Acquiring Minds

Jenna Whigham and her brother bought a large business for a search fund, then grew it 6x larger over the last 5 years. Register for the webinar: The Operator’s Perspective: Running a Business for an OwnerTopics in Jenna’s interview: References and how to contact Jenna: LinkedInAbound HealthGet 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

Joseph Cruz left a lucrative job in finance to pursue business ownership. Year 1 has gone well (despite losing his GM). Register for the webinars: What Type of Franchise Is Right for You?The Operator’s Perspective: Running a Business for an OwnerTopics in Joseph’s interview: References and how to contact Joseph: LinkedInA&A LinkedInA&A Equipment and Supply Co. Articles by Joseph: From Spreadsheets to Steel-Toed Boots: Lessons from the First Few Months as an EntrepreneurSmall Businesses are Small for a Reason: What It Really Takes to Modernize a 40-Year-Old Distribution BusinessThe Real Work Begins: Midway Through My First Year as a Business OwnerTop 10 lessons from my first year of owning a businessDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagejenny@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses: Pioneer Capital AdvisoryIf you’re serious about buying a business, learn why Acquisition Lab members have a 40% success rate: The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

It took Robin Kovitz fours years to find her business, which she has built into an industry leader and her life's work. Register for the webinar: Quality of Technology (QoT) Report: Protecting Your AcquisitionTopics in Robin’s interview: References and how to contact Robin: LinkedInBaskitsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comIf you’re serious about buying a business, learn why Acquisition Lab members have a 40% success rate: The Acquisition LabWork 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 and produced by Pam Cameron

Jack Foster & Jake McLaughlin raised $2.8m to buy 10 Meineke stores. That equity has taken them further than expected. Register for the webinars: Offshore Talent vs. AI for Business BuyersQuality of Technology (QoT) Report: Protecting Your AcquisitionTopics in Jack and Jake’s interview: References and how to contact Jack and Jake: Jack Foster’s LinkedInJake McLaughlin’s LinkedInMeinekeGet 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 pagejenny@aspenhr.comGet 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 and produced by Pam Cameron

Corey Mullins had worked in the trade over a decade when he bought a tiny, failing HVAC business for its phone number. Register for the webinars: What Actually Makes a Good Deal? Patterns from 1,000+ TransactionsOffshore Talent vs. AI for Business BuyersTopics in Corey’s interview: References and how to contact Corey: completeairquality@gmail.comCool By DesignPatrick LangeBuy & Build a Trash Business to a $4.4m ExitWork 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

Eric Donahue quickly grew revenue to $6m thanks to operational enhancements, culture tweaks, and a little good luck. Register for the webinar: What Actually Makes a Good Deal? Patterns from 1,000+ TransactionsTopics in Eric’s interview: References and how to contact Eric: LinkedInPeninsula PavingHunter at Hanger LawLearn 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 pagejenny@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

After 25 years on The Street, Brian Anderson discovered passion in buying small businesses — despite brutal challenges. Register for the webinar: How to Handle Common Employee Issues When Buying a BusinessTopics in Brian’s interview: References and how to contact Brian: LinkedInDeco Manufacturing Summary and LessonsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagejenny@aspenhr.comGet 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

Naveen Vinta spends weekdays at the business he bought in Milkwaukee, away from home in Virginia. He's making it work. Register for the webinars: Add-Backs to Cash Flow for SBA LoansHow to Handle Common Employee Issues When Buying a BusinessTopics in Naveen’s interview: References and how to contact Naveen: LinkedInBailey CranesConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

After building a masonry business over 5+ years, Justin Escajeda bought his first company in 2018 and never looked back. Register for the webinars: From Owner to Owner: Business Transition LessonsTopics in Justin’s interview: References and how to contact Justin: LinkedInEscajeda HoldingsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabWork 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

After Megan McGee pivoted her search fund to a self-funded approach, she bought a business where she wanted to settle. Register for the webinars: From Owner to Owner: Business Transition LessonsTopics in Megan’s interview: References and how to contact Megan: LinkedInHow to 4x a Small Manufacturer Taking a Single-City Acquisition Nationwide Buying for Brand (Then Growing 4x)GuesthousesGet 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 pagejenny@aspenhr.comGet 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

Jonathan Taylor has quickly grown revenue 40% at his acquisition through digitization, process improvement, and sales. Topics in Jonathan’s interview: References and how to contact Jonathan: LinkedInAEK TechnologyComfortable Concentration for a $800k SDE BusinessStarted Mid-Career, Grew to $38m in 3 YearsLearn 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 TeamSmithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one: Smithlist - Operate & Lead a BusinessConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

After his first ownership experience ended badly, Joe Springsteen bought a $3.2m maintenance business that is thriving. Topics in Joe’s interview: References and how to contact Joe: LinkedInMallard SystemsShortening Your Search: Big 3 Little 2Work 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 pagejenny@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Edward McDonnell bought a local services business via traditional search fund and grew it to 8 branches across 5 states. Register for the webinar: SMB Cybersecurity: Why Operators Need a Risk AssessmentTopics in Edward’s interview: References and how to contact Edward: LinkedInBotanical Designsam@monroehillgp.comGet 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

Scott Crosby weathered the challenges that come with buying a 4.5-employee services business, and Year 2 is looking up. Register for the webinars: Common Legal Diligence Issues (and How to Handle Them)SMB Cybersecurity: Why Operators Need a Risk AssessmentTopics in Scott’s interview: References and how to contact Scott: LinkedInscottallencrosby@gmail.comAmerican Services St. LouisScott’s interview prep sheetBuy the deal analyzer spreadsheetDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagejenny@aspenhr.comGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.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

Tato Corcoran returns with updates on her ownership of a sink maker that had just $400k in revenue when she bought it. Register for the webinar: Red Flags That Kill or Reshape DealsTopics in Tato’s interview: References and how to contact Tato: LinkedInBrandt Molded MarbleWhen You Buy a Glorified Job, Not a BusinessExtreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif BabinProfit First by Mike MichalowiczGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business: nick@inzotechnologies.comLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory: The Acquisition LabWork 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

Don Grigg reflects on the different outcomes for 2 businesses he bought in his 30s, one of which became his life's work. Register for the webinar: Red Flags That Kill or Reshape DealsTopics in Don’s interview: References and how to contact Don: LinkedInNative WatercraftBonafide Kayaks Enough by John C. BogleGet 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 pagejenny@aspenhr.comGet 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

In addition to buying his own business, Evan DiLeonardi trades buy-side services for equity in other SMB acquisitions. Topics in Evan’s interview: References and how to contact Evan: LinkedInQuality Cleaning ServiceBuying to $4m Across 7 Sites in 3 YearsMeridian Peak CapitalWork 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

He started by buying a small flooring business in 2000. Today Paul Lajoie takes home $1m a year and works how he wants. Register for the webinar: Why Deal Flow Isn’t Your Biggest ProblemTopics in Paul’s interview: References and how to contact Paul: LinkedInpaul@bizbuypro.comKiplinger Today NewsletterConfessions of a MillionaireGobundanceLearn 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 pagejenny@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds: YouTube channelWill Smith on LinkedInWill on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov Produced by Pam Cameron

Andrew Kurzrok connected with his seller over his manufacturing background, leading to a successful deal and transition. Topics in Andrew’s interview: References and how to contact Andrew: LinkedInHopewell Sheet Metal ManufacturingWorking Capital for SMB AcquisitionsGet 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

Sensing untapped potential, Ville-Matias Vilén bought a sub-million manufacturer with good IP and global distribution. Topics in Ville’s interview: References and how to contact Ville: LinkedInFinnEasyDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR: From this pagejenny@aspenhr.comGet 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