Unlocking Entrepreneurship: The Search Fund Model

This chapter explores the search fund model, enabling new entrepreneurs to collaborate with investors to acquire businesses. It discusses the benefits, challenges, and the significance of networking and personal commitment in fostering successful partnerships.

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#578 Did you know that buying a business can be a smarter path to success than starting one from scratch? In this episode, host Brien Gearin is joined by Chris Hillier, an entrepreneur and adjunct professor at the University of Denver, to break down the search fund model — a unique way for aspiring business owners to secure funding while searching for the right company to acquire. Chris shares his journey from building businesses in healthcare and brokerage to helping entrepreneurs navigate acquisitions. We explore financing options, key traits of successful searchers, and why boring businesses can be the best investments. Whether you're new to business ownership or looking for creative ways to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice to help you make your next move!

(Original Air Date - 2/4/25)

What we discuss with Chris:

+ Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA): A lower-risk path to business ownership

+ Search Fund Model: Investors fund entrepreneurs to acquire and run businesses

+ Acquisition Financing: SBA loans, seller financing, and investor-backed deals

+ Ideal Acquisition Targets: Profitable businesses with recurring revenue

+ Role of a CEO: Skills needed to successfully take over a business

+ Boomer-Owned Businesses: Growing opportunities as owners retire

+ Getting Started: How to find and vet businesses

+ ETA vs. Startups: Key differences and advantages

+ Scaling with Acquisitions: Building a portfolio through multiple purchases

+ Boring Businesses = Profits: Why overlooked industries can be goldmines