Acquiring Minds

Will Smith

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

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480 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes480

Newest first

Thursday · 1 hr 34 min
How 1 SBA Loan Brought Down 2 Businesses
Edgar Galindo and his partner bought 2 businesses with SBA loans. Now he's facing the consequences of shuttering both. Topics in Edgar’s interview: Construction background in his family business “Google-funded search” Wanted flexibility to start a family Austin-only geographic search Found partner through Searchfunder First deal: Austin landscaping company Buying a second business within 6 months Making quick changes to the business Undisclosed liabilities and customer-stealing employees Closing both businesses and facing bankruptcy References and how to contact Edgar: LinkedIn Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
Monday · 1 hr 49 min
60% Concentration That Killed an Exit
Raj Mahajan bought a salon software business, tripled it to $11M ARR. Then his biggest customer launched a competitor. Register for the webinar: Tax Issues: Entity and Deal Structuring - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4frQstm Topics in Raj’s interview: Wanting to move “from coach to quarterback” Buying a niche point-of-sale software company Converting to cloud-based SaaS Growing recurring revenue from $4 to $11 million Establishing a headquarters for the remote company A failed exit to private equity His biggest customer stealing his software Emotional turmoil of Covid + lawsuit Choosing to protect his team Lessons learned from good and bad years References and how to contact Raj: LinkedIn Jaan Capital Lessons for New Operators - 2020 The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
July 23 · 1 hr 38 min
Product-Market Fit in the Trades: 4x in 2.5 Years
Patrick Beal left tech to buy an HVAC business with 90% seller financing, no SBA. He's on track to hit $3.5m this year. Register for the webinar: Working Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4f8pSGY Topics in Patrick interview: Entrepreneurship in his family Zoom fatigue from remote work Searching in Northeast Ohio Finding a business through his network Meeting with the seller for almost a year Structuring 10% down, 90% seller note Underestimating working capital needs Keeping his W-2 until the business grew Quadrupling revenue in 2 years Working on getting his HVAC license References and how to contact Patrick: LinkedIn Temperature Control Maintenance Linh Tran on Acquiring Minds: The Dream Outcome: From $300k to $5m EBITDA Steve Carroll on Acquiring Minds: ETA Unicorn: $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 Years Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
July 20 · 1 hr 16 min
No SBA, No Investors: The Liquidity Access Line
Brian Jungles bought a $400k direct mail business in Atlanta and skipped SBA by pledging his portfolio as collateral. Register for the webinars: Don't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/3T4OQOJ Working Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - Thu, Jul 23 - https://bit.ly/3T1aELe Topics in Brian’s interview: Leaving his corporate career at Adobe Finding a business through his network Acquiring for $400k cash Getting a personal line of credit through his bank Direct mail is still effective Growth is a lot of work Humbling experience of learning Quickbooks Picture-perfect transition of ownership Learning to translate “corporate speak” “The entrepreneur community all wants to help each other.” References and how to contact Brian: LinkedIn City Publications Atlanta Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
July 16 · 1 hr 22 min
Acquiring a $7m Niche Marketing Agency with 50 Employees
Rob Belk networked his way to "the most caffeinated guy in town" searching for a local business — then found it online. Register for the webinars: From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4aKP3fY Don't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - Tue, Jul 21 - https://bit.ly/4feY1DP Topics in Rob’s interview: Geographic search in the Triad of North Carolina Networking with local business owners Finding a business through Axial Buying a marketing and consumer research agency His choice to stay out of the weeds Bringing in a consultant (maybe too) early How his agency intersects with the trades Structuring a 50% earnout Consensus-based leadership style Finding clients through Substack References and how to contact Rob: LinkedIn Sales Factory Adam Duggins on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a Holdco of 4 Blue Collar Businesses in 10 Years Joe Soelberg on Acquiring Minds: Buying Small to Then Buy Larger $1m SDE Bryan Houck on Acquiring Minds: 4th Time's the Charm: 3 Broken Deals to Buy a Great Business Scott Alexander on Acquiring Minds: Rebuilding from 80% Collapse to Mid 7 Figures Revenue Rob’s 10-page Search Learnings Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
July 13 · 1 hr 30 min
Escaping the J-Curve in a $700k SDE Ecom Business
Chris Farkas endured a 7-week fetal position moment when he finally found a website bug that had cost him $500k in sales. Register for the webinar: From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - Thu, Jul 16 - https://bit.ly/4vRBhk8 Topics in Chris’s interview: Going through Acquisition Lab First deal fell through on Christmas Eve Acquiring an ecommerce business with a warehouse Buying inventory he didn’t want The marketing agencies that hurt his business Business almost tanked due to website glitch Doing $10k in sales per day Hardship of traveling every other week Why he stays off Amazon Make only one change at a time References and how to contact Chris: LinkedIn EmergencyKits.com Russ Hadlock on Acquiring Minds: The Front Lines of a Crisis Dave Richards of Keystone Business Advisors Kalen Foster of Live Oak Bank Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
July 9 · 1 hr 27 min
Never Worked Harder, Never Been Happier
After 25 years in corporate, Gina Rosen bought a jewelry wholesaling business with $635k in sales — now on track to $1m. Register for the webinar: Finance Essentials Before You Close - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4fcxTdK Topics in Gina’s interview: Leaving corporate for more family time Decoupling her salary from her value Acquiring the supplier for her side gig Her mistake with buying inventory Keeping her corporate job the first year Going full time in the business to focus on sales Standing out by making sales calls in-person Operating a highly seasonal business How tariffs have affected her business Acquiring without the SBA References and how to contact Gina: LinkedIn Seasons Jewelry The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
July 6 · 1 hr 26 min
Career Consultant Who Bought a 7-Figure Manufacturer
Buying a metal fabricator with $1m in earnings pivoted Paul Callahan into the new entrepreneurial chapter of his career. Register for the webinar: Finance Essentials Before You Close - Thu, Jul 9 - https://bit.ly/4eMaUow Topics in Paul’s interview: M&A, integrations, and private equity experience COVID Zoom fatigue sparked career pivot Atlanta’s crowded deal market challenges Hiring buy-side help while still working Pursuing full ownership without outside investors Navigating two simultaneous LOIs carefully Choosing SBA 504 over 7(a) financing for the real estate Acquiring a high capex business Replacing Ferrari equipment with Toyota reliability Why consultants make strong ETA operators References and how to contact Paul: LinkedIn Metro Metal Works Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
July 2 · 1 hr 23 min
(replay)Art of the Roll-Up: 40 Businesses in 4 Years
Jeff Homer bought a small local music school as a fun side hustle. It turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime. Topics in Jeff interview: Switching from high finance to music schools Buying his first music school as a side project Raising growth equity after first 2 acquisitions Acquiring a music school every month Artists’ negative predisposition toward selling Comparing profitability of music vs. dance Importance of general managers in scaling Implementing apps to streamline operations Other industries with roll-up potential Rolling up 60+ music/dance schools nationwide References and how to contact Jeff: LinkedIn Ensemble Performing Arts Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 29 · 1 hr 36 min
Growing a $5m Metal Business 40% in Year 1
Caleb Standafer believed in manufacturing and wanted to spend his career there. A multi-year pivot and ETA got him in. Topics in Caleb’s interview: Moving from tech to manufacturing Manufacturing is important for our country 7 years operating before searching The manufacturing concept of “going to Gemba” His 4-year part-time search Taking time weekly to develop his leaders Partnering with his dad Modernizing 1970s technology Managing 75% customer concentration Renegotiating payment terms with his largest customer References and how to contact Caleb: LinkedIn Springfield Tool & Die Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 25 · 1 hr 23 min
How to 4x EBITDA in 3 Years Without Growing Sales
Ned Tomasevic navigated an early crisis then grew EBITDA to $6m and exited at over 8x, four turns higher than he'd paid. Register for the webinar: Transferable Skills: Crafting Your Resume for SBA Lenders - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4v3KOnf Topics in Ned’s interview: Being the first American in his family Utilizing 20 interns for outreach Acquiring with help from a search fund Post-closing discovery led to lawsuit Stress shows up in your body first Getting guidance from his coach and mentors Reducing shrink from 20% to 3% Quadrupling EBITDA in 3 years Taking a year off after exiting His new role as investor, coach and mentor References and how to contact Ned: LinkedIn Searchers Fund Jason Jackson on Acquiring Minds: How to Recover from a Fraudulent Seller Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 22 · 1 hr 25 min
Leaving $700s/Yr to Buy an Underperforming Printing Business
Dominick Smith left a lucrative track in PE to pursue a path that offered more meaning. Buying a business has delivered. Register for the webinars: Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/3Qx1g0W Transferable Skills: Crafting Your Resume for SBA Lenders - Thu, Jun 25 - https://bit.ly/4uOEqQD Topics in Dominick’s interview: Leaving a lucrative job in his late 20’s Dodging bullets with due diligence Renegotiating purchase price Managing white collar vs blue collar employees Wasting money on ineffective marketing Learning budgeting and frugality Advantages of staying in the weeds Aggressively pursuing new business Discovering and fixing poor website speeds His intent to sell the business References and how to contact Dominick: LinkedIn Printmoz.com Heather Endresen at Viso Business Capital Brendan O’Brien at Huntington Bank Aizik Zimmerman on Acquiring Minds: Founder Mode for ETA: $6m to $25m in 3 Years Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 18 · 1 hr 38 min
From Software to Concrete Cutting (and $1.4m of SDE)
When the owner refused a seller note in the $6m transaction to sell his business, Tom McCormick had to get creative. Register for the webinar: Understanding a Quality of Earnings Analysis: What's Included and Why - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/43sZcKn Topics in Tom’s interview: From IBM executive to acquisition entrepreneur Building banker relationships to source better deals Closing on his first LOI Consulting agreement replaced traditional seller note “I wish I would've started this path 15 years ago.” Winning seller’s trust through shared values Using ROBS to buy a larger company A costly lesson about accounts receivable valuation Prioritizing keeping the blue collar workforce happy “I am so much happier now.” References and how to contact Tom: LinkedIn Quality Cutting & Coring The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 15 · 1 hr 49 min
Good Bones: Saving a $3m Business in Decline
Despite his love of operations, Himmat Singh intended to own his acquisition passively. Then the lead sales guy quit. Register for the webinar: Understanding a Quality of Earnings Analysis: What's Included and Why - Thu, Jun 18 - https://bit.ly/4vhhY3t Topics in Himmat’s interview: Operating a business for a billionaire in India Ran traditional search, closed zero acquisitions Targeted recession-proof home care opportunities Became CEO of elder care company he couldn’t acquire Grew EBITDA 4x through operational cleanup and systems Sold company to private equity, remaining CEO Life-changing exit from elder care company Landed printing acquisition through relationships Prefers operating to financial modeling Structuring a screaming deal on a printing business References and how to contact Himmat: LinkedIn EPI-Colorspace Circle of Life Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 11 · 1 hr 31 min
How to Buy a $20m Business as a First-Timer
When Alan Turkus found a business with a mission, he knew he'd found the right fit for the final chapter of his career. Topics in Alan’s interview: Background in book publishing Post-MBA career in tech Taking a career break to raise his son From co-op cashier to co-CEO Seeking security through business ownership Acquiring a home health and hospice franchise Raising equity from search investors Retaining a little over 50% ownership Structuring with 2 forgivable seller notes The advantage of buying a bigger business References and how to contact Alan: LinkedIn Interim Healthcare of Twin Cities Elliott Edge on Acquiring Minds: 1 Business vs Many: Deciding to Roll Up Grant Hensel of Entrepreneurial Capital Jacob Hall of Kando Capital PROX Capital Group Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 8 · 1 hr 11 min
How to De-Risk the Personal Guarantee
Brendan Burdette and Ryan Conner have launched personal guarantee insurance to enable more — and stronger — SBA buyers. Register for the webinar: Score It or Skip It: A Framework for Fast Deal Evaluation - Thu, Jun 11 - https://bit.ly/3Q1D9qM Topics in Brendan & Ryan’s interview: Psychological weight of the personal guarantee Building a personal guarantee insurance product Taking the risk from a 10 to a 5 Sequence of events after default Targeting mid to late career operators Premiums decrease over time Balancing risk between unequal partners Solving the seller rollover conflict Philosophy of “skin in the game” How they hope this affects ETA ecosystem References and how to contact Brendan & Ryan: Brendan Burdette’s LinkedIn Ryan Conner’s LinkedIn Personal Guarantee Insurance Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 4 · 1 hr 25 min
The Origin Story of a Compounder ($80m and Counting)
Greg Shapiro & Zach Cooper-Vastola are building a long-term, compounding business they see as the anti-PE of the trades. Register for the webinar: Franchising for the ETA Buyer: Resales, Roll-Ups, and Real Deals - TODAY - https://bit.ly/49sKF4H Topics in Greg and Zach’s interview: Founders combined technical and financial expertise Shifted from SaaS to long-term ownership Acquired century-old Manhattan HVAC company High cost and complexities of New York market Avoided SBA limits to scale acquisitions What “Anti-PE” means to them Digitization takes longer than you think Living lean on low salaries Predicting HVAC roll-up market shakeout ahead Influence and investment from Will Thorndike References and how to contact Greg and Zach: Hickory Greg Shapiro LinkedIn Zach Cooper-Vastola LinkedIn Will Thorndike Steve Carroll on Acquiring Minds: ETA Unicorn: $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 Years Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
June 1 · 1 hr 46 min
Started as SBA Searcher, Built to a PE Fund
The first business Joe Wechsler bought had $280k of SDE. Seven years later, he runs a fund with $50m of buying power. Register for the webinar: Franchising for the ETA Buyer: Resales, Roll-Ups, and Real Deals - Thu, June 4 - https://bit.ly/4vnGP5u Topics in Joe’s interview: Background in management consulting Inspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad to own assets Joining an early cohort of the Acquisition Lab Searching is more fun with a partner First deal died 10 days before closing Discovering employees had never been paid overtime Total office staff turnover in first 4 months Acquiring 4 diverse businesses Launching a $25M equity fund with 5 partners It’s all about the people References and how to contact Joe: LinkedIn Blueline Ventures Who by Geoff Smart and Randy Street Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Richard T. Kiyosaki Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
May 28 · 1 hr 23 min
Buying $1.5m of Earnings Without an SBA Loan
As a South African in the US, Justus Luttig had to get creative to search then buy 2 trades businesses at the same time. Register for the webinar: New $10m Limit for SBA Loans: What You Need to Know - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4v3zKXh Topics in Justus’s interview: Growing up on a cattle ranch in South Africa Disillusioned with the venture capital bubble Perception of white collar work as “the dream” Meeting successful owners of blue-collar businesses Big deal failure on his birthday Structuring a deal without the SBA Challenges of searching on an H1B visa Merging an HVAC with a plumbing business The magic happens when you leave your desk Acquiring during the slow season References and how to contact Justus: LinkedIn Copeland Home Services The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: The Acquisition Lab Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
May 25 · 1 hr 33 min
The Magic of Low Multiple + Growth
David Graf went after a business that had sat on the market, acquiring $750k of EBITDA for 2.7x. It's going well. Register for the webinars: Negotiating Working Capital in SMB Acquisitions - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4a2ozGe New $10m Limit for SBA Loans: What You Need to Know - Thu, May 28 - https://bit.ly/49j3V4t Topics in David’s interview: Drive to earn money as a kid Choosing to skip business school Advantages of acquiring in Texas Preparing his case to convince his wife Working full time while searching Growth is often underpriced Wholesaling real estate he didn’t want How to decide whether to keep an employee Joining a group for manufacturing owners Near-crisis days before closing References and how to contact David: LinkedIn Danhard Rand Larsen Scalepath Get a Grip by Mike Paton Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital Advisory Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds Connect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn Follow Will on Twitter Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron

Acquiring Minds

How 1 SBA Loan Brought Down 2 Businesses

60% Concentration That Killed an Exit

Product-Market Fit in the Trades: 4x in 2.5 Years

No SBA, No Investors: The Liquidity Access Line

Acquiring a $7m Niche Marketing Agency with 50 Employees

Escaping the J-Curve in a $700k SDE Ecom Business

Never Worked Harder, Never Been Happier

Career Consultant Who Bought a 7-Figure Manufacturer

(replay)Art of the Roll-Up: 40 Businesses in 4 Years

Growing a $5m Metal Business 40% in Year 1

How to 4x EBITDA in 3 Years Without Growing Sales

Leaving $700s/Yr to Buy an Underperforming Printing Business

From Software to Concrete Cutting (and $1.4m of SDE)

Good Bones: Saving a $3m Business in Decline

How to Buy a $20m Business as a First-Timer

How to De-Risk the Personal Guarantee

The Origin Story of a Compounder ($80m and Counting)

Started as SBA Searcher, Built to a PE Fund

Buying $1.5m of Earnings Without an SBA Loan

The Magic of Low Multiple + Growth