Acquiring Minds

Actor and entrepreneur Will Smith partners in Minds Capital to invest in searcher deals. They discuss fund formation, fundraising challenges, evaluating deals systematically, and the value of community in a fund. The podcast covers motivations for raising a fund, differences in investor needs, and the importance of partnerships in the investment industry.

Former crew member turned successful business owner Colin Gates shares his journey of aggressive saving, buying a commercial painting business, managing prima donna employees, bidding jobs constantly, hiring, and strategies for business growth. He highlights the importance of cash flow, not requiring deposits, and having the seller stay on as an employee.

Entrepreneur JD Beck shares insights on transforming a small plumbing business into a larger market, tripling revenue in a year. Topics include lessons from a failed deal, modernizing operations, expanding through acquisition, raising prices, competitive pricing models, and attracting talent through reputation.

Elliott Edge, an entrepreneur, shares insights on submitting LOI's, acquiring during Covid, remote work transition, and creating value through roll-ups. He discusses spouse's role in acquisition, MBA importance, and continuous change belief.

Entrepreneur Matt Pohl and his wife quadrupled a small welding business in 2 years, highlighting challenges in hiring welders, managing cash flow, and growing margins. They share insights on acquiring a business, cashflow management, and using ReWild's methods for growth.

Jens Grudno, a businessman with no prior manufacturing experience, shares insights on buying a failing straight-razor business. Topics include embracing risk in German business culture, pitfalls to avoid when buying a business, and developing a new, innovative product. Also discussed are challenges of operating a company far from home, the craft of manufacturing, and the value of going where there's less competition.

Experts Stephen Quindlen and Paul Westhart share insights on acquiring auto repair shops, employee benefits, SBA loans, real estate acquisition strategies, and the challenges in managing multiple shops. They discuss their successful venture in the Mountain West and recruiting workers from California to Idaho, offering valuable tips for entrepreneurs looking to enter unconventional industries.

Entrepreneur Matt Drndak shares his journey of doubling earnings in a parts business through strategic growth plans and patience. Topics include losing everything in the Great Recession, leveraging service to stand out from competitors, and doubling revenue in 3 years. He also discusses capturing the seller’s technical knowledge in YouTube videos and implementing EOS for future success.

Colin King shares his journey from buying a small unpleasant business on Craigslist to building a diverse portfolio with businesses in apparel, decor, financial training, and more. Topics include delivering auto parts at night, acquiring remote businesses, managing talent, and the importance of working capital in seasonal industries. Insightful discussions on strategic acquisitions, diverse business growth, e-commerce complexities, and recruiting managers for a holding company.

Cody Agee shares his journey of buying a recession-resistant food testing lab, bypassing business school and using 401(k) funds. He discusses pricing based on earnings reports, finding investors on Twitter, and the benefits of personally guaranteeing seller notes. Additionally, he talks about the importance of licensing requirements, EBITDAR vs. EBITDA, and utilizing an enterprise resource planning system.