M&A Launchpad From Marine Corps to Building a Scalable Business with Grit with Dominick Blue
In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew are joined by Dominick Blue, a former Marine turned software engineer and acquisition entrepreneur. Dominick shares his inspiring journey—launching Nostra Group, buying two businesses in under a year, and building an AI company to automate operations in home services. He opens up about transitioning from a military background to entrepreneurship, the importance of having a thesis during your search, how he structured his deals, the pitfalls of cash flow management post-close, and how leadership and grit are essential for success.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or building a holding company, Dominick’s story offers actionable advice, strategy, and serious motivation.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
· Dominick's path from the Marine Corps to launching Nostra Group
· Lessons from acquiring two companies in 2024 (including HVAC and air duct cleaning businesses)
· How to develop an effective acquisition thesis
· The realities of SDE modeling and cash flow post-close
· Navigating licensing and staffing challenges
· How military leadership skills translate into business operations
· The power of grit and persistence in entrepreneurial success
· Using AI to build digital workforces and streamline operations
· Why automation should be prioritized in lower-middle-market businesses
· Personal reflections on balancing family, business, and growth
Guest Contact Info:
· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Dominickblue/
· Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/Dominick_blue
· Email: Dominick@nostragroup.com
· Company: https://www.nostragroup.com
Additional Resources:
Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions. Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com
Attend the M&A Launchpad Conference – May 3rd in Houston. Premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market. Get your ticket at https://www.malaunchpad.com and use code LAUNCH for $200 off.
M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – info@equitylaunchpad.com
Explore more at: https://www.equity-launchpad.com
About The M&A Launchpad:
The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.
The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community.
Connect with M&A Launchpad:
🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7
🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586
🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/