Top M&A Entrepreneurs

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 "How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryIf you’re buying your first business — you need to hear this.No, you don’t need to become a business broker.But you’d be crazy not to learn from one.Because 90% of first-time business sales go through a broker...So if you want to win the game, you better understand how the game is played.In this episode, Jeffrey Jump (former Navy, now a business broker who’s seen it all) breaks down:Why most buyers waste everyone's time (and how to not be one of them)What brokers look for in a qualified buyer (hint: it’s not just cash)How valuations really work (and why tax returns matter more than fancy spreadsheets)Why franchises are a different beast (and how to play by those rules)The real reason deals fall apart — and how to avoid itHe even gets into the weeds on:Seller financing (structured right, it’s a cheat code)Cash deals (why they move lightning fast)What markets are 🔥 right now (HVAC, med spas, and more)And here’s the kicker: You’ll hear how he lost every deal during COVID, rebuilt, and what he wishes buyers understood before stepping into a deal.If you’re serious about buying a business,this is a behind-the-scenes look at what brokers know but buyers don’t.And it could save you months of headaches and tens of thousands of dollars.Listen to it. Study it. Use it.

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 "How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"Lindsay Gremmer didn’t just buy a company—she engineered an ATM. Starting with a finance degree and zero illusions about how tough business can be, she acquired Vail Financial Services, an accounting firm with solid bones but untapped potential. What happened next?She scaled it like a pro. She optimized operations, built rock-solid client relationships, and turned the business into a profit machine—hitting a ridiculous 73% net margin. No fluff, no corporate nonsense—just smart strategy, efficiency, and knowing exactly how to extract maximum value.Then, when the time was right, she flipped it to private equity.In this interview, Lindsay pulls back the curtain on the whole playbook—how she structured the deal, the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference, and the real emotional rollercoaster of selling a business you built from the ground up. Plus, what she’s doing next now that she’s cashed out.If you want to know how real entrepreneurs buy, scale, and sell businesses for life-changing money—this is the interview you can’t afford to miss.Chapters00:00 Lindsay's Journey to Entrepreneurship02:53 Navigating the Purchase of an Accounting Firm06:01 Overcoming Initial Challenges09:01 Building Efficiency and Client Relationships12:03 The Importance of Valuation in Business15:00 Transforming the Business Model18:01 Maintaining High Profit Margins20:55 The Human Element in Business Success31:21 Balancing Leadership and Friendship32:49 Cultivating Loyalty Through Positive Culture34:29 The Importance of Human Connection in Business36:40 Navigating Burnout and Business Ownership39:44 The Risks of Sole Ownership41:41 The Decision to Sell: Weighing Options43:19 Valuation Challenges in the Accounting Industry46:25 Private Equity and Its Impact on Valuation51:13 Exploring Growth Opportunities vs. Selling53:38 Transitioning Ownership: Lessons Learned 

Rob Lombardi, an Army veteran and successful entrepreneur, shares his transition from military life to thriving in business. He dives into the concept of consulting for equity, explaining how he helps companies grow while securing a stake in their success. Lombardi emphasizes the importance of due diligence and building trusting partnerships. He recounts his journey in the restoration and commercial cleaning industries, highlighting key lessons learned from failures and the value of relationships in negotiations.

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 "How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryJon Stoddard sits down with Jed Morris—a veteran who swapped the military for business ownership. He thought buying a business would be his golden ticket. Instead? A crash course in what not to do.Jed dives into his journey through ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition), finding and acquiring a landscaping business, and the hard truth: just because a business looks “boring” doesn’t mean it’s easy.He learned the hard way about seller relationships, cash flow crunches, and the real risks of business ownership. Turns out, running a business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, trust, and knowing what you’re really getting into before you sign on the dotted line.From bankruptcy to bouncing back, Jed shares why patience, due diligence, and having the right mentors make all the difference. If you think buying a business is a fast track to wealth, think again. This is a masterclass in what happens when things don’t go as planned—and how to come out stronger on the other side.

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 "How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryIn this eye-opening interview, Jon Stoddard talks with Patrick Lange, a top-tier business broker who has mastered the art of selling HVAC companies. Patrick shares his journey from owning an HVAC business to becoming the industry’s go-to expert for buying and selling HVAC companies.This conversation dives deep into:The critical importance of understanding seller motivations and how it impacts deal success.Why clean financial records and efficient systems are essential for maximizing business value.The biggest challenges HVAC owners face, including staffing, licensing, and adapting to market changes—and how these affect the sales process.The risks of over-leveraging in acquisitions and how to avoid costly mistakes.Patrick’s insights reveal the untold dynamics of the HVAC market, from professional buyer tactics to strategies for achieving life-changing exits. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or just curious about the mechanics of major business deals, this discussion is packed with practical advice and proven strategies to help you navigate the complexities of business transactions with confidence.This is more than just an interview—it’s a masterclass in what it takes to succeed in the HVAC business world.

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 "How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryIn this conversation, Jon Stoddard interviews Scott Wiebel from Sierra Pacific Partners, delving into the intricacies of investment banking and the business selling process. They discuss the importance of building relationships for deal flow, the motivations behind selling a business, the due diligence process, and the emotional aspects of closing deals. Scott shares insights on navigating offers and the challenges faced by sellers, providing a comprehensive overview of the investment banking landscape.TakeawaysBuilding relationships is key to finding deal flow.Understanding seller motivations is crucial in the selling process.Due diligence can uncover unexpected issues in a business.Navigating offers requires careful analysis and communication.Emotional factors play a significant role in closing deals.The process of selling a business involves multiple stakeholders.Investment bankers must manage expectations throughout the process.Clear communication with sellers can prevent misunderstandings.The importance of thorough financial analysis cannot be overstated.Post-closing involvement can vary significantly among investment bankers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Investment Banking and Business Sales02:58 Finding Deal Flow and Building Relationships06:00 The Selling Process: Understanding Seller Motivations11:48 Due Diligence: Uncovering the Truth21:37 Navigating Offers and Buyer Interest29:55 Closing the Deal: Emotional and Practical Considerations

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryIn this conversation, Jon Stoddard interviews Jules Brenner from Metal Solutions Holdings, discussing the company's journey in acquiring multiple welding and metal manufacturing businesses. They explore the importance of partnerships, the challenges of refining a buy box, the self-funding approach, and the unique landscape of California manufacturing. Jules shares insights on operational improvements, the significance of contrarian thinking in business strategy, and the potential for growth in the metal fabrication market. In this conversation, Jules Brenner discusses the intricacies of managing a manufacturing business, focusing on customer relationships, the significance of repeat business, and the importance of quality standards. He shares insights from his experiences in acquiring businesses, navigating deal flow, and the personal growth he has undergone as a leader. The discussion emphasizes the need for strategic decision-making and the commitment to preserving manufacturing jobs in California.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Metal Solutions Holdings02:52 Building Partnerships in the Industrial Space05:59 Refining the Buy Box: A Journey of Discovery08:53 Self-Funding and the Role of Investors12:00 Understanding Deal Structures and Financing14:53 The California Manufacturing Landscape18:08 Contrarian Thinking in Business Strategy20:58 Operational Improvements in Acquired Businesses23:56 Implementing Systems for Growth27:06 Market Potential and Customer Acquisition27:42 Understanding Customer Relationships in Manufacturing32:36 The Importance of Repeat Business and Quality Standards38:17 Lessons Learned from Acquisitions and Quality Control44:45 Navigating Deal Flow and Seller Relationships48:20 Personal Growth and Leadership in Business ManagementKeywordsMetal Solutions Holdings, industrial partnerships, buy box, self-funding, deal structures, California manufacturing, contrarian thinking, operational improvements, business systems, customer acquisition, manufacturing, customer relationships, repeat business, quality standards, acquisitions, deal flow, leadership, business management, industrial technology, California manufacturing

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryIn this conversation, Jon Stoddard interviews John Panaccione, an Army veteran and entrepreneur who co-founded LogicBay and later launched Folla Capital. They discuss the intricacies of participating preferred equity, the challenges of raising capital for small to medium-sized business acquisitions, and the evolving landscape of SBA loans. John shares insights on structuring deals, investor relations, and the importance of understanding the rules surrounding capital raising. The discussion highlights the opportunities available for buyers looking to acquire businesses without significant upfront capital.TakeawaysParticipating preferred equity provides investors with a preferred position and additional rights.Crowdfunding emerged as a viable option for raising capital in 2012.SBA loans can be complemented with seller financing and investor contributions.Understanding SBA rules is crucial for structuring deals effectively.Reverse engineering valuations can help buyers negotiate better prices.Investors need to have a clear understanding of the terms before committing.Raising capital requires building relationships and trust with potential investors.The process of acquiring a business can be more straightforward than starting a new venture.Veterans often face unique challenges in accessing capital for business acquisitions.Fola Capital offers a structured approach to help buyers navigate the acquisition process.Chapters00:00 Introduction to John Panaccione and LogicBay03:03 Understanding Participating Preferred Equity06:10 The Transition to Folla Capital08:52 Raising Capital for SMB Acquisitions11:51 Navigating SBA Loan Requirements15:00 Structuring Deals and Reverse Engineering Valuations17:54 Investor Relations and Terms21:01 Challenges in Raising Capital23:54 Opportunities in Business AcquisitionsKeywordsM&A, business acquisition, participating preferred equity, crowdfunding, SBA loans, capital raising, small business, investor relations, Logic Bay, Folla Capital

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryCan Self-Funded Searchers REALLY Raise MILLIONS of CAPITAL to Buy a Business?  Sean Smith of Search Fund Ventures explains how its done. Takeaways•  Search Fund Ventures focuses on self-funded searchers and independent sponsors.•  They target essential products and services for investment.•  Investment involves filling equity gaps for searchers.•  Sean emphasizes the importance of downside and upside return scenarios.•  Recent Successful deals are evaluated based on strong revenue bases and recurring revenue.•  Searcher qualifications include financial backgrounds and industry experience.•  The HVAC sector is a key focus area for their investments.•  They prioritize deals with near-term distributions for investors.•  The fund has a three-year deployment period for capital.•  Incentive alignment between investors and entrepreneurs is crucial. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Search Fund Ventures02:47 Understanding Self-Funded Searchers05:54 Investment Process and Value Addition09:00 Cost of Capital and Return Expectations12:02 Recent Deal Overview15:00 Evaluating Searcher Qualifications18:07 Commercial vs. Residential HVAC Businesses20:55 Roll-Up Strategies and Multiple Expansion23:54 Investor Commitments and Fund Structure27:05 Navigating the Search Fund Landscape30:02 Intrinsic Value and Investment Decisions33:14 Due Diligence and Quality of Earnings36:05 Future Goals and Investment Timeline

🚀 Get My Free Book! 📖 How to Buy Your First Million Dollar Business"SummaryNathan Lenahan didn’t just “fall” into success—he fought for it. In this gripping conversation, he reveals the raw, unfiltered truth about the challenges he faced in his early business acquisitions and how a single strategic pivot to HVAC transformed everything. You’ll hear how Nathan overcame growth roadblocks, built a powerhouse team, and launched a recruiting business that’s now generating fresh revenue streams. He’s not stopping there—he’s mapping out even bigger moves in HVAC and plumbing. If you want a masterclass in perseverance, strategy, and scaling up, this is the story for you.KeywordsNathan Lenahan, acquisitions, HVAC, entrepreneurship, business growth, lessons learned, recruiting, company culture, strategic decisions, challengesChapters00:00 Introduction to Nathan Lenahan's Journey05:30 Lessons from Early Acquisitions10:49 The Shift to HVAC: Strategic Decisions18:24 Navigating Growth and Challenges26:55 Building a Team and Company Culture36:46 Recent Acquisitions and Future Plans46:58 The Launch of a Recruiting Business