In this episode of the ETA Insider podcast, we are joined by Michael Aubrey, Partner at Shore Search Partners. Michael shares his compelling entrepreneurial journey which has resulted in the creation of billions of dollars of equity value. The discussion begins with a heart-wrenching family story that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, moves through his early days raising a search fund with his college classmate, and ultimately dives into scaling businesses in the medical products and veterinary medicine fields, respectively. The conversation delves deep into the strategic and tactical aspects of building and growing businesses, the importance of a competitive spirit, and the compounding value of long-term experience and learning in the realm of entrepreneurship.

Anthony Walker, Co-head at Next Coast Legacy and mentor in finance, shares his fascinating journey from Wall Street to entrepreneurship through acquisition. He delves into the evolution of ETA, emphasizing the crucial role of effective board governance in supporting new CEOs. Anthony discusses the importance of mentorship and relationship-building, highlighting how casual board dinners can enhance trust and communication. He also reflects on the analytical approach to entrepreneurship and the significance of financial education in shaping investment strategies.

In this month’s episode, we sit down with Mark Jackson, MBA ’11, Co-Founder of Centennial Investment Partners, and operator to several business he acquired through ETA. Mark talks about his journey into acquisition and lessons he's learned along the way. From transitioning out of investment banking to building a self-funded portfolio, Mark shares the challenges, strategies, and key insights that have shaped his approach to acquiring, growing and starting businesses. He also dives into the importance of sourcing tactics, forming strong partnerships, and recognizing new opportunities within existing companies. Whether you're an aspiring searcher or an experienced operator, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways on scaling through acquisition.

In this engaging discussion, Brian Wolfe, a former PE M&A attorney now teaching at Washington University and UNC, shares his journey into entrepreneurship through acquisition. He emphasizes the critical role of a solid business thesis in enhancing equity returns, especially in software. Wolfe discusses effective strategies for targeting acquisition opportunities, notably in the MarTech SaaS space. He also highlights the rising demand in the HVAC sector for capital-light businesses. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the evolving landscape of ETA.

In this month’s episode, Marcela Fernandez, founder of Olive Ridge Partners, discusses her journey into ETA alongside her husband, Andrew. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Marcela transitioned from biotech engineering and running a cidery to attending Stanford Graduate School of Business. The couple pursued ETA to stabilize their lives and quickly acquired Colorado Home Services, focusing on multi-trade residential services, achieving significant growth. They brought on a third partner to help manage operations and are now conducting a second search for new acquisitions. Marcela highlights the importance of aligned roles in partnerships, realistic expectations, and leveraging operational skills. She also talks about balancing work and personal life seamlessly, offering advice to other potential searchers.

Gabe Barkley, former CEO of MHW, a leading beverage alcohol importer, shares his entrepreneurial journey through acquisition. He delves into the complexities of the alcohol industry, discussing trends and operational nuances crucial for success. Gabe highlights the importance of mentorship in navigating search funds and emphasizes key strategies for creating equity value during acquisitions. He also reflects on his emotional exit from MHW, revealing future aspirations and insights for budding entrepreneurs in the ETA landscape.

Ryan Turbes and Clay Brownlee, partners at Boulay, share their expertise in helping entrepreneurs through the entire entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) lifecycle. They discuss the importance of early engagement with CPA firms for proactive financial planning. Strategies to navigate acquisition challenges, including tax implications and financial communication, are covered. The duo emphasizes the need for collaboration during transitions and the role of post-close accounting for professionalizing financial practices, ensuring smooth exits, and enhancing business value.

This month’s episode features Lacey Wismer, Founder and Managing Partner of Hunter Search Capital and Co-Founder of the Women's Search Network. In this episode, we explore her journey in the ETA landscape, with a spotlight on search funds. Lacey delves into her personal experiences, the evolution of the search fund model, and the impactful initiatives like the Women's Search Network that are driving diversity in the field. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past, present, and future of the ETA industry from one of its passionate advocates.

This month’s episode features Reyes Florez, MBA ’14, CEO and Founder of the Platform Accounting Group, a private equity-backed business services company. Discover the compelling journey from acquiring a small family-owned tax firm to leading a nationwide group of professional services firms. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the strategic approaches used for successful acquisitions and the importance of fostering relationships within the industry. Join us for an engaging conversation that captures the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and sustainable growth in today’s accounting landscape.

Rob LeBlanc, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at ambit partners, discusses ETA's momentum in new markets, fund deployment, geographic investments, and potential in major economies. Topics include search funds, talent arbitrage, impact investing in emerging markets, and the importance of building healthy investment communities. The conversation highlights success in exploring new markets and future trend exploration.