Acquiring Minds Will Smith

Jeff Homer bought a small local music school as a fun side hustle. It turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Topics in Jeff interview:
Switching from high finance to music schoolsBuying his first music school as a side projectRaising growth equity after first 2 acquisitionsAcquiring a music school every monthArtists’ negative predisposition toward sellingComparing profitability of music vs. danceImportance of general managers in scalingImplementing apps to streamline operationsOther industries with roll-up potentialRolling up 60+ music/dance schools nationwideReferences and how to contact Jeff:
LinkedInEnsemble Performing ArtsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:
The Acquisition LabGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HRConnect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

Jarett Berke told his intermediary "no restaurants" but changed his tune when he saw what a great business Lou's was.
Topics in Jarett’s interview:
Finding a business through an accountantWhy restaurants are a tough businessComparing military service to running a restaurantBuying a restaurant with exceptional marginsLearning every job in the restaurantPivoting to delivery during CovidDoing a stock deal instead of an asset purchaseReinvesting by adding tables and renovating60% growth in 6 yearsWhat he likes about the restaurant businessReferences and how to contact Jarett:
LinkedInLou’s Restaurantjarett@lousrestaurant.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:
Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

Scott Walton bought 2 barely-profitable blue collar companies, changed the culture, unlocked growth & hired a president.
Topics in Scott’s interview:
Acquiring with a partnerSolving their recruitment problemDoubling revenue in 18 monthsHis 3-step LOI strategyIncentivizing good customer serviceImproving their company cultureChallenges after acquisitionFinancing without the SBACreative deal structuringHis thoughts on buying smallReferences and how to contact Scott:
LinkedInscott.walton@matrixmechanical.caHome Service Expert PodcastGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HRLearn 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

4 acquisitions, 3 years after the first deal, and 2 dishonest sellers before Chandra Rao went full-time in his holdco.
Topics in Chandra’s interview:
Learning from due diligence mistakesLosing $300k in the first yearChallenges with payment terms and working capitalTrue value of a seller noteOne of his partners embezzled from the companyFpppChoosing a conventional loan over SBAThe electrical contracting and fiber optic cabling businesses6x growth in 4 yearsJuggling a roll-up and a W-2A seller who committed fraudReferences and how to contact Guest:
LinkedInchandra@millermn.comMiller UtilitiesGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HRWork with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

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 loanReferences and how to contact Zach:
LinkedInTwitterAmerican Dental CareGet 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 LabConnect 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 jobReferences and how to contact Christi:
LinkedInRevenue AcceleratorNeil BeardenGet a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:
Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HRGet 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 Twitter