The Struggles of Being Yourself in Business

Chris Munn, Bakari Akil, and Bruce Vann reflect on being Black men who bought businesses & why this path is so powerful. 

Topics in this interview:

• What inspires and motivates them as business owners
• The three necessary factors for capitalism to work
• Unclaimed opportunities for minority businesses
• The impact of entrepreneurship on family and future generations
• Changing your mentality to lead a company effectively
• Being “buttoned up” vs. being authentic
• Dealing with sellers who want to talk U.S. politics
• Overcoming challenges and persisting in the face of adversity
• The limitations of “climbing the ladder” in a W2
• Why now is the best time for Black people to buy businesses

References and how to contact:

• Bakari Akil LinkedIn - Twitter - Graves Hall Capital
• Elliot Holland LinkedIn - Twitter - Guardian Due Diligence
• Bruce Vann LinkedIn - LuXout Products Inc - Blinds & More
• Chris Munn LinkedIn - The Fairfield Company
• Dame Dash Full Interview at The Breakfast Club Power 105.1
• Early Career LBOs Using the Search Fund Model
• HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business
• Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? by Reginald F. Lewis and Blair S. Walker

Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

• The Acquisition Lab

 Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

• Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

Connect with Acquiring Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow Will on Twitter