Acquiring Minds

Eric Calderon, owner of TXE Partners, transitioned from engineering to entrepreneurship through a search fund. He shares insights on building an industry-focused holding company, revealing the importance of community banks and emotional challenges in downsizing. The discussion highlights strategies for acquiring small businesses, the benefits of a shared services model, and the evolving role from operator to investor. Eric emphasizes storytelling in business and aims for a target size of $1 million SDE for acquisitions, focusing on long-term value creation amidst market fluctuations.

Luis Reyes, the founder of Iberian Ventures and a former Bain consultant, shares his remarkable journey from rural Mexico to spearheading a fire safety roll-up in Spain. He discusses his aggressive acquisition strategy, achieving $8 million in EBITDA through 24 consolidations. Luis emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and navigating the complexities of merging various business models. He also reflects on the unique challenges of the European investment landscape and shares insights into fostering leadership within SMEs.

Jesus Wong, owner of Gear Restore, transitioned from a 16-year corporate career to entrepreneurship by acquiring a Canadian garment repair business. He shares insights from his immigrant background and family history of entrepreneurship. Wong discusses the unique challenges of financing in Canada, including high closing costs and the importance of a strong deal team. He highlights the labor-intensive nature of the repair industry and strategies for managing customer concentration. His journey illustrates how personal growth and determination can lead to successful business ownership.

Avery Tomek is an entrepreneur who dove into the FedEx route business during the pandemic, transforming a $1 million investment into a $25 million empire. He shares insights on pivoting from real estate, the challenges of expanding his fleet to 240 trucks, and managing a logistics operation remotely. Avery discusses the importance of weekly deposits, the factors that make a route profitable, and the demanding nature of running such a business. His journey highlights the interplay between adaptability and strategic thinking in the ever-evolving delivery landscape.

Zach and Tyler Gordon, Co-CEOs of Basecamp Franchising, share their exciting journey from finance to acquiring a complete thrift store franchisor. They uncover hidden opportunities in the $50 billion thrift industry, emphasizing the importance of strategic evaluation and franchisee success. The brothers discuss the operational challenges they face, the technological dynamics in acquisitions, and their innovative approaches to enhancing the thrift store experience. Their insights shed light on navigating family dynamics in franchising while advocating for growth and sustainability.

Anica John, a former Amazon and Disney Streaming executive, shares her journey into entrepreneurship after acquiring a print-on-demand business for $7.6 million. She discusses the importance of flexible work-life balance as a mother, the rise of self-publishing, and how technology is reshaping the industry. Anica also explores strategies for managing high-capex acquisitions and emphasizes the significance of thorough due diligence. Her insights highlight the challenges working parents face and the motivations driving her shift from corporate roles to business ownership.

Raj Kankaria, owner of Lone Star Attorney Service, shares his unconventional journey from investment banking to the world of process serving after a personal low. He discusses the challenges of acquiring his business and building relationships in a niche industry. Raj also highlights technological advancements like Serve Manager that enhance efficiency, and the importance of seller psychology in negotiations. He reflects on navigating change and finding growth opportunities in a fragmented market, encouraging a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship.

Enrique Rodriguez, owner of Mac General Power Solutions, shares his impressive journey of growing his electrical contracting business from $1.4M to $4M in just one year. He discusses the importance of specialization and operational efficiency in boosting revenue. Enrique reflects on his transition from engineering to entrepreneurship, including the challenges of business acquisition and the complexity of the construction bidding process. He emphasizes family support, effective management, and strategic investments as key elements in overcoming hurdles and achieving significant growth.

In this engaging discussion, Marci LaRoche, CEO of CHR and former leader at Makai HR, shares her journey from CEO to acquiring a small HR consulting firm. She explores the emotional complexities of ownership vs. CEO roles. Marci dives into the benefits of PEOs versus consulting firms and the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly in niche industries like pest control. She also highlights the growing role of AI in HR and the unique challenges of talent acquisition in today’s market, all while advocating for purpose-driven business practices.

Ryan Adams, owner of Rhino Shield of Florida, shares his inspiring transition from a military career to transforming a struggling paint dealership into a $1.2 million/month powerhouse. He talks about the challenges of managing working capital, the necessity of a robust sales process, and the critical role of digital marketing. Ryan highlights how he revived sales performance by hiring the right talent and implementing effective compensation models. Additionally, he discusses ambitious plans for market expansion and the importance of a strong local presence.