Acquiring Minds

Will Smith
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED DAILY

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

  1. Buying Small to Then Buy Larger ($1m SDE)

    4 DAYS AGO

    Buying Small to Then Buy Larger ($1m SDE)

    The first business Joe Soelberg bought did $400k SDE. The experience and cash flow enabled a second, larger acquisition. Topics in Joe’s interview: Leaving corporate for a chance to manage P&LHis toughest pitch was to his wifeAcquiring a 3D design firmPivoting hard during CovidHiring a manager with a design backgroundAcquiring a branding agencyDifference between branding and marketingRetainer model for recurring revenueOffering less than listing priceHis hand-off relationship with his businessesReferences and how to contact Joe: LinkedInPoint B CommunicationsSONNY+ASHMike Curry on Acquiring Minds: It’s All Your Fault: How to Become CEO of Your AcquisitionJohannes Hock on Acquiring Minds: Buy and 3x a Project Based Business in Just 2 YearsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet 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 MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

    1h 43m
  2. Passion & Profit in an American Pastime

    6 DAYS AGO

    Passion & Profit in an American Pastime

    Former pro bowler Mike Fagan bought a $2m bowling center with a plan to roll up and rejuvenate these legacy businesses. Topics in Mike’s interview: His professional bowling careerConnecting with a bowling-specific brokerEconomic role of league bowlersThe decline of bowling in AmericaTraditional bowling vs BowleroBuying a traditional, older bowling alleyRunning leaner to pay down debtEmployee resistance to changeSuccess with online bookingsHis goal of managing remotelyReferences and how to contact Mike: LinkedInTenpins & MoreBowling Alone by Robert D. PutnamCarlo Santelli on Acquiring Minds: ​​How to Buy a $13m Business with No PG, No InvestorsWebinar: Using a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a BusinessLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

    1h 51m
  3. When You Buy a Glorified Job, Not a Business

    24/12/2025 · BONUS

    When You Buy a Glorified Job, Not a Business

    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 revenueReferences and how to contact Tato: Linkedintatohomes@gmail.comThe direct mail piece Tato used to reach business ownersDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

    1h 45m
  4. Getting Unstuck by Buying a Business

    22/12/2025 · BONUS

    Getting Unstuck by Buying a Business

    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 goalReferences and how to contact Christian: LinkedInResolute ServicesGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet 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 MindsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

    1h 55m
  5. How to Buy a Generational Brand with $20m in Sales

    18/12/2025

    How to Buy a Generational Brand with $20m in Sales

    Respected consumer brands are not common in lower middle market acquisitions, but Philip Hussey and Chenmark bought one. Topics in Philip’s interview: Chenmark’s acquisition of Thomas MoserLeading a furniture business as a non-craftsmanChenmark’s hold-forever intentionWait times for custom, hand-made furnitureLong tenure of craftsmenCommitment to world-class qualityGetting away from offering discountsBuilding talent through their woodworker schoolRunning a company with a strong legacy behind itDownside to owning your manufacturingReferences and how to contact Philip: LinkedInThos. MoserChenmarkGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

    1h 17m
  6. Reward for 17-Month Deal: $1.8m of EBITDA

    15/12/2025

    Reward for 17-Month Deal: $1.8m of EBITDA

    Robert Gayden worked for over a year to buy a home care business. Revenue kept growing but the price remained the same. Register for the webinar:  What Killed Deals in 2025 - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/44r1pH5Topics in Robert’s interview: Influence of his late fatherThe “go bigger” search philosophyAppeal of the home health care industry17-month acquisition processChoosing to operate “in the weeds” of the businessLeading with high expectationsFocusing on increasing salesAchieving 15% growth in 8 monthsWorking capital dynamics in home careInvesting in employeesReferences and how to contact Robert: LinkedInAizik Zimerman on Acquiring Minds: Founder Mode for ETA $6m to $25m in 3 YearsMorgan McCauley on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy a $2.5m Home Care BusinessDevin Fitzgerald on Acquiring Minds: Buying $5m of Revenue with $50k of EquityRobert Graham & Aaron Blick on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a Roll-Up to $60m RevenueJérôme Bouillon on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy & Double a Home Care AgencyGet 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 MindsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

    1h 37m
  7. The 7-Year Collapse of an SBA Acquisition

    11/12/2025

    The 7-Year Collapse of an SBA Acquisition

    Scott Duncan endured brutal ups & downs — and personal depression — during his ownership of a doomed tool & die business Register for the webinar:  How to Model an Investor-Backed Search Acquisition - TODAY! - https://bit.ly/3XysjZBTopics in Scott’s interview: Wishing he had listened to his gutThe risk of EBITDA (vs. revenue) concentrationManaging highly skilled primadonnas Employee theftLosing key employeesLong sales cycles and fixed quotesForced Covid shutdownRazor and blade business modelFacing aggressive creditorsFiling Chapter 7References and how to contact Scott: LinkedInLearn 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 TeamDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

    1h 39m
  8. SBA Acquisition to $9m Cash Exit in 5 Years

    08/12/2025

    SBA Acquisition to $9m Cash Exit in 5 Years

    Andy Rougeot launched remote territories of the blue collar business he bought, which led to $1.7m of EBITDA and an exit Register for the webinars:  How to Invest In SMBs (Without Buying One Yourself) - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4rBI4NbHow to Model an Investor-Backed Search Acquisition - Dec 11th - https://bit.ly/4owBkNWTopics in Andy’s interview: His experience as an Army intelligence officerWhen in doubt, do the dirtiest jobThe military concept of “left seat, right seat” trainingSearching from the public libraryVeterans are well-suited to blue-collar leadershipRewards of leading young menGaining warm leads in new marketsHis team’s competitive edgeExiting his business to run for mayor of DenverInvesting in self-funded searchersReferences and how to contact Andy: LinkedInSearch Fund Secondaries GroupAndy’s webinar: Liquidity Options for Search InvestorsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherGet 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 MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds: See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

    1h 28m
See All (422)

Hosts & Guests

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Will Smith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    422
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021 - 2023, Acquiring Minds
  • Show Website
    Acquiring Minds

You Might Also Like