Acquiring Minds

Will Smith
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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. "Life is Just Brighter" in a $1.2m Distribution Business

    10 HR AGO

    "Life is Just Brighter" in a $1.2m Distribution Business

    Joseph Cruz left a lucrative job in finance to pursue business ownership. Year 1 has gone well (despite losing his GM). Register for the webinars:  What Type of Franchise Is Right for You? - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/48gn6eHThe Operator’s Perspective: Running a Business for an Owner - Thu, Apr 9 - https://bit.ly/4m7lSZ7Topics in Joseph’s interview: Growing up in a Filipino immigrant familyWhy aging infrastructure creates long-term opportunityThe laundromat that started it allRunning an “oh sh*t” business Construction seasonality in ChicagoLast-minute GM retirement before closingRunning the business while still working his W-2 jobThe scramble to digitize knowledge stuck in employees’ headsBuilding systems, vendor lists, and shared documentationSetting the company’s “emotional temperature” as the ownerReferences and how to contact Joseph: LinkedInA&A LinkedInA&A Equipment and Supply Co. Articles by Joseph: From Spreadsheets to Steel-Toed Boots: Lessons from the First Few Months as an EntrepreneurSmall Businesses are Small for a Reason: What It Really Takes to Modernize a 40-Year-Old Distribution BusinessThe Real Work Begins: Midway Through My First Year as a Business OwnerTop 10 lessons from my first year of owning a businessDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryIf you’re serious about buying a business, learn why Acquisition Lab members have a 40% success rate: The Acquisition LabConnect 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

    1hr 53min
  2. From Small Acquisition to $30m Industry Leader

    4 DAYS AGO

    From Small Acquisition to $30m Industry Leader

    It took Robin Kovitz fours years to find her business, which she has built into an industry leader and her life's work. Register for the webinar: Quality of Technology (QoT) Report: Protecting Your Acquisition - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4d9F2enTopics in Robin’s interview: Upbringing in the meat industryEarly career in investment banking and M&AHer 4-year search for a businessAlways visit the competitorsCritique of the 2-year search clock"Long-termism" and becoming a B CorpHer 3 non-negotiablesTurning around the gift basket businessSolving their storage problemThe payoff and price of high ambitionReferences and how to contact Robin: LinkedInBaskitsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherIf you’re serious about buying a business, learn why Acquisition Lab members have a 40% success rate: 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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron

    1hr 41min
  3. How to Acquire 25 Franchise Units in 2.5 Years

    30 MAR

    How to Acquire 25 Franchise Units in 2.5 Years

    Jack Foster & Jake McLaughlin raised $2.8m to buy 10 Meineke stores. That equity has taken them further than expected. Register for the webinars:  Offshore Talent vs. AI for Business Buyers - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4bAIbTjQuality of Technology (QoT) Report: Protecting Your Acquisition - Thu, Apr 2 - https://bit.ly/4rUHngLTopics in Jack and Jake’s interview: Childhood friends turned business partnersLeaving Goldman Sachs, KKR, and Baird for entrepreneurshipWhy they chose the franchise roll-up modelConsolidating units within the Meineke systemApplying a first-principles approach to an unfamiliar industryPaying royalties as the price of product-market fitTechnician recruiting advantages of a strong franchise brandWhy they passed on car washes and quick lubeThe real timeline of the EV threat to auto repairBuying real estate and using sale-leasebacks for growth capitalReferences and how to contact Jack and Jake: Jack Foster’s LinkedInJake McLaughlin’s LinkedInMeinekeGet 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 jenny@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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron

    1hr 54min
  4. Turning $25k into a $3.2m Exit in Under 4 Years

    26 MAR

    Turning $25k into a $3.2m Exit in Under 4 Years

    Corey Mullins had worked in the trade over a decade when he bought a tiny, failing HVAC business for its phone number. Register for the webinars: What Actually Makes a Good Deal? Patterns from 1,000+ Transactions- TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4m4gsy5Offshore Talent vs. AI for Business Buyers - Tue, Mar 31 - https://bit.ly/4uW6rXGTopics in Corey’s interview: His 20-year career in HVACFailed buyout of the family businessSimultaneous launch and acquisitionBuying a truck and a phone numberBuild-to-sell philosophyGrowth through online marketingWaiting too long to hire managersTaking vacations no matter whatEvolution of the “Trade Dad”Exiting to private equity in under 4 yearsReferences and how to contact Corey: completeairquality@gmail.comCool By DesignPatrick LangePatrick Norris on Acquiring Minds: Buy & Build a Trash Business to a $4.4m ExitWork 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

    1hr 27min
  5. 40% Growth in Year 1 of a Paving Business

    23 MAR

    40% Growth in Year 1 of a Paving Business

    Eric Donahue quickly grew revenue to $6m thanks to operational enhancements, culture tweaks, and a little good luck. Register for the webinar: What Actually Makes a Good Deal? Patterns from 1,000+ Transactions - Thurs March 26th - https://bit.ly/4lT2ajGTopics in Eric’s interview: Navy SEAL career and retirementPerforming the basics at a high levelHis tree service side hustleOld school proprietary searchBuying an off-market paving companyForgoing SBA for a conventional loanWorking in the field to learn the asphalt trade40% revenue growth in 13 monthsSplitting his crew to keep the team productiveUsing his military clearance to win jobsReferences and how to contact Eric: LinkedInPeninsula PavingHunter at Hanger LawLearn 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 jenny@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

    1hr 33min
  6. Leaving Wall Street to Buy a $1m Manufacturing Business

    19 MAR

    Leaving Wall Street to Buy a $1m Manufacturing Business

    After 25 years on The Street, Brian Anderson discovered passion in buying small businesses — despite brutal challenges. Register for the webinar: How to Handle Common Employee Issues When Buying a Business - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4sa946lTopics in Brian’s interview: Career in investment banking/hedge fundsClosure of his firmPursuing small business as an asset classLow multiples are fairly valuedAcquiring in manufacturingLearning every operational function himselfAcquiring with no debtBeing away from his family M-FHis big mistake during CovidSelling to his COOReferences and how to contact Brian: LinkedInHis essay on the experience: Deco Manufacturing Summary and LessonsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comGet 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 MindsLearn 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 TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

    1hr 31min
  7. A $6.5m Business Worth Flying To

    16 MAR

    A $6.5m Business Worth Flying To

    Naveen Vinta spends weekdays at the business he bought in Milkwaukee, away from home in Virginia. He's making it work. Register for the webinars:  Add-Backs to Cash Flow for SBA Loans - Tue March 17th - https://bit.ly/4luTdgdHow to Handle Common Employee Issues When Buying a Business - Thurs March 19th - https://bit.ly/4dnIwtDTopics in Naveen’s interview: Army experience as a tank mechanicFunding his MBA with his G.I. BillCapitalizing on “onshoring” tailwindsGetting brokers to take him seriouslySearching for a business one plane hop awayAcquiring an aerial work platform businessModifying lifts to make them “explosion proof”9-12 month sales cycleImproving employee moraleBeing away from his family during the weekReferences and how to contact Naveen: LinkedInBailey CranesGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork 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 searcherConnect 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

    1hr 6min
  8. Bricklayer to Blue-Collar Empire

    12 MAR

    Bricklayer to Blue-Collar Empire

    After building a masonry business over 5+ years, Justin Escajeda bought his first company in 2018 and never looked back. Register for the webinars:   From Owner to Owner: Business Transition Lessons - TODAY - https://bit.ly/46K82p5Topics in Justin’s interview: His early career as a stone masonGrowing his side jobs into a companyLiquidating his real estate investmentsFocusing on masonry nichesAcquiring his first business for a 1.3 multipleRecruiting managers based on work ethicHis flat compensation and guaranteed bonus structureHow he prevents fraud and mismanagementKeeping company names the same after buyingThe personal cost of overseeing 11 companiesReferences and how to contact Justin: LinkedInEscajeda HoldingsGet 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

    1hr 35min
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    449
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021 - 2023, Acquiring Minds
  • Show Website
    Acquiring Minds

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