342 | Adam Coffey | The Smart Way to Build Wealth Through Business Acquisitions

Mar 19, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Adam Coffey, a bestselling author and private equity expert, shares his insights on wealth building through strategic business acquisitions. He emphasizes the importance of paying fair market value and why focusing on strong companies can lead to greater success than chasing distressed assets. Adam also explores the impact of technology and AI on business, along with essential traits for aspiring entrepreneurs and the ethics involved in private equity transactions. His journey from CEO to consultant offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in today's market.

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ANECDOTE

Adam's CEO to Consultant Journey

Adam Coffey transitioned from being a CEO to consulting to pursue a new challenge and help many companies at once.
He now works with private equity, founders globally, and continues teaching, despite working more hours than before.

ADVICE

Keys to Entrepreneurial Success

Surround yourself with people smarter than you and never stop learning to grow your business.
Hold yourself accountable and never accept mediocrity as an outcome.

ADVICE

Affordable Learning Resources

Use free or low-cost resources like podcasts and books to gain valuable business insights.
Engage with mentors and coaches at various price points to surround yourself with talent.

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Building wealth isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about strategy. Adam Coffey, bestselling author, private equity expert, and CEO, shares his proven strategy for buying and scaling companies the right way. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Adam returns to break down why paying fair market value leads to bigger wins, the power of roll-ups, and why buying strong companies beats chasing distressed assets. With over 58 acquisitions under his belt, Adam’s insights are a must-listen for business owners, investors, and anyone looking to scale with integrity.

In this episode, Darius and Adam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background of Adam Coffey

(05:03) Transitioning from CEO to Consultant

(09:59) Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

(15:03) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(19:53) The Impact of Technology and AI on Business

(29:51) Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

(34:36) The Future of Autonomous Driving and Insurance

(37:19) Navigating Private Equity: The Sparkle Process

(39:06) Ethics in Private Equity Transactions

(46:47) The Importance of Fair Market Value

(51:01) Eliminating Risk for Entrepreneurs

(56:18) Believing in Yourself: The Key to Greatness

Adam Coffey is a visionary empire builder, CEO coach, and top 1% speaker with three #1 bestselling books. As a founding partner of CEO Advisory Guru, he provides expert consulting to PE portfolio companies, founders, family offices, and elite executives. With over two decades as a CEO, he led three national private equity-backed service companies, generating billions in value and averaging 5X MOIC at exit. A Forbes Business Council member since 2021, Coffey specializes in growth strategy, M&A, and exits. A proud U.S. Army veteran and pilot, he and his family reside in Texas.

Listen: 228 | Adam Coffey | Empire Builder: Strategies for Thriving in the World of Private Equity

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Connect with Adam:

Website: https://adamecoffey.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/

Twitter: https://x.com/AdamECoffey1

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07NLL55ZC

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

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