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  • Zach 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 loan

    References and how to contact Zach:

    LinkedInTwitterAmerican Dental Care

    Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

    Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    The Acquisition Lab

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Most first-timers shy away from buying across borders. Not Christi Loucks, whose Canadian acquisition did $550k of SDE.

    Topics in Christi’s interview:

    Buying a business for personal fulfillmentPainful broken dealsChallenges of buying a cross-border business in CanadaThe positive role emotions play in dealmakingLosing (and regaining) 55% of her clients after transitionThe line between cold outreach and spamConstant change in the tech industryUnexpected expenses after transitionPlanning for her maternity leaveHer husband’s return to a corporate job

    References and how to contact Christi:

    LinkedInRevenue AcceleratorNeil Bearden

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
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  • Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    Garth 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 dog trainingHis passion project: ski huts

    References and how to contact Garth:

    [email protected] Dog Sales Center

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    The Acquisition Lab

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Robert 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 purchase

    References and how to contact Robert & Aaron:

    Episode #149 Home Care Business: How to Buy and 2x an AgencyEpisode #218 Taking the Plunge into Extreme OwnershipRobert Graham LinkedInAaron Blick LinkedInRobert Graham TwitterPillar Health GroupSIG Partners

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    John Murphy pushed through divorce, $500k debt, and a bad broken deal to finally buy a 60-year-old business doing $8m.

    Topics in John’s interview:

    Losing a deal one week before closingValue of peer groupsHow real estate compares to business ownershipTaking over a company before the deal closedUnforseen transition expensesCarl Allen’s business buying courseLeaving his W-2 to search for a businessValue of joining industry associationsRestructuring his workforce to increase marginsBuying a company with a management layer

    References and how to contact John:

    LinkedInDave Cole [email protected]

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Reid 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 sale

    References and how to contact Reid:

    LinkedInTwitterGrit It Done by Reid Tileston

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    The Acquisition Lab

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    Rafael Quinn shares the story & principles behind buying 3 businesses in Panama then raising $28m to buy more in the US.

    Topics in Rafael's interview:

    Selling everything on Craigslist to move to PanamaBuying his first business Panama from a billboard adHow to buy a business with an operatorHow he decided to build a holdcoSelf-identity as investor vs. entrepreneur3-year dry spell not buying any businessesBeing in "search mode" your whole careerBreaking his own rule by buying a restaurantWhy he turned his sights to the USHow to raise $28m & structure a holdcoWhy buy a furniture retailer

    References and how to contact Guest:

    TwitterLinkedInAthens PizzaHickory ParkAlternative Holdings

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • The 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 goal

    References and how to contact Christian:

    LinkedInResolute Services

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    Patrick Norris bought a small trash business doing $625k. Five years later and 4.5x bigger, a strategic got interested.

    Topics in Patrick’s interview:

    Why acquiring a trash business is easier than starting oneIntricacies of trash disposal pricingNiches within trash servicesCompetition and cooperation in trash servicesThe first question you should ask when considering a trash businessWhy he regrets not hiring a managerHiring for dangerous, strenuous jobs4xing revenue through customer service and Google adsThe cycle of building and selling a trash businessBuying a business without an MBA

    References and how to contact Patrick:

    LinkedIn

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    The Acquisition Lab

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Only after Matt Jackson bought a roofing business in the hurricane state did he realize just how big the opportunity is.

    Topics in Matt’s interview:

    His experience with AcquiraKeeping the seller as an employeeWhy he likes roofing despite drawbacksHow he satisfied his licensing requirementMoats around spray foam roofingStanding out in the roofing industryHis vision for organic growthHow insurance companies drive demand for new roofsUsing ROBS for financingWhy he won’t buy the ROBS ownership interest back from his 401k

    References and how to contact Matt:

    [email protected] RoofingThe MLS-style site with for-sale businesses in Florida

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    At 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 electriciansCreating incentives that align with company goals

    References and how to contact Maurice:

    [email protected] Line Electrical

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • How Andrew Stordeur bought a 25-year-old furniture manufacturer in Alberta without having to use any of his own capital.

    Topics in Andrew’s interview:

    Taking a startup to an IPOCompetition in the wood furniture spaceFinancing without the SBAAdvice for Canadian searchersGetting a 35% seller noteHis 100% financed dealHis plan to increase direct-to-consumer salesBeing the sole breadwinner for a family of 6Deciding not to buy with a partnerHow his company ships faster than Amazon

    References and how to contact Andrew:

    LinkedInTwitterAll Things CedarVillage Wellth

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Register here for the webinar, Working Capital 101

    https://bit.ly/3IGEZWQ

    Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    Stephen 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 attrition riskChoosing to offer both installation and serviceThe supply of technicians in this industryThe value of Collin’s sales skillsStrategic questions they asked during due diligence

    References and how to contact Stephen and Collin:

    Stephen Olmon TwitterStephen Olmon LinkedInCollin Trimble TwitterCollin Trimble LinkedInAlarm Masters

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Register here for the webinar, Working Capital 101

    https://bit.ly/3veZaYP


    Alan Lochridge left a career in consulting to buy a 20-year-old $5.5m hardscaping contractor with strong fundamentals.

    Topics in Alan’s interview:

    Years of searching before acquiringUnderstanding the ROBS financing strategyReiterating company values weeklyHis day-to-day role as ownerRestructuring to do more with fewer peopleEmbracing digital marketing and CRM toolsWhy he’s so comfortable with project-based revenueAdvantage of a negative cash conversion cyclePros and cons of using subcontractorsGetting his general contractor’s license

    References and how to contact Alan:

    [email protected] Stone Man

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    The Acquisition Lab

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Register here for the webinar, Working Capital 101

    https://bit.ly/3IFObuB

    Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    Despite 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 upgrading at the same timeBuying a window cleaning companyThe Goldilocks approach to management

    References and how to contact Dan:

    LinkedInCompetitive Strategy by Michael PorterCompetitive Advantage by Michael Porter

    Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

    Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • John 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 businesses

    References and how to contact John:

    Owned and Operated (his podcast)The Wilson CompaniesTwitterJohn’s tweet thread breaking down homes services businessCertainPath

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    The Acquisition Lab

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS

    Danny Fields & Steve Reis bought a decades-old utility supplier seemingly ripe for growth. It was harder than it looked.

    Topics in Danny and Steve’s interview:

    Their shared background in the militaryEducating their investors about oil and gasDramatically increasing their cold outreach response rateBuying a business with $1M+ in revenue per employeeDelaying growth to build relationshipsThe pros and cons of having a workforce near retirementAcquiring product lines and building a manufacturing companyDaily stress of running a businessImportance of buying a growing businessThe future of renewable energy

    References and how to contact Danny & Steve:

    Danny Fields' LinkedInSteve Reis' LinkedInHolland Supply Company

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • SBA lender Chad Fondriest got the itch to get in the game himself & bought a couple's hobby business doing just $150k.

    Topics in Chad’s interview:

    Keeping his W-2 while running the businessQuadrupling revenue in 2 yearsGetting listed on WayfairTradeoffs of selling on AmazonHigh importance of inventory management Explosive growth during CovidHow he estimated market sizeDifficulty of competing in ecommerceForecasting trends a year in advanceGrief and joy of managing creatives

    References and how to contact Chad:

    Darby Creek [email protected]

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    Contact [email protected] or visit Aspen HR

    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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • Get $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 11th:

    https://www.malaunchpad.com & enter code ACQUIRINGMINDS


    Tato 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 and bad growthDoubling top line revenue

    References and how to contact Tato:

    [email protected] direct mail piece Tato used to reach business owners

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    The Acquisition Lab

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter
  • 14 months ago, Russ Hadlock bought an auto glass business with $2.3m in sales. Today he is struggling to keep it alive.

    Topics in Russ’s interview:

    Inventing the Peloton handlebar trayHis life-changing exit from his companyLooking for stability and safety through acquisitionFear of buying a company that was too big to operateExpenses skyrocketing after transitionImpact of asset purchase on rent and insurance costsLayoffs and belt tighteningRenegotiating his SBA loanConsolidating locations as a Hail MaryNeed to get a job while still owning the business

    References and how to contact Russ:

    TwitterLinkedInAutoGlass Clinic & Mobile Radio

    Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

    Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

    Book your free tax strategy session for business buyers today:

    Steed - book your free session

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter