Jules Brenner, founder of Manufacturing Succession and an engineer with a startup background, shares insights into his journey as a self-funded searcher in the manufacturing sector. He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in owner outreach, emphasizing the importance of building trust with business owners. Jules reveals how his engineering skills impact his approach to acquisitions and highlights the necessity of maintaining multiple options during negotiations. Listeners will gain a unique perspective on balancing innovation and organization in manufacturing businesses.
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Jules' Search Fund Origin Story
Jules Brenner shifted from startup roles to acquisition to avoid constant product-market fit struggles.
He embraced search funds to improve existing businesses and gain versatile entrepreneurial skills.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Strategic Search Setup Tips
Leverage your past experience to pick industries that fit your expertise and funding goals.
Avoid rigid search criteria early on to keep options open and speed up finding opportunities.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Get Started Quickly with Outreach
Don't overthink; pick a domain you're happy in and begin connecting with brokers and advisors early.
Use direct outreach by calling brokers and building relationships rather than relying only on emails.
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A Proven System for Buying Established Businesses and Scaling Them for Massive Profits
Nick Sonnenberg
In "Buy Then Build," Nick Sonnenberg provides a comprehensive guide to acquiring and scaling established businesses. The book emphasizes the importance of thorough due diligence, understanding the nuances of business valuation, and developing a clear strategy for growth. Sonnenberg shares practical advice on navigating the complexities of business acquisitions, including financing, legal considerations, and integration processes. He also highlights the importance of building a strong team and fostering a positive company culture. The book is a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors looking to expand their portfolios beyond traditional assets.
I continue exploring search funds and with this episode I talk with a searcher who is in the middle of the process and thus is experiencing it’s ups and downs live. My guest, Jules Brenner, runs a self-funded search called Manufacturing Succession and as the name implies is focused on acquiring a manufacturing company. Jules has an interesting background with engineering and start-ups and talks about how that background guides his search. In addition to life as a searcher, we talk about preparing for a self-funded search, owner outreach, and searching as an engineer.
If you’re an investor interested in manufacturing companies or just want to connect and learn more about Jules, go to manufacturingsuccession.com/contact.
I’m also the founder of The Operator’s Handbook, a print publication where small company operators share their insights and ideas for building more effective and profitable companies. Articles focus on process improvement, sales, hiring and training, managing culture, and all responsibilities within operating a small company. If you run a small business and are looking for new ways to grow and improve, subscribe today and join your peers in the endless pursuit of better at theoperatorshandbook.com.
Think Like an Owner