HoldCo Builders This Is the Best $1M EBITDA Business (A Lesson From Talking to 2,000 Business Owners)
Aug 24, 2025
Rand Larson, CEO of Scale Path, specializes in fostering communities among small business owners. In their chat, he shares gripping stories of navigating crises, including a gripping HVAC acquisition tale. The conversation dives into the evolution of peer support—from therapeutic roots to ROI-driven groups. Rand also discusses innovative marketing through van meetups, revealing how unique branding can enhance community ties. Engaging insights on industry opportunities and the emotional benefits of connection make this talk a must-listen for entrepreneurs.
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Near-Bankruptcy HVAC Story Sparked The Community
- Rand met an acquirer who nearly went bankrupt after buying an HVAC firm and losing over a million in year one.
- That crisis spurred Rand to introduce the owner to peers and seeded the first peer group.
Small, Similar Groups Drive Deeper Conversations
- Small, tightly-focused events (15–20 people) produce the best conversations and relatability.
- Rand found local organizing rare but extremely valuable when it happens.
Charge And Niche Your Peer Groups
- Charge members to increase buy-in and attendance rather than running free recurring groups.
- Match members by business model, revenue size, and personality to boost conversation quality.