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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

Sign up for episode summaries at:
https://acquiringminds.co

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  • 40 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 1 hr 27 min
  • English

Episodes 40

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  • Monday · 1 hr 21 min

    Side Hustle Acquisition to $5m in Revenue

    Brendan Guerin was 21 when he and 3 friends bought a dog daycare on the side. Today: 6 Midwest locations. Register for the webinars: Debt Financing Your Deal (SBA & Independent Sponsor) - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4rRpQaY The Small Things That Sink First-Year Owners - Thu, Oct 15 - https://bit.ly/4idBtVx Topics in Brendan’s interview: He bought his first doggy daycare at 21 The first acquisition was a deliberate starter deal Four partners split ownership and responsibilities. The $1.1M deal included real estate EBITDA margins approached 50% before rent Buying real estate protects long-term business control Midwest real estate makes their model work Covid unexpectedly supercharged dog daycare demand Brendan eventually left finance to operate full-time Today, Argos spans six Midwest locations References and how to contact Brendan: LinkedIn brendan@argospartners.com 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

  • Thursday · 1 hr 42 min

    The Roll-Up with No Investors & No Clock

    Tyler Hoffman has bought 4 telecom companies with no outside equity, and works 15 hours a week to get to $50m. Topics in Tyler’s interview: Lessons from being fired repeatedly Finding and acquiring Metro Wireless Filling experience gaps with charisma Financing the $4.5 million acquisition Navigating a difficult ownership transition Discovering hidden operational problems post-close Losing half of earnings — and surviving Rebuilding Metro Wireless through operational improvements 3 tuck-in acquisitions Balancing business growth with personal autonomy References and how to contact Tyler: LinkedIn Hoffman Capital Metro Wireless Jeff Homer’s webinar: Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up 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 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

  • October 5 · 1 hr 2 min

    $33m Holdco: Teddy Bears to Insurance Claims

    Colin King and his 50/50 partner have paid themselves little since 2018, reinvesting profits back into their businesses. Topics in Colin’s interview: Growing Circle City Capital’s business portfolio Don’t call them private equity Why Colin stopped wanting operational roles Why critical mass matters for holdcos He still earn less than operators Holdco strategy versus industry-specific rollups The fox versus hedgehog framework Learning through hands-on operating experience Why chasing money can make things harder Costly mistakes and failed acquisitions References and how to contact Colin: colin@circlecitycapitalgroup.com LinkedIn Colin King’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a $28m Holdco (in 6 Years) Circle City Capital Group Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • October 1 · 1 hr 30 min

    The $150k Hiding in the Business He Bought

    Patrick Dunphy acquired a low-seven-figure interpreter agency, then halved its collection times in year one. Topics in Patrick’s interview: From Army aviation to business ownership Why Patrick chose ownership over corporate success Three years searching while working full-time Turning red flags into acquisition opportunities Why intrinsic value matters beyond financial returns Building a scalable, contractor-driven service business Structuring an SBA acquisition without seller financing Cutting payment times in half through better invoicing Preserving trust through a quiet ownership transition Growing through new markets and government contracts References and how to contact Patrick: LinkedIn JS Languages 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. Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • September 28 · 1 hr 28 min

    How to Buy a $2.1m Business Without the SBA

    Jack Rauch left politics for a niche Florida business no bank would finance. He's doubled revenue twice since. Register for the webinar: Sizing an SBA Loan to the Cash Flow - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4hrFwge Topics in Jack’s interview: From the White House to entrepreneurship Discovering an overlooked private provider niche Customers helped save the business How private inspections accelerate construction projects Expanding beyond the seller's tiny territory Navigating licensing requirements without industry experience Financing the deal without SBA backing Raising prices and finding unexpected growth Doubling revenue during each ownership year Joining industry leadership to reduce regulatory risk References and how to contact Jack: LinkedIn Tew & Taylor 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 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

  • September 24 · 1 hr 30 min

    Buying a $7.3m Golf Course with No Money Down

    Kyle Holmes spent 8 years running Quail Ridge for its investor owners. Then they asked if he wanted to buy it. Register for the webinars: Protect the Business: How to Diligence Insurance Pre-Close - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4xvNj2E Sizing an SBA Loan to the Cash Flow - Tue, Sep 29 - https://bit.ly/4y1Xr4a Topics in Kyle’s interview: Growing up in a golf family Running Quail Ridge before becoming an owner Being approached about buying the golf course Golf’s boom, recession, and post-COVID resurgence Michigan’s surprisingly strong golf market Revenue from golf, dining, events, and driving range Improving Quail Ridge before buying the business Valuing land worth more than operations Negotiating from $6.5 million to $7.3 million Financing with SBA, conventional, and seller debt References and how to contact Kyle: LinkedIn Quail Ridge Golf Club Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.com 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

  • September 21 · 1 hr 30 min

    Buying a $12.5m Contractor to Create 1,000 Jobs

    Manolo Diaz Corrada came home to Puerto Rico to build for decades and keep the wealth from leaving the island. Register for the webinars: Working Capital: What Buyers Need to Know Before Closing - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4yJUdSX Protect the Business: How to Diligence Insurance Pre-Close - Thu, Sep 24 - https://bit.ly/4rlZei3 Topics in Manolo’s interview: Building a career across engineering, business, and law Fighting Puerto Rico’s brain drain Launching a self-funded search in a tiny market Why traditional search fund investor passed on Puerto Rico Finding an acquisition through family connections Navigating SBA financing challenges in Puerto Rico Using reputation as a due diligence tool Betting on Puerto Rico’s infrastructure boom Using backlog to underwrite acquisition risk Structuring a deal with seller financing References and how to contact Manolo: LinkedIn Bonneville Group 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

  • September 17 · 1 hr 11 min

    Losing a $1m SDE Business to Bankruptcy

    Morli Desai bought an e-commerce brand with an SBA loan. Three years later: liquidation, Chapter 11, and gratitude. Register for the webinars: Equity Financing: From SBA Deals to Independent Sponsors - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4r81edB Working Capital: What Buyers Need to Know Before Closing - Tue, Sep 22 - https://bit.ly/4gZWFxh Topics in Morli’s interview: Acquiring a skincare brand Why she felt confident in the company Early red flags she minimized Amazon shipping disaster Rising cost per click 8-12% customer retention rate Unique challenges of ecommerce Negotiating multiple loan deferrals Stress of the personal guarantee Filing subchapter V bankruptcy References and how to contact Morli: LinkedIn Morli’s first Acquiring Minds episode: How to Buy a $4m E-com Business with an SBA Loan Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • September 14 · 1 hr 31 min

    $340k to $1.3m of Earnings in 14 Months

    Rob Brooks bought a $1.9m Sarasota HVAC shop, then ignored the advice to wait 90 days before changing it. Register for the webinar: Equity Financing: From SBA Deals to Independent Sponsors - Thu, Sep 17 - https://bit.ly/3VqwuZu Topics in Rob’s interview: Choosing an industry where he had an edge Buying smaller to reduce debt risk Understanding prepaid customer obligations Using ChatGPT to learn HVAC Making changes immediately after acquisition Inheriting a GM and long-tenured employees Digitizing operations and increasing accountability Transforming a blame culture into a problem-solving culture Adding weekly employee training sessions Practicing radical honesty with customers References and how to contact Rob: LinkedIn Gary Air Grant Hensel Jack Carr on Acquiring Minds: Back from the Brink When Everybody Quits Day 1 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 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

  • September 10 · 1 hr 7 min

    Buy a Business with Your Tax Bill

    Adam Whelchel paid himself instead of the IRS, putting $35k down on an escape room doing $365k with room to grow. Register for the webinar: The Deal I Almost Bought (And Why I Passed) - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4hVeKik Topics in Adam’s interview: Built a $1.5M accounting firm Business brokerage opened the acquisition door Wanted a business his daughter could appreciate An escape room caught his attention Fixed costs created massive operating leverage Bought the business for roughly $220K Put about $35K into the deal Business acquisition as a tax strategy Re-engaged customers and local businesses Plans to double capacity to 20% References and how to contact Adam: LinkedIn Axis Accounting & Tax Jeff Homer on Acquiring Minds: 1 Music School to $100m in Revenue Adam’s slides 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. Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • September 7 · 1 hr 23 min

    First-Timer Buys a $15m Business in Distress

    Mike Bourgeois bought an HVAC company bleeding $3m a year, all cash and no SBA, then cut $1.4m of costs in 2 weeks. Register for the webinar: The Deal I Almost Bought (And Why I Passed) - Thu, Sep 10 - https://bit.ly/4zKAGTN Topics in Mike’s interview: Led major Air Force medical practice Found a search partner with complementary skill sets Bet on distressed businesses with liquidation value Found a deal through veteran ETA Slack Speed beat the highest bid Immediately cut $1.4M in annualized expenses Raised gross margins from 7% to 49% Shifted from silos to teamwork Emphasis on ongoing staff training His goal of being a capital allocator/investor References and how to contact Mike: LinkedIn Cardinal Heating & Air Book: The Compounders: From Small Acquisitions to Giant Shareholder Returns 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 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

  • September 3 · 1 hr 45 min

    An Engineer's Mini Berkshire: 2 Auto Shops in 1 Year

    Sujith Shankar left 25 years in corporate to buy cash-flowing businesses: a $1.2m repair shop and a $2m body shop. Topics in Sujith interview: How Rivian layoffs changed everything Falling down the Warren Buffett rabbit hole Why auto repair beat real estate Funding a deal without an SBA loan Running a business while keeping a W-2 Winning over skeptical employees after closing Planning a mini Berkshire Hathaway Is EV adoption really a threat? Buying a second business just months later Collision shops vs. repair shops References and how to contact Sujith: LinkedIn The Billionaire Who Wasn’t by Conor O’Clery Edgar Galindo on Acquiring Minds: How 1 SBA Loan Brought Down 2 Businesses Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • August 31 · 1 hr 43 min

    Right-Tail Outcome for a Husband & Wife Search Fund

    Courtney and Jonathan Dunn bought a fast-growing SaaS at 3-4x ARR, doubled it, then merged for a life-changing exit. Register for the webinar: Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4gXkwPt Topics in Jonathan & Courtney’s interview: Their background in oil & gas Turning down an offer from Apple Improving their investor pitch Traveling extensively to search Acquiring a niche healthcare software company Using all equity, no debt, for the deal Using an earn-out to resolve valuation disagreements Having a baby during the acquisition process The hire they wish they’d made sooner Advice for couples considering building a business together. References and how to contact Jonathan & Courtney: Jonathan’s LinkedIn Courtney’s LinkedIn Cerbo Ned Tomasevic spelling on Acquiring Minds: How to 4x EBITDA in 3 Years Without Growing Sales 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

  • August 27 · 1 hr 58 min

    The Ferrari of Signage: $9.5m Pipeline in 6 Months

    Andrew Sova and Alex Clark revived sales at a 40-year-old sign manufacturer, the first acquisition of their holdco. Register for the webinars: New SBA Rules: What Business Buyers Need to Know - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4hGNwMi Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up - Tue, Sep 1 - https://bit.ly/4qc7dxx Topics in Andrew & Alex’s interview: Meeting at BCG Partnership provided accountability and motivation Looking for direct-impact roles Prioritizing speed with brokered search Their vision to build a holdco Winsor Fireform makes uniquely durable signage Employee growth = key success metric Seller chose buyers based on trust, not price Customers include parks, transit systems, and stadiums Long negotiation over working capital References and how to contact Andrew and Alex: Andrew Sova’s LinkedIn Alex Clark’s LinkedIn Novo Foundry Cayne Crossing Winsor Fireform Pioneer Capital Advisory Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • August 24 · 1 hr 18 min

    40 Schools to 130: The Roll-Up 2 Years Later

    Jeff Homer returns with an update: revenue past $100m, a new dance division, and 50% growth expected this year. Register for the webinars: Licenses & Regulatory Issues When Buying a Business - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/4ccatTW New SBA Rules: What Business Buyers Need to Know - Thu, Aug 27 - https://bit.ly/4c3b6zj Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up - Tue, Sep 1 - https://bit.ly/4zdTbj2 Topics in Jeff’s interview: Building a music school roll-up Scaling through monthly acquisitions Expanding into dance schools Back-office value creation Transitioning from operator to CEO Building middle management Avoiding private equity pitfalls 100x return for early investors Constant travel as CEO Future vision for Ensemble References and how to contact Jeff: LinkedIn Ensemble Jeff’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy 40 Businesses in 4 Years Webinar:Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up 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 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

  • August 20 · 1 hr 1 min

    From $700k Purgatory to $3m: A Mosquito Joe Update

    Neil Finneran returns 3 years after buying a business so small it barely paid him a salary — now on pace for $800k. Register for the webinars: Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4qg4P9k Licenses & Regulatory Issues When Buying a Business - Tue, Aug 25 - https://bit.ly/4wTADDf Topics in Neil’s interview: Neil’s previous appearance on Acquiring Minds His background in hedge funds Pain of buying small Managing labor and no-shows Implementing a hybrid-pay model for techs The acquisition that tripled his revenue Christmas lights services in the off season Rising customer acquisition costs Barriers to entry in pest control Why his outcome diverged from Jesse Sunquist’s References and how to contact Neil: LinkedIn Mosquito Joe of Andover-Peabody Neil’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Survive Going from Hedge Funds to SMB Owner Jesse’s most recent appearance on Acquiring Minds: 3 Years, $80k In: An Honest Update Jesse’s first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Widen Your Search to Buy a Business 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. Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • August 17 · 59 min

    3 Years, $80k In: An Honest Update

    Jesse Sunquist put a GM in charge and stepped back to 5 hours a week — proud of the experience, restless about the outcome. Register for the webinar: Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - Thu, Aug 13 - https://bit.ly/4wPHY6R Topics in Jesse’s interview: Buying a business for flexibility Geographical search in New Jersey Lowering his minimum SDE threshold to $300K Acquiring 2 Mosquito Joe territories His plan to build wealth through franchise roll-ups Modest growth followed by shrink How other owners handle the off-season Taking a W2 with the intent to sell Inability to find a buyer Hiring a great GM to run it References and how to contact Jesse: LinkedIn Mosquito Joe Jesse’s previous interviews on Acquiring Minds: Reflections After 1 Year of Searching Full Time A Reward for Widening Search to $300k SDE Neil Finneran on Acquiring Minds: How to Survive Going from Hedge Funds to SMB Owner 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 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

  • August 13 · 1 hr 9 min

    $400k Profit Fixing Church Pews

    Greyson Boerner traded startup life for a 28-year-old niche business — now on pace to grow revenue 50% in year one. Register for the webinar: Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4z0fkBx Topics in Greyson’s interview: Founding software startups ETA as a path to stability Getting his education with Acquisition Lab Finding business brokers through Google Maps Uncovered niche church pew restoration business Competitor closure created significant growth opportunity Church visit reinforced acquisition decision Hired bilingual ops manager to bridge communication Stolen truck fiasco Revenue up 50%, margins pressured by investments References and how to contact Greyson: LinkedIn Worship Interiors Group Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

  • August 10 · 1 hr 9 min

    Surviving a 2-Month Revenue Freeze in Year 1

    Chibunna Chimezie's seller left $15k in the account. His post-acquisition liquidity is the only reason he made it. Register for the webinar: Learn to Avoid the #1 Reason Acquisitions Fail - Thu, Aug 13 - https://bit.ly/4wUCNSY Topics in Chibunna’s interview: His family’s immigration story from Nigeria Interest in how American healthcare works Learning to manage risk in business school Acquiring a service provider for veterans Government shutdown meant no revenue first 2 months Post-acquisition liquidity for the win Challenges veterans face back home Answering the after-hours phone himself His journey from banking to behavioral health Investment from New Majority Capital References and how to contact Chibunna: LinkedIn Veterans Room New Majority Capital 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

  • August 6 · 1 hr 22 min

    Second-Time CEO Buys a $30m Title Company

    Randy Rempp turned around a $17m insurance business as a rookie CEO, then used that track record to raise a search fund. Register for the webinar: The 3 Paths to Franchising for Acquisition Entrepreneurs - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4yGEhSe Topics in Randy’s interview: From insurance lawyer to business operator Leading 300 employees at age 29 Why ownership beats being the hired gun Switching to a traditional search fund Investors bet on operators, not deal finders River guides unlock industries and warm introductions Inside the $31 million acquisition structure Why every CEO needs a strong CFO The F-reorg that saved the deal Refinancing to return capital and fuel growth References and how to contact Randy: LinkedIn Meridian Title Corporation Young Presidents Organization (YPO) Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition. Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta. Contact Jenny to learn how Engage can run people operations in your acquisition: Jenny Thear: jthear@engagepeo.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

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