Key lessons from Dan Pena's castle

LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/

In this episode of Dropping Bombs, Christian Dawes brings a raw masterclass on leverage, grit, and buying businesses. Christian is living proof that Dan Peña's QLA methodology works—even if you're starting from rock bottom. Kicked out of seven schools and raising four kids, he bought his first company for $2.4M with 110% financing and lined up two more, pushing toward $10.5M in acquisitions.

Inside: use other people's money, build a credible board, and chase deals where the math wins—not your ego. Expect ruthless filters and volume: call hundreds of owners, walk in, and ask to buy the business. High margins buy forgiveness; low margins kill you. If the numbers fail, bin it and move on. This is a field manual for average men who refuse average outcomes—watch now, take the first swing, and become relentlessly capable.

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🔗 Resources 🌐 Dan Peña's Website — https://www.danpena.co.uk 📚 QLA for Dummies (Free Guide) — https://www.danpena.co.uk/qla-for-dummies 🏰 Guthrie Castle Seminars — https://www.danpena.co.uk/seminar/ 📚 Your First Hundred Million (Audiobook) — https://www.danpena.co.uk/your-first-hundred-million-audio-book-download/

Guest Socials: 📲 Christian Dawes Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/christiandawes26/

Watch the full-length video version of any Dropping Bombs episode here on YouTube.

Brad Lea is a self-made entrepreneur who turned small-town grit into a multi-million-dollar empire. With over 25 years dominating sales and leadership, he's mentored thousands to outsmart, outwork, and out win their competition. His top-rated podcast, Dropping Bombs, brings raw, game-changing insights from the biggest names in business.

LightSpeed VT is Brad's brainchild—the world's leading interactive training platform. It's built to make your team sharper, faster, and more effective, without wasting time or money. Whether you're a startup or a Fortune 500, LightSpeed VT is how you scale success and dominate your industry. Curious? Check it out: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/

Brad's also behind Closer School, the go-to program for mastering sales and closing deals like a pro. Want to 10x your income? This is where you start. His book, The Hard Way, lays out the brutal, honest lessons he learned building his empire—your blueprint to winning the game. Get it here: https://bradlea.com/product/the-hard-way/

This isn't just a video. It's a wake-up call. Watch it. Share it. Act on it. Closer School: https://www.closerschool.com/cs