Where Are They Now? A Conversation with Geoff Duckworth
Jan 21, 2025
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Geoff Duckworth, a successful entrepreneur known for acquiring and selling a small business, returns to share his latest ventures. He discusses the allure of traditional jobs versus entrepreneurship, offering insights from his journey. Duckworth reflects on his growth as a second-time searcher and the evolving competitive market. He highlights the unique challenges of navigating business in Vermont's small economy and emphasizes the importance of networking. Finally, he reveals a new business opportunity that has him excited about the future.
Geoff Duckworth highlights the importance of past experiences in guiding future decisions, emphasizing adaptability and opportunity recognition in entrepreneurship.
The challenges of searching for businesses in Vermont reveal a more approachable network of local stakeholders, enhancing opportunities for valuable connections.
Deep dives
Season Two Insights
The upcoming season of the podcast will feature a variety of episodes, highlighting new searcher journeys and discussions aimed at enhancing listeners' skills in search. Additionally, insights from investors will provide valuable perspectives on acquiring funding, which is crucial for potential acquisitions. This blend of content is expected to equip listeners with knowledge and strategies pertinent to their search journeys. The season aims to build upon the experiences and lessons learned from the previous season, particularly focusing on practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Jeff Duckworth's Journey
Jeff Duckworth reflects on his evolution from being a searcher to a business seller, discussing the importance of his previous experiences in guiding his next steps. After gaining financial security from the sale of his first business, he considers various options, including potentially returning to a traditional employee role or acquiring another business. Jeff's recent progress includes being under a letter of intent (LOI) for a new venture in Vermont, showcasing his determination to apply his entrepreneurial skills once more. His insights underscore the significance of recognizing good opportunities and the willingness to adapt as circumstances evolve.
Search Strategies in Vermont
Jeff shares his experiences navigating the challenges of searching for businesses in Vermont, a region with a smaller economy and fewer available listings. However, he highlights the approachable nature of local stakeholders, including government representatives and venture capitalists, who have been open to discussions and networking. This accessibility has proven beneficial compared to his previous search experience near Boston, where engagement was less fruitful. Jeff's confidence has grown from his past endeavors, enabling him to better evaluate opportunities and establish meaningful connections in a tighter market.
Starting in early February, we’ll begin releasing new episodes of Think Big, Buy Small, season two. Rick and Royce are looking forward to sharing some fantastic conversations with you! Ahead of these new releases, however, we've built a bridge, of sorts, between the two seasons by checking in with season one guest, Geoff Duckworth, who was featured in the episode, “The Self-Funded Journey From Searcher To Seller.” Listeners may recall that Geoff had not only successfully taken the ETA journey and acquired a small business, but that he then went on to sell his company. That episode ended with Geoff at a crossroads, unsure of whether the path forward should involve embarking anew down the ETA path or pursuing other alternatives. Tune in to hear what Geoff has been up to since his earlier conversation with Rick and Royce, along with his reflections on the decisions he made.
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