Acquiring Minds-logo

Acquiring Minds

Entrepreneurship

Buying a business is an amazing path for many successful entrepreneurs. Learn how to buy a business from the entrepreneurs who have already done it. 2x per week: stories, insights, & valuable advice about acquisition entrepreneurship. Hosted by Will Smith, who is on his own path to acquire a business. Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquiringMinds Sign up for episode summaries at: https://acquiringminds.co

Location:

United States

Description:

Buying a business is an amazing path for many successful entrepreneurs. Learn how to buy a business from the entrepreneurs who have already done it. 2x per week: stories, insights, & valuable advice about acquisition entrepreneurship. Hosted by Will Smith, who is on his own path to acquire a business. Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquiringMinds Sign up for episode summaries at: https://acquiringminds.co

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The $60k Acquisition that Grew to a $77m Exit

6/16/2025
Register for the webinars: DO’s and DON'Ts of the LOI How to Offshore in a Blue Collar Business Kevin Ramsier bought a "guy in a truck" business for radon mitigation. 10 years later it was a multi-state franchise. Topics in Kevin’s interview: References and how to contact Kevin: LinkedInSier Capital PartnersGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:11:11

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Geography as Moat: Building a Hometown Holdco

6/12/2025
Register for the webinar: SBA Loans 101 + Program Updates Sarah Chiles & Matthew Ferguson left careers in VC to buy the only auto repair shop for 35 miles in their native Aspen. Topics in Sarah & Matthew’s interview: References and how to contact Sarah & Matthew: Sarah’s LinkedInMatthew’s LinkedInAspen Total AutomotiveShop Fix AcademyGetting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a HoldcoBuying a $1.2m Fencing Business & Earning Trust Quickly Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Producer by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:41:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Evolving a Legacy Business to $3.2m EBITDA

6/9/2025
Register for the webinar: SBA Loans 101 + Program Updates After Evan Stewart found his footing in his printing business, he pushed it from $1.8m to $3.2m EBITDA in under 2 years. Topics in Evan’s interview: References and how to contact Evan: LinkedInDirect OneNetworking His Way to $800k SDEGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited By Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:23:03

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Build $7.5m in Net Worth by Buying a B&B

6/5/2025
Register for the webinar: How to Outsource Your Search: Understanding Buy-Side Advisory Christine Traylor is bringing entrepreneurial ambition to a business often dismissed as a side gig for retirees Topics in Christine’s interview: References and how to contact Christine: LinkedInchristine@swannhouse.comSwann HouseInstagramWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:29:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Grow Revenue 50% in Year 1

6/2/2025
Register for the webinar: How to Outsource Your Search: Understanding Buy-Side AdvisoryJD Hasley bought an upscale frame shop doing $600k. One year later, he's returned all his equity & grown it to $900k. Topics in JD’s interview: References and how to contact JD: LinkedInhasley@uptownframe.comUptown FrameLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:21:41

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Entrepreneur Awakens: Pivoting from Tech to Ownership

5/29/2025
Register for the webinar: How to Outsource Your Search: Understanding Buy-Side AdvisoryKin Sio first tried real estate as he explored a path out of tech, but buying a business was his ultimate destination. Topics in Kin’s interview: References and how to contact Kin: LinkedInLights OnOpening Up to Franchises to Buy a Great BusinessGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:48:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Quitting Consulting to Buy a $1m SDE Agency

5/26/2025
Register for the webinar: Buy a Business, Not a Fantasy: Addressing This Month’s 7 Most Common Buyer ConcernsWhen Julia Hensel decided to pursue entrepreneurship, husband Grant helped her find a remote business with a great team. Topics in Grant & Julia’s interview: References and how to contact Grant & Julia: Julia’s LinkedInGrant’s LinkedInLexigateNonprofit MegaphoneEntrepreneurial CapitalThe Culture Map by Erin MeyerDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:27:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Rebuilding from 80% Collapse to Mid-7 Figures Revenue

5/22/2025
Register for the webinar: Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-UpCovid forced Scott Alexander to pivot & rebuild the marketing agency he'd acquired just one year earlier. It worked. Topics in Scott’s interview: References and how to contact Scott: LinkedInHow I Bought & Sold a Healthcare Business for 8 FiguresScott@jairusmarketing.comJairus MarketingGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:44:15

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Buying $5m of Revenue with $50k of Equity

5/19/2025
Register for the webinar: Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-UpDevin Fitzgerald bought two businesses after one sentence changed his life: It's easier to buy revenue than create it. Topics in Devin’s interview: References and how to contact Devin: LinkedInRML Service GroupGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:11:07

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Use an SBA Loan to Roll Up from $6m to $140m

5/15/2025
Register for the webinar: Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-UpMichael Davidov bought a home care agency with an SBA loan. 6 years later, he's grown & acquired to $140m in revenue. Topics in Michael’s interview: References and how to contact Michael: LinkedInPine Street GroupJonathan SassoverJerome Buillon: How to Double and Exit a Home Care AgencyWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:29:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How 1 Couple Bought 2 Businesses

5/12/2025
Register for the webinar: How to Use a Buy-Side Advisor to Buy a BusinessThe original plan was for Lindsay Buckheit to buy a business. As husband Kevin Black got involved, that plan evolved. Topics in Lindsay and Kevin’s interview: References and how to contact Lindsay & Kevin: LinkedInLinkedInCollective Creative OutdoorsHoldsworth & NicholasAcquiMatchCodie SanchezLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:25:21

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Recover from a Fraudulent Seller

5/8/2025
Register for the webinar: Deal Structuring Under the New SBA RulesJason Jackson thought he bought a $1.5m SDE dental practice. In fact, the business was losing money & engaging in fraud. Topics in Jason’s interview: References and how to contact Jason: LinkedInOlaide LawalFutaleufu PartnersThe Manager’s HandbookGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:25:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Turning a $250k Investment into $7m+

5/5/2025
Register for the webinar: Deal Structuring Under the New SBA Rules Marvin Karlow & his partner bought a powder-coating business with $500k in equity. 8 years later, they sold it for $21m. Topics in Marvin’s interview: References and how to contact Marvin: LinkedInRaincatcherSteve MarianiDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:27:01

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Buying a Remote, 20-Year-Old Business with $900k of SDE

5/1/2025
Register for the webinar: Anatomy of a Franchise HoldcoDan Angel knew he wanted to buy this B2B travel company with $3m top line. But the sale would shock the key number-two. Topics in Dan Angel’s interview: Topics in Jayme Moylan’s interview: References and how to contact Dan and Jayme: Dan Angel LinkedInJayme Moylan LinkedInLodging SourceSelf-Funded Search vs Traditional Search FundsHow to Shorten Your Search to Buy a BusinessSystem Six: One Year UpdateGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:58:17

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

21 Months to Stability Buying a $1.2m SDE Business

4/28/2025
Register for the webinar: Anatomy of a Franchise HoldcoJan Roll bought a $6m residential contractor, a harrowing experience he calls one giant ambiguous ball of figure-it-out. Topics in Jan's interview: References and how to contact Jan: LinkedInVictoria RenovationsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:24:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Build a Niche Holdco with $2m in Earnings

4/24/2025
Register for the webinar: Anatomy of a Franchise HoldcoIn 2019, Matt Kopp bought a supplier to elementary schools with $350k SDE. 6 years later, he has a portfolio of them. Topics in Matt’s interview: References and how to contact Matt: LinkedInFrom Frustrated Searcher to $3.5m Owner to Holdco BuilderMaking a Career of Buying BusinessesEnduring Investment PartnersSouthern BiologicalHands on ScienceJunior RockersPrimary Music InstituteLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd: https://www.malaunchpad.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:45:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Hiding in Plain Sight on BizBuySell: $800k SDE for 2x

4/21/2025
Register for the webinar: Should You Buy a Business? A Live Panel with Lab MembersJoe Ziolkowski found the deal of a lifetime — a $10m manufacturing business — by expanding his filters on BizBuySell. Topics in Joe’s interview: References and how to contact Joe: LinkedInjoe@woodlandface.comWoodland FaceWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:38:03

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Build a $100m Holdco: The Power of ESOPs

4/17/2025
Register for the webinar: Licenses & Regulatory Issues in Acquisitions With 300 employees across 5 companies, the holdco that Chris Fredericks is building has an uncommon feature at its core. Topics in Chris’s interview: References and how to contact Chris: LinkedInEmpowered VenturesThe Empowered Owners PodcastThe Great Game of BusinessGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd: https://www.malaunchpad.comDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value): Book a call with Timhello@systemsix.comGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:38:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How to Reinvent a $1m Candle Manufacturer

4/14/2025
Register for the webinar: Licenses & Regulatory Issues in Acquisitions Adam Goldberg had to adapt his corporate approach after buying a nearly-closed manufacturer whose sales were down 80%. Topics in Adam’s interview: References and how to contact Adam: LinkedInSeraconGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd: https://www.malaunchpad.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:26:03

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Stars Align After 4 Broken Deals

4/10/2025
Register for the webinar: 5 Stages of the Business Buying Process Keegan Dum wound down his search fund after 2 years without a deal, but he went on to acquire & create a great outcome. Topics in Keegan’s interview: References and how to contact Keegan: LinkedInExited but Tired: 5 Years in a Hard Business Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagemark@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program: Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet $200 off your ticket to the M&A Launchpad Conference in Houston on May 3rd: https://www.malaunchpad.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Duration:01:19:22