m SDE. Four years later, their roll-up generates $15m in EBITDA.Topics in Robert & Aaron’s interview:Going from lifelong friends to business partnersImpact of private equity on industry roll-upsRunning their companies remotelyA competing business poaching employeesFinancial shocks after taking ownershipWhy they believe in buying bigNecessity of hiring presidents to operate their businessesCompany presidents guaranteeing the SBA loanBlending SBA loans with a roll-up modelHow buyer-seller power dynamics shift after purchaseReferences and how to contact Robert & Aaron:Episode #149 Home Care Business: How to Buy and 2x an Ag...
2024-04-251h 44
Acquiring MindsThe Gritty, High-Capex Road to MillionsReid Tileston bought a business that relied on $800k trucks, capex he came to love for the fat margins they produced.Topics in Reid’s interview:Working on the business instead of in itWriting a book about acquisitionPeople are the worst and best part of businessPower of feedback and relationships for business ownersThe company’s slow temp-to-hire processGetting his CDL to be hands-on Moving paper processes to the cloudPros and cons of an Employee Stock Ownership ProgramPersonally testing field service management techRisks of informing employees of a business saleReferences and how to contact Reid:Lin...
2024-04-181h 44
Acquiring MindsGetting Unstuck by Buying a BusinessThe construction services business Christian Bateson bought will do $7.5m in 2024. It also rescued him from the depths.Topics in Christian’s interview:His front row seat to the 2008 financial crisisQualities of a top salespersonBusiness acquisition as a way out of a miserable careerShopping around for an SBA loanChoosing to play to his strengths and outsource his weaknessesDifficulty in hiring for constructionBouncing back and growing after Covid lossesRed flags he ignored when acquiring his second businessHow his finance background benefited himHis $100 million goalReferences and how to contact Christian:LinkedInResolute ServicesWork with an...
2024-04-111h 52
Acquiring MindsRather Than Retire, Buy a BusinessGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDSAt age 63, Maurice Thomas wasn't ready to retire, so he bought an electrical contractor with $1m in earnings instead.Topics in Maurice’s interview:Buying a business after age 60Learning the right amount of diligence to do before submitting an LOIImportance of a target statement for searchersHis values-first approach to businessImportance for searchers to “know thyself”Politics and religion in the workplaceGratifying work of coaching employeesHis succession planChallenge of hiring lead electr...
2024-04-011h 20
Acquiring MindsThe Birth of a Roll-UpRegister here for the webinar, Working Capital 101https://bit.ly/3IGEZWQGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDSStephen Olmon & Collin Trimble set out to roll up the alarm industry in Texas. Alarm Masters is their first acquisition.Topics in Stephen and Collin’s interview:All about the alarm, fire, & security industryTheir roll-up strategyMoats in the form of risk and licensing requirementsValuation based on monthly recurring revenueEducating their lenders on industry practicesUsing a holdback to mitigate at...
2024-03-251h 24
Acquiring MindsReward for a Brutal Transition: 3 Hours/Week with 2x EBITDARegister here for the webinar, Working Capital 101https://bit.ly/3IFObuBGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDSDespite an overwhelming transition, today Dan Tagliatela has 17x'd his initial investment and delegated the day-to-day.Topics in Dan’s interview:His background in investingWhat margins indicate about a businessReturn on assets as a quality metricAcquiring a pavement sealing companyGeographic density advantage of the businessHis goal to double volume over 10 yearsReplacing the antiquated robocall machineStress of learning and up...
2024-03-181h 52
Acquiring MindsBuying Small, Growing Big: From $1m to $26mJohn Wilson bought & grew a very small plumbing business 26x over the last 7 years, and today has plans to reach $100m.Topics in John’s interview:Growing up in his family’s home services businessTaking over the business at 23Acquiring a turnaround to grow his businessHis first time doing layoffsUsing CertainPath’s model to growTripling his ad spend during CovidWhy he believes in buying smallHis take on installing an operatorHis plan to get to $100MThe taxonomy of blue collar businessesReferences and how to contact John:Owned and Operated (his podcast)The Wilson CompaniesTwitterJohn’s tweet t...
2024-03-142h 06
Acquiring MindsWhen You Buy a Glorified Job, Not a BusinessGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDSTato Corcoran packed a lifetime of learning (and tears) into 18 months when she left tech & bought a tiny manufacturer.Topics in Tato’s interview:Connecting with sellers through direct mailHer “Say yes and figure it out later” approachDifficulty in hiring unskilled laborHow she solved her labor issueBeing a single woman in a male industryLearning Spanish to communicate with her employeesHemorrhaging money the first 8 monthsRaising prices 40% without losing customersThe difference between good growth...
2024-03-041h 44
Acquiring MindsFire, Covid, Exit: 5 Years in a $12m Events BusinessRegister here for the webinar, How to Raise Equity to Buy a Businesshttps://bit.ly/3uwHx6yWill Wright bought a big event rental business in December 2018. When Covid hit, he turned crisis into opportunity.Topics in Will’s interview:Benefits of a traditional search fundFeeling like a “wartime president”His brutal first year as ownerValue of a strong company cultureScrambling to fulfill contracts after a large warehouse fireLayoff and salary cuts during CovidBuilding and strengthening the business during CovidCreating an incentive strategy for employeesTexas as an attractive place for businessHow sailing prepar...
2024-02-151h 45
Acquiring Minds3 Perspectives: A Panel on Buying Small BusinessesRecording of a live panel hosted by EO Silicon Valley with Acquiring Minds host Will Smith moderating. Topics discussed:3 stories of buying businessesWhat the search, due diligence, transition was like for each of the 3 entrepreneursSilicon Valley-style entrepreneurship vs. entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA)The napkin math of a business acquisition with an SBA loanMoving from white collar to blue collar environmentsIs there a "type" who buys a business?Graduating from buying your 1st business to your 2nd, 3rd, and beyondHow buying a first business can quickly lead to more acquisition opportunitiesInorganic growth vs. organic growthWhat being an i...
2023-11-301h 39
Acquiring Minds7 Takeaways from 200 EpisodesAcquiring Minds host Will Smith reflects on 200 episodes, tells the podcast backstory, and teases what's coming in 2024. Topics in today’s episode with Will:Essential lessons from 200 interviews with acquisition entrepreneursHow Acquiring Minds got startedIs Will going to search for a business to buy?Plans for Acquiring Minds in 2024References and how to contact Will:Episode 183 with Brandon Adams: Hiring a General Manager & Buying Business #2Connect with Will on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterConnect with A-players who can run your business remotely:More StaffingGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's ins...
2023-11-2225 min
Acquiring MindsHiring a General Manager & Buying Business #2Shane Ehrsam & Brandon Adams return to discuss hiring a GM, buying business #2, the rewards of SMB life & managing envy. Topics in Shane’s interview:Most professionally rewarding year of his lifeGratification of making a positive impact on your employeesIntroducing new benefits for employees: 401k, health insurance, bonusesGrowing revenue even after COVID demand recedesNot a “searcher-friendly” businessReality of bumpy revenue in retailOwning a business bought as a stock sale rather than asset saleDealing with envy in searchIdentifying what is important to you in your journey to buy a businessReferences and how to contact Shane:shane@n...
2023-09-211h 11
Acquiring MindsWhat Buying Small Is Like When Crises Happen3 days into Monte Marcum's acquisition of an established franchise, key equipment breaks. Then the crises kept coming. Topics in Monte’s interview:Buying 2 existing & adjacent franchise businesses at onceHow Filta’s customer pricing is structuredWhy commercial kitchens love his businessCombining two businessesEquipment starts breaking on day threeMonte’s series of fetal position momentsWhat exactly is hard about running a businessHow one rockstar employee guided him through a season of crisisThe biggest risk of buying smallThe importance of a support systemLinks and how to contact Monte:LinkedInmonte@marcumbrick.comCodie Sanchez: These “Boring Businesses” Will Make You Ri...
2023-06-221h 18
Acquiring MindsGrowing a Small 1st Acquisition into a Holdco PlatformAndrew Hitchings bought a $250k SDE cooling biz. It has grown 3x and will now fund a 2nd acquisition, with more to come. Topics in Andrew’s Interview:Andrew and his wife bought a home ventilation business in April 2020How 7 months on a motorcycle prepared them for running a business togetherHis history in the Army, business school, and McKinsey & CompanyHow his business partner Max improved employee trainingWhy he looks at the P&L every dayExpanding their seasonal business to a year-round businessHow they mitigated the risk of buying a business with a single employeeThree things a bus...
2023-03-061h 26
The Golden Era PodcastS5E15 I'm Gonna Make You My Whore (ft. Will Smith)This week Jake and Joey are joined by the host of the 'Tribunal of the Grid' podcast and longtime women's wrestling fan, Will Smith! The boys talk the week of June 9, 2003 featuring Stacy Keibler's managerial services on the line at Bad Blood, Ivory taking on Molly Holly during the Bad Blood pre-show, the debut of Shaniqua, Torrie Wilson joining forces with Billy Gunn, Sable interrupting an arm wrestling contest, Trish Stratus, Jazz and Victoria in action and more! Plus, Jake, Joey and Will talk about their dream Power Rangers / WWE crossover figures. Get ready to get golden!
2023-01-271h 25
Acquiring MindsThe Wealth Potential of Self-Funded SearchKey findings from SIG's new study on self-funded search: financial outcomes, deal costs & terms, search lengths & more. Topics from the interview with SIG:What is the self-funded search study & why it mattersEffect of self-funded search on entrepreneurs' net worthsSearch performance: how many acquisitions saw EBITDA shrink, maintain, or grow How much is too much to pay for legal fees & due diligenceThe pros and cons of a seller noteWhy you don’t need an MBA to acquire a businessValue of a good relationship with a sellerHow long search takes, on averageWhy acquisition will only get more competitive in t...
2023-01-101h 15
Acquiring MindsState of the Pod, 2022Acquiring Minds will start publishing twice per week. Host Will Smith explains the rationale for this decision. Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
2022-12-2205 min
Acquiring MindsBuying Doggy Daycares After 10 Years in TechTaylor Wallace was over tech. He acquired a small business and with it a renewed sense of impact (and opportunity). Topics in Taylor's interview:Tech burnoutWorking in tech vs. running a small businessBuying indy vs. franchiseInjecting tech-industry best practices & ambition into small businessHow do friends in tech respond to his foray into doggy daycares?Going from digital nomad to brick-and-mortar business owner in TampaIncreasing doggy daycare capacity 2xWill more than 2x revenue by next yearWhat he paid (roughly) for 1st and 2nd acquisitionsGrowth strategyBuying small vs. buying bigDoggy daycare business - should you do it?L...
2022-11-011h 10
Acquiring Minds7 Findings from the New Data on Self-Funded SearchesLisa Forrest shares key findings from a survey of 49 entrepreneurs who bought a business after a self-funded search. The findings discussed were based on these questions:How did you find your deal?Did you conduct a full-time search?How long did you search before you found the deal you closed on?Do you think your acquisition price valuation was fair?How long did it take you to discuss valuation with the seller?Did you have a competitive deal process where multiple buyers were vying for the LOI?What do you think the critical success factors were i...
2022-07-1529 min
Sacking Mental IllnessNobody Is Perfect: Will Smith’s BreakdownToday's episode will focus on Will Smith and how people should look deeper into the cause of the incident from the 94th Academy Awards. Everyone knows about the infamous incident, but few have taken the time to dissect and look deeper into what has possibly caused Will Smith to react the way that he did. Past hurt, trauma, pain, and anger can make people reach their breaking point, and this episode will talk about those topics and how mental health should be the conversation.
2022-07-0617 min
Acquiring MindsGood News for Ecommerce BuyersMultiples for ecom businesses jumped 50% since 2018, but Quiet Light's Joe Valley says that trend is about to reverse. Themes from Joe's interview:The ecommerce buying mania of 20212 pieces of advice for acquisition entrepreneurs looking at ecommerceHow ecommerce multiples will changeHow ecommerce deal terms will changeSeller financing in ecommerceFuture of the ecommerce aggregatorsHistory of the ecommerce aggregatorsReach Joe at:LinkedInjoe at quiet light dot com**** Register here for the live session with Chelsea Wood of the Acquisition Lab:What size of business should you buy?Get complimentary due diligence on your a...
2022-06-2057 min
Acquiring MindsBuying Digital Businesses in 2022Digital business buyer Dom Wells shares where he looks for opportunities today in the shifting sands of online business. Themes from Dom's interview:Affiliate, e-commerce, and SaaS businesses and each one's pros/consOnline course and content businessesWhere Dom sees opportunities in digital acquisitionHow to source dealsLeading brokerages of digital businessesFlippa & MicroAcquireHow to approach the digital space as an outsiderConnect with Dom:Twitter: @DomWellsOnfolioLinkedIn: Dominic WellsConnect with Acquiring Minds:Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterLinks & mentions:Empire FlippersFE InternationalQuietLightMicroAquireFlippaOnfolio's S-1
2022-05-0251 min
Acquiring MindsLessons from a Founder Who Then Started AcquiringMike Loftus started his landscaping business from scratch, then began buying others to accelerate growth to $4m/yr. Themes from Mike’s interview:Growing a landscaping business organically from the ground upAcknowledging your weaknesses and handing them off as soon as you canThe advantages familiarity with technology bring despite a lack of experienceFinding acquisition opportunities through unconventional methodsThe importance of recurring revenue in landscapingThe potential exit opportunities for landscaping ownersConnect with Mike:Twitter: @signthefrontsLinkedIn: Michael LoftusConnect with Acquiring Minds:Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterLin...
2022-04-2557 min
Acquiring MindsSelf-Funded Search vs. Traditional Search FundsLively debate between Greg Geronemus & Robert Graham about the 2 most common models searchers use to acquire a business. Covered in the debate:Quick definitions of each modelHow the economics differWhy are traditional search fund terms so fixed?CEO vs. OwnerAccountability, governance, boards, mentoringFlexibility & optionalityRelative risk of both modelsProbability of closeProbability of successAssembling the board as a self-funded searcherIs either model preferable for particular industry targets?Who is your model not for?Connect with the debaters on LinkedIn:Robert GrahamGreg GeronemusConnect with Acquiring Minds:Connect with host Will Smith o...
2022-04-1858 min
Acquiring Minds8 Figure Exit, 2 Years After Buying the BusinessHow Keith Leimbach paid 6 figures for a business he saw on QuietLight, then exited for 8 figures two years later. *** Register for live episode here: https://bit.ly/3r6P1bD *** Themes from Keith’s interview:The difference between buying and starting a businessIt’s never “just add marketing,” even when it seems like it isGrowth by creating new products that customers are telling you they wantNot being afraid to outsource or delegateWhy Amazon FBA businesses aren’t for everyoneThe Smash My Trash franchiseBuilding laundromats from scratchKeith’s near-death plane crashConnect with Keith:On LinkedIn...
2022-04-111h 13
In the FleapitFleapit Mini - The Will Smith SlapEveryone's talking about it. For this mini-episode, the boys talk about the already infamous moment that happened at the this years Oscars; Will Smith storming the stage to slap Chris Rock. Angus and Will cover all the politics and recent developments since the slap and discuss Will Smith's fate with The Academy.
2022-04-0525 min
Acquiring MindsHow to Buy a $4m HVAC Business (at Age 24)After big success with affiliate marketing online, @Gundwolf sought to acquire & build a more durable business. *** Register for live episode here: https://bit.ly/3tXHIEH *** Themes from @Gundwolf’s interview:Appeal of durable offline businesses vs. online marketing businessesGetting up at 4am to work 4 hours before going to day jobAchieving success in the affiliate marketing world@Gundwolf’s personal philosophy of goalsNot being taken seriously as a 24-year-oldProtracted acquisition processThe importance of the buyer-seller relationshipEarning credibility among blue-collar crewsChallenges when both buyer & seller are doing their first acquisitionReach @Gundwolf at:On Twitte...
2022-04-041h 04
Mental DialogueDid Will Smith's Slap Protect Black Women?Special guest co-host Diversity Consultant, LATRICE ROSS and special guest, Attorney, ASHLEY JOHNSON-ALFORD drop by to discuss THE SLAP SEEN ACROSS THE WORLD!!! Some suggest WILL SMITH slapping CHRIS ROCK was an excellent display of a husband protecting his wife. While others suggest WILL’s response was an overreaction to a joke. Does the personal nature of the joke, knowing JADA PINKETT-SMITH suffers from ALOPECIA change things? Should JADA have kept WILL from approaching Chris? Was this a good or bad example of a BLACK MAN protecting a BLACK WOMAN? MENTAL DIALOGUE asking the questions America’s afraid to ask...
2022-04-022h 20
Acquiring MindsWhat to Love About HVAC AcquisitionsNathan Lenahan acquired an HVAC company with ~$1.2m in revenue for $400k. He's aiming to double sales in 2022 to $2.72m. Themes from Nathan’s interview:The appeal of HVAC over other businesses in the tradesAll the numbers behind Nathan's acquisitionBenefits of “buying small” in the SMB acquisition worldHigh professional satisfaction for skilled trades Acquiring an HVAC business without industry knowledgeThe importance of first-rate customer careLeveraging multiple acquisitions to create a platform for easier home ownershipReach Nathan Lenahan at:On Twitter: @n8lenahanLinkedInBart's Heating & AirConnect with Acquiring Minds:Connect with host Will Smi...
2022-03-2846 min
Acquiring MindsShut Out by Industry Brokers, an Entrepreneur Finds a WayHaving witnessed the power of clean books, Patrick Dichter was driven to buy a $1.2m bookkeeping & accounting business. Themes from Patrick’s interview:The appeal of bookkeeping for acquisition entrepreneursSeeing the power of clean books to transform a small businessMessaging used to reach out to owners of accounting & bookkeeping firmsDefinition of bookkeeping vs. accountingWhat it’s like to acquire a bookkeeping business when you’re not a CPAIndustry- and geography-specific searchBuilding a proprietary search funnelReach Patrick Dichter at:On Twitter: @patrickdichterAppletree Business ServicesConnect with Acquiring Minds:Connect with host Will Smith o...
2022-03-2158 min
Will Chou's Personal Development Show PodcastThis is the Best Book I’ve Read In A While: Lessons From Will Smith’s Biography (Podcast)I read a lot of books. So it’s saying something when I say this is the best book I’ve read in the last two years. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover why. You’ll learn all sorts about Will Smith’s life, struggles, mistakes, advice, and trauma. What a story! Like this show? Please leave a rating… Continue reading This is the Best Book I’ve Read In A While: Lessons From Will Smith’s Biography (Podcast)
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2022-03-211h 07
Will SmithHow To Train Your Mind To Get What You Want
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2021-07-1804 min
NNewsNNews Ep.48 Will Smith vs The RockNNews:Spotify & Anchor.fm, NNewscast:IG, NNewsPodcast:Youtube & SnapchatThis week the Host Smith gets into the Tiger Woods update, Bobby Shmurda home,Freddie Gibbs having white boy talk,Celeb divorces, Maino on Juan Ep is Dead,Meek vs Everybody, Will Smith vs The Rock, Fred The God Son honored with a Block in the Bronx, Honeykomb Brazy Lyrics come back to haunt him,Kevin Samuels Clip.....Whatchu WatchN- Tekashi69 Doc, Patrice O'neal Doc, Biggie Doc, Cecil Hotel Doc, Snowfall, The Sinner, Coming 2 America.Please like, love, follow, subscribe, hate but play my...
2021-03-0923 min
Will SmithWhere Do Babies Come From? | Will Smith VlogsWhere Do Babies Come From? | Will Smith Vlogs
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2020-08-0507 minWill SmithThis is what happens when you don't sleep in | Will Smith VlogsThis is what happens when you don't sleep in | Will Smith Vlogs
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2020-08-0507 minWill SmithGetting Hit with a 120mph Tennis Serve SUCKS! | Will Smith VlogsGetting Hit with a 120mph Tennis Serve SUCKS! | Will Smith Vlogs
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2020-08-0510 minWill SmithOne Thing Arnold Schwarzenegger Told Me That I’ll Never Forget | Will Smith VlogsOne Thing Arnold Schwarzenegger Told Me That I’ll Never Forget | Will Smith Vlogs
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2020-08-0406 minWill SmithAustralian Meat Pie is HOT AS ****! | Will Smith VlogsAustralian Meat Pie is HOT AS ****! | Will Smith Vlogs
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2020-08-0408 minWill SmithWe Lost Him... | Will Smith VlogsWe Lost Him... | Will Smith Vlogs
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2020-08-0410 min
Travelling SeñoritaEP 50- Travelling Señorita with Will SmithPodcast host Kylie Mitchell-Smith interviewed by Will Smith (top bloke son) on the inspiration behind the pod & what the next 50 holds.
2020-08-0213 min