HoldCo Builders

Chris Hoffman, CEO of HP Solutions Group, shares his journey from running a $9M family HVAC business to building a $200M holding company. He emphasizes the power of mastermind groups for growth, revealing how community support and strategic relationships fueled their success. Hoffman also discusses the critical role of advisory boards and the necessity of aligning values during acquisitions. Additionally, he highlights the balance between effective sales strategies and educating customers, underscoring the importance of flexibility in financing options for sustained business growth.

Discover the intriguing world of business acquisitions and how they can outpace traditional investment strategies. Learn the differences between self-funded and funded search methods, and uncover the importance of evaluating multiples over mere growth. Dive into the power of listening to customer feedback for sustained success and the psychological challenges of retaining ownership versus selling early. This conversation reveals a unique playbook for aspiring business owners looking to build lasting wealth through effective strategies.

In this discussion, Jack Bennett, co-founder of Lighthouse Capital and an expert in small business acquisitions, shares his journey from a small Canadian town to closing over 20 deals worth $8M in revenue. He reveals the importance of personal discipline learned early on and how it translated into his entrepreneurial success. Jack delves into the evolution of their M&A services, their unique dual structure of advisory and investment, and offers strategic insights into investing in small businesses while navigating the complexities of the market.

Luca Hany, founder of Amboro Capital, shares insights from his journey transitioning from investment banking to building a search fund focused on Swiss SMEs. He highlights the unique gaps in the Swiss market and the ongoing succession crisis within SMEs. Luca discusses innovative strategies for generating deal flow by directly engaging with business owners, overcoming the lack of public company data, and raising capital without prior operational experience. His approach shows how personal connections can unlock opportunities in the investment landscape.

Two world-class DJs turned investors reveal their surprising journey from music stardom to a $200M investment firm. They discuss the challenges and sacrifices behind their success, emphasizing the importance of robust systems for sustainable growth. The duo highlights the need to embrace authenticity, both in creativity and investment strategies. Their insights on brand identity and long-term relationships offer actionable lessons for entrepreneurs aiming to connect deeply with their audience and build trust.

Sam Mahmood, co-founder of Pave, dives into his impressive transition from medical device sales to the paving industry, revealing how he identified lucrative opportunities in this overlooked market. He discusses his strategic approach to building a successful advisory board and shares insights on raising $2.5M from retail investors in just 30 days. With fascinating anecdotes from his acquisitions, Sam emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships in business and the unique challenges of navigating the paving landscape without prior experience.

Explore the remarkable rise of RDCP Group, transforming a £2 million investment into over £400 million in revenue. Discover innovative financing techniques that sidestep traditional capital and learn how strategic acquisitions in the care home sector paved the way for growth. Gain insights into the philosophical differences between holding companies and investment funds, and unravel the significance of branding and storytelling in successful negotiations. This journey showcases the resilience of entrepreneurs navigating economic challenges in their pursuit of business success.

Dev Shah, the 23-year-old founder of Pocket Fund, dives into his journey of acquiring seven businesses without external capital. He reveals how he discovered his first acquisition, Sourcely.ai, which yielded a staggering 37.5x return. Dev shares strategies for building a successful portfolio, focusing on talent acquisition and operational efficiency in India. He also discusses the importance of personalized business models and his motivations for avoiding VC funding, emphasizing long-term growth and organic success.

In this engaging conversation, Jamal Muse, a former math teacher and BlackRock analytics pro, shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur. He discusses the financial power of selling businesses and the vital mindset shift from treating a company as a 'baby' to seeing it as a valuable asset. Jamal reveals his three-year roadmap for building and exiting e-commerce brands, touches on emotional complexities in selling, and identifies common pitfalls that can thwart exits. His personal transformation story serves as inspiration for other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Discover how True Potential has achieved an astonishing 40% CAGR for over 15 years, becoming a leader in the UK wealth management sector. The podcast dives into their effective vertical integration and hybrid advice model, revealing the secrets behind their impressive profitability. Learn about their unique in-house fund distribution and the role it plays in driving profits. Explore the innovative M&A strategies that allow True Potential to acquire retiring advisors' client books, standing out in a competitive industry rife with regulatory challenges.