Acquiring Minds

Rob Carpenter, a professional with a tech background and a focus on a lower-stress lifestyle, shares his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses buying a Merry Maids franchise just 90 days into his business search, emphasizing the benefits of quick action. Rob touches on digitizing processes, the impact of labor turnover on customer retention, and the advantages of a negative cash cycle. He also compares the responsibilities of startups with those of small business ownership, highlighting sustainable growth strategies and operational efficiency.

Jeff Velker, a former franchisee who bounced back from bankruptcy, shares his intriguing journey of acquiring a $2.5 million pen company, Retro 51. He discusses the lessons learned from his past failures and the nuances of entrepreneurship. Velker highlights the appeal of pens in a digital world and the complexities of negotiating with sellers. He also reflects on the risks of working with overseas manufacturers and his ambitious goal of reaching $10 million in sales within a decade. His story is one of resilience, passion, and strategic growth.

Jordan Evans, a former tech professional, shares his journey of transforming a small family-run language services business into a $12 million powerhouse in just six years. He discusses the challenges of acquiring the business from his parents and the importance of thorough preparation and creative financing. Evans highlights the value of strategic growth through acquisitions and organic expansion, while navigating family dynamics and team integration. He also addresses the effects of AI technology on the industry and opportunities awaiting those willing to invest.

Brett Kennedy shares challenges and successes of doubling a moving business. Talk about surprises from the seller, benefits of buying small, and daily stressors. Discusses hiring a GM, employee-customer relationship, and plans for the next acquisition. Touches on emotional struggles, business growth, and potential future acquisitions in Atlanta.

Dustin Carreon shares his journey from a scrapping business to acquiring multiple businesses. He discusses key learnings from tough acquisitions, the importance of timing and luck, and the challenge of building a holdco. Topics include cross-training employees, balancing staff numbers, and growing a business without a college education

Adam Markley shares insights on evaluating businesses for acquisition, utilizing online courses, financing options, holdco structure, UK vs. US acquisitions, personalized outreach, partnerships, and operating partners in diverse industries. He talks about transitioning from accounting to acquisitions, success stories from the Acquisition Lab, educating students in acquisitions, personalized letter writing strategy, acquisitions in digital marketing and manufacturing, and navigating growth within a Holdco model.

Nick Haschka and Dillan Ferguson discuss their journey of forming a $50-60m revenue roll-up in 5 years, focusing on serving residential and commercial customers, developing software, and overcoming challenges like an atmospheric river crisis post-acquisition. They highlight the importance of leadership, strategic growth, operational changes, and navigating challenges in the generator industry.

Entrepreneur Dominick Blue shares his journey of buying an air duct cleaning business, expanding into HVAC while keeping his W-2 job. He discusses mistakes in diligence, revamping services, finding leaders, ghosted by bank, advantage of selling direct, and his personal and business challenges.

Juan Aguilar shares his journey of buying a $3m EBITDA business in Central America, implementing EOS, raising prices by 25%, finding a CEO replacement, and transitioning towards a permanent capital model. He discusses succession planning, navigating business transformation, and dividend recapitalization for long-term growth strategies.

Renan Cortez, an entrepreneur, secured 100% seller financing for an $8m business after learning about acquisition via Codie Sanchez and using a virtual assistant. Topics include negotiating seller note, securing bridge loan, rebranding the company, raising capital for growth, and his large roll-up vision.