My First Million How I Bought a $3.4M Business For $200K
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Jul 4, 2025 
Dan Certner, a savvy entrepreneur and the mastermind behind Fleet Packaging, shares his riveting journey of acquiring a $3.4 million business with just $200K. He discusses the strategic negotiation tactics he employed, including the unique 'forgivable seller's note.' Listeners are treated to insights on identifying hidden market opportunities, the emotional rollercoaster of business ownership, and the importance of delegating tasks to focus on growth. With anecdotes from his college days, Dan inspires future entrepreneurs to embrace risks and seek out potential in overlooked industries.
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Dan Buys $3.4M Bag Business
- Dan bought Fleet Packaging, a bag distribution business, for $3.4 million. - The company had a 15-year history, generating $8-11 million in revenue and around $800,000 profit annually.
Evaluate 100 Businesses First
- Look at around 100 business listings before deciding; avoid falling in love with the first few. - This builds experience to spot winners from losers and prevents desperation.
Avoid Buying a Job
- Don't buy a business that feels like a full-time job; it limits your freedom. - Aim for businesses that produce real profit and function as assets, even if risk and effort are higher.
