Acquiring Minds

Jerem Wren, entrepreneur and owner of Van Life Outfitters who left a long corporate brand-management career for acquisition entrepreneurship. He talks about mid-career risk decisions, searching for and valuing online businesses, surprising deal hiccups like earnings restatements, buying 70% and keeping founders on, rebuilding a crashed store, and planning a second acquisition.

Linh Van Deibel, a finance and fintech entrepreneur building a long-term family holdco. Leo Van Deibel, ex-consultant and private equity operator who joined to run acquired businesses alongside his spouse. They discuss choosing self-funded search, navigating UK deals as non-citizens, broker dynamics and volume, structuring financing with seller rollovers, and balancing intense personal challenges while building Acacia Partners.

Jacob VosWinkel, owner of Floors Galore, shares his transition from finance to acquisition entrepreneurship, detailing his successful purchase of a flooring business in Jacksonville. He discusses searching for opportunities in smaller markets, the importance of a diversified revenue mix, and his innovative approach to raising $1 million quickly from investors. Jacob highlights the growth strategies he's implemented, achieving a 50% growth rate in just two years, and reflects on the benefits and challenges of scaling in the flooring industry.

George Stern, an acquisition entrepreneur known for turning around digital agencies, dives into the intricacies of buying and optimizing businesses. He shares insights on acquiring an SEO agency driven by evolving consumer search habits and highlights his love for customer-centric products over mere profit. George discusses the dynamics of e-commerce and the challenges of securing loans with traditional banks. He also emphasizes the role of AI in agency growth, advocating for adaptive strategies amidst platform risks. His approach blends experience, rapid growth, and a focus on empowering teams.

Phil Kohler, entrepreneur and owner of Roman Enterprises, shares his journey from corporate life to acquiring an automotive paint distribution business. He discusses the importance of family support and perseverance, drawing inspiration from his grandfather's Holocaust survival. Phil delves into his strategic approach to managing supplier/customer concentration risks and the hands-on improvements he's made since taking over. He emphasizes direct sales experience as a key learning tool and offers insightful advice for aspiring business acquirers focused on distribution metrics.

In this engaging conversation, Matt Orley, an entrepreneur and founder of Red Cottage, shares his inspiring journey in the short-term rental sector. He discusses his strategic decision to acquire a brand he admired, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in branding. Matt elaborates on the challenges of transitioning post-acquisition, particularly with the seller, and the operational fixes he implemented. He also highlights the potential for significant growth in the market and the innovative $500/year membership program that enhances guest loyalty.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Vandermyde, an acquisition entrepreneur and former CEO of Petro West, shares his journey of turning a struggling company into a success. He reveals the challenges he faced when initially hesitant to buy the business due to financing and industry concerns. Adam emphasizes the importance of focusing on EBITDA over revenue and shares a costly construction mistake that nearly derailed his plans. His insights on shifting to a service-first strategy and the excitement of rewarding his employees post-sale provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of business acquisitions.

Joe Odell, an acquisition entrepreneur and former CEO of Pharmacy Specialists, shares his journey from a military background to navigating the complexities of business acquisition. He delves into the red flags that emerged post-acquisition, including a shocking cash crisis and the hidden loss of a key sales rep that decimated revenues. Joe discusses the emotional toll of the experience, the role of family support, and lessons learned about diligence and risk. He now focuses on consulting and acquiring a plumbing business, emphasizing smart growth strategies over debt.

Joe Solberg, acquisition entrepreneur and owner of branding agency Sonny and Ash, shares his journey from corporate life to business owner. He discusses his first acquisition of a 3D rendering firm, the challenges of pitching to his wife, and the strategic pivot during COVID. Joe highlights the differences between branding and marketing, how he built recurring revenue models, and the importance of hiring skilled managers. He also delves into the complexities of his second acquisition, Point B, including valuation strategies and the role of seller continuity.

Mike Fagan, a former professional bowler and PBA world champion, dives into his unique transition from the lanes to the business world. He discusses his acquisition of a bowling center and the strategy behind revitalizing traditional alleys. Fagan explores the economic importance of league bowlers, contrasts legacy bowling with modern chains like Bowlero, and shares insights on operational improvements using tech. He reveals challenges like employee resistance to change and innovative ways to boost revenue, including impactful online booking solutions and targeted marketing.