Acquiring Minds

Ryan Adams, owner of Rhino Shield of Florida, shares his inspiring transition from a military career to transforming a struggling paint dealership into a $1.2 million/month powerhouse. He talks about the challenges of managing working capital, the necessity of a robust sales process, and the critical role of digital marketing. Ryan highlights how he revived sales performance by hiring the right talent and implementing effective compensation models. Additionally, he discusses ambitious plans for market expansion and the importance of a strong local presence.

Adam Rao, owner of Triple20, turned a zero-revenue exhibit production business into a thriving enterprise in just three years. He shares his journey of acquiring a distressed business during COVID-19, emphasizing innovative financing and the importance of partnerships. Adam discusses merging companies to achieve stability, managing a dysfunctional staff, and reducing waste in an industry known for it. With a vision centered on social good, he highlights the challenges and triumphs of leading a business that balances impact with financial success.

In this discussion, Phil Miller, the founder and CEO of Pawville, shares how he transformed a struggling pet shop into a thriving regional brand. Phil recounts his unique journey from real estate to the pet industry and the pivotal role of delegation in driving growth. He discusses the financial pitfalls of cheap renovations and why franchising is unsuitable for his market. Additionally, Phil highlights the emotional challenges of merging company cultures and the strategic advantages of partnering with private equity, showcasing innovative acquisition strategies along the way.

Matt Brunnig, owner of Octal Ventures, and Kevin Peer, a strategic searcher in residence, dive into the innovative concept of embedding searchers within small businesses. They discuss their unique journeys from corporate roles to acquisitions, including overcoming uncertainty. The duo emphasizes the benefits of local searching and how marketing tactics, like using Pinterest, can boost demand. They also explore the balance of risk in entrepreneurship and the importance of teamwork and communication in managing business growth.

Grania Michael, owner of Associated Photo and Imaging and a family business veteran from Ecuador, shares her captivating journey from searching for a business to acquiring a commercial printing company in Miami. She emphasizes the importance of speedy decision-making, completing a deal just weeks after refocusing her strategy. Grania discusses the emotional highs and lows of business acquisitions, the power of personal connections, and her desire to create a lasting legacy for her daughters.

In a fascinating chat, Brian Hartman, owner of Northside Tree Professionals, shares his journey of tripling revenue in just two years after acquiring his tree business. He emphasizes the importance of hiring top-tier managers early on and navigating cash flow during rapid expansion. Brian discusses strategies for expanding through acquisitions, ensuring employee safety, and aims for a remarkable $55-$70 million in revenue by 2030. Plus, hear about the unique differences between landscaping and tree services and the benefits of investing in talent for sustainable growth.

Nick Huber, the 'Sweaty Startup' entrepreneur and self-storage expert, discusses his impressive acquisition of Support Shepherd, a recruiting agency specializing in Filipino talent. He shares his unique journey into offshoring and how social media affects business growth. The conversation covers challenges in managing remote teams and why building a Twitter following can be a double-edged sword for entrepreneurs. Huber also dives into the intricacies of negotiation during acquisitions and reflects on the balance between business and personal life.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Ramsier, managing partner at Sier Capital Partners, shares his journey from acquiring a modest radon mitigation service for $60,000 to scaling it into SWOT Environmental, a multi-state franchise worth $77 million. He talks about the power of strategic advertising, the importance of relationships in business, and how he transformed setbacks into opportunities. Kevin also highlights the value of franchising for growth and dives into lessons on money management he's imparting to his kids.

Matthew Ferguson and Sarah Chiles, co-owners of Aspen Total Automotive and co-founders of PTSDM Holdings, share their inspiring journey back to their hometown of Aspen. They discuss their transition from venture capital to local business ownership, aiming to preserve Aspen's culture. The duo delves into the unique challenges they faced in a small resort town, including navigating community expectations and seasonal dynamics. They emphasize the importance of employee engagement and building trust with customers while championing sustainable local business practices amid gentrification.

Evan Stewart, owner of Direct One and a rising star in the commercial printing industry, shares his remarkable journey from acquiring the business to boosting its EBITDA from $1.8 million to $3.2 million in under two years. He discusses battling imposter syndrome, the emotional toll of financial decisions like selling his home, and how integrating personal values into business has shaped his leadership. Evan also emphasizes the need for innovation in a shrinking industry while balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship.