The 7 Minute Takeover

Village Wellth

A podcast built for serious business buyers. Hosted by Eamonn Gamble and Elizabeth MacRae from Village Wellth, each episode breaks down the world of business acquisitions in a practical, easy-to-follow way. From deal analysis and financing to listings and expert guests, we cover what matters most to help you buy with more confidence. Want to better support your acquisition journey? Create a free buyer: www.villagewellth.com

  1. 4d ago

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 40: Is This $2.5M Restoration Business Worth the Price? | Deal Decode

    While many buyers avoid restoration contracting due to unpredictable weather events, this business relies heavily on concrete work for underground parking garages and long-standing municipal contracts. But with a $2.5M asking price against a $562,000 SDE, does the valuation hold up?Timestamps:1:21 - What We Like: Municipal Contracts & Retained Skilled Workforce2:34 - Episode Sponsor: Cassles Law Firm2:48 - Deal Risks: High Valuation, CapEx Reinvestment & Slow Pay Cycles3:55 - Risks Continued: Customer Concentration, Key-Man Risk & Deal Structure4:44 - Next Steps: Key Questions for the Broker & Seller's RoleThis episode is brought to you by Cassles, a Canadian law firm serving startups to multinational organizations. From LOIs to due diligence and closing, Cassles is your trusted legal partner.______________________________________________________________________Looking to acquire in the next 6-12 months? Book a free consultation with one of our expert advisors: https://www.villagewellth.com/book-consultationSearching for a business to buy? Browse 50k+ of the best listings with a free account: https://www.villagewellth.com/Village Wellth is the tech-enabled advisory firm that most buyers wish they had known about sooner. Our #1 deal management platform offers serious buyers expert tooling to search, evaluate, and close their next deal. Paired with our Full-Service programming, we can help you move towards close faster. Book a consultation or try the platform free today: https://www.villagewellth.com/

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 40: Is This $2.5M Restoration Business Worth the Price? | Deal Decode
  2. Sep 24

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 39: Buying a Business with NO Contracts? ("Handshake" Deals)

    Are you looking to buy a small business, only to find out they don't have formal customer contracts? Before you panic know that it's not always a red flag! In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeovers, we break down how to handle "handshake businesses" during an acquisition. Timestamps: 0:15 - What is a "Handshake Business"? 0:38 - Are Missing Contracts Always a Red Flag? 1:15 - Evaluating Revenue Stability & Customer Retention 2:18 - Key Indicators: Customer Tenure & Switching Costs 2:48 - The Biggest Risk: Owner-Dependent Loyalty 3:40 - Castles Sponsorship 3:54 - Scenario: Identifying High-Risk Deal Conditions 4:18 - Structuring Deals to Mitigate Risk (Earnouts, Holdbacks & Seller Financing) 5:06 - Utilizing Representations, Warranties, and Escrow _______________________________________________________________Looking to acquire in the next 6-12 months? Book a free consultation with one of our expert advisors: https://www.villagewellth.com/book-consultationSearching for a business to buy? Browse 50k+ of the best listings with a free account: https://www.villagewellth.com/Village Wellth is the tech-enabled advisory firm that most buyers wish they had known about sooner. Our #1 deal management platform offers serious buyers expert tooling to search, evaluate, and close their next deal. Paired with our Full-Service programming, we can help you move towards close faster. Book a consultation or try the platform free today: https://www.villagewellth.com/

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 39: Buying a Business with NO Contracts? ("Handshake" Deals)
  3. Sep 10

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 38: How to buy a US based business as a Canadian

    In this mythbuster episode, we break down the real hurdles you will face when looking for acquisitions south of the border.From navigating the complex financing landscape to managing your right to work, we cover what it actually takes for a Canadian to successfully acquire a US company. Whether you are looking at small-scale seller financing or larger corporate acquisitions, we share how you can find your competitive advantage and close the deal.⏱️ Timestamps:0:06 - Myth Busted: Can Canadians Buy a US Business?1:10 - The Legality of US Business Ownership1:42 - Financing & The SBA 7A Loan Restrictions3:22 - The Right to Work & Visa Programs4:48 - Larger Acquisitions & Conventional Lending5:56 - Winning Smaller Deals via Seller Financing📌 Don't forget to subscribe for weekly insights on buying, diligence, and deal execution. Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagewellth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villagewellth/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@villagewellth.com Our website: https://www.villagewellth.com/ _______________________________________________________________Business Acquisition, Buying a Business, Lower Middle Market, M&A, Deal Structuring, Business Valuation, Financial Volatility, Earnout, Seller Financing, Due Diligence, Cash Flow Management, Small Business Mergers, Risk Mitigation, EBITDA Multiple, Business Lender Strategy.The 7-Minute Takeover is powered by Village Wellth, the tech-enabled advisory firm that serious searchers wish they had found sooner. Buying a business requires a village and we are that village. Create a free account on the #1 deal management platform today browsing listings for free: https://www.villagewellth.com/#SmallBusinessAcquisition #BusinessForSale #eta

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 38: How to buy a US based business as a Canadian
  4. Sep 8

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 37: Debunking the Information Package Myth Before Making an Offer

    In this mythbuster episode, we debunk the common expectation that buyers will receive a standardized, perfect information package before submitting an offer on a business. We discuss why information is gated, how the brokerage sector operates, and what options you have to show seriousness and unlock the details you need.⏱️ Timestamps:00:36 - Why information packages aren't standardized across different sellers and brokers01:23 - Understanding the unregulated brokerage industry and working within a broker's flow01:51 - Seeing things from the seller's point of view and protecting confidential data03:06 - What basic financial info you can typically expect upfront503:24 - Using an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Indication of Interest to build leverage04:27 - Moving to a Letter of Intent (LOI) and navigating stage gates safely05:01 - The risks of pushing for too many documents too early in a competitive market06:08 - Final thoughts on demonstrating seriousness to unlock critical due diligence data📌 Don't forget to subscribe for weekly insights on buying, diligence, and deal execution. Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagewellth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villagewellth/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@villagewellth.com Our website: https://www.villagewellth.com/ ______________________________________________________________________This episode is brought to you by Treewalk, a premier YVR based accounting advisory practice. They specialize in Quality of Earnings reports for private and public companies navigating the lower-middle and middle markets, bringing elite expertise to deals valued between $1M and $75M. Work with Treewalk today: https://treewalk.com/ Business Acquisition, Buying a Business, Lower Middle Market, M&A, Deal Structuring, Business Valuation, Financial Volatility, Earnout, Seller Financing, Due Diligence, Cash Flow Management, Small Business Mergers, Risk Mitigation, EBITDA Multiple, Business Lender Strategy.The 7-Minute Takeover is powered by Village Wellth, the tech-enabled advisory firm that serious searchers wish they had found sooner. Buying a business requires a village and we are that village. Create a free account on the #1 deal management platform today browsing listings for free: https://www.villagewellth.com/#SmallBusinessAcquisition #BusinessForSale #eta

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep 37: Debunking the Information Package Myth Before Making an Offer
  5. Aug 24

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 36: Is This $650K Flight School a Smart Acquisition?

    in this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we break down an SBA-approved flight school in Pennsylvania with $800K in annual revenue, $148K in SDE, and a $650K asking price. At first glance, this looks like the kind of regulated training business that could come with a serious moat. In this episode, Eamonn and Rob walk through what makes this flight school compelling, what buyers should be cautious about, and the key questions that need to be answered before anyone talks price. We cover: - Why regulated businesses can create strong barriers to entry - Why Part 141 approval could be a major asset if it transfers - The importance of understanding what aircraft assets are actually included - How college partnerships can be both a moat and a concentration risk - Why the chief instructor role could make or break this acquisition - The questions every buyer should ask the broker before moving forward Watch the full episode and explore more acquisition opportunities at Village Wellth. 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for weekly insights on buying, diligence, and deal execution. Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagewellth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villagewellth/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@villagewellth.com Our website: https://www.villagewellth.com/ ______________________________________________________________ Business Acquisition, Buying a Business, Lower Middle Market, M&A, Deal Structuring, Business Valuation, Financial Volatility, Earnout, Seller Financing, Due Diligence, Cash Flow Management, Small Business Mergers, Risk Mitigation, EBITDA Multiple, Business Lender Strategy. The 7-Minute Takeover is powered by Village Wellth, the tech-enabled advisory firm that serious searchers wish they had found sooner. Buying a business requires a village and we are that village. Create a free account on the #1 deal management platform today browsing listings for free: https://www.villagewellth.com/ #SmallBusinessAcquisition #BusinessForSale #eta

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 36: Is This $650K Flight School a Smart Acquisition?
  6. Aug 10

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 35: What is Post-Close "J Curve" (And Will Your Business Survive It?)

    When you see the term "cash-free, debt-free" in an LOI, it controls the actual purchase price flowing to the seller, but it leaves you operating the business from day one with expenses to cover. In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover we break down exactly where early cash strain comes from, how it impacts your relationship with commercial lenders, and the ultimate proactive steps you can take to secure peace of mind during your transition. Timestamps 0:14 – What does "Cash-Free, Debt-Free" mean in an LOI? 0:37 – 3 key reasons you will experience early cash strain post-close 1:44 – The risk of business decline and the dangerous post-close "J curve" 3:22 – How an operating line of credit works (and when to get it) 4:54 – Why dipping into your credit line immediately hurts lender trust 6:10 – The best-case scenario: Bringing extra cash buffer to the balance sheet 7:44 – Why over-raising capital signals prudence to investors, lenders, and sellers 8:18 – Summary checklist to put post-close cash anxiety to bed 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for weekly insights on buying, diligence, and deal execution. Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagewellth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villagewellth/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@villagewellth.com Our website: https://www.villagewellth.com/ _______________________________________________________________ Business Acquisition, Buying a Business, Lower Middle Market, M&A, Deal Structuring, Business Valuation, Financial Volatility, Earnout, Seller Financing, Due Diligence, Cash Flow Management, Small Business Mergers, Risk Mitigation, EBITDA Multiple, Business Lender Strategy. The 7-Minute Takeover is powered by Village Wellth, the tech-enabled advisory firm that serious searchers wish they had found sooner. Buying a business requires a village and we are that village. Create a free account on the #1 deal management platform today browsing listings for free: https://www.villagewellth.com/#SmallBusinessAcquisition #BusinessForSale #eta

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 35: What is Post-Close "J Curve" (And Will Your Business Survive It?)
  7. Jul 23

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 34: How to Handle Inconsistent Earnings When Buying a Business

    When evaluating a lower middle market business for acquisition, discovering a massive year-over-year dip or swing in earnings can be an immediate red flag. But does a 50% drop mean you should walk away, or is it an opportunity to structure a safer deal? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we dive deep into overcoming the objection of inconsistent earnings. Learn how to play the detective (or scientist) to uncover the true story behind financial volatility—whether it's a one-time event like losing a key client, or inherent macroeconomic volatility like in oil field services. Timestamps: 00:08 - Understanding the Story Behind 50% Earnings Swings 02:11 - Evaluating the Claims: Asking the Right Questions & Extending the Financial Timeline 03:56 - How Volatility Impacts Business Valuation and Multiples 04:56 - Using Earnouts, Contingent Compensation, and Seller Financing to Protect the Downside 06:08 - The Lender's Perspective: Why Banks Offer Lower Loan-to-Value Amounts on Volatile Companies 07:24 - Managing Cash Flow & Preparing for a Tough Post-Acquisition First Year (The J-Curve)If you're looking to navigate volatile cash flows and avoid catching a falling knife during your next business acquisition, this breakdown is for you. 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for weekly insights on buying, diligence, and deal execution. Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagewellth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villagewellth/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@villagewellth.com Our website: https://www.villagewellth.com/ _______________________________________________________________ Business Acquisition, Buying a Business, Lower Middle Market, M&A, Deal Structuring, Business Valuation, Financial Volatility, Earnout, Seller Financing, Due Diligence, Cash Flow Management, Small Business Mergers, Risk Mitigation, EBITDA Multiple, Business Lender Strategy. The 7-Minute Takeover is powered by Village Wellth, the tech-enabled advisory firm that serious searchers wish they had found sooner. Buying a business requires a village and we are that village. Create a free account on the #1 deal management platform today browsing listings for free: https://www.villagewellth.com/ #SmallBusinessAcquisition #BusinessForSale #eta

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 34: How to Handle Inconsistent Earnings When Buying a Business
  8. Jul 9

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 33: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome When Buying a Business

    Do you need 20 years of experience to buy a business? Are all successful acquirers naturally fearless? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, hosts Liz and Eamonn tackle the common myths and psychological hurdles that many first-time buyers face. Timestamps:00:33 – Addressing Impostor Syndrome in M&A01:04 – Myth #1: Is industry experience required?01:51 – Identifying and using transferable skills02:51 – Convincing lenders and investors without technical expertise03:28 – Myth #2: Only "naturally confident" people succeed04:42 – Common "stage gates" that shake a buyer's confidence05:41 – Balancing vulnerability with external confidence07:41 – Personal guarantees and navigating discomfort📌 Don't forget to subscribe for weekly insights on buying, diligence, and deal execution. Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagewellth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villagewellth/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@villagewellth.com Our website: https://www.villagewellth.com/ _______________________________________________________________In this video, Village Wellth experts, Liz and Eamonn discuss how to navigate impostor syndrome during the business acquisition process, specifically addressing whether industry experience and innate confidence are requirements for success. This video emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, tenacity, and thorough preparation to distinguish between natural nerves and genuine red flags in the processing of acquiring a business.The 7-Minute Takeover is powered by Village Wellth, the tech-enabled advisory firm that serious searchers wish they had found sooner. Buying a business requires a village and we are that village. Create a free account on the #1 deal management platform today browsing listings for free: https://www.villagewellth.com/#SmallBusinessAcquisition #BusinessForSale #eta

    The 7-Minute Takeover S2 Ep. 33: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome When Buying a Business

About

A podcast built for serious business buyers. Hosted by Eamonn Gamble and Elizabeth MacRae from Village Wellth, each episode breaks down the world of business acquisitions in a practical, easy-to-follow way. From deal analysis and financing to listings and expert guests, we cover what matters most to help you buy with more confidence. Want to better support your acquisition journey? Create a free buyer: www.villagewellth.com

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