Acquiring Minds

Bryan Houck, the owner of Extra Credit Projects, is a seasoned entrepreneur who purchased an award-winning creative agency at 58 after a series of setbacks. He shares his journey of resilience, reflecting on losing everything in a startup and discovering his unique talents. Bryan discusses the importance of hiring a buy-side advisor, navigating financial complexities in acquisitions, and crafting innovative marketing strategies like guerrilla campaigns. His insights on personal motivations demonstrate how entrepreneurship can thrive at any age.

Jeff Horn, an entrepreneur and former owner of Benchmark Business Solutions, shares his entrepreneurial journey from leaving a stable job to acquiring a $5 million Xerox dealership, ultimately growing it to $30 million. He discusses the importance of building strong relationships in the first 90 days and relying on capable employees for success. Jeff also highlights the challenges of scaling operations, navigating strategic acquisitions, and his transition into the role of investor, providing valuable insights for aspiring business owners.

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.