Acquiring Minds

Mark Anderegg, an entrepreneur and the mind behind Little Sprouts, shares his journey in building a leading childcare platform. He discusses the challenges of raising a search fund and highlights his struggles as what he humorously calls the 'world’s worst searcher.' Mark dives into operational pitfalls, staffing woes, and the complexities of managing a childcare business. He also reflects on his growth strategies, the importance of culture, and lessons learned from selling his business, providing invaluable insights for aspiring operators.

Jerod Pierce, the owner of Olympic Holdings Investments and an acquisition entrepreneur, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in foster care to closing a remarkable $90 million exit from an HVAC business. He discusses the importance of adaptability, the value of networking, and hands-on leadership in achieving growth. Jerod also highlights the significance of financial management and leveraging SBA loans, along with personal anecdotes about parenting and teaching financial literacy to his children in a privileged setting.

Doug Lepisto, founder of Sleeping Giant Capital and professor at Western Michigan University, explores the dynamic of place-based investing and its impact on local communities. He shares insights on balancing financial returns with social impact through innovative models that prioritize long-term growth. Doug discusses the unique advantage of building local trust and his philosophy of 'find the operator, find the deal.' He also details a structured approach to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs with personalized education, emphasizing ethics and integrity in business acquisitions.

Jeremy Hunka, the 27-year-old owner of Summit Cabinet Coatings, shares his rollercoaster journey of acquiring a cabinet business. He discusses the overwhelming first year, the struggle of managing employee expectations, and the critical need to hire a strong sales leader. Jeremy reflects on the lessons learned from navigating hostility and resistance, balancing empathy with decisive management, and ultimately installing a CEO to regain control of his life. His experience highlights the importance of effective leadership in transforming chaos into stability.

Brett Maxam, owner of Morkrete Construction in Vancouver, Washington, shares his unique journey of acquiring a concrete business from afar. He discusses the thrill of ‘running the show’ and how he involved his wife in decision-making. Negotiation tactics are highlighted, including securing favorable seller financing. Brett emphasizes the importance of a 13-week cash flow forecast and effective management delegation. He also weighs the pros and cons of growth versus further acquisitions, delivering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Felipe Corcuera, Co-CEO of Beaker, shares his journey of acquiring a robotic process automation company just before AI took off with ChatGPT. He discusses the challenges of navigating imperfect information in the lower middle market and the importance of strategic partnerships. Felipe dives into unique valuation insights, emphasizing personal connections with sellers and the shift towards recurring revenue models. He outlines the highs and lows of being in the AI industry and shares his philosophy on aggressive reinvestment for long-term growth.

Daniel Batista, owner of Candyland Kids Downey, brings a unique perspective to business acquisition. He shares his transition from the film industry to owning an indoor playground, highlighting the high EBITDA margins and the appeal of LA demographics. Batista delves into his search for engaging business opportunities, revealing strategies for growth through character events and arcade enhancements. He also discusses the importance of effective franchising and navigating the financial aspects of acquisitions, all while ensuring a fun and safe environment for families.

Kyle Boyden and Jake Furfaro, co-founders of Rainier Cleaning Solutions, share their fascinating transition from real estate to acquiring small cleaning companies. They discuss the challenges of their early acquisitions, including the lack of due diligence and the pain of navigating seller financing. The duo reveals how these experiences built their operational skills. They explore the complexities of the cleaning industry, strategic management lessons, and the importance of humility and calculated risks in achieving growth.

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.