HoldCo Builders

An anonymous private equity investor shares his journey and wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal strengths and underscores the challenges of raising capital. With tales of diligence and perseverance, he reveals that patience is key in identifying great deals. The conversation also explores the significance of relationships and understanding financial metrics in investment decisions. Don't miss his candid take on the hard truths of closing deals and the value of being open-minded.

In this discussion, Michael Byars, founder of a holding company managing 18 businesses with $140 million in revenue, shares his transformative journey. He explains how he multiplied his initial restaurant investment by 8-10x and highlights the three critical changes he makes when acquiring companies. Michael reveals his unique strategies for due diligence, along with how to buy a business with no money down. The importance of mentorship and the necessity of effective systems in revitalizing operations are also key takeaways.

Dom Wells, founder and CEO of Onfolio.co, transitioned from an English teacher in Taiwan to leading a NASDAQ-listed company. He discusses his ten-year journey, highlighting hard lessons learned and the importance of mindset in overcoming obstacles. Dom shares insights on planning an IPO, the concept of a cash-flow flywheel, and strategies for acquiring online businesses, especially in the education sector. His approach to investment and future aspirations reflects his hands-on experiences in navigating the complexities of growing internet businesses.

Greg Isenberg, co-founder of Late Checkout, shares his journey of building a $10M holding company from scratch. He dives into the art of attracting top talent without spending money and emphasizes the significance of community over mere audience. Greg reveals his secrets to managing six businesses simultaneously, highlighting focus and enjoyment. He discusses the value of retreats for founders and shares insights on making strategic business decisions rooted in personal fulfillment, making for an inspiring listen.

Daniel Pi, founder of Coterie Capital in Sydney, shares his capital-raising wisdom. He emphasizes that luck in fundraising often comes from meaningful connections and innovative strategies. Discussions range from the global dynamics of capital to the significance of human relationships, especially in Asian markets. Daniel explains the evolving landscape of networking and how genuine interactions can unlock opportunities. He also steers entrepreneurs towards leveraging international networks for diverse funding and highlights the importance of trust in investor relationships.

Mitchell Sorkin, co-founder of ATM holdco, transitioned from a VC-backed startup to the lucrative world of ATMs. In just two years, his company expanded from 3 to over 100 machines, raking in significant revenue. He discusses achieving impressive cash returns, the advantages of investing in ATMs compared to real estate, and surprising insights on banks' reluctance to work with ATM operators. Sorkin also sheds light on future industry trends and the potential of acquiring existing ATM businesses, making this a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this engaging conversation, Michael Chen, Co-CEO and Founder of HakuLife, shares insights from his impressive 20-year career, including roles at elite brands like Caesars Entertainment. He discusses the birth of Haku, inspired by family vacations, and his strategic approach in luxury real estate that allows charging $31,000 per night. Michael highlights key lessons from the casino industry, the importance of data in optimizing experiences, and the nuances of fundraising in luxury markets, all while maintaining a focus on unforgettable guest experiences.

Amir Haboosheh cofounded Snowball Industries in 2020.In 2023, they generate more than $45 million in revenue.Prior to Snowball he was director of M&A at Kingmakers/Acquira in charge of helping identify, acquire, finance and scale businesses in the home service sector. Amir leads Snowball where he has structured a high-performing team culture based on empowerment and accountability.On this episode, PrivatEquityGuy & Amir discuss:- fascinating story of how Amir found his co-founders & how with one meeting from 10AM to 8PM they we are all on the same page: "Let's do it!"- why HVAC and plumbing?- how they motivate people to do great work - how to make sure people get the right amount of shares - not too much and not too little- how they grew one portfolio company (that DIDN'T even have a website) from $10 million to $21 million in revenue and 40k montly visits in three years.- how SEO plays a big role in their success (so much so that they even bought an online marketing company)- Amir revealed his plan for 2027 (listening this, well, there are levels to this game, seriously!)Follow PrivatEquityGuy on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/PrivatEquityGuyJoin HoldCo Builders weekly newsletter on finding deals, raising capital, and growing small niche manufacturing businesses: https://privatequityguy.beehiiv.com/subscribeAmir on Twitter: https://twitter.com/habooshehRead more about Snowball Industries (I highly recommend signing up for their newsletter): https://snowballinc.com/

Akshay Ramachandran, a semi-retired investor in his 20s, shares insights from his journey in the finance world. He discusses the art of creating impactful investor decks, revealing that many fall short in clarity and engagement. Akshay also dives into the importance of trusting management teams and how it can affect investment outcomes, even leading to surprising scenarios. His passion for education and travel shines through, as he emphasizes continuous learning and mentorship in navigating the complex finance landscape.