Acquiring Minds

Andrew Pierno, an entrepreneur with a knack for acquiring micro SaaS businesses, shares his insights from his journey owning three and counting. He delves into sourcing acquisitions, the due diligence process, and the appeal of a micro SaaS product roadmap versus larger counterparts. Pierno candidly discusses the importance of skilled operators, navigating due diligence challenges, and leveraging monthly recurring revenue to attract investors. He also compares micro acquisition platforms and emphasizes building relationships to secure deals.

Pete Seligman stepped off a comfortable corporate path to buy a small business in 2013. He's since acquired 4 more.Themes from Pete's interview:Why Pete exited the corporate track to acquire a companyHow risky is acquiring a business?Role of passion when deciding which business to buyRole of industry experience when deciding which business to buyHow long it takes to succeed in acquisition entrepreneurshipThe type of person who should buy a companyReach Pete at:LinkedInHis websiteOfficial episode page & full show notes at AcquiringMinds.co:Making a Career of Buying Businesses

After years of struggling to launch products from scratch, Casey Allen pivoted to buy a $1.7m coffee supplies business.Themes from Casey's interview:Struggling for years to launch products from scratchThe benefits of acquiring a company insteadBuying an e-commerce business as COVID sales take offBuying a 24-year-old content site with 12 million annual visitorsContent vs. e-commerceAdvice for acquirers who have $10k, $50k, or $250k in cash to buy a businessReach Casey at:LinkedInHis first acquisition, Barista WarriorHis second acquisition, Interactive MathematicsOfficial episode page & full show notes at AcquiringMinds.co:Buying a $1m Coffee Biz After Years of Starting from Scratch

Ahmed Raza, a due diligence pro, shares the 3 things to evaluate when buying e-commerce, SaaS, or content businesses. Topics include product defendability, competition from Amazon, financial aspects, operational side of online businesses, importance of staging environment for SaaS, SEO importance and defendability of content, vulnerabilities of affiliate-based businesses with reliance on Amazon and Google.

Charles Barr, an entrepreneur who recently acquired DiMartino Plumbing, discusses buying a small business as a path to wealth. He shares why he chose plumbing, the numbers on the business deal, and why he's getting his plumbing license. He also highlights the advantages of buying a plumbing business, including financial benefits and the potential for growth.

Vivian Chen, an entrepreneur who bought and grew an abandoned online business while keeping her day job, shares advice for side hustlers, parallels between buying an online business and real estate investing, and knowing yourself as an acquisition entrepreneur. It takes longer than expected, so get started!

Chris Edwards, a recent acquirer of a flooring business, shares his tumultuous journey through the first six months of ownership. He reflects on the challenges of high stress, integrating new systems, and the emotional toll of leadership transitions. Chris emphasizes the importance of being a 'shock absorber' for your team and the value of gradual change. Despite the hurdles, he projects optimistic profits of $750k this year, revealing the competitive edge that guided his acquisition in the booming flooring industry.

Brute Force thrived during COVID, but 2021 hit hard. Sales plunged 60% in one month. Mike Brown bought it to fix it.Themes from Mike’s interview: Why Mike was "acquisition curious" and what made him pull the triggerBetting on yourself Unsexy local businesses vs. e-commerce How the iOS privacy updates are affecting e-commerce How Mike handled sales collapsing 60% from May to June Adversity making you -- or your business -- stronger (h/t Jocko Willink)Reach Mike at: LinkedInHis e-commerce company, Brute ForceOfficial episode page & full show notes at AcquiringMinds.co:Acquiring an $8m Distressed E-Commerce Biz

Cassi Niekamp didn't know anything about fencing when she acquired Bowden Fence. But she turned this to her advantage.Themes from Cassi’s interview: Bringing a student’s mind to your acquisition Using vulnerability to earn trust Doubling production in 60 days Building rapport with the seller Buying the first business you see Reach Cassi at: LinkedInHer company, Bowden FenceOfficial episode page & full show notes at AcquiringMinds.co:Buying a $1.2m Fencing Business & Earning Trust Quickly

Mike Gardon, an entrepreneur who made $100k/month by buying websites, shares his journey of acquiring websites, the benefits of buying over building, and the opportunities for smaller buyers. He emphasizes the importance of treating websites like a financial portfolio and having a foundation business. He also discusses the challenges of buying an affiliate site and the changing landscape of affiliate marketing. Mike's goal is to maximize freedom and family time while constantly learning new things.