Ep 465 Negotiation, Earn-Outs, and the Pitfalls of Stock Deals in His $4.6M Exit with Pete Neubig
Oct 25, 2024
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Pete Neubig, who sold his property management company for $4.6 million, shares his entrepreneurial journey from real estate investor to industry player. He discusses the intricate balance of negotiations, earn-outs, and the common pitfalls in stock deals. Pete emphasizes the vital role of having a skilled team and the importance of standard operating procedures in enhancing both creativity and efficiency. He also highlights the significance of legal expertise in navigating mergers and acquisitions, urging listeners to understand the complexities involved in selling a business.
Pete Neubig's shift from property ownership to managing properties for others highlighted the importance of recognizing market needs for efficiency.
Engagement with industry organizations provided critical insights and best practices that facilitated rapid scaling of Neubig's property management company.
The journey post-sale underscored the significance of aligning future career goals with personal values to avoid dissatisfaction in new environments.
Deep dives
Starting a Property Management Business
The journey into property management began with the realization that owning multiple properties created a need for efficient management. Purchasing several single-family homes and apartment complexes led to a logistical challenge, prompting the creation of a management company. A partnership formed with a natural salesperson catalyzed the evolution from self-management to third-party property management. This shift introduced new operational complexities and necessitated a deeper understanding of the industry.
Learning from Industry Standards
Initial missteps in property management, such as commingling funds and not handling rent directly, highlighted the importance of adhering to industry standards. Joining a national organization provided valuable insights into best practices and proper procedures. Engaging with seasoned professionals offered critical advice and a supportive network that accelerated business growth. These adjustments allowed the company to scale, increasing from managing 60 properties to nearly 1000 in just a few years.
Understanding Business Valuation
Recognizing the potential value of the company independent of the properties managed was a pivotal moment in the business's evolution. Upon discovering that property management companies were valued at around 1.5 to 2 times revenue, the focus shifted towards increasing revenue, even during periods of low profitability. Active participation in industry organizations played a crucial role in understanding valuation metrics and market trends. This knowledge helped to create a framework for sustainable growth and investment in technology and processes.
Navigating the Sale Process
The decision to sell arose from a misalignment of visions between the partners, which was exacerbated by underperformance in the company’s finances. An attractive acquisition offer from a larger firm set the stage for the sale, with negotiations resulting in a valuation of $4.6 million at a 1.75 times revenue multiple. Important lessons emerged regarding stock offers and payout structures, leading to a decision to amicably split while ensuring future roles aligned with personal goals. However, acceptance of stock in the acquiring firm later proved unwise as its value dramatically decreased.
Transitioning to Life After Sale
Post-sale, navigating the transition back into the corporate structure of a larger organization brought unforeseen challenges, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. The initial excitement of a successful sale was overshadowed by the reality of working within a new corporate environment that contradicted earlier entrepreneurial values. The experience highlighted the need for clarity regarding future plans after selling a business, as a lack of direction left a void. Ultimately, the venture into a new marketplace for virtual assistants became a regained opportunity aligned with previous experiences in the property management sector.
Pete Neubig started his entrepreneurial journey buying $35,000 houses with small down payments. After amassing 60 homes, he realized there was more money in managing properties for others.
Pete shifted focus to building a property management company, handling maintenance and rent collection for over 1,000 homes, and eventually sold the business for $4.6 million or 1.75 times recurring revenue to an industry giant.
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