Chris Edwards, former owner of Affordable Flooring, shares his remarkable journey of buying, growing, and exiting a business. He discusses the emotional and financial challenges he faced, including sleepless nights and fears after losing clients to a former employee. Highlighting significant revenue growth, he reveals how he transformed EBITDA from $500k to $1.1M and achieved a striking return on investment of $4 million. Chris also reflects on the unique dynamics of operating in a small, isolated town and his decision to sell for new opportunities.
Chris Edwards successfully scaled Affordable Flooring, doubling EBITDA and increasing revenue by 50% in three and a half years.
The decision to sell his thriving business was driven by a desire for new challenges and greater growth potential.
Chris's journey highlights the intense personal investment and resilience required in small business ownership amid various challenges.
Deep dives
Chris Edwards' Journey as a Business Owner
Chris Edwards transitioned from being a corporate consultant to a small business owner by acquiring Affordable Flooring in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He faced the challenges of business ownership during a period of economic uncertainty and was able to grow the business significantly over three and a half years. By doubling EBITDA and increasing revenue by 50%, Chris turned the flooring business into a profitable venture before deciding to sell. His journey illustrates both the risks and rewards that come with acquiring and running a small business.
Reasons Behind the Decision to Sell
Chris ultimately decided to sell Affordable Flooring to apply his learning and experiences from the business to a more scalable venture. Although the business was thriving, he felt a strong urge to take on new challenges and create something with even greater growth potential. He carefully considered the pros and cons, weighing the opportunity to monetize his investment against the satisfaction of continuing with a successful operation. Ultimately, he concluded that selling the business was the best path forward for both his personal and professional journey.
Financial Performance and Sale Details
Under Chris's ownership, Affordable Flooring saw remarkable financial performance, growing annual revenue from approximately $3 million to $4.5 million. Similarly, EBITDA more than doubled from about $500,000 to $1.1 million, highlighting the business's profitability. Chris sold the business for $4 million, resulting in a substantial return on his original equity investment of under $200,000, effectively converting it into approximately $4.65 million over three and a half years. This impressive financial outcome underscores the potential rewards of entrepreneurship through acquisition.
The Challenges of Small Business Ownership
Although Chris experienced significant success, he did not shy away from discussing the intense challenges of owning a small business. From navigating difficult partnerships to managing project-based customer relationships, the responsibility weighed heavily on him. He reflected on moments of despair during setbacks, such as key employees leaving or installation errors that jeopardized client satisfaction. These tough experiences highlighted the intense personal investment that comes with business ownership and the resilience required to overcome obstacles.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
As Chris prepares for his next venture, he considers various options, including starting a business from scratch rather than pursuing another acquisition. He is reflecting on the experiences that shaped his first business journey, including the intensity of entrepreneurship and the skills he developed in lead generation and marketing. Despite his remarkable success with Affordable Flooring, he recognizes the appeal of building a new venture without the weight of an existing business. This decision represents his growth as a seasoned entrepreneur, eager to embrace new opportunities and challenges.