Ep 464 Built to Flip: How to Buy, Build, and Sell a Business with Jim Lindstrom
Oct 18, 2024
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Jim Lindstrom, an entrepreneur known for transforming and selling BuzzWord, shares his journey in the ESG reporting space. He talks about shifting contractors to full-time roles and implementing a two-part profit-sharing scheme tied to cash flow and EBITDA. Lindstrom delves into the importance of corporate culture, management dynamics, and the role of effective systems like SmartSheet in enhancing operations. He emphasizes that creating a sustainable organization focuses on freedom and long-term growth, while navigating the complexities of business sales and valuations.
Jim Lindstrom successfully transformed BuzzWord's workforce by converting contractors to full-time employees, enhancing commitment through profit-sharing incentives.
The strategic assessment of BuzzWord's financial performance and client relationships played a crucial role in attracting potential buyers at the time of sale.
Deep dives
Transforming Buzzword: From Contractors to Employees
The acquisition of Buzzword, an ESG reporting business, involved a significant transformation in its workforce structure. Jim Lindstrom identified the need to convert contractors into full-time employees to enhance commitment and accountability within the company. By implementing a profit-sharing plan and fostering a sense of ownership among employees, he aimed to improve morale and productivity. This strategic shift not only facilitated a more stable workforce but also positioned Buzzword as a more appealing business for potential buyers.
Evaluating Potential and Valuation Mechanics
When considering the purchase of Buzzword, Jim evaluated its potential for growth based on its loyal client base and strong financial indicators. He found that, although the company primarily operated with just one employee, the existing contractors had established relationships with major clients, which contributed to recurring revenue. Valuation was approached via seller discretionary earnings (SDE), where small businesses fell in the range of three to five times SDE, thereby presenting an attractive business model. This evaluation process underscored the importance of assessing both financial performance and client loyalty.
Creating Sustainable Growth Through Infrastructure and Technology
To enhance the scalability of Buzzword, Jim focused on building its infrastructure and integrating effective management systems. He used tools like SmartSheet for project management, which provided clearer visibility into project status and resource allocation. While the new systems required time and effort to implement, they led to improved efficiency and ultimately empowered the team to deliver high-quality products consistently. This transition to technology-driven operations played a crucial role in securing the company's long-term viability amid industry tailwinds.
Strategic Decision to Sell: Timing and Opportunity Cost
The decision to sell Buzzword was influenced by several compelling factors, including incoming offers from private equity firms and the overall market demand for ESG reporting services. Jim observed that the business had increased its revenue significantly and attracted a high level of interest from potential acquirers, validating the investment strategy he had employed. Ultimately, the leadership team felt confident in selling the business to a company that aligned with their values and could further its growth. This move demonstrated a proactive approach to capitalizing on favorable market conditions while allowing the team to explore new ventures.
In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, Jim Lindstrom discusses how he acquired BuzzWord, a company specializing in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. Lindstrom explains how he built a killer culture by transforming contractors into full-time employees and incentivizing them with a two-part profit-sharing scheme focused on cash flow and EBITDA, setting the business up for future sale.
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