Acquiring Minds

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.

Grant Hensel, managing partner at Entrepreneurial Capital, and Julia Hensel, CEO of LexiGate, share their journey from consulting to owning a digital agency. Julia discusses her transition from BCG to entrepreneurship alongside her husband. They dive into the challenges of business acquisition, emphasizing teamwork and avoiding debt. The couple also reflects on their unique dynamic in navigating ownership as a married team, the strategic advantages of acquiring active businesses, and the evolving landscape of SEO impacted by AI. Tune in for their valuable insights!

Scott Alexander, owner of Jairus Marketing, shares his journey of transforming a failing agency during the pandemic. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a toxic work culture and significant revenue decline. Scott delves into the importance of customer retention and adapting marketing strategies for the healthcare sector. He highlights the emotional shifts in company culture post-acquisition and emphasizes the need for transparency and team alignment to foster a supportive environment. Together, these insights offer a roadmap for overcoming adversity in business.

Devin Fitzgerald, owner of RML Service Group, shares his journey of acquiring and reviving two struggling home healthcare agencies. Driven by a personal connection to his grandmother's nursing legacy, he emphasizes that buying revenue is easier than creating it. Devin discusses the significance of understanding seller motivations, fostering a positive work culture, and the challenges of turning around declining businesses. He also highlights the critical role of enthusiasm in leadership and the power of personal connections in business negotiations.