From W2 to CEO: The Smart Way to Own a Business!

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If you've ever dreamed of quitting your W2 job but feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting a business from scratch, this episode is for you. I sat down with leadership expert and business acquisition coach Doug Thorpe to explore how you can buy an existing business instead of building one from the ground up and why right now might be the perfect time to do it.

Doug brings over 30 years of leadership, banking, and entrepreneurial experience to the table. He shares powerful insights about the $6 trillion opportunity unfolding as baby boomers retire and look to sell off the businesses they’ve spent decades building. These aren’t solo-preneur or “Chuck in a Truck” operations. We’re talking about real, cash-flowing companies plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, painting often already managed by a seasoned team. These are the kind of businesses you can step into and scale, even if you have zero experience in that industry.

We discuss the difference between owner-led and management-run businesses, and why acquiring the latter drastically reduces your risk and dramatically boosts your chances of success. Doug shares real-life stories, like his client who bought a plumbing company and doubled profits in just 18 months without ever picking up a wrench. It's not about being the technician, it’s about being the leader with vision, systems, and smart financial strategy.

Doug also walks us through how he supports buyers throughout the acquisition process, including navigating SBA financing, doing due diligence, building a transition plan, and most importantly learning how to lead a company you didn’t build. We even touch on how he helps sellers increase the value of their business before listing it for sale.

For those of you ready to break free from the corporate grind, or looking for a business that gives you both freedom and cash flow, this episode is a roadmap to replacing your W2 income with something bigger, better, and built to last.

Doug's links:

- Website: https://dougthorpe.com/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougthorpe/  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dougthorpe   - X: https://x.com/dougthorpe_com  - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dougthorpe_com/