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

Bill D'Alessandro, Mills Snell, Heather Endresen, and Michael Girdley
  • 4.8 (255)
  • 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. 1d ago

    The $599K Cemetery Deal That Could Last 100 Years

    In this episode, the hosts analyze a rural West Virginia cemetery listed for $599,000 that claims more than $10 million in future burial plot revenue—but may take decades to realize its full value. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/10m-built-in-revenue-potential-from-an-established-cemetery/2460309/ 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/ What happens when a business broker lists a cemetery as having $10 million in future revenue potential for just $599,000? In this episode, Mills Snell and Heather Endresen break down an unusual acquisition opportunity: a long-established cemetery in rural West Virginia with more than 2,200 unsold burial plots, a house, office, warehouse, and a perpetual care fund included in the sale. Key Highlights: - Cemetery listed for $599,000 with claims of over $10 million in future burial plot revenue potential. - More than 2,286 burial plots remain unsold, despite the cemetery operating since the late 1960s. - Hosts discuss the rise of cremation and how burial trends impact cemetery economics. - Significant questions around perpetual care funds, prepaid plots, deferred revenue, and regulatory requirements. - Potential buyer concerns include customer concentration with local funeral homes and the extremely rural location. 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

    32 min

  2. 5d ago

    Railroad Infrastructure Services Business Review

    In this episode, the hosts analyze a railroad telecom infrastructure business generating $1.5M of EBITDA and debate whether its specialized certifications, railroad relationships, and fiber buildout tailwinds make it one of the most attractive acquisition opportunities they've seen in years. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/specialized-telecom-engineering-and-safety-services-25-year-niche/2496836/?utm_source=bizbuysell&utm_medium=emailsite&utm_campaign=shtmlbot&utm_content=viewdetailtext 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 on Acquisitions Anonymous, the hosts review a specialized telecommunications infrastructure engineering business serving Class I freight railroads and major wireless carriers across North America. Located near Fort Worth, Texas, the company provides railroad right-of-way engineering, telecom permitting, construction management, railroad safety flagging, wireless coverage analytics, and infrastructure services. The business generates approximately $4.8M in annual revenue and $1.53M in EBITDA, with an asking price of $6M. Key Highlights: - $4.8M revenue business producing approximately $1.53M EBITDA offered at a $6M asking price (roughly 4x EBITDA). - Operates in the highly specialized niche of railroad right-of-way telecommunications engineering and infrastructure services. - Revenue grew from approximately $1.2M in 2023 to $4.8M in 2025, creating both excitement and diligence concerns. - Serves major railroads and wireless carriers while managing analytics across tens of thousands of miles of railroad infrastructure. - Hosts identify employee retention, relationship transferability, and customer concentration as critical diligence areas. 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

    38 min

  3. Jun 9

    How ATM Route Businesses Make Money

    In this episode, the hosts evaluate a highly unusual ATM portfolio generating $1M in EBITDA from 642 ATMs located in gentlemen’s clubs nationwide, exploring the hidden complexities, cash logistics, and risks behind what appears to be an ultra-passive business. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/over-1m-ebitda-atm-route-gentlemen-s-clubs-642-atms-5-000-000/2500718/ 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 – Your fast-track to business ownership. Get hands-on support, world-class resources, and join a top-tier community of acquisition entrepreneurs. Schedule your free consultation at https://www.acquisitionlab.com 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 on Acquisitions Anonymous, the hosts examine one of the most unusual listings the show has ever covered: a nationwide ATM network focused exclusively on gentlemen’s clubs. The business claims $6.6 million in annual revenue, approximately $1 million in EBITDA, and includes 642 ATMs spread across the country. Of those, 103 machines are owned directly while 539 are managed on behalf of third parties. The seller is asking $5 million and positioning the business as a highly passive cash-flow machine. Key Highlights: - 642 ATM locations nationwide generating approximately $6.6M revenue and $1M EBITDA. - Focused entirely on gentlemen’s clubs, a niche with unusually high ATM transaction volumes and surcharge fees. - Only one part-time employee, with vaulting, maintenance, and servicing outsourced to third-party providers. - Massive working capital requirements due to the cash needed to fund ATM operations nationwide. - Discussion of SBA lending limitations, adult entertainment exposure, customer retention, and transition 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

    41 min

  4. Jun 5

    How Much Is a Portable Toilet Business Worth?

    In this episode, the hosts break down a Wisconsin porta-potty rental business discovered by an AI-powered deal-sourcing agent, debating whether its strong cash flow and niche market justify a seemingly overpriced valuation. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/turnkey-cash-machine-48-cash-flow-recession-proof-porta-potty-wi/2464942/ 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/ The Acquisitions Anonymous team reviews a 30-year-old portable restroom rental business located in Wisconsin with approximately $744,000 in annual revenue and $325,000 in seller's discretionary earnings. The business is listed for $1.6 million and includes over $570,000 in equipment, trucks, and portable restroom assets. The owners are retiring after decades of operation and are willing to assist with training and licensing transition requirements. Key Highlights: - Wisconsin porta-potty rental company with $744K revenue and $325K SDE listed for $1.6M. - Approximately $570K of equipment included, plus trucks and portable restroom inventory. - Requires a Master Operator License, though the seller is willing to assist during the transition. - Hosts debate whether the business is worth closer to 3–4x earnings instead of the implied asking multiple. - Potential growth opportunity through adjacent services such as dumpster rentals and expansion into nearby communities. 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

    34 min

  5. Jun 2

    Industrial Equipment Manufacturer for Sale with Patents and Real Estate

    In this episode the hosts uncover a highly profitable niche manufacturing business in rural Virginia that produces patented thermal spray systems for aerospace and oilfield applications, sparking excitement over its recurring revenue, engineering moat, and massive growth potential. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/high-margin-industrial-equipment-manufacturer-70-gm-no-debt/2472503/ 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 – Your fast-track to business ownership. Get hands-on support, world-class resources, and join a top-tier community of acquisition entrepreneurs. Schedule your free consultation at https://www.acquisitionlab.com and mention Acquisitions Anonymous! Key Highlights: - Patented thermal spray manufacturing business with aerospace and oilfield customers - 60–70% recurring revenue from installed systems, parts, and maintenance - $2.5M revenue and ~$1M EBITDA at roughly a 5x asking multiple - Strong engineering moat with patents valid through 2035 and 2037 - Major growth opportunity through outbound sales and expanded distribution 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

    37 min

  6. May 29

    How Business Brokers Make Money: Spread vs Commission Model Explained

    In this episode the hosts break down a wildly unconventional Shopify-focused business brokerage using a “spread-based” commission model, debating whether it’s a scalable innovation or just an overpriced job disguised as a business. Business Listing – https://mailchi.mp/websiteclosers/new-deal-alert-ma-digital-business-brokerage-shopify-ecommerce-store-sales-65-repeat-purchase-rate-100-organic-strong-community-reputation-gmfgmhkz201?e=42dc999128 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/ 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 on Acquisitions Anonymous, the hosts tackle one of the most meta deals they’ve ever reviewed: a business brokerage that specializes in selling Shopify and e-commerce businesses. The company claims over 230 completed deals, a 92–94% close rate, and an unusual monetization strategy where they earn a percentage of the “spread” above a seller’s expected valuation instead of charging traditional commissions. The asking price? A hefty $14.5 million. Key Highlights: - Shopify-focused brokerage claims 230+ completed deals and 85 closings in the last year alone - Unique “spread-based” pricing model replaces traditional broker commissions - Hosts discover inconsistencies between stated revenue, EBITDA, and transaction math - Debate over whether the business is scalable infrastructure or simply “buying a job” - Asking price of $14.5M sparks major skepticism from the panel 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

    41 min

  7. May 26

    Industrial Automation Business for Sale Analysis | $656K SDE Review

    In this episode the hosts break down a Southern California industrial automation equipment business whose niche customer base, unclear recurring revenue, and likely customer concentration risks turn what looks like a profitable manufacturing deal into a potential acquisition nightmare. Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/industrial-and-automation-equipment-manufacturer/2443997/ 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/  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 reviews a $2.6M industrial automation and system integration business based in Riverside, California. The company reportedly generates $2.1M in annual revenue and approximately $656K in seller’s discretionary earnings while serving manufacturers with custom automation systems, conveyor applications, aircraft windshield handling equipment, and proprietary aluminum framing products. Key Highlights: - Riverside, CA industrial automation business listed for $2.6M with $2.1M revenue and $656K SDE - Hosts suspect the “automation company” may actually function more like a machine shop - Potential customer concentration and project-based revenue create major transferability concerns - Discussion on how SBA lenders cap deal pricing and force acquisition discipline - Deep dive into QoE reports, accounting red flags, and why diligence matters before signing a personal guarantee 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

    28 min

  8. May 22

    Recruiting Business Valuation: Is 3x SDE a Good Deal?

    In this episode the hosts analyze a niche executive recruiting firm serving the printing, packaging, and paper industries, debating whether its deep relationships and proprietary network create a durable moat—or a dangerous key-man dependency. Special thanks to Tighe Burke with SRCH for joining us on today's pod! Check out more here: https://www.srchpartners.com/ Business Listing – http://bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/reputable-high-margin-executive-recruiting-company/2446959/ 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 – Your fast-track to business ownership. Get hands-on support, world-class resources, and join a top-tier community of acquisition entrepreneurs. Schedule your free consultation at https://www.acquisitionlab.com and mention Acquisitions Anonymous! The hosts break down a niche executive recruiting business focused on the printing, packaging, and paper industries. The company generates approximately $1.1M in annual revenue with $365K in seller discretionary earnings and is listed for roughly 3x SDE. What initially looks like a straightforward recruiting agency quickly turns into a fascinating discussion about retained vs. contingent search, proprietary databases, and the true value of industry-specific relationships. Key Highlights: - Executive recruiting firm focused exclusively on printing, packaging, and paper industries with ~$365K SDE on ~$1.1M revenue - Hosts debate retained vs. contingent recruiting economics and why the split is unusual in executive search - Major diligence concern: founder generates 60% of client engagements and key recruiters may hold most relationship value - Discussion on whether the company’s 200,000-profile CRM database is truly proprietary or just scraped public data - Deep dive into how AI tools may improve recruiting efficiency but still struggle with nuanced executive sourcing 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

    41 min
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4.8
out of 5
255 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.

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