Acquiring Minds
Business & Finance
About
Buying a business is an amazing path for many successful entrepreneurs. Learn how to buy a business from the entrepreneurs who have already done it. 2x per week: stories, insights, & valuable advice about acquisition entrepreneurship. Hosted by Will Smith, who is on his own path to acquire a business. Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquiringMinds Sign up for episode summaries at: https://acquiringminds.co
Episodes
- Buying Small to Build for the Long Term ($300k SDE)
Brendan Duebner, featured on Acquiring Minds, discusses his strategy of acquiring a small business as the initial step in building a sustainable, long-term enterprise. He shares lessons learned from his military background, the acquisition…
- A $800k Business to Start, $60m Portfolio Today
Andrew Blazenko, with six acquisitions over ten years, built a $60 million portfolio by pairing businesses with operators. He discusses his journey from a business broker to an acquirer, the importance of good operators, and challenges in…
- Buying Then Losing a $2.1m HVAC Business
Dan Burnside shares his experience of buying an HVAC business that led to discovering seller fraud, employee departures, and customer payment problems, ultimately resulting in bankruptcy. He also discusses his new AI venture.
- From $1m to $25m in 6 Years
Jeff Flannery shares his journey of growing from $1 million to $25 million in six years, detailing his experience with franchising, improving franchisee playbooks, and managing spa operations through various challenges. He also discusses b…
- The Searchers Building a $10m EBITDA Powerhouse
Nicolás Lulli, founder of Peru's first search fund Colca Capital, transformed a document storage business into a $25m leader in the Andean region. He discusses navigating challenges like COVID-19, shifting focus to acquisitions for growth,…
- Buying a $40m Business as a 49-Year-Old First-Timer
Greg Hirsch, a 49-year-old first-time buyer of a $40 million business, shares his journey and insights. He emphasizes the value of professional experience in an ETA journey and the importance of spouse alignment.
- How Business-Buyer Fit Led to 2.2x and No PG
Joe Wynn discusses acquiring a medical equipment distribution and service company, detailing negotiation strategies, deal structuring with seller financing, and navigating post-closing financial challenges. He shares insights on achieving…
- Buying a Business to Balance Ambition and Kids
Ana Lia Barragan shares her experience of buying a 30-year-old business, motivated by a desire for increased flexibility and more time with her children. She details aspects of the acquisition process, including due diligence, financing, a…
- A Search Fund Journey to $350m
Jenna Whigham and her brother acquired a business through a search fund, growing it significantly over five years. She shares insights on investment banking, the acquisition process, expansion strategies, and operational challenges.
- "Life is Just Brighter" in a $1.2m Distribution Business
Joseph Cruz discusses his journey from a finance career to becoming a business owner of a $1.2 million distribution business. He shares insights from his first year, including challenges and successes, and his approach to modernizing the c…
- From Small Acquisition to $30m Industry Leader
Robin Kovitz discusses her journey of acquiring a gift basket business and building it into a $30 million industry leader. The episode covers her search process, operational turnaround strategies, and her commitment to long-term business g…
- How to Acquire 25 Franchise Units in 2.5 Years
Jack Foster and Jake McLaughlin discuss how they transitioned from finance careers to acquiring 25 Meineke franchise units. They cover their strategy for consolidating units, managing a franchise roll-up, and their approach to growth throu…
- Turning $25k into a $3.2m Exit in Under 4 Years
Corey Mullins shares how he navigated his career in HVAC, from purchasing a small, failing business for its phone number to exiting to private equity in under four years. The discussion covers his build-to-sell philosophy, growth strategie…
- 40% Growth in Year 1 of a Paving Business
Eric Donahue discusses his transition from a Navy SEAL career to acquiring and growing a paving company. He details his approach to operations, culture, and business growth, achieving a 40% increase in revenue during his first year.
- Leaving Wall Street to Buy a $1m Manufacturing Business
Brian Anderson discusses his transition from a 25-year career in investment banking to acquiring and operating a $1 million manufacturing business. He covers the challenges of small business ownership, operational learning, and his eventua…
- A $6.5m Business Worth Flying To
Naveen Vinta discusses the process of acquiring and managing an aerial work platform business in Milwaukee, including his experience with the long sales cycle and remote operations. He also reflects on how his military background and MBA p…
- Bricklayer to Blue-Collar Empire
Justin Escajeda shares his journey from working as a stone mason to acquiring and managing 11 different businesses. He discusses his acquisition strategy, operational management, and the personal demands of overseeing multiple companies.
- No SBA Loan and $75k Out of Pocket
Megan McGee discusses her transition from a traditional to a self-funded search fund, leading to the acquisition of Virginia Guesthouses without an SBA loan. She details her experience managing 75 properties and the outcome of her first ye…
- Growing Profits 30% in the First 1.5 Years
Jonathan Taylor discusses his approach to acquiring a business, including his search process, deal structure, and strategies for achieving 40% revenue growth through digitization and process improvements.
- Second Time's the Charm as Owner of a $4m Business
Joe Springsteen discusses his journey in business acquisition, reflecting on his first ownership experience and his current success managing a $4m exterior cleaning business, Mallard Systems. The conversation covers his search process, ope…
- Taking a Single-City Acquisition Nationwide
Edward McDonnell discusses his experience buying a local landscaping business through a traditional search fund and expanding it to eight branches across five states. He covers topics including his transition from engineering, implementing…
- Year 1 in a $300k SDE Services Business
Scott Crosby discusses his experience in his first year operating a services business with 4.5 employees, covering challenges like staff turnover and modernizing operations. The conversation also explores career-defining moments and lesson…
- How to 4x a Small Manufacturer
Tato Corcoran discusses scaling her sink manufacturing business, covering strategies like factory reconfiguration, Profit First accounting, and leadership approaches. The episode also explores her experiences as a woman in the manufacturin…
- Exiting for Millions vs. Long-Term Hold
Don Grigg joins Acquiring Minds to discuss his journey acquiring and scaling businesses, comparing his experience with an exit versus a long-term hold. He also reflects on his passion for manufacturing and the role of family in entrepreneu…
- How to Own 20% of Multiple SMBs
Evan DiLeonardi discusses his experience buying a commercial cleaning business, entering the Airbnb market, and implementing his unique "equity in kind" partner model. He also shares his shift from operations toward a holding company struc…
- $20m Net Worth After 25 Years Buying Businesses
Paul Lajoie recounts his 25-year journey of buying and growing businesses, starting with a flooring company. He discusses his experiences with partnerships, navigating economic downturns, and the importance of working capital in acquisitio…
- SBA Deal Structuring to Manage Risk in a Cyclical Industry
Andrew Kurzrok discusses his journey of acquiring a sheet metal manufacturing business. He covers his transition from a science background to management, the acquisition search process, and his approach to operational management.
- $250k SDE Acquisition: Limited Downside, Big Upside
Ville-Matias Vilén discusses his acquisition of a manufacturing company, detailing his strategy for growth, intellectual property management, and his long-term vision for a holdco. The conversation covers the deal process in Finland, reloc…
- The Late 40s Pivot Into Business Buying
Jarom Wren discusses his transition from a corporate career to acquiring a digital e-commerce business. He shares insights on risk assessment, business evaluation, and his experiences during his first year as a business owner.
- The First Steps to a Family Holdco
Linh and Leo Van Deibel discuss their journey of business acquisition, their goal of building a family holdco, and their experience navigating search as non-citizens in the UK. The conversation covers their search process, the challenges o…
- Buying a Platform with an SBA Loan
Jacob VosWinkel discusses his experience acquiring a flooring store in a tertiary market using an SBA loan. He covers his search process, fundraising strategies, and his approach to growing the business while managing employee responsibili…
- The Contrarian Bet on a Digital Agency
George Stern discusses his experience acquiring and managing a digital marketing agency and ecommerce businesses. He covers topics including his acquisition strategy, banking challenges, and his approach to business operations as a former…
- Comfortable Concentration for a $800k SDE Business
Phil Koller discusses his acquisition of Roman Enterprises, an automotive paint distributor. He details his approach to managing concentration risk and key man risks while building on his experience in small companies.
- Buying for Brand (Then Growing 4x)
Matt Orley discusses his experience acquiring a short-term rental brand to enter the industry. He covers topics such as property management, transitioning with the seller, regional market differences, and his strategies for business growth.
- 8-Figure Exit After 5 Years
Adam Vandermyde discusses his experience acquiring, professionalizing, and eventually exiting a $15 million business via private equity after five years. The conversation covers key operational strategies, including data analysis and custo…
- Complexity Hides Fragility: Losing a $20m Business
Joe Odell discusses his experience acquiring a $4 million earnings business that quickly faced a post-close cash crisis and operational challenges. The conversation covers his background, the search process, and the factors that led to the…
- Buying Small to Then Buy Larger ($1m SDE)
Joe Soelberg shares his journey of acquiring and scaling businesses, starting with a $400k SDE firm and moving to a larger acquisition. He discusses navigating business pivots, hiring strategies, and his approach to managing multiple compa…
- Passion & Profit in an American Pastime
Former professional bowler Mike Fagan discusses his acquisition of a $2 million bowling center and his strategy for revitalizing legacy bowling businesses. Topics include his industry insights, the challenges of managing older facilities,…
- When You Buy a Glorified Job, Not a Business
Tato Corcoran discusses her experience purchasing and running a small manufacturing business after leaving the tech industry. She covers challenges like labor recruitment, communication, financial struggles, and strategies for revenue grow…
- Getting Unstuck by Buying a Business
Christian Bateson discusses his experience acquiring a construction services business, detailing his path from a difficult career to business ownership. The interview covers topics including the acquisition process, managing growth, overco…
- How to Buy a Generational Brand with $20m in Sales
Philip Hussey of Chenmark discusses the acquisition of Thomas Moser, a high-end furniture brand with $20 million in sales. The discussion covers maintaining legacy, managing manufacturing, and long-term hold strategies.
- Reward for 17-Month Deal: $1.8m of EBITDA
Robert Gayden discusses his 17-month journey to acquire a home care business, his philosophy on growth, and his experience operating the company. He shares insights on increasing sales, managing working capital, and his approach to leaders…
- The 7-Year Collapse of an SBA Acquisition
Scott Duncan discusses his experience owning a tool and die business that ultimately failed after seven years. He covers challenges including employee theft and turnover, difficult business models, creditor issues, and the impact of the Co…
- SBA Acquisition to $9m Cash Exit in 5 Years
Andy Rougeot discusses his experience acquiring a blue-collar business, scaling it to $1.7 million in EBITDA, and achieving a $9 million cash exit within five years. The episode covers his military background, search strategies, and his tr…
- ETA Unicorn: $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 Years
Steve Carroll discusses his transition from an SBA searcher to leading a PE-backed roll-up that achieved $1 billion in revenue within five years. He shares insights on overcoming acquisition challenges, scaling through M&A, and the realiti…
- Buying for $600k, Selling for $35m
Jake Bittner discusses his experience acquiring an unprofitable carve-out and scaling it to $20 million in revenue before selling the business. The episode covers his operational strategies, the role of private equity, and lessons learned…
- When a $2.8m Acquisition Is More Like Zero-to-One
Dave Gilbert discusses his experience acquiring a $750k SDE family business using SBA debt and his efforts to address operational challenges. He shares insights on business searching, managing employee transitions, and applying zero-to-one…
- When to Buy a Large Consumer Business
Taylor Mattingly discusses his experience acquiring and operating Energy Ogre, a Texas-based consumer energy business. He covers the benefits of buying a company he was a customer of, partnering with a co-CEO, and implementing the EOS mode…
- The Dream Outcome: From $300k to $5m EBITDA
Linh Tran discusses growing a refrigeration business from a small acquisition to millions in earnings. Topics include his search criteria, management strategies, operational improvements, and his approach to building a legacy.
- Buy Well, Exit Better: A $67m Win in 4 Years
Greg Geronemus joins Acquiring Minds to discuss his experience acquiring a profitable travel business at age 26. He covers his search strategy, operational challenges, marketing tactics, and his exit after four years.