Think Big, Buy Small The Journey From Engineer, To Entrepreneur, To Exit
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Oct 6, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Paige Sopcic, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, shares her remarkable journey from GE to acquiring CanSource, a specialty canning company. She highlights how she leveraged an accelerator for support, scaling the business amid COVID-19 challenges. Paige delves into the challenges of supply chain management, the dynamics of customer loyalty, and how COVID shifted her demand. Now thriving after selling to Tricor Braun, she reflects on the responsibilities and growth that come with being a CEO, contrasting it with her corporate life.
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Accelerator Jump-Starts First-Time Searcher
- Paige joined Broadtree Partners accelerator to de-risk her first search and get structured support.
- She benefited from cohort camaraderie, templates, covered expenses, and access to experienced operators and LPs.
Start Your Search Immediately
- If you hesitate to search right out of business school, start any search path immediately rather than delaying for other jobs.
- Ride the momentum from school because waiting often kills the searcher's energy and chances to start.
Canning Market Tailwinds Created Growth
- CanSource sold decorated empty cans to ~900 beverage brands across North America with recurring orders.
- Market tailwinds (recyclability, new beverage categories) made cans a high-growth niche to back.