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Acquiring Minds

Entrepreneurship

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

Location:

United States

Description:

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

Language:

English


Episodes
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White-Collar Sisters Buy a Blue-Collar Business

9/5/2024
Register here for the webinar, How Big a Business Should You Buy? https://bit.ly/4dPunmC Without backgrounds in business, Julie & Janna Hottinger have grown the $2.1m trades business they bought last year 50%. Topics in Julie and Janna’s interview: References and how to contact Julie and Janna: Janna’s LinkedInJanna TwitterJulie’s LinkedInJulie TwitterSignature WoodworkingGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:19:15

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Leaving Corporate to Buy a $4m Manufacturer

9/3/2024
An engineer at heart, Mike Dey set his sights on buying a manufacturing business for the next stage of his career. Topics in Michael’s interview: References and how to contact Michael: LinkedInTwitterAmerican Spray TechnologiesWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th: https://www.malaunchpad.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timemail hello@systemsix.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:47:03

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Exited but Tired: 5 Years in a Hard Business

8/29/2024
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues https://bit.ly/4dWmPxV After 5 years of owning a scale business, Matt Bauer & Chris Hartman were burning out. Fortunately they'd created value. Topics in Matt and Chris’s interview: References and how to contact Matt and Chris: Matt Bauer LinkedInChris Hartman LinkedInChris Hartman Twitter12 South Capital Partners ----- SPONSORS ----- Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team ----- Connect with Acquiring Minds ----- YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:33:53

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Young Couple Starts a Family Business By Buying One

8/26/2024
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues https://bit.ly/3ySUJ7R Topics in Meredith & Michael’s interview: References and how to contact Meredith & Michael: Meredith LinkedInMichael LinkedInMeredith TwitterMichael TwitterBackgroundConnect ----- SPONSORS ----- Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timemail hello@systemsix.comGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Chicago on October 26th: M&A Launchpad ConferenceWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory ----- Connect with Acquiring Minds ----- YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:20:04

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Investor Perspective on Self-Funded Search

8/22/2024
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues https://bit.ly/3YQP2lp Niklas James, Adam Borcz, and Tony Cappeart reflect on terms, risk & reward of the still-young self-funded search model. Topics in Search Investor Roundtable: References and how to contact panelists: LinkedInLinkedInLinkedInAdam Borcz’s Acquiring Minds interviewNiklas James’s Acquiring Minds interviewWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:25:37

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5 Businesses Acquired with a Long-Term Hold Model

8/19/2024
Register here for the webinar, Legal Office Hours: Common Legal Diligence Issues https://bit.ly/46OH4LN Ryan Sullivan's group is buying businesses with investor capital, SBA loans & operating partners — but it's not a fund. Topics in Ryan’s interview: References and how to contact Ryan: LinkedInNorth Park GroupGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:36:44

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SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market

8/15/2024
3 top players in SBA lending to the searcher ecosystem discuss what they're seeing in the market as of summer 2024. Topics in SBA Lender Roundtable: References and how to contact panelists: Lisa Forrest LinkedInLisa Forrest Twitter WednesdaysThursdaysMatt Dolsky LinkedInBrad Hettich LinkedInSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:20:35

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One Couple, 4 Kids, and a Business 3 Hours Away

8/12/2024
Gabe Perez sought a way out of corporate while Kristen sought a way back to working. Buying a $4m business offered both. Topics in Gabe and Kristen's interview: References and how to contact Gabe & Kristen: Gabe’s LinkedInKristen’s LinkedInRefrigerated Structures of New EnglandNew Majority CapitalChristian Bateson’s episodeWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:42:54

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After 4 Years of Part-Time Searching, Success

8/8/2024
Will Gano was rewarded for his persistence & vision when he bought an 8-figure, 125-year-old ingredients manufacturer. Topics in Will Gano’s interview: References and how to contact Will Gano: LinkedInBear StewartCalder CapitalWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:13:33

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Buy Fast: A Good Reason to Buy Small

8/5/2024
Rob Carpenter was eager to start operating, so it only took 90 days to start searching then buy a $200k SDE business. Topics in Rob’s interview: References and how to contact Rob: LinkedInMerry MaidsGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:27:55

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Tangible & Collectible: Buying a Consumer Product Company

8/1/2024
Years after one venture ended in failure, Jeff Velker bought a $2.5m pen maker with a strong brand & devoted customers. Topics in Jeff’s interview: References and how to contact Jeff: LinkedInRetro 51Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:14:57

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White Collar Roll-Up from $700k to $12m

7/29/2024
Jordan Evans left tech & bought a tiny, decades-old language services business. 6 years later, revenue is 17x larger. Topics in Jordan’s interview: References and how to contact Jordan: LinkedInTwitterLanguage NetworkSimple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential by Greg CrabtreeGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:46:37

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Reflections on 2 Years in the Knife Fight

7/25/2024
Register for the webinar: How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur Brett Kennedy has doubled & strengthened the sub-$1 million moving business he bought — but it hasn't been without pain. Topics in Brett’s interview: References and how to contact Brett: LinkedInAdrian Pinto’s episodeAtlanta’s Furniture TaxiWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:38:35

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The Scrappy Path of a One-Man Holdco

7/22/2024
Register for the webinar: How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur When Dustin Carreon reached a ceiling in his first small business, he used the profits to start buying other businesses. Topics in Dustin’s interview: References and how to contact Dustin: LinkedInTwitterCOI HoldingsSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:43:59

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Getting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a Holdco

7/18/2024
Register for the webinars: Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur How Adam Markley evaluated thousands of businesses for sale and bought a handful of his own (6 in his portfolio today). Topics in Adam’s interview: References and how to contact Adam: LinkedInTwitterPROX Capital GroupVeracity CFOTato Corcoran’s episodeLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:27:33

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Building a $10m EBITDA Leader in a Fragmented Space

7/15/2024
Register for the webinars: Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur Nick Haschka & Dillan Ferguson are 5 months and 2 acquisitions into a roll-up targeting $50-60m revenue in 5 years. Topics in Nick and Dillan interview: References and how to contact Nick and Dillan: Nick Haschka TwitterNick Haschka LinkedInDillan Ferguson TwitterDillan Ferguson LinkedInOnPoint GeneratorsGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:24:54

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Buying & Growing a Business While Keeping a Day Job

7/11/2024
Register for the webinars: SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market Due Diligence Office Hours Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market Purchase Agreement Fights: How to Avoid (or Win) Them How Dominick Blue bought an air duct cleaning business and took it into HVAC services, all while retaining his W-2. Topics in Dominick’s interview: References and how to contact Dominick: LinkedInTwitterAir ASAPWinning Moves by Dan CremonsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:54:32

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Buy as Search Fund, Keep as Long-Term Owner

7/8/2024
Register for the webinars: SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market Due Diligence Office Hours Search Investor Roundtable: State of the Market Purchase Agreement Fights: How to Avoid (or Win) Them By doubling a $3m EBITDA business Juan Aguilar bought with traditional search fund terms, he is able to hold it forever. Topics in Juan’s interview: References and how to contact Juan: LinkedInPaltus CapitalGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:50:35

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It Really Happened: 100% Financing for an $8m Business

7/4/2024
Register for the webinars: SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market Due Diligence Office Hours We caution against thinking you can find it: 100% seller financing. But Renan Cortez did — and on a sizable business. Topics in Renan’s interview: References and how to contact Renan: LinkedInTwitterSyndicate Building SolutionsSyndicate Venture GroupGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business: mark@aspenhr.comvisit Aspen HRGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamSmithlist is a new job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:37:26

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Turning $500k into a $38m Holdco (No Investors)

7/1/2024
Register for the webinars: SBA Lender Roundtable: State of the Market Due Diligence Office Hours Garrison Snell enjoyed a modest exit at age 24. By 30, he'd parlayed that into a holdco with $9m EBITDA and a mission. Topics in Garrison’s interview: References and how to contact Garrison: LinkedInTwitterRafael Quinn’s episodeCompetitive Strategy by Michael E. PorterSmithlist is a new job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on Twitter

Duration:01:47:22