Business Buying Academy

Brian Wolfe, an M&A expert and former big law firm partner, shares his wealth of knowledge about entrepreneurship through acquisition. He discusses his transition from law to investing, emphasizing the power of multiple expansion in buying smaller companies. Wolfe dives into rolling up marketing SaaS businesses, the role of seller financing, and the complexities of earnouts in M&A. He also provides insights on strategic growth and offers valuable lessons on personal guarantees, showcasing how mentorship can guide first-time buyers.

I chatted with Jeremy Yamaguchi, an entrepreneur who's built many empires in home services: with home cleaning first, then lawncare, and now pool services. We talk about the economics of the home service business models he's worked in, how he acquires pool service companies, and how he's scaled to over $100 million in GMV. Watch this video if you want to build a home service empire. And if you're selling a pool company, contact Jeremy through his website cabanapools.com 0:35 Why Jeremy loves home service businesses4:35 Growing the lawn care marketplace7:40 How to grow home service businesses16:54 AI in home services18:31 Buying pool companies23:50 Different home service verticals28:02 Raising VC money31:49 How much is a pool business worth?Connect with Sieva:X: https://x.com/sievakozinskyNewsletter: https://sievakozinsky.comConnect with Jeremy:X: https://x.com/jeremyyamaguchiWebsite:  https://cabanapools.com -Want to hire top global talent? Get started with Somewhere (I'm a customer & investor) - https://hirewith.somewhere.com/sieva

Today I sit down with Chris Edwards, who bought a flooring business in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He bought the business for $1.7 million, grew revenue by 50%, and doubled SDE (seller discretionary earnings). He then exited the business after about 3 years, earning himself a 24X return on his invested capital (most of the deal was financed with SBA debt, so he was able to make a large return on his down payment).Highlights:5:19 Getting into ETA7:17 Chris' search criteria9:54 How long did the search take?13:56 Process of buying the business17:04 Structure of the deal20:21 How he improved the business22:50 First 6 months was a knife fight27:30 Why deals go bad34:15 Exiting the businessConnect with Sieva:X: https://x.com/sievakozinskyLinkedIn:   / skozinsky  Newsletter: https://sievakozinsky.comConnect with Chris:X: https://x.com/toph_edwardsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-edwards-44664052

Esteban Reyes, an accomplished entrepreneur and VC investor at Zenda Capital, shares his journey of building and selling three companies. He discusses his innovative fraud detection software that served over 400 banks and how a lack of knowledge about venture capital never hindered his success. Esteban offers insights into buying and managing schools, emphasizing the importance of community identity and strategic due diligence. He also highlights the game-changing role of AI in investment strategies and operational efficiency across various sectors.

Rafael Quinn, co-founder of Alternative Holdings, shares his fascinating journey of accidentally starting a holding company nearly 15 years ago. He discusses the initial challenges of acquiring his first company and how he expanded his portfolio to nine diverse businesses. Rafael reveals his strategies for acquiring companies across various industries, including restaurants and plumbing. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow, strong relationships with sellers, and the nuances of capital management in scaling success.

Join Moses Kagan, a savvy real estate investor in Los Angeles managing hundreds of millions, as he shares his journey from a challenging first deal to insights on finding tenants. He dives into the math of acquisitions and the delicate balance between using personal vs. others' capital. Moses also offers lessons learned from family influences in real estate, discusses the hurdles posed by high interest rates, and critiques urban parking regulations, advocating for better city designs. His stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of real estate investment.

Craig Fuller, a logistics entrepreneur and owner of various media properties, shares his unique approach to acquiring media businesses, including the renowned 'Flying Magazine.' He discusses innovative financing strategies that avoid traditional venture capital, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Craig also reveals his ambitious plans for a fly-in/fly-out resort in Tennessee and reflects on a partnership that didn't pan out with Kim Kardashian. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind his success in transforming traditional media into a thriving business.

Mike Beckham built Simple Modern into a $200 million/year e-commerce brand. I chat with him about how he got started, another business ventures he had (including talking his brother out of buying $1 million of Bitcoin in 2012).Mike teaches entrepreneurship and business to students and others, so watch this entire episode if you want to start a business. Mike will show you the way!0:00 Intro5:17 How did Mike become an entrepreneur?9:10 Mike's entrepreneurship lessons18:22 Entrepreneurial parenting22:31 How to start a business25:48 His brother's auction website ($1 billion in sales)32:38 Almost inventing Candy Crush35:15 Amazon suspending his account42:06 How Simple Modern changed over the last 4 years43:58 Treating employees well59:04 Who does Mike look up to?👉 Connect with SievaWebsite: www.sievakozinsky.comX: twitter.com/SievaKozinskyLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/skozinsky/Substack: www.thebusinessacademy.substack.com/👉 Connect with MikeX: https://x.com/mikebeckhamsmCompany: https://www.simplemodern.com/

Khai Nguyen, founder of Powers Gymnastics and a savvy investor, shares his transformative journey from homelessness to owning over 20 businesses. He discusses early struggles on Wall Street, the importance of building rapport with fellow business owners, and innovations like the Ninja Warrior program. Khai candidly reveals the ups and downs of the gymnastics industry, emphasizing strategic growth and community engagement. His resilience and insights offer a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship and the potential of youth sports.

Ankur Nagpal, founder of Teachable, sold his ed-tech company for $250 million and now focuses on tax optimization strategies through his new venture, Carry.com. He reveals the art of knowing when to sell and navigates the complexities of acquisitions. Ankur shares insights on tax loopholes, investment strategies, and how to structure businesses for maximum benefits. He emphasizes the importance of a dedicated team and innovative marketing while reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey and financial platforms tailored for small business owners.