Acquiring Minds Started Mid-Career, Grew to $38m in 3 Years
76 snips
Oct 30, 2025 Shaun Stimpson, a former wealth manager turned mid-career acquirer, shares his journey of growing his industrial distribution business to $38M in just three years. He discusses the power of cold calling, revealing how he reached out to 1,200 businesses during his search. Shaun dives into his strategic decision to focus on a long-term ownership model and the diverse nature of industrial distribution. He also emphasizes the importance of his professional network for securing investors and the surprising benefits of switching careers at mid-life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Late-Career Pivot Fueled By A Lunch
- Shaun spent five years studying search after a chance lunch conversation with a client who made money buying companies.
- He launched his search in June 2021 and closed his first deal after an 18-month search in December 2022.
Learn Modeling Before You Bid
- Learn modeling and deal-structure yourself to understand targets and negotiate sharply.
- Shaun says the skill saved money and made him a better diligencer and negotiator.
Use Professors As Trusted Advisors
- Lean on professors and experienced advisors; their mentorship is high-value and practical.
- Shaun credits Babson professors with critical advisory support during his search.