Acquiring Minds

Matt Brunnig, owner of Octal Ventures, and Kevin Peer, a strategic searcher in residence, dive into the innovative concept of embedding searchers within small businesses. They discuss their unique journeys from corporate roles to acquisitions, including overcoming uncertainty. The duo emphasizes the benefits of local searching and how marketing tactics, like using Pinterest, can boost demand. They also explore the balance of risk in entrepreneurship and the importance of teamwork and communication in managing business growth.

Grania Michael, owner of Associated Photo and Imaging and a family business veteran from Ecuador, shares her captivating journey from searching for a business to acquiring a commercial printing company in Miami. She emphasizes the importance of speedy decision-making, completing a deal just weeks after refocusing her strategy. Grania discusses the emotional highs and lows of business acquisitions, the power of personal connections, and her desire to create a lasting legacy for her daughters.

In a fascinating chat, Brian Hartman, owner of Northside Tree Professionals, shares his journey of tripling revenue in just two years after acquiring his tree business. He emphasizes the importance of hiring top-tier managers early on and navigating cash flow during rapid expansion. Brian discusses strategies for expanding through acquisitions, ensuring employee safety, and aims for a remarkable $55-$70 million in revenue by 2030. Plus, hear about the unique differences between landscaping and tree services and the benefits of investing in talent for sustainable growth.

Nick Huber, the 'Sweaty Startup' entrepreneur and self-storage expert, discusses his impressive acquisition of Support Shepherd, a recruiting agency specializing in Filipino talent. He shares his unique journey into offshoring and how social media affects business growth. The conversation covers challenges in managing remote teams and why building a Twitter following can be a double-edged sword for entrepreneurs. Huber also dives into the intricacies of negotiation during acquisitions and reflects on the balance between business and personal life.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Ramsier, managing partner at Sier Capital Partners, shares his journey from acquiring a modest radon mitigation service for $60,000 to scaling it into SWOT Environmental, a multi-state franchise worth $77 million. He talks about the power of strategic advertising, the importance of relationships in business, and how he transformed setbacks into opportunities. Kevin also highlights the value of franchising for growth and dives into lessons on money management he's imparting to his kids.

Matthew Ferguson and Sarah Chiles, co-owners of Aspen Total Automotive and co-founders of PTSDM Holdings, share their inspiring journey back to their hometown of Aspen. They discuss their transition from venture capital to local business ownership, aiming to preserve Aspen's culture. The duo delves into the unique challenges they faced in a small resort town, including navigating community expectations and seasonal dynamics. They emphasize the importance of employee engagement and building trust with customers while championing sustainable local business practices amid gentrification.

Evan Stewart, owner of Direct One and a rising star in the commercial printing industry, shares his remarkable journey from acquiring the business to boosting its EBITDA from $1.8 million to $3.2 million in under two years. He discusses battling imposter syndrome, the emotional toll of financial decisions like selling his home, and how integrating personal values into business has shaped his leadership. Evan also emphasizes the need for innovation in a shrinking industry while balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship.

Christine Traylor, the owner of Swan House, shares her journey from international development to managing a historic bed and breakfast in Dupont Circle. She discusses the unique challenges of negotiating a non-flexible seller and the financial strategies that helped her acquire the property, including SBA loans. Balancing family life with entrepreneurship, Christine highlights the importance of community relationships and guest satisfaction. She also reflects on the ups and downs of the hospitality industry, emphasizing how to thrive amidst competition.

In this engaging discussion, JD Hasley, owner of Uptown Frame in Dallas, reveals how he turned a struggling frame shop from $600k to $900k in just a year. He dives into the importance of mastering framing skills and swiftly responding to customer inquiries to stand out. JD shares the secret of getting customers to pay upfront and the benefits of digital marketing for driving revenue. He emphasizes empowering employees for operational efficiency and navigating the unique challenges of the framing industry.

Kin Sio, owner of Lights On Digital and former tech industry professional, shares his inspiring journey from tech to entrepreneurship. He discusses his initial foray into real estate before finding his niche in business ownership. Kin emphasizes the importance of flexibility for family care and navigating cultural expectations around success. He dives into unique challenges in the hospitality sector, particularly dynamic pricing strategies, and highlights the significance of community support as he plans to expand operations from Hawaii to the mainland.