How2Exit: Buy, Don't Build - M&A of Small Businesses Ronald P. Skelton

About the Guest(s): Nathan Hirsch, a seasoned entrepreneur, excels in online businesses, strategic growth, and operations. Co-founding FreeeUp, a freelancer marketplace successfully exited in 2019, he's adept at acquiring top talent through optimized hiring. His latest ventures include Outsource School, educating on virtual team management, and EcomBalance, offering specialized bookkeeping for e-commerce. With a deep marketing understanding, Hirsch implements organic growth tactics across his ventures.

Summary: In this engaging episode, Ronald Skelton chats with Nathan Hirsch, a seasoned entrepreneur specializing in business growth and exits. They explore how Hirsch scaled and sold FreeeUp, offering insights into digital marketplace expansion. From Hirsch's journey from college competitor to dropshipping and virtual assistants, to his organic marketing strategies, listeners gain valuable entrepreneurial lessons. Delve into Hirsch's strategic business approach and discover key takeaways on hiring and organic growth, essential for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways:Nathan Hirsch's entrepreneurial journey showcases the importance of seizing opportunities and taking calculated risks.Understanding and executing effective hiring processes can play a pivotal role in scaling a business.Implementing an organic marketing blueprint is key to driving growth without relying solely on paid advertising.Selling a business successfully requires timing, understanding the market conditions, and ensuring the right company culture fit.Diversifying one's business portfolio and managing multiple ventures can lead to stability and continued success in entrepreneurship.
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Contact Nathan on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhirsch/
Website: https://www.outsourceschool.com/exit-playbook
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How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!

-Why IT ExchangeNet?
Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match.

"Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron Skelton

The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.

Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.

Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.

If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
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💰If you’d like additional ways to support this podcast, you can become a paid subscriber here: https://how2exit.substack.com/

►Visit Our Website: https://www.how2exit.com/

📧For Business Inquiries: Me@4sale2sold.com

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to the How2Exit channel and press...

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/_vP2-ZqR6RE

About the Guest(s): Dan Taylor is an experienced professional specializing in real estate strategies that set him apart from conventional practices. At the age of 58, he brings a wealth of knowledge in mergers, acquisitions, and business ownership, blending his passion for deal-making with real-life experiences to create a thriving career. Dan has a background in starting from humble beginnings with a donut kiosk business and has since advanced to significant commercial real estate endeavors. His expertise includes rolling up profitable businesses that own real estate, separating and selling the businesses, as well as repurposing declining businesses into lucrative investments. 

Summary: In this How2Exit Podcast episode, Ronald Skelton discusses mergers, acquisitions, and real estate strategies with Dan Taylor. They explore maximizing value in property investments tied to business acquisitions. Taylor shares his journey from a small kiosk owner to mastering business roll-ups and commercial real estate transformations. He highlights the benefits of acquiring businesses with valuable real estate and emphasizes using various valuation methods to maximize returns.

Key Takeaways:Owning businesses with real estate offers the potential for multiple arbitrage, where the property can be valued separately for its potential beyond the current business use.Targeting 65 - 75-year-old business owners can present opportunities with distressed assets or sellers motivated by life events such as retirement or health issues.Utilizing innovative direct mail strategies with a personal touch can significantly increase response rates and open paths to deals that might otherwise be overlooked.Real estate tied to a business should be evaluated for its highest and best use, which can lead to repurposing for more profitable ventures.Dan Taylor stresses the importance of having a long-term vision for investment and structuring deals in a way that benefits both investors and business owners.
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Contact Dan on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantaylorattaylorcapital/
Website: https://www.taylorcapital.co.uk/
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How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!

Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?

The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.

https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit

Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
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💰If you’d like additional ways to support this podcast, you can become a paid subscriber here: https://how2exit.substack.com/

►Visit Our Website: https://www.how2exit.com/

📧For Business Inquiries: Me@4sale2sold.com

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to the How2Exit channel and press (🔔) to join the Notification Squad and stay updated with new uploads.✨

👇🏻SUBSCRIBE HERE
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Watch Here: https://youtu.be/TsR70CCiXjE

About the Guest(s): Matt Bodnar, a rising star in mergers and acquisitions, has a diverse background that spans from Goldman Sachs to entrepreneurship. After purchasing his first IT service business post-college, he honed his deal-making skills, culminating in the establishment of his holding company, Eidolon Capital. Specializing in lower-middle market acquisitions, particularly in blue-collar, value-oriented, and baby boomer-owned businesses, his portfolio includes companies in sink manufacturing, pallet racking, and IT/software. His approach emphasizes value and long-term investment.

Summary: In this episode, Matt Bodnar, a rising star in mergers and acquisitions, dives deep into deal-making strategies. They explore Matt's journey from Wall Street to entrepreneurship, focusing on his expertise in lower-middle market acquisitions. The conversation highlights the importance of building genuine relationships, active listening, and structuring creative deals like zero down and zero out-of-pocket transactions. Matt shares personal anecdotes, including unconventional deals and aqua hires, emphasizing the significance of understanding seller motivations for successful buyouts. Additionally, they discuss the importance of deal flow and learning from mistakes, stressing the need for robust pipelines in acquisition success.

Key Takeaways:The essence of mergers and acquisitions lies not just in financial savvy, but in creating genuine connections and understanding seller motivations.Zero down or zero out-of-pocket deals are possible with a well-developed deal pipeline and creative structuring based on sellers' needs and business assets.Rapport building and active listening are critical skills in negotiation, often determining the success of an acquisition more than the financial offer.There is a significant opportunity to acquire and optimize undermanaged businesses, particularly in sectors where owners are looking to retire without succession plans.Practical involvement and willingness to operate the acquired business, at least initially, can lead to better management hires and long term-success.
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Contact Matt on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbodnar/
Website: https://mattbodnar.com/newsletter/
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How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!

Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?

The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.

https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit

Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
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💰If you’d like additional ways to support this podcast, you can become a paid subscriber here: https://how2exit.substack.com/

►Visit Our Website: https://www.how2exit.com/

📧For Business Inquiries: Me@4sale2sold.com

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to the How2Exit channel and press (🔔) to join the Notification Squad and stay updated with new uploads.✨

👇🏻SUBSCRIBE HERE
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ONnhwaKSTPFt2nOxKoXXQ?sub_confirmation=1

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬...?br...

Today's Primary Sponsor is Snowball - www.Snowballclub.com - A private community of entrepreneurial investors helping each other.

About the Guest(s): Brandon Knowlden is an entrepreneur with a rich background in both the advertising industry and the world of manufacturing. He kicked off his career at the early age of 13, working in his father's manufacturing business in Detroit. Later, he transitioned to advertising, working with high-profile clients like Porsche and Panera Bread. Brandon's entrepreneurial journey eventually led him to found a woodworking business specialized in creating durable housewares. Having successfully exited his business in December 2023, Brandon is currently focused on acquisitions within the custom cabinetry and manufacturing industries, aiming to build significant roll-ups that generate generational wealth.

Summary: In this insightful episode of the How to Exit Podcast, host Ronald Skelton and guest Brandon Knowlden delve into the intriguing world of mergers and acquisitions, particularly Brandon's unique approach to business growth. Brandon shares his compelling journey from advertising maven to successful entrepreneur, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to the realm of small to medium business acquisitions. Brandon's recent venture into buying a custom cabinetry company showcases a novel strategy involving a sale leaseback — a powerful maneuver that financed the purchase of the business itself. Listeners will be captivated by the intricacies of the deal, how Brandon leveraged the property's value, and his visions for future roll-up acquisitions.

Key Takeaways:
The "property split" or sale leaseback strategy can significantly finance business acquisitions.Building a quiver of private investors is crucial for executing sale leasebacks efficiently.Seller financing conversations can benefit from a personalized, human approach, aligning the seller's needs and the buyer's goals.There's potential for creating a more efficient system by identifying and remedying inefficient practices in acquired businesses.Establishing genuine relationships with both sellers and their key employees is vital for successful transactions.Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/x8boUJ0jfNQ
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Contact Brandon on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonleo/
Website: http://brandonknowlden.com/
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How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!

-Why IT ExchangeNet?
Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match.

"Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron Skelton

The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.

Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit...

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/hebyR7iJjdE

About the Guest(s): Justin Harris is a seasoned M&A expert, specializing in website and e-commerce acquisitions. With diverse experience spanning nonprofit work, a major security firm, and entrepreneurial ventures in software and leadership development, he offers a distinctive blend of business acumen and innovation. Currently with Website Closers, Justin is known for his professional demeanor and keen insights into website market dynamics. He also personally owns niche e-commerce brands, such as scented home products.

Summary: In this episode, Ronald Skelton talks with Justin Harris from Website Closers about mergers and acquisitions in the website-based business realm. They delve into Justin's journey from college to becoming a prominent figure in entrepreneurship and M&A. Justin offers insights on buying, scaling, and selling online businesses, emphasizing organized finances, efficient systems, and reducing owner dependence for those planning an exit soon.

Key Takeaways:Well-prepared financials are crucial for a successful business sale; they build trust with potential buyers.Systems and processes should be documented clearly to demonstrate a business that won't require significant buyer involvement.Owner dependence is a critical factor; a business that can run with minimal owner input is more attractive to buyers.There's an expected decrease in multiples and buyer activity in today's market, affecting business valuations.Utilizing AI for generating sales copy and content can be a game-changer for small e-commerce businesses
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Contact Justin on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-henry-harris/
Website: http://websiteclosers.com/
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How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!

-Why IT ExchangeNet?
Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match.

"Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron Skelton

The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.

Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.

Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.

If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
--------------------------------------------------
💰If you’d like additional ways to support this podcast, you can become a paid subscriber here: https://how2exit.substack.com/

►Visit Our Website: https://www.how2exit.com/

📧For Business Inquiries: Me@4sale2sold.com

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to the How2Exit channel and press (🔔) to join the Notification Squad and stay updated with new uploads.✨
br...

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/esaYQ-iAwjo

About the Guest(s): Tina Bradley is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in various business ventures, starting from her entrepreneurial journey at the age of nine. With hands-on experience in multi-level marketing, building an animal charity, and running approximately 200 monetized websites, Tina's expertise is vast and varied. She later turned her attention to mergers and acquisitions, focusing on the health, beauty, wellness, and self-care industry where she successfully built and exited a group of businesses. Tina's approach intertwines a deep understanding of operations, systematizing, and talent development, particularly in identifying and empowering managers to transition into business ownership.

Summary: In this episode of How2Exit, host Ronald Skelton invites Tina Bradley to share her entrepreneurial story and insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M\&A). The conversation reveals the strategic moves that led Tina to success in the health and beauty sector, along with valuable learnings from her exit strategy.

Tina discusses the challenges and triumphs of acquiring multiple hair and beauty salons in and around London. She outlines her methodical approach to foster managerial talent and implement systems that ensure sustainability and scalability—key to preparing businesses for a management buyout. Her journey underscores the importance of rapport-building with sellers, teaching listeners how to engage genuinely and secure deals favorably for all parties involved.

Key Takeaways:Rapport with potential sellers is critical in business acquisitions. Building genuine connections can lead to advantageous opportunities, such as management buyout deals.Small businesses in the half-million turnover range can be a strategic focus area for building a portfolio, especially in the health and beauty space.Empowering managers through meticulous systems and processes can prepare them for ownership, adding value to the business for a successful exit strategy.Openness to diversified experiences and adaptability is crucial for entrepreneurs at any stage of their career.Tina's philosophy of never giving up, inspired by her father, shows the resilience needed to succeed in the competitive world of business.
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Contact Tina on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinabradleyuk/
Email: Tina@tinabradley.co
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How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!

Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?

The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.

https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit

Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
--------------------------------------------------
💰If you’d like additional ways to support this podcast, you can become a paid subscriber here: https://how2exit.substack.com/

►Visit Our Website: https://www.how2exit.com/

📧For Business Inquiries: Me@4sale2sold.com

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to the How2Exit channel and press (🔔) to join the Notification Squad and stay updated with new uploads.✨

👇🏻SUBSCRIBE HEREbr...