Walker Deibel, longtime acquisition entrepreneur, shares his insights on acquisition entrepreneurship and how to bridge the skill gap to succeed in the business. He discusses the limited educational resources in the field, his mission to educate others, and the success of his book Buy Then Build. The podcast also covers topics such as the state of the market in 2022, the creation and structure of Acquisition Lab, and the launch of 'By Then Build' hardcover book.
Acquisition entrepreneurship requires a deep understanding of business frameworks and models, and aspiring brokers can bridge the skill gap by seeking education and resources like the Acquisition Lab program.
When buying businesses, it's important to have realistic deal structures and consider financing options like SBA loans or finding investors, as most sellers are unwilling to lend the entire purchase price.
Deep dives
Walker Didel's background and expertise in buying businesses
Walker Didel is an experienced broker and best-selling author who has acquired seven companies over a span of 10 years. His book, "By Then Build," provides insights and guidance for entrepreneurs looking to buy businesses instead of starting from scratch. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Walker helps online entrepreneurs exit their businesses and assists buyers in finding and acquiring businesses of various types and sizes, both online and offline.
The creation and purpose of the Acquisition Lab
Walker Didel founded the Acquisition Lab, a program designed to educate and support individuals interested in buying small businesses. The Lab offers world-class education, a vetted community, group coaching, and various tools and resources to help participants navigate the complex process of business acquisition. The Lab takes applicants through an intensive program, providing them with essential knowledge, skills, and networks needed to successfully identify, analyze, and acquire businesses. By offering this comprehensive program, Walker aims to empower aspiring business buyers and help them achieve their goals.
The importance of realistic deal structures and financing options
Walker emphasizes the importance of adopting realistic deal structures and financing options when buying businesses. While some may dream of acquiring businesses with little to no money down, Walker highlights the challenges and limitations of such approaches. He explains that most sellers are not willing to take on the risk of lending the entire purchase price to inexperienced buyers. Instead, Walker encourages buyers to explore financing options such as SBA loans or find investors willing to provide the necessary capital. By setting realistic expectations and considering viable financing strategies, buyers can increase their chances of successfully acquiring businesses.
Shifting mindset from employee to owner and entrepreneur
Walker discusses the importance of shifting mindset from that of an employee to that of an owner and entrepreneur. Many individuals coming from a corporate background struggle with adapting to the informal and entrepreneurial nature of running their own business. Walker advises them to embrace the independence and take ownership of their decision-making and strategic planning. He encourages new business owners to think creatively and be adaptable in their approach, embodying the qualities of an entrepreneur rather than an employee. By adopting this mindset, individuals can more effectively navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come with owning a business.
Walker Deibel is a longtime acquisition entrepreneur with a passion for educating aspiring brokers and helping them navigate the intricacies of the business. He is an M&A Broker for online businesses with Quiet Light, where he works virtually with a group of nine other entrepreneurs to assist online companies in a transaction.
Walker is the Founder of Acquisition Lab, a membership program that facilitates resources and tools valuable to any successful entrepreneur. He also authored Buy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game, which garnered praise with its release and became a crucial part of many universities.
In this episode…
Acquisition entrepreneurship is an advanced business practice that requires a certain understanding of business frameworks and models. As an upcoming or tenured broker, how can you elevate your professional experience and bridge the skill gap required to get into this business?
Decades ago, the educational resources on business acquisition techniques were limited in scope. To Walker Deibel, that only meant he had to carve his own way as a broker. His immense success as an acquisition entrepreneur sparked a mission to help educate others and led him to write Buy Then Build, a book that is now being used in many universities.
In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Joe Valley welcomes guest Walker Deibel, Founder of Acquisition Lab and Author of Buy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game. Joe and Walker talk about business acquisition techniques, where to find valuable resources for entrepreneurs, current investment trends of 2022, and what changes to anticipate in the upcoming years.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode