Starter Story Zero to $1.1B from Flipping Websites | Starter Story
Oct 11, 2025
Thomas Smale, the founder of FE International, shares his extraordinary journey from flipping websites in college to facilitating over $1 billion in online business sales. He discusses effective negotiation strategies and how to spot valuable businesses. Smale emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships in acquisitions and reveals the traits that make businesses successful. He also offers actionable advice for those looking to start with a modest budget, proving that with creativity and strategy, anyone can thrive in the business world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Dorm Room Flips To M&A
- Thomas Smale started buying and selling domains and small websites in college, turning $100 into $500 on his first deal.
- He used credit cards to fund purchases and sold his first course, which led to clients asking him to sell their businesses.
Accidental M&A Founder
- After teaching others via a book and course, Thomas began selling clients' websites because they asked him to handle the sale.
- He stumbled into M&A without prior industry experience and filled a gap in the market.
Hire Complementary Skills Early
- Hire people for tasks you are not best at and focus on your strengths as you scale.
- Thomas hired technical staff while he concentrated on sales to grow FE International.