Acquiring Minds Will Smith

Cody Agee thought food testing would be a good recession-resistant business to buy. 2 weeks later, one listed for sale.
Topics in Cody interview:
Bypassing business schoolCashing out his 401(k) without using ROBSBuying a food safety and testing labThe moat of licensing requirementsHis advantage over much larger competitorsAdjusting purchase price based on quality of earnings reportFinding investors on TwitterPersonally guaranteeing the seller noteHow he uses EBITDAR vs. EBITDAPutting in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systemReferences and how to contact Cody:
LinkedInTwitter/Xcody@splitmountaincapital.comSierra Dairy LaboratoryDino SawayaWork 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:
See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

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