Ep 84: From Operator to Owner- How an Experienced Injection Moulding Professional Turned to Acquisition (Steve Lawrence, CEO of Uncomplicated Group)
Aug 24, 2024
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Steve Lawrence, an injection moulding veteran and CEO of Uncomplicated Group, shares his journey from operator to owner. He reveals how he discovered the acquisition model and his vision for streamlining operations in the industry. The conversation dives into the challenges of aging business ownership and workforce issues, while outlining plans for consolidating smaller firms into a 'super factory.' Lawrence also emphasizes the benefits of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in fostering accountability and collaboration within his team.
Steve Lawrence transitioned from corporate manufacturing to entrepreneurship through acquisition, highlighting the challenges faced by aging business owners in the sector.
The Uncomplicated Group aims to simplify operations and enhance efficiencies in injection moulding businesses by implementing a focused growth strategy and avoiding opportunistic diversifications.
Adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has significantly improved team communication and operational transparency, driving performance and morale within the organization.
Deep dives
Background and Transition to Entrepreneurship
The speaker shares his journey from working in a large American corporation to pursuing entrepreneurship. With a solid foundation in corporate manufacturing, he emphasizes the importance of identifying profitable product lines and restructuring business operations. This experience led him to discover the concept of ETA (Entrepreneurial Through Acquisition), which he saw as a feasible way to bring corporate efficiency to small businesses. Motivated by the impending retirement of many business owners in manufacturing, he decided to take the plunge and start his own company.
The Concept Behind the Uncomplicated Group
The Uncomplicated Group focuses on acquiring injection molding businesses with the intent to simplify operations. The speaker highlights the challenges faced when diversifying interests and how he learned to refine his strategy to build credibility. He explains that the goal is to streamline processes and cultivate a clear direction for the businesses under his umbrella. By doing so, the group aims to create a more focused, organic growth model while avoiding confusion resulting from opportunistic diversifications.
Acquisition Strategies and Dealing with Market Realities
Currently, the speaker has completed his first acquisition and is working on additional deals while navigating the intricacies of the SME landscape. He outlines the challenges of identifying potential acquisition targets and the importance of building direct relationships rather than relying solely on brokers. The speaker notes that many small businesses are run by aging owners who lack succession planning, thus creating a unique opportunity for consolidation in the sector. His objective is to enhance operational efficiencies and potentially close low-margin facilities while preserving local employment.
The Implementation of EOS for Operational Improvement
The speaker has recently begun using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring structure and accountability to his business. By adopting EOS, he aims to build trust with the team while allowing for honest communication and resolution of longstanding issues. The framework provides clarity in roles, responsibilities, and expectations, which is essential for driving performance. His early experience with EOS reveals that it not only helps improve team morale but also uncovers areas needing improvement that were previously hidden by a lack of openness.
Future Aspirations and Building a Sustainable Business
Looking forward, the speaker anticipates acquiring more businesses and continuing to build his group's presence in the industry. He is focused on creating a solid operational foundation before scaling, recognizing that providing clear roles is essential for sustainable growth. While he enjoys the process of improving operations and working closely with his team, he acknowledges the challenges of dual responsibilities as both integrator and visionary. Ultimately, he aspires to have well-defined roles and a management structure that allows him to step back and focus on strategic growth.
This week we speak with Steve Lawrence, CEO of Uncomplicated Group. Uncomplicated Group is looking to buy injection moulding businesses from exiting or retiring owners.
As hands-on operators, they have completed their first acquisition and are actively seeking more.
During the episode we get into how Steve heard about ownership via acquisition while working within the sector he eventually acquired in, we discuss his investment thesis for the group, and we dive into the challenges of operating a smaller, more resource constrained injection moulding business.
Paul and Steve also get into how they are both using [and benefiting] from the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) within their small businesses.
There is a lot to takeaway from this free flowing conversation so we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.