Acquiring Minds

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 Problem - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/4ah8L1ETopics in Paul’s interview:Background in Big Six accountingBuying the first business he looked atPartnering with his brotherDownsizing his lifestyle in the beginningUnderestimating working capital needsDetailed partnership agreementsYou are not smarter than the sellerPivoting to remodeling after 2008 crashAcquisition vs startup success ratesHis BizBuyPro communityReferences 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 page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced 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:Background in science and national labsSpending all his time traveling for workWanting to stop traveling when his son was bornStudying management at YaleGaining management experience before searchingMaking a “no” listSuccess with cold calling business ownersPutting down 25% equityRegional moat of sheet metalHis “crawl, walk, run” approach to operationsReferences and how to contact Andrew:LinkedInHopewell Sheet Metal ManufacturingHeather Endresen’s working capital webinar: Working 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:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced 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:Desire to “eat what he kills”1990’s Finnish RecessionAversion to solving people problemsAcquiring a cattle brush manufacturerFunding his deal in FinlandPatents as a moatRelocating the manufacturing 5 hours awaySharing ownership with his family’s companyGoal to grow 5x in 5 yearsLong-term holdco visionReferences and how to contact Ville:LinkedInFinnEasyDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Despite success in corporate, Jarom Wren wanted more freedom, so he traded 5 figures of salary for 7 figures of revenue.Topics in Jarom’s interview:Realizing he was renting himself to a corporationMid-career risk assessmentSearching for a digital businessChoosing the lowest cost Q of E“Deals want to die”Risks of a 4-year old e-com businessOffering education as well as DIY productsDeciding against using ROBSBuying 70% of the companyHis first year report cardReferences and how to contact Jarom:LinkedInVanlife OutfittersHarley Sitner on Acquiring Minds: Building a Beloved Brand from a Tiny, Dying BusinessGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

Family planning and entrepreneurship converged as Linh & Leo Van Deibel bought their first (and not last) business.Topics in Linh & Leo’s interview:Making the case for business acquisitionTaking family planning into accountSearching in the UK as a non-citizenBeing taken seriously as an Asian womanTheir goal of building a holdcoThousands of meetings with sellersSearch is a numbers gameBrutal IVF processGiving up on acquiring SaaSBuying an engineering consulting firmReferences and how to contact Linh & Leo:Linh Van Deibel LinkedInLeo Deibel LinkedInTheir acquisition, Infrastructure Design SolutionsLinh Tran on Acquiring Minds: The Dream Outcome: From $300k to $5m EBITDAGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherLearn 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:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Jacob VosWinkel searched in tertiary markets to find a successful flooring store, his platform to build something big.Register for the webinar:What You’re Really Paying: Net Working Capital & Net Debt Explained - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/49WI4AoTopics in Jacob’s interview:Recommending markets of 50k-100k peopleScraping BizBuySell listingsReaching out to 200 potential investorsRaising $1 million equity in 2 weeksAdvantages/disadvantages of searching under 30Moving across the country for the transitionFlying home on weekendsGrowing to reduce customer concentrationHis responsibility to employeesGrowing 50% in 2 yearsReferences and how to contact Jacob:Jacob’s YouTube channelFloors GaloreLinkedInJordan Dubin on Acquiring Minds: First Acquisition in March, $200m by Year EndLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

George Stern leaned into changing consumer search habits when he bought a digital marketing agency doing mid-7 figures.Register for the webinars: Which Franchise Industries Make Sense in 2026? - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4jQCN0UWhat You’re Really Paying: Net Working Capital & Net Debt Explained - Jan 22nd - https://bit.ly/49mgU5YTopics in George’s interview:Turning around an Amazon seller’s agencyAcquiring 2 small ecommerce businessesLoving the customers more than the productSelling his camping equipment businessAcquiring an SEO agencyExtreme difficulty getting a loanBig banks aren’t always betterChoosing cold calling despite challengesIndustry knowledge is overratedBeing a “recovering, type-A control freak”References and how to contact George:LinkedInGrant and Julia Hensel on Acquiring Minds: Quitting Consulting to Buy a $1m SDE AgencyWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet 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 Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Phil Koller studied the concentration and key man risks in a distribution business well-suited to him — and went for it.Register for the webinar:From W2 to Owner Mindset: How to Think About Your Take-Home Pay - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4r5RsI3Topics in Philip’s interview:Preferred working in a small companyHis friend talked him into real estate, then ETAInspired by Rich Dad, Poor DadImportance of having his wife on boardPaused search due to upcoming second childBought Roman Enterprises, an automotive paint distributorInherited exactly 1 employeeDid door-to-door sales to learn marketManaged customer and supplier concentration riskDrew perseverance from grandfather’s Holocaust survivalReferences and how to contact Philip:LinkedInRoman EnterprisesBen Jasper on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy a Manufacturer with $1m in Cash FlowJerod Pierce on Acquiring Minds: From SBA Loan to High 8-Figure Exit Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@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:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Matt Orley wanted to enter the short-term rentals space. Buying a business — and a brand he admired — was his way in.Register for the webinars:DO’s and DON'Ts of the LOI -  TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/3YtLIvpFrom W2 to Owner Mindset: How to Think About Your Take-Home Pay - Jan 15th - https://bit.ly/4qJ1Xk5Topics in Matt’s interview:Investment properties as a side hustleEvolving short-term rental ecosystemDifficult transition with the sellerInfluence of Airbnb on customer expectationsImportance of clear communicationRolling up property management companiesConcentrating on one region of the countryDifference between urban and rural marketsLaunching a membership programPutting the brand first when making decisionsReferences and how to contact Matt:LinkedInInstagramRed CottageGet 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 Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Adam Vandermyde had to be persuaded to acquire the $15m business that he ultimately professionalized and exited to PE.Register for the webinar: How to Present Your Deal for Maximum SBA Success - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/3KW7aWLTopics in Adam’s interview:Leaving consulting 2 months from making partnerTaking on the CEO role at the target before closingFocusing on EBITDA over revenueA construction mistake that cost the company dearlyParsing data to understand “margin per labor dollar”Advantages of being in a high-growth geographical areaImproving customer service to stand outExiting after 5 yearsAdrenaline rush of sharing his payday with employeesHow it feels to be a millionaireReferences and how to contact Adam:LinkedInGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn 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:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Joe Odell and his partner acquired a business with over $4m in earnings and lots of green flags. It went sideways fast.Register for the webinar: How to Present Your Deal for Maximum SBA Success - Jan 8th - https://bit.ly/4snUKHYTopics in Joe’s interview:His blue collar, military backgroundVolunteering without pay for a consulting companyUltimately rejecting the tech industryFinding his search partner at business schoolSeeking out a complex businessDoing traditional search, on his wife’s adviceAcquiring a home health adjacent companyPost-close cash crisisLosing a key sales repFatal “pen stroke risk”References and how to contact Joe:LinkedInGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

The first business Joe Soelberg bought did $400k SDE. The experience and cash flow enabled a second, larger acquisition.Topics in Joe’s interview:Leaving corporate for a chance to manage P&LHis toughest pitch was to his wifeAcquiring a 3D design firmPivoting hard during CovidHiring a manager with a design backgroundAcquiring a branding agencyDifference between branding and marketingRetainer model for recurring revenueOffering less than listing priceHis hand-off relationship with his businessesReferences and how to contact Joe:LinkedInPoint B CommunicationsSONNY+ASHMike Curry on Acquiring Minds: It’s All Your Fault: How to Become CEO of Your AcquisitionJohannes Hock on Acquiring Minds: Buy and 3x a Project Based Business in Just 2 YearsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet 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 Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Former pro bowler Mike Fagan bought a $2m bowling center with a plan to roll up and rejuvenate these legacy businesses.Topics in Mike’s interview:His professional bowling careerConnecting with a bowling-specific brokerEconomic role of league bowlersThe decline of bowling in AmericaTraditional bowling vs BowleroBuying a traditional, older bowling alleyRunning leaner to pay down debtEmployee resistance to changeSuccess with online bookingsHis goal of managing remotelyReferences and how to contact Mike:LinkedInTenpins & MoreBowling Alone by Robert D. PutnamCarlo Santelli on Acquiring Minds: ​​How to Buy a $13m Business with No PG, No InvestorsWebinar: Using a Sale-Leaseback to Buy a BusinessLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Tato Corcoran packed a lifetime of learning (and tears) into 18 months when she left tech & bought a tiny manufacturer.Topics in Tato’s interview:Connecting with sellers through direct mailHer “Say yes and figure it out later” approachDifficulty in hiring unskilled laborHow she solved her labor issueBeing a single woman in a male industryLearning Spanish to communicate with her employeesHemorrhaging money the first 8 monthsRaising prices 40% without losing customersThe difference between good growth and bad growthDoubling top line revenueReferences and how to contact Tato:Linkedintatohomes@gmail.comThe direct mail piece Tato used to reach business ownersDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@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:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

The construction services business Christian Bateson bought will do $7.5m in 2024. It also rescued him from the depths.Topics in Christian’s interview:His front row seat to the 2008 financial crisisQualities of a top salespersonBusiness acquisition as a way out of a miserable careerShopping around for an SBA loanChoosing to play to his strengths and outsource his weaknessesDifficulty in hiring for constructionBouncing back and growing after Covid lossesRed flags he ignored when acquiring his second businessHow his finance background benefited himHis $100 million goalReferences and how to contact Christian:LinkedInResolute ServicesGet 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 Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on Twitter

Respected consumer brands are not common in lower middle market acquisitions, but Philip Hussey and Chenmark bought one.Topics in Philip’s interview:Chenmark’s acquisition of Thomas MoserLeading a furniture business as a non-craftsmanChenmark’s hold-forever intentionWait times for custom, hand-made furnitureLong tenure of craftsmenCommitment to world-class qualityGetting away from offering discountsBuilding talent through their woodworker schoolRunning a company with a strong legacy behind itDownside to owning your manufacturingReferences and how to contact Philip:LinkedInThos. MoserChenmarkGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherLearn 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:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Robert Gayden worked for over a year to buy a home care business. Revenue kept growing but the price remained the same.Register for the webinar: What Killed Deals in 2025 - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/44r1pH5Topics in Robert’s interview:Influence of his late fatherThe “go bigger” search philosophyAppeal of the home health care industry17-month acquisition processChoosing to operate “in the weeds” of the businessLeading with high expectationsFocusing on increasing salesAchieving 15% growth in 8 monthsWorking capital dynamics in home careInvesting in employeesReferences and how to contact Robert:LinkedInAizik Zimerman on Acquiring Minds: Founder Mode for ETA $6m to $25m in 3 YearsMorgan McCauley on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy a $2.5m Home Care BusinessDevin Fitzgerald on Acquiring Minds: Buying $5m of Revenue with $50k of EquityRobert Graham & Aaron Blick on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a Roll-Up to $60m RevenueJérôme Bouillon on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy & Double a Home Care AgencyGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Scott Duncan endured brutal ups & downs — and personal depression — during his ownership of a doomed tool & die businessRegister for the webinar: How to Model an Investor-Backed Search Acquisition - TODAY! - https://bit.ly/3XysjZBTopics in Scott’s interview:Wishing he had listened to his gutThe risk of EBITDA (vs. revenue) concentrationManaging highly skilled primadonnas Employee theftLosing key employeesLong sales cycles and fixed quotesForced Covid shutdownRazor and blade business modelFacing aggressive creditorsFiling Chapter 7References and how to contact Scott:LinkedInLearn 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 page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Andy Rougeot launched remote territories of the blue collar business he bought, which led to $1.7m of EBITDA and an exitRegister for the webinars: How to Invest In SMBs (Without Buying One Yourself) - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4rBI4NbHow to Model an Investor-Backed Search Acquisition - Dec 11th - https://bit.ly/4owBkNWTopics in Andy’s interview:His experience as an Army intelligence officerWhen in doubt, do the dirtiest jobThe military concept of “left seat, right seat” trainingSearching from the public libraryVeterans are well-suited to blue-collar leadershipRewards of leading young menGaining warm leads in new marketsHis team’s competitive edgeExiting his business to run for mayor of DenverInvesting in self-funded searchersReferences and how to contact Andy:LinkedInSearch Fund Secondaries GroupAndy’s webinar: Liquidity Options for Search InvestorsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Steve Carroll started as an SBA searcher before pivoting to a PE-backed roll-up. It's gone better than he ever expected.Register for the webinars: How to Run the SBA Deal Race - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/3Xh3WQbHow to Invest In SMBs (Without Buying One Yourself) - Dec 9th - https://bit.ly/44Gylv1Topics in Steve’s interview:Experience working for WalMart corporateSearching while working full timeMyth of passive incomeLarge dead deal costs from a failed acquisitionPartnering with his childhood friendUnderestimating working capital needs100-hour weeks away from his familyRapidly scaling through M&ABeware owners who leave quicklyAchieving $1 billion in revenue in 5 yearsReferences and how to contact Steve:LinkedInKelso IndustriesDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron