Avsnitt

  • We found an interesting deal in episode 332—a theatrical supply and construction company based in Wisconsin that’s been around since 1981. It’s a niche player in stage setup and lighting for venues like theaters, casinos, and schools. The company is projected to hit $28M in revenue for 2024 with $1.3M in EBITDA. The two brothers running it are looking to exit, though one may stay on for a transition.

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    Acquisition Lab and their team have been longtime supporters of the pod.

    Acquisition Lab exists to help people buy a business and navigate all the complexities of the process, as well as provide a trusted framework, tools, and resources to support you from search to close.

    If you are serious about buying a business, check out acquisitionlab.com or email the Lab's director Chelsea Wood, [email protected] and mention us ;)

    At A Glance

    Business Type: Theatrical supply and constructionLocation: WisconsinRevenue: $28M (2024 projected)EBITDA: $1.3M (2024 projected)Employees: 74Established: 1981Customer Base: Theaters, casinos, schools, TV studios, and theme parksOwners: Two brothers, one ready to fully retire

    What We Thought:

    Red Flags

    Inconsistent EBITDA over the years—especially the 2020 peak during COVID.Margins are razor thin for a business with $28M revenue.Large employee headcount could be a drag on profitability.Owners possibly running personal expenses through the business.Inventory management could be difficult with old or obsolete equipment.

    Green Flags

    Strong, diversified customer base, from casinos to schools and theme parks.The business is rebounding after COVID, with steady revenue projections.Potential for growth with AV companies needing high-end lighting and rigging.One owner is open to staying on for a smooth transition.

    The Verdict

    Michael likes the business and thinks it’s the right type of specialty contracting company, but there’s likely something odd under the hood. The inconsistencies in EBITDA and odd financial behavior raise red flags. Heather gives it a thumbs down, particularly from a lender's perspective, as the unpredictable margins and unclear financials would make financing a nightmare.

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    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • In this week's episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, we’re looking at a content-based business listed on Quiet Light—a recipe site with six years of future content ready to go, pulling in over 50 million page views in the past year. Joining us today is Chelsea Wood from Acquisition Lab, who shares her expertise on the potential of this business.

    What We Thought:

    Strong Metrics but Lacks Clarity on Revenue Sources

    Heather pointed out the lack of clarity about how the business earns its revenue. Is it primarily through ads, affiliate marketing, or a mix of both? Since the website is recipe-focused, it’s unclear if it relies on affiliate marketing tied to ingredients or if it’s purely ad-driven. This information would significantly influence how sustainable its income is, especially in a competitive content market.

    Why Sell Now?

    Chelsea voiced an unusual concern—why is the owner selling if the business is so profitable? With six years of content ready and such high margins, the site could continue to generate strong earnings without much effort. The skepticism here lies in whether there’s something beneath the surface that’s motivating the sale.

    Chelsea was also wary of the asking price. A nearly 5x multiple is steep for a content-based business, especially in an environment where many such businesses are struggling. That said, the evergreen nature of recipes makes it a little more reliable than other types of content, like travel blogs.

    Red Flags

    Unclear Revenue Streams: We don’t have a solid breakdown of where the revenue comes from, which is crucial for evaluating long-term viability.Potential Personality Reliance: If the founder's identity is tied to the brand, there could be a drop in engagement after the transition.High Asking Multiple: At 4.91x, the multiple feels high, particularly given that content-based businesses are generally valued lower.Why Sell Now? The timing of the sale is suspicious, considering the potential for continued earnings.

    Green Flags

    Strong Engagement Metrics: 50M page views, a 44% email open rate, and massive social media following all point to a loyal audience.Evergreen Content: Recipes don’t go out of style, giving the site a steady, long-term value proposition.Six Years of Content: With 2,000 recipes ready to publish, a new owner has a major asset in pre-produced content.Owner’s Low Time Commitment: The current owner only works 4-5 hours per week, making it a semi-passive income opportunity.

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  • In today’s episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, we take a deep dive into a unique business—a 100-year-old salad manufacturing company in Los Angeles County. Hosts Michael Girdley, Bill D'Alessandro, Mills Snell, Heather Endresen, and special guest Chelsea Wood from Acquisition Lab discuss the ins and outs of this $4.6 million deal. From potato salads to military contracts, this business has strong growth potential, but with a few possible red flags. The team explores potential buyer profiles, operational challenges, and whether this company is ready for a modern makeover.

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    Acquisition Lab and their team have been longtime supporters of the pod.

    Acquisition Lab exists to help people buy a business and navigate all the complexities of the process, as well as provide a trusted framework, tools, and resources to support you from search to close.

    If you are serious about buying a business, check out acquisitionlab.com or email the Lab's director Chelsea Wood, [email protected] and mention us ;)

    Key Points Discussed:

    1. The Business Breakdown – Overview of the salad manufacturing company's performance, including its product mix and client base.

    2. Growth Opportunities – How the business has grown from $6 million to $10.5 million in sales in four years and what potential lies ahead.

    3. Operational Concerns – Challenges with scaling, customer concentration, and the company’s long-standing history.

    4. The Real Estate Factor – How LA real estate could impact the business's profitability and future growth.

    5. Diversification & Expansion – The possibilities of expanding the product line to healthier or more modern offerings.

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    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • In this episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, hosts Bill D’Alessandro and Heather Endresen evaluate a private jet charter business with a $2 million EBITDA. They explore whether the company operates on an asset-light model by leasing jets or owns the aircraft, and how each model affects profitability. The discussion covers key aspects of FAA Part 135 certification, maintenance, and the growing demand for private jet services. With insights into corporate, government, and individual clientele, Bill and Heather dive deep into the complexities of the private aviation industry, including Bill's fascinating story about the origins of EBITDA.

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    CloudBookkeeping offers adaptable solutions to businesses that want to focus on growth with a “client service first” approach. They offer a full suite of accounting services, including sophisticated reporting, QuickBooks software solutions, and full-service payroll options.

    Find out more at: https://cloudbookkeeping.com/

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  • For this episode we found a live lobster storage and seafood processing company in Nova Scotia that's up for sale. They are asking $8.9 million, and are making $55M in revenue, but it all comes with its own set of challenges. We chat about what it takes to succeed in this niche industry, and why this might be a dream deal for the right buyer (or a nightmare for others). If you're curious about the seafood business or just love interesting deals, tune in

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    Acquisition Lab and their team have been longtime supporters of the pod.

    Acquisition Lab exists to help people buy a business and navigate all the complexities of the process, as well as provide a trusted framework, tools, and resources to support you from search to close.

    If you are serious about buying a business, check out acquisitionlab.com or email the Lab's director Chelsea Wood, [email protected] and mention us ;)

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    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • In this episode, Bill and Heather talked about the key strategies for structuring an SBA loan for a seasonal eCommerce business. They also discussed the challenges of managing inventory and working capital and offered practical advice on how to approach lenders and structure your deal effectively.

    If you want to learn more about SBA Loan and Heather's work, visit her website Visocap.net

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    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • Thinking about investing in a franchise but unsure if it’s worth it? In this episode, we analyze the pros and cons of franchise investments using a pet cremation business as our case study. We talked about what to consider before saying yes, like the importance of brand recognition, the support you can expect from the franchisor, and how to understand market demand in your area.

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:


    CloudBookkeeping offers adaptable solutions to businesses that want to focus on growth with a “client service first” approach. They offer a full suite of accounting services, including sophisticated reporting, QuickBooks software solutions, and full-service payroll options.

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

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    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • In this episode, we look at a retail apparel business in the middle of Florida’s tourist hotspot, WaterSound. They’ve made the most of the busy Highway 30A traffic with three stores and an online shop. But is the $5 million asking price worth, especially with so few fixed assets? We talk about the pros and cons and whether this deal is a hidden gem or another tourist trap.

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    Acquisition Lab and their team have been longtime supporters of the pod.

    Acquisition Lab exists to help people buy a business and navigate all the complexities of the process, as well as provide a trusted framework, tools, and resources to support you from search to close.

    If you are serious about buying a business, check out acquisitionlab.com or email the Lab's director Chelsea Wood, [email protected] and mention us ;)

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • Who should buy a data center business? In this episode, we check the details of this IT business making $14 million and who should be interested in buying it. We cover what makes it a good or bad fit for different buyers and why it might catch their eye.

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    CloudBookkeeping offers adaptable solutions to businesses that want to focus on growth with a “client service first” approach. They offer a full suite of accounting services, including sophisticated reporting, QuickBooks software solutions, and full-service payroll options.

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • Today’s episode is one of our favorites. We checked this mobile accessories business that’s making $1.7M EBITDA. They sell phone cases and other cool stuff online, and they’re doing pretty well. But, as always, there’s more to the story. We’ll talk about the competition they’re up against and how much they depend on online sales to keep things going.

    Listing: We found this one on Acquire.

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    Acquisition Lab and their team have been longtime supporters of the pod.

    Acquisition Lab exists to help people buy a business and navigate all the complexities of the process, as well as provide a trusted framework, tools, and resources to support you from search to close.

    If you are serious about buying a business, check out acquisitionlab.com or email the Lab's director Chelsea Wood, [email protected] and mention us ;)

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • We found a deal that we actually liked. It is a $22.9M air filter and purifier business that could be your next big win. With its solid growth potential and strong online presence, we cover why this business could be a smart buy. We also discuss the chances for expansion and the possible challenges.

    Listing: This deal is on Axial. You'll have to sign up to check it out

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    CloudBookkeeping offers adaptable solutions to businesses that want to focus on growth with a “client service first” approach. They offer a full suite of accounting services, including sophisticated reporting, QuickBooks software solutions, and full-service payroll options.

    Get more deals like this every week.

    ---> Subscribe to our Newsletter. <----

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • In this episode, we're checking out a firefighter recruitment business for sale at $830k that’s making $175K a year We'll break down how the business works, what the numbers look like, and why it could be a great buy. If you’ve ever wondered about the business side of firefighting, this episode is for you.

    Listing: Check out this deal here

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    Acquisition Lab and their team have been longtime supporters of the pod.

    Acquisition Lab exists to help people buy a business and navigate all the complexities of the process, as well as provide a trusted framework, tools, and resources to support you from search to close.


    If you are serious about buying a business, check out acquisitionlab.com or email the Lab's director Chelsea Wood, [email protected] and mention us ;)

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • What’s happening in the mattress industry?

    In this episode, we take a close look at a mattress company that’s grown its revenue from $15.7M to $43M. We’ll dig into the numbers, talk about what’s really happening in the mattress world, and discuss why so many brands look alike. Plus, we’ll explore why big companies haven’t bought this one yet. Hope you enjoy it!

    Listing: Check out this deal here

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    CloudBookkeeping offers adaptable solutions to businesses that want to focus on growth with a “client service first” approach. They offer a full suite of accounting services, including sophisticated reporting, QuickBooks software solutions, and full-service payroll options.


    Get more deals like this every week.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]

  • In this episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, Bill and Mills get into a $6.8 million towing business deal in North Carolina. They chat about the tricky parts of buying a business with strong family ties. With $1.5 million in cash flow but an asking price that seems way too high, this episode covers the ups and downs of dealing with family drama, valuing all those trucks, and figuring out how to grow in the towing industry.

    Listing: Check out this deal here

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    Have you ever wished that your business's software better fits your needs?

    IvyWorks can help. They specialize in building custom solutions for SMB’s complex processes.

    Book a free discovery session, and we’ll make you an actionable project scope document that any software firm can execute—no strings attached.

    Visitivy.works to learn more.

    Get more deals like this every week. Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Are you looking to grow your business through acquisition?

    Viso Business Capital works with over 30 lenders to find you the best funding, faster and with less friction.

    Got a deal in the works? Book a free consultation to talk financing.

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  • Today, we look at a $2.1M agency that's for sale but may not be quite ready to be sold. It brings in $500K a year and has a strong social media following, which sounds great. But there are issues, like no recurring revenue and it relies too much on its founder. We discuss what needs to change to make this business a solid buy. If you're interested in business deals and agency growth, this episode is for you!

    Listing: We found this deal on acquire.com

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    Have you ever wished that your business's software better fits your needs?

    IvyWorks can help. They specialize in building custom solutions for SMB’s complex processes.

    Book a free discovery session, and we’ll make you an actionable project scope document that any software firm can execute—no strings attached.

    Visitivy.works to learn more.

    Get more deals like this every week.

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  • In this episode, we dive into the world of fertility clinics and the high costs of IVF treatments. We talked about why IVF can cost as much as $25,000 and explored the economics behind these prices. Bill shares his thoughts on the importance of delivering excellent customer service in such a sensitive industry, while Mills and Heather talk about the challenges of expanding geographically and the capital expenses involved. We covered ethical considerations and the potential for high returns on investment in this space. Tune in and enjoy:

    Listing: This deal is on Axial. You'll have to sign up to check it out!

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    Have you ever wished that your business's software better fits your needs?

    IvyWorks can help. They specialize in building custom solutions for SMB’s complex processes.

    Book a free discovery session, and we’ll make you an actionable project scope document that any software firm can execute—no strings attached.

    Visit ivy.works to learn more.



    Get more deals like this every week.

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  • In this episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, we take a close look at a $2.9 million knife ecommerce business and discuss whether it’s a wise investment or a risky choice. We break down the business’s numbers, challenges, and market issues to help you understand why this deal might or not be the best bet. We hope you enjoy it

    Check out this listing here


    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    Have you ever wished that your business's software better fits your needs?

    IvyWorks can help. They specialize in building custom solutions for SMB’s complex processes.

    Book a free discovery session, and we’ll make you an actionable project scope document that any software firm can execute—no strings attached.

    Visitivy.works to learn more.


    Get more deals like this every week.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter


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  • In this episode, we talked about a $12.5M refrigerated trucking company for sale. We discussed the business's challenges, like dealing with both employees and owner-operators and the tricky financing involved.

    We also compare this company to big players like Cisco and US Foods and how they handle inventory differently.

    Businesses like this can be tricky, so tune in if you are interested in acquiring a similar one,

    Listing: This deal is on Axial. You'll have to sign up to check it out.

    Thanks to this week's sponsor:

    CloudBookkeeping offers adaptable solutions to businesses that want to focus on growth with a “client service first” approach. They offer a full suite of accounting services, including sophisticated reporting, QuickBooks software solutions, and full-service payroll options.


    Get more deals like this every week.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Subscribe to weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox

    Advertise with us by clicking here

    Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show! Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.

    For inquiries or suggestions, email us at [email protected]


  • In this episode, Bill and Heather review a $5 million AI calendar assistant that integrates with Calendly.

    They talk about the pros and cons, including the tough competition, how to market the product, and the challenges of getting a loan to finance the purchase. Heather shares her expertise on loan ratios and interest rates, while Bill discusses the potential for growth and business partnerships. Enjoy it!

    Check out the listing here: https://app.acquire.com/startup/n9TFZ96MwCgfdsPjRX06g3pVqmo1/U89j3VW72keFk0NsQMY3?source=populars

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    Acquisition Lab and their team have been longtime supporters of the pod.

    Acquisition Lab exists to help people buy a business and navigate all the complexities of the process, as well as provide a trusted framework, tools, and resources to support you from search to close.

    If you are serious about buying a business, check out acquisitionlab.com or email the Lab's director Chelsea Wood, [email protected] and mention us ;)


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  • Have you ever thought about joining the Celebrity Spirits Club?

    This could be your chance. In this episode, we explore the opportunity of buying Tyler Boone's bourbon brand for $3 million. We talk about the risks and rewards of investing in celebrity spirits. Tune in to understand what it takes to blend fame with business.

    Thanks to this episode's sponsor:

    CloudBookkeeping offers adaptable solutions to businesses that want to focus on growth with a “client service first” approach. They offer a full suite of accounting services, including sophisticated reporting, QuickBooks software solutions, and full-service payroll options.

    Buying a business? Be careful where you get your money.

    In every other major purchase — cars, homes, real estate — you shop around for the best rates.

    So when you’re financing a deal, don’t just go with what the broker tells you (because their agenda is very different from yours).

    Viso Business Capital works with over 30 different lenders, so you get the best lender for your purchase.

    Even better? It costs you nothing.


    Join a free info session / Q&A, and get smarter about SBA lending.

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