Built to Sell Radio
Ep 490 Exit Story: How a Middleman Built and Sold a $19M Distribution Business
Apr 18, 2025
Sean McAuliffe, a former house painter turned entrepreneur, shares his incredible journey of building a $19 million distribution company for replacement car keys. He reveals how a simple client complaint led him to discover a lucrative niche by sourcing keys from Asia. McAuliffe dives into the complexities of managing inventory, understanding pricing differences, and the unexpected offer from a private equity firm. He also discusses the shift from traditional keys to digital solutions and reflects on personal growth during the challenges of selling his business.
52:12
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Quick takeaways
- Sean McAuliffe identified a lucrative market opportunity in car key distribution by recognizing significant price gaps and demand from locksmiths.
- The unexpected offer from a private equity group prompted Sean to understand his business's value, leading to a profitable exit and financial security.
Deep dives
Unexpected Beginnings in Business
Sean McAuliffe’s journey into the car key distribution industry began unexpectedly after a career in house painting. While searching for a more stable office job, he stumbled upon a sales position at a small mom-and-pop distributor of car stereo equipment. Through this experience, Sean gained valuable phone sales skills, even despite not considering himself a natural salesperson. His persistence led to a breakthrough when a longstanding client expressed dissatisfaction with their key supplier, prompting Sean to explore options on Alibaba.
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