
Richard S. Ruback
Willard Prescott Smith Professor of Corporate Finance at Harvard Business School, specialist in corporate finance who co-teaches the ETA course and co-authored the HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business.
Best podcasts with Richard S. Ruback
Ranked by the Snipd community

Nov 24, 2025 • 55min
Richard S. Ruback and Royce Yudkoff, "HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business: Think Big, Buy Small, Own Your Own Company" (HBR Press, 2017)
Royce Yudkoff, a Harvard management expert and former private equity co-founder, joins Richard S. Ruback, a corporate finance specialist. They explore the appeal of buying small businesses as a safer alternative to startups, emphasizing practical steps for success. Learn about the traits needed for entrepreneurial success, how to find businesses for sale, and the importance of thorough due diligence. They share insights on valuation norms and managing a newly acquired business, offering listeners a well-rounded guide to taking charge of their entrepreneurial journey.

Nov 24, 2025 • 55min
Richard S. Ruback and Royce Yudkoff, "HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business: Think Big, Buy Small, Own Your Own Company" (HBR Press, 2017)
In this engaging discussion, Harvard professors Richard S. Ruback and Royce Yudkoff delve into the enticing world of buying small businesses as a viable alternative to starting up or joining big firms. They unveil essential traits for successful entrepreneurs, such as humility and grit, and provide practical tips on raising capital and finding the right business. The duo also shares compelling examples, like the Main Street Auto roll-up, illustrating the rewarding potential of small acquisitions. Their insights make a powerful case for thinking big by buying small.


