The Entrepreneur DNA Buy Then Build: The SBA 7(a) Strategy Anyone Can Use | Ben Kelly
In this episode I sit down with Ben Kelly, a former Army intelligence officer who learned inside JP Morgan how real wealth is built and then applied that blueprint to small-business acquisitions. We break down using other people’s money with SBA 7(a) loans, what lenders really underwrite, and why accounting firms trade at 1x revenue but can exit at 10 to 12x EBITDA in a rollup. Ben shares how AI increases margins without replacing CPA signatures, plus his own alternative cash-flow plays—from luxury assets and short-cycle supercar deals to semi-truck fleets with powerful tax write-offs. We finish with the hard truth most founders miss: build the foundation as fast as you build the portfolio, and anchor the whole thing to purpose and faith.
About Ben Kelly
Ben Kelly is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer turned entrepreneur and acquisition specialist. After transitioning from the military into JP Morgan’s Private Bank, Ben discovered the strategy ultra-wealthy clients used to grow net worth: business acquisitions. Today, he runs a small business acquisition company focused on rolling up accounting firms to build a 9-figure exit. He also shares real-world insights through his newsletter Acquisition Ace and is launching Alternative Ace to spotlight passive-income strategies beyond Wall Street.
Connect with Ben Kelly
Website: https://BenKelly.co
Instagram: @BenKellyone
X / Twitter: @BenKellyone
About Justin:
After investing in real estate for over 18 years and almost 3000 deals done, Justin has created a business that generates 7 figures in active income through wholesaling and fix and flipping as well as accumulating millions of dollars of rental properties including 5 apartment buildings, 50+ single family homes, and 1 storage facility
Justins longevity in real estate is due to his ability to look around the corners, adapt to changing markets, perfecting Raising private capital, and focusing on lead generation which allows him to not just wholesale and fix & flip, but also accumulate wealth through long term holds.
His success in real estate led him to start The Entrepreneur DNA podcast and The Science Of Flipping podcast and education company, and REI LIVE where he’s actively doing deals with members. He has coached and mentored thousands of aspiring and active investors over the last decade.
Connect with Justin:
- Instagram: @thejustincolby
- YouTube: Justin Colby
- TikTok: @justincolbytsof
- LinkedIn: Justin Colby
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