Acquiring Minds

Doug Johns, a plumbing business buyer, reflects on his balance sheet, lifestyle, and new identity as a business owner. Topics include his wife's involvement, working 60 hours a week, ROBS structure and buyout, slowdown in home services industry, why he loves owning & operating, raising prices, small town living, integration of business into daily life, fierce competition, and benefits of franchises and in-network peer groups.

The podcast explores the journey of Michael Young, who successfully acquired a $4 million accounting practice after starting his own practice. It discusses the challenges of buying a business, the role of luck and the importance of understanding the LOI document. Other topics include the valuation and pricing of accounting practices, red flags during diligence, and the role of PASBA. The podcast also delves into the strategic focus on niche markets, fractional CFO services, working capital in SMBs, and the advantages of hiring remote workers.

Morgan McCauley talks about working in a family office, challenges with healthcare regulations, decision to invest in business growth, and evaluating the lifetime value of clients in the home care industry.

Ryan Doyle shares his 2-year search for a business and his rewarding self-discipline. He discusses failed deals, the value of thorough investigations, and the dangers of 'stupid good margins'. He talks about buying a pool business, being ghosted by his bookkeeper, and the importance of seasonality. He shares his plan to own the Georgia coast and the support he found through WhatsApp. The podcast also covers decision-making, red flags, managing employees, choosing stock deals vs asset sales, navigating challenges after acquisition, targeting higher-end homes, and the challenges and advantages of owning a pool service business.

Brandon Laughridge shares his experience of buying a property management business and doubling his real estate portfolio. Topics include changing mindset about service businesses, growing from 12 to 25 employees, pros and cons of property management, managing tenant relationships, and who should buy a property management business.

Sam Turner, owner of Advantos, shares his vision of building the leading platform for independent M&E businesses in the UK. He discusses the importance of patience and flexible timelines, lessons from his first acquisition, and change management in blue collar businesses. He also talks about increasing the holdco revenue target from £60m to £150m, extending his 5-year plan to 10 years, and improving the lives of 30,000 people. In addition, he explores shared services among his four businesses and the success of cross-selling in the HVAC industry.

Luis Aguilar shares his journey of acquiring and growing a commercial laundry business, discussing geographical search in Florida, working with Search Investment Group to raise capital, negotiating a dead deal back to life, acquiring a linen rental business, and increasing profit in both businesses.

Philip Blackett shares his struggles and reflections on owning a cemetery services business, including dealing with increased expenses, COVID-19 impacts, and the decision to close. The podcast also discusses negotiating deals, tax strategies, building trust with buyers, and the unique challenges of cemetery services management. The speaker emphasizes the importance of support and mentors in overcoming challenges and not giving up.

Entrepreneurs Tyrel Sulzer and Bob Boniface discuss the benefits of buying a trade school that trains truckers. Topics include partnered searches, potential in blue collar businesses, buying a CDL school, job opportunities for graduates, competition in CDL training, and the future of trade schools.

John Mahony, an entrepreneur who bought an HVAC business in rural Appalachia, discusses his vision to build a holding company, transferring skills from the Marines, hiring veterans, and preserving traditions. He shares insights about revenue growth, cyclicality of HVAC, and attracting employees beyond compensation.