Acquiring Minds The Contrarian Bet on a Digital Agency
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Jan 19, 2026 George Stern, an acquisition entrepreneur known for turning around digital agencies, dives into the intricacies of buying and optimizing businesses. He shares insights on acquiring an SEO agency driven by evolving consumer search habits and highlights his love for customer-centric products over mere profit. George discusses the dynamics of e-commerce and the challenges of securing loans with traditional banks. He also emphasizes the role of AI in agency growth, advocating for adaptive strategies amidst platform risks. His approach blends experience, rapid growth, and a focus on empowering teams.
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Turning Around A Losing Agency
- George took over an Amazon-seller support agency that was losing money and turned it from -20% to +50% EBITDA in seven months.
- He was paid via profit-share rather than equity and earned from the turnaround.
From Dropship To Inventory Exit
- George bought two small e-commerce businesses with his own cash and ran them while living in rural Colorado.
- He sold the rooftop-tent camping business in H1 2025 after scaling it from dropshipping to holding inventory.
E‑Commerce Is Cheaper — Not Easier
- E-commerce remains viable but is riskier post-COVID; margins and macro shocks matter more now.
- Lower competition can create buying opportunities at better prices for risk-tolerant buyers.