Acquisitions Anonymous - #1 for business buying, selling and operating

Bill D'Alessandro, Mills Snell, Heather Endresen, and Michael Girdley
  • 4.8 (259)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

Jump into the world of business acquisitions with hosts Bill D'Alessandro, Mills Snell, Heather Endresen, and Michael Girdley. We review real businesses for sale in each episode, providing expert insights, strategies, and tips to make savvy business moves like the pros. Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in buying and selling businesses.

  1. 2d ago

    This Alaska Gift Shop Makes $500K a Year... But There's a Catch

    In this episode, the panel analyzes a 100-year-old Alaska gift shop serving cruise passengers, uncovering how location risk, seasonality, and SBA financing can completely change the value of an otherwise exceptional business. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/historic-alaska-gift-jewelry-and-art-retailer-prime-downtown-location/2519758/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: CapitalPad is a private equity co-investment group for lower middle market deals. Accredited investors invest in searcher and independent sponsor transactions on a deal-by-deal basis, with minimums starting at $25K. Acquisition entrepreneurs with a deal under LOI can raise equity through CapitalPad's single-SPV structure, closing with one partner and one wire. Raise capital or invest at https://capitalpad.com Acquisition Lab, the leading community, platform, and fund backing serious acquisition entrepreneurs. The education and deal-search tools are free, and a real board of advisors will talk you out of a bad deal as fast as into a good one. There's no clock and no pressure. See what it's like: sit in on a free live roundtable at acquisitionlab.com/roundtables, and mention Acquisitions Anonymous! This episode examines a historic Alaska gift shop that has been operating since 1908, generating approximately $1.6 million in annual revenue and more than $500,000 in seller's discretionary earnings while serving cruise ship passengers during Alaska's busy tourism season. With over a century of operating history, the business appears to be a straightforward retail acquisition—but the deeper analysis reveals several critical considerations buyers can't afford to overlook. Key Highlights:  - Historic Alaska gift shop established in 1908 with approximately $1.6M revenue and $500K+ SDE. - Seasonal tourism business benefiting from cruise ship passenger traffic and decades of brand recognition. - Major discussion on how relocating a cruise terminal could dramatically impact business value. - Deep dive into SBA financing challenges for highly seasonal businesses and strategies to structure successful deals. - Lessons on seller financing, working capital forecasting, and why location-dependent businesses require exceptional due diligence. Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

  2. 5d ago

    Would You Pay $6.75 Million for a Magnet Company?

    In this episode, the hosts analyze a highly profitable industrial magnetics company with $1.3M EBITDA, debating whether its recurring demand, outsourced model, and durable niche justify a premium valuation. Business Listing – https://www.websiteclosers.com/businesses/lender-pre-qualified-industrial-magnetic-equipment-company-50-repeat-order-rate-42-net-margin-zero-ad-spend-semi-absentee/119091/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: Quiet Light Brokerage specializes in helping entrepreneurs buy and sell businesses with experienced operators as brokers. They offer a free valuation clarity call to help owners understand what their business is worth and how to increase its value before selling. Learn more at https://quietlight.com/ FRANZY - Thinking about buying a franchise instead of an independent business? FRANZY is a free platform built for acquisition-minded entrepreneurs who want to explore franchise ownership without broker bias. FRANZY matches you with franchise opportunities based on your capital, goals, and lifestyle—and includes free coaching from experienced franchise operators. If you're exploring ETA but want a structured, system-driven alternative, check out https://franzy.com/  This episode breaks down an industrial magnetics company generating approximately $3.3 million in annual revenue and $1.35 million in EBITDA, listed for roughly $6.75 million. Operating with an asset-light model through outsourced manufacturing and fulfillment, the business has built a strong reputation across industrial markets while maintaining impressive margins, repeat customers, and minimal owner involvement. Key Highlights: - Industrial magnetics company producing $3.3M revenue and $1.35M EBITDA with only 6–8 owner hours per week. - Asset-light business model using outsourced manufacturing and fulfillment with over 1,500 distributors and OEM partners. - Approximately 50% repeat customers replacing industrial magnets every 18–24 months. - Strong debate around whether the business deserves a 5x EBITDA multiple or should trade closer to 4.5x. - Excellent discussion on key employee retention, SBA financing, and post-acquisition management risk. Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

  3. Jul 24

    This Garage Business Made $590K… Then Everything Changed

    In this episode, the hosts analyze a premium garage makeover franchise with volatile earnings and use it as a masterclass on how to diligence, value, and acquire franchise businesses versus independent companies. Business Listing – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TkqQjU9VGGgqpbGaxRSsmAuBYXeu0sY7/view?usp=drive_link Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: Acquisition Lab, the leading community, platform, and fund backing serious acquisition entrepreneurs. The education and deal-search tools are free, and a real board of advisors will talk you out of a bad deal as fast as into a good one. There's no clock and no pressure. See what it's like: sit in on a free live roundtable at acquisitionlab.com/roundtables, and mention Acquisitions Anonymous! Viso Business Capital — Get the right SBA loan tailored to your acquisition needs with Heather Endresen’s firm. Sign up for a free live Q&A on SBA loans at https://www.visocap.net and click “Zoom Sign Up” in the top-right corner. This week the Acquisitions Anonymous crew is joined by Alex Smereczniak of Franzi, a franchise acquisitions expert, to review a premium garage makeover franchise that installs epoxy floors, custom cabinetry, storage systems, and garage accessories for affluent homeowners. The business generated as much as $3.5M in annual revenue during its peak but experienced a significant slowdown in 2024, sparking a debate over whether buyers should value the company based on historical averages or today's softer market. Key Highlights: - Premium garage renovation franchise serving affluent homeowners with $10K–$30K average project sizes. - Revenue ranged from $2.0M to $3.5M, demonstrating significant operating leverage but also substantial cyclicality. - Discussion of why franchise acquisitions require diligence on both the seller and the franchisor. - Hidden upside includes expansion rights into additional protected territories included with the acquisition. - The hosts debate whether buyers should purchase this franchise or simply develop a brand-new territory instead. Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

  4. Jul 21

    The Amazon Agency With Dream Clients Falling From The Sky

    In this episode the hosts analyze a high-margin Amazon agency for sale while a veteran business broker reveals how buyers can win—or lose—competitive acquisition deals and what "SBA pre-qualified" really means. Business Listing – https://quietlight.com/listings/18829076/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: CapitalPad is a private equity co-investment group for lower middle market deals. Accredited investors invest in searcher and independent sponsor transactions on a deal-by-deal basis, with minimums starting at $25K. Acquisition entrepreneurs with a deal under LOI can raise equity through CapitalPad's single-SPV structure, closing with one partner and one wire. Raise capital or invest at https://capitalpad.com Quiet Light Brokerage specializes in helping entrepreneurs buy and sell businesses with experienced operators as brokers. They offer a free valuation clarity call to help owners understand what their business is worth and how to increase its value before selling. Learn more at https://quietlight.com/ This week the hosts review an Amazon CPG agency generating $1.5 million in annual revenue and nearly $1.1 million in net income, listed for $3.7 million (3.4x earnings). The business boasts recurring monthly revenue, exceptional margins, remote operations, and virtually no working capital requirements, making it one of the most intriguing agency listings they've covered. Key Highlights: - Amazon agency producing $1.5M revenue, nearly $1.1M net income, listed at $3.7M. - Veteran broker explains what SBA pre-qualified listings actually mean—and what they don't. - Practical advice on how buyers can differentiate themselves in competitive acquisition processes. - Discussion around AI's potential impact on agency businesses and lender appetite. - Deep dive into customer acquisition, SOPs, recurring revenue, and agency scalability. Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

  5. Jul 17

    Why Most Private Equity Pitch Decks Miss the Point

    In this episode the hosts break down exactly how they evaluate private investment opportunities as limited partners, revealing what makes them say yes—or pass—on search funds, business acquisitions, and real estate deals. Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: Viso Business Capital — Get the right SBA loan tailored to your acquisition needs with Heather Endresen’s firm. Sign up for a free live Q&A on SBA loans at https://www.visocap.net and click “Zoom Sign Up” in the top-right corner. FRANZY - Thinking about buying a franchise instead of an independent business? FRANZY is a free platform built for acquisition-minded entrepreneurs who want to explore franchise ownership without broker bias. FRANZY matches you with franchise opportunities based on your capital, goals, and lifestyle—and includes free coaching from experienced franchise operators. If you're exploring ETA but want a structured, system-driven alternative, check out https://franzy.com/  This week, the hosts step away from reviewing a business listing to answer a question they receive constantly: How do experienced investors evaluate private acquisition opportunities? Whether it's a search fund, an independent acquisition, or a real estate investment, the hosts explain exactly what they look for before writing a check. Key Highlights: - Where experienced investors actually find off-market acquisition opportunities. - How LPs evaluate sponsors, business quality, and buyer-business fit before investing. - Understanding preferred equity, waterfalls, carry, management fees, and capital structures. - Why sponsor incentives and personal financial commitment matter more than flashy IRR projections. - Bill and Mills share the private investment hurdle rates they personally require before writing a check. Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

  6. Jul 14

    Would You Buy a $3.3M Taxidermy Company?

    In this episode the hosts analyze a rare $3.3M revenue taxidermy business in Reno, debating whether its niche positioning and loyal customer base outweigh the challenges of buying, operating, and eventually selling such a specialized company. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/premier-taxidermy-for-sale/2447323/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: Acquisition Lab, the leading community, platform, and fund backing serious acquisition entrepreneurs. The education and deal-search tools are free, and a real board of advisors will talk you out of a bad deal as fast as into a good one. There's no clock and no pressure. See what it's like: sit in on a free live roundtable at acquisitionlab.com/roundtables, and mention Acquisitions Anonymous! CapitalPad is a private equity co-investment group for lower middle market deals. Accredited investors invest in searcher and independent sponsor transactions on a deal-by-deal basis, with minimums starting at $25K. Acquisition entrepreneurs with a deal under LOI can raise equity through CapitalPad's single-SPV structure, closing with one partner and one wire. Raise capital or invest at https://capitalpad.com This week the hosts review one of the most unusual businesses ever featured on Acquisitions Anonymous—a taxidermy company in Reno, Nevada generating $3.3 million in annual revenue with an asking price of $1.6 million. While the listing provides almost no meaningful operational details or profitability metrics, the hosts dig into what could make this niche business surprisingly valuable. Key Highlights:  - $1.6M asking price on approximately $3.3M annual revenue, with no profitability disclosed. - Discussion of why taxidermy is a highly specialized, relationship-driven business built around skilled artistic labor. - Exploration of Reno's strategic location serving trophy hunters across Nevada and California. - Debate around working capital, customer deposits, transition risk, and the difficulty of selling niche businesses. - Strong criticism of the listing's generic description and broader discussion about ineffective business brokerage marketing. Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

  7. Jul 10

    How One Small Factory Built a Business Around Hot Rods and NASCAR

    In this episode, the discussion focuses on a 54-year-old performance exhaust manufacturing business and the creative SBA financing structures, inventory risks, and seller financing strategies that could make—or break—the deal. Business Listing – https://www.sunbeltnetwork.com/sacramento-ca/buy-a-business/listings/listing-details/northern-california-exhaust-component-manufacturer-sc2139-53520/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: FRANZY - Thinking about buying a franchise instead of an independent business? FRANZY is a free platform built for acquisition-minded entrepreneurs who want to explore franchise ownership without broker bias. FRANZY matches you with franchise opportunities based on your capital, goals, and lifestyle—and includes free coaching from experienced franchise operators. If you're exploring ETA but want a structured, system-driven alternative, check out https://franzy.com/  Quiet Light Brokerage specializes in helping entrepreneurs buy and sell businesses with experienced operators as brokers. They offer a free valuation clarity call to help owners understand what their business is worth and how to increase its value before selling. Learn more at https://quietlight.com/ This episode examines a fascinating Northern California manufacturing business that has been supplying high-performance exhaust components for more than 54 years. The company generates approximately $2.08 million in annual revenue and $410K-$480K in EBITDA/SDE, serving professional racing teams, performance shops, and automotive enthusiasts through a specialized catalog of exhaust fabrication components. Key Highlights: - 54-year-old California performance exhaust manufacturer with $2.08M revenue and $410K EBITDA - Includes approximately $525K of inventory and $1.25M of equipment in the asking price - Discussion of creative seller financing structures and SBA refinance strategies - Major diligence concerns include inventory accuracy, SKU complexity, and equipment valuation - Hosts debate whether the business is overpriced or a hidden bargain due to asset value Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

  8. Jul 7

    The Pirate Liquor Store Making $300K a Year

    In this episode, the hosts discuss a pirate-themed liquor store in Anchorage, Alaska that has doubled revenue under its current owner, boasts a government-protected moat through limited liquor licenses, and somehow convinced all four hosts to give it a thumbs up. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/have-a-pirate-life-liquor-store-2-55m-gross-306k-sde/2477852/ Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them. Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=template HubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9Vr Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter 💰 Sponsored by: Viso Business Capital — Get the right SBA loan tailored to your acquisition needs with Heather Endresen’s firm. Sign up for a free live Q&A on SBA loans at https://www.visocap.net and click “Zoom Sign Up” in the top-right corner. Acquisition Lab, the leading community, platform, and fund backing serious acquisition entrepreneurs. The education and deal-search tools are free, and a real board of advisors will talk you out of a bad deal as fast as into a good one. There's no clock and no pressure. See what it's like: sit in on a free live roundtable at acquisitionlab.com/roundtables, and mention Acquisitions Anonymous! The hosts dive into what makes this business so fascinating: an extraordinarily transparent seller who published detailed financials online, a unique "bush delivery" business serving remote Alaskan communities, and a remarkable growth story that saw revenue nearly double over the last six years. They debate whether the growth is sustainable, discuss the complexities of Alaska's liquor licensing regulations, and ultimately arrive at a rare unanimous conclusion: if you live in Anchorage, this might be an incredible business to own. Key Highlights: - Pirate-themed Anchorage liquor store generating $2.55M revenue and $306K SDE with a $1.1M asking price - Current owner reportedly works only 10 hours per week using remote POS management systems - Revenue nearly doubled from $1.2M to $2.5M between 2020 and 2025 - Alaska's liquor license quota system creates a powerful regulatory moat limiting new competition - All four hosts gave the deal a rare unanimous thumbs up, provided the buyer already lives in Alaska Subscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inbox Advertise with us by clicking here Do you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

See All (521)

4.8
out of 5
259 Ratings

About

Jump into the world of business acquisitions with hosts Bill D'Alessandro, Mills Snell, Heather Endresen, and Michael Girdley. We review real businesses for sale in each episode, providing expert insights, strategies, and tips to make savvy business moves like the pros. Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in buying and selling businesses.

Information

You Might Also Like