Top M&A Entrepreneurs

SummaryIn this conversation, Jon Lowrance shares his journey of acquiring companies. He discusses his background in entrepreneurship and the decision to sell his grading and excavating business. Jon emphasizes the importance of taking action and not being afraid to make mistakes. He also highlights the conflict between traditional education and the skills needed for entrepreneurship. Jon shares the painful experience of selling his business and the lessons he learned from it. He then talks about finding the right business partner and the process of acquiring his first company, a retaining wall business. Finally, he discusses the importance of building connections and trust and evaluating the financials before making a deal. In this conversation, Jon Lowrance shares his experience and strategies for acquiring companies with growth potential. He discusses the process of negotiating the purchase, including valuing the business based on EBITDA and owner financing. Jon also talks about the importance of cleaning up the books and improving profitability after taking over the business. He highlights the need to increase prices and manage cash flow to pay down debt. Jon explains how he grew the business by adding crews and improving marketing. He emphasizes the importance of hiring a general manager and shares his approach to interviewing and assessing candidates. Finally, Jon discusses his plans for future acquisitions and financing. In this conversation, Jon Lowrance discusses the importance of learning through experience when it comes to running and buying businesses. He emphasizes that while academic knowledge is valuable, actually owning a business is the most important aspect for an entrepreneur. The conversation also touches on the difference between serial acquirers and one-time buyers, as well as the role of the owner operator in a business.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:37 Starting the Acquisition Journey01:59 Selling the Grading and Excavating Business05:44 The Importance of Taking Action08:34 The Conflict Between Education and Entrepreneurship11:22 The Painful Experience of Selling the Business17:33 Finding the Right Business Partner19:50 Acquiring the First Company: Retai

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  Adam Coffey's book, "Empire Builder: The Road to a Billion," serves as a comprehensive guide for businesses aspiring to scale from zero to a billion dollars in revenue, particularly focusing on the use of Private Equity. Key elements of the book include:1. **30-20-10 Rule for Business Growth**: This rule is a central concept for scaling businesses, emphasizing a 30% gross margin, keeping SG&A expenses below 20%, and maintaining a minimum net profit of 10%2. **Financial Literacy and Role Evolution**: The book addresses the common gap in financial understanding among entrepreneurs. It underscores the importance of understanding unit-level economics, business valuations based on earnings, and managing finances for long-term value. As businesses grow, entrepreneurs are encouraged to transition from hands-on roles to overseeing broader operations3. **Investor Mindset and Understanding Private Equity**: Entrepreneurs are advised to adopt an investor mindset, focusing on cash flow growth and understanding their equity positions and growth strategies. The book also highlights the significance of private equity in scaling businesses, introducing the concept of the "P.E. pyramid".4. **Holistic Business Growth Understanding**: Coffey emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of business growth, covering strategic planning, people management, and financial literacy. He encourages entrepreneurs to make informed, strategic decisions at every stage of their business journey5. **Roadmap for Growth Stages and Tools**: The book provides a detailed roadmap for the different stages of business growth and the necessary tools required for each stage, building upon the knowledge imparted in Coffey's initial book, "The Private Equity Playbook".Adam Coffey, with his extensive experience as a CEO coach, author, and empire builder, brings valuable insights and practical strategies for entrepreneurs aiming to achieve significant growth and success in their ventures.

Topics discussed in this podcast include M&A strategies, new SBA regulations, personal guarantees in SBA transactions, seller's guarantee and contribution, SBA standby agreements, and the role of due diligence firms. The podcast also touches on the importance of balanced books and quality of earnings in acquiring a business, skepticism surrounding search funds, analyzing financial statements and Seller's Discretionary Earnings, and investor types and solutions for small businesses.

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 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  Investors for Your Acquisition: How FruitionCap Helps Self-Funded Searchers Buy a Business.     In this interview we talk with Jason Ehrlich, principle at FruitionCap.   Jason talks about a new fund to help Self-Funded Searchers buy a business.   This new fund turns the search fund model upside down.   The self funded searcher, the buyer,  keeps the majority of the company. Jason says, if your acquisition meets the parameters of Fruition Capital's investor thesis, they can invest the equity portion for your acquisition while at the same time, empowering you to retain complete control and the lion’s share of ownership.      The Key is to find good a good business to buy it must be: 10 years old+,   B2B business,  enduringly profitable,  with +$750k ebidta,  repeat or recurring revenue,  but no tech or cyclical businesses. JOIN the DEALFLOWSYSTEM CommunityLearn How to Buy a Business https://www.dealflowsystem.net/

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  SummaryHow to Invest in Online Businesses with Webstreet / EmpireFlippers.   Jon talks with Justin Cooke,  Co-Founder Empire Flippers & WebStreet about Webstreet.   Justin explains how WebStreet empowers investors to diversify their investments into passive and cash flowing portfolios of online content sites, Amazon storefronts and micro SAAS businesses.

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  SummaryIn this video, we have John Martinka, a seasoned M&A advisor with 20 years of experience and the author of 5 books on business buying. John has a no nonsense approach that comes from helping over 100 clients grow through acquisitions.   John is here to shed light on the 7 most common mistakes (that almost every) first time business buyers make. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or new to the world of mergers and acquisitions, this discussion is packed with valuable insights you won't want to overlook.📚 Books by John Martinka1. Buying A Business That Makes You Rich: Toss Your Job Not The Dice2. Getting the Deal Done: Tips & Strategies to Get Your Business Buy-Sell Deal Done—Successfully3. Buying a Business That Makes You Rich4. If They Can Sell Pet Rocks Why Can't You Sell Your Business (For What You Want)?5. Company Growth By Acquisition Makes Dollars & Sense

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  SummaryWhat are the characteristics of an irresistible acquisition?   Learn the essential strategies on how to sell your business for millions from Randy Woods, who not only sold his company, Nonlinear Creations, to Valtech but also currently spearheads acquisitions for his acquirer.   Discover the key characteristics that make your business an irresistible acquisition target. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding these traits can greatly enhance your chances of attracting high-value buyers. Watch now to gain valuable insights and expert tips that can help you maximize the value of your business and secure a lucrative deal. Don't miss out on this must-watch guide to achieving a successful business sale! Subscribe for more valuable content on entrepreneurship and business growth.

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  SUMMARYMeet Brian Slipka, a seasoned entrepreneur celebrated for his prowess in business acquisitions. Discover the mind behind the success.**Mentorship Motivation - Defining Your Goals**Uncover the pivotal role mentorship plays and the driving forces that fuel individuals to fervently pursue the art of business acquisitions.**The First Acquisition - Learning from Experience**Brian Slipka unveils his riveting narrative of navigating his inaugural business acquisition, offering invaluable lessons drawn from the trenches.**Financing Strategies - Navigating the Financial Landscape**Delve into the intricacies of financing as Brian divulges the strategies he employs, shedding light on the often complex financial facets of acquisitions.**Learning from Challenges and Embracing Independence**Navigate through Brian's approach to conquering challenges and embracing autonomy, defying external judgments and opinions.**True North Management Company - A Strategic Approach**Discover the True North Management Company and its pivotal role in shaping Brian Slipka's overarching business acquisition strategy.**True North Portfolio Companies - Pursuit of Agility**Unearth Brian's strategy for maintaining an agile portfolio of companies under the True North umbrella, adapting to changing tides.**Cross-Pollinating Business Practices - Navigating Niches**Explore the untapped potential and inherent challenges of transplanting successful business practices across different niches.**Legacy and Personal Fulfillment**Brian reflects on his enduring motivations, sharing his aspirations for a resounding impact and the fulfillment of his familial legacy.SHOW NOTES:00:00  This episode is sponsored by the Magnolia Firm Co. 00:54  Intro to Brian Slipka 08:32  Mentorship Motivation - what are you chasing22:42  The story of his first acquisition  34:57  How he finances his acquisitions39:46  Painful lessons & not giving a crap what other people think 41:42 True North Mgmt. Company46:46  True North Portfolio Companies - Goal: Stay Nimble54:30  Can you Cross Pollinate business practices in different niches1:04:14  Are you making your dad proud?LINKS to Brian Slipkahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinpetersen1/https://www.truenorthequitypartners.com/

 Take the Business Buyer Readiness Assessment →  SUMMARYDive into a high-value podcast featuring Kevin Petersen, an accomplished authority in the SaaS acquisition sphere. The interview offers a succinct yet enlightening introduction to Petersen's background and his expertise in procuring SaaS companies.At the core of the interview is Petersen's strategic approach to SaaS acquisitions, highlighted through his creation of the Growth Stack - a purposeful endeavor aimed at acquiring SaaS companies. He shares actionable insights from his journey, starting from his initial foray into the SaaS acquisition landscape.A significant aspect of Petersen's trajectory is his decision to pursue a de facto MBA, lessons learned from micro acquisitions. This underscores the practical value of education in shaping real-world business ventures.The interview navigates key aspects of SaaS acquisitions, encompassing competition analysis, effective negotiation strategies for off-market deals, and the driving forces compelling SaaS founders to sell their ventures.Petersen emphasizes the significance of cultivating personal relationships with sellers and his preference for bootstrapped SaaS companies. He also distinguishes between negotiating with bootstrapped versus venture capital-backed sellers, shedding light on distinct negotiation dynamics.The interview concludes with insights into financing strategies for acquisitions and a glimpse into the SaaS mastermind community.For practical insights into the world of SaaS acquisitions, negotiation tactics, and the evolving entrepreneurial landscape, tune in to this podcast featuring Kevin Petersen. Gain actionable takeaways that deepen your understanding of SaaS business acquisitions and strategic growth.SHOW NOTES:00:00 This episode is sponsored by the Magnolia Firm Co. 00:42  Intro to Kevin Petersen18:45  Launching Growth Stack - acquiring SaaS companies24:43  Where he started buying SaaS 25:45  Getting his MBA with micro acquisitions29:43  Rapid Acquisition Club: Let the Magnolia Firm Sell your business31:05  When someone offers you 2X your money in 90 days...34:49  Tell me about the competition38:50 How long it take to Negotiate off market deals40:50  The #1 Reason why SaaS founders sell41:45  Why you develop personal relationships with sellers43:52  Why he only buys bootstrapped SaaS companies48:03  Difference between negotiating bootstrapped sellers and VC backed sellers51:19  Developing the skill of patience54:01  Deal Sourcing today and negotiating with Brokers56:05  How he finances his deals1:05:05  SaaS mastermind