Acquiring Minds

Scaling a Tiny Acquisition to a PE-Backed Exit

42 snips
Jul 3, 2025
In this discussion, Phil Miller, the founder and CEO of Pawville, shares how he transformed a struggling pet shop into a thriving regional brand. Phil recounts his unique journey from real estate to the pet industry and the pivotal role of delegation in driving growth. He discusses the financial pitfalls of cheap renovations and why franchising is unsuitable for his market. Additionally, Phil highlights the emotional challenges of merging company cultures and the strategic advantages of partnering with private equity, showcasing innovative acquisition strategies along the way.
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ANECDOTE

Phil's Early Journey and Pivot

  • Phil Miller started his journey working on cruise ships hosting seminars and saving money.
  • He pivoted industries after losing his real estate investments and was encouraged by his wife to explore pet boarding.
ADVICE

Master Delegation for Growth

  • Delegate tasks to others who may perform them better.
  • Continuously audit your time and hand off more responsibilities to focus on unique leadership tasks.
INSIGHT

Power of Industry Knowledge

  • Acquiring multiple businesses in the same industry builds an asymmetric information advantage.
  • This deep knowledge allows predicting revenue and spotting hidden opportunities others miss.
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