HoldCo Builders

Sacha Jak, the founder of a successful holding company with 8-figure revenue, shares his expertise in leveraged buyouts. He discusses how to gain control of a company with just 1% ownership and buy businesses without using personal funds. Sacha reveals his strategies for getting the best deals from suppliers and emphasizes the importance of staff and revenue when evaluating acquisitions. He explains why he still resorts to cold calling for deal sourcing and shares his favorite question for business owners that uncovers their true needs.

Sunny Desai, Founder and CEO of Desai Companies, shares his journey from novice in M&A to executing multiple successful deals annually. He reveals the secrets behind his first pivotal deal and how executive coaching helped him navigate challenges. Sunny discusses inventive uses of capital, the value of journaling, and the mindset shifts necessary for growth. He highlights the importance of strategic planning in business and reflects on advice from his mother. Plus, he delves into why Indian-Origin CEOs excel in leadership roles.

Ranjit Chahal, the founder of BEVIQUA, shares his journey from refrigeration engineer to the owner of four thriving wine distribution e-commerce sites. He discusses the importance of embracing being an outsider and how starting a Holdco at 40 proves age is just a number. Ranjit dives into the complexities of wine distribution, effective customer segmentation, and the significance of positive thinking during tough times. He also highlights the value of learning from unrelated industries to enhance strategies within his own.

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.