The Epic Investor

How can you use a specific and structured framework to evaluate a business acquisition? It’s the 50th episode of The Epic Investor Podcast! In this 50th episode, Jason and Rich share real-world applications by demonstrating how to use the Epic SUCCEED formula in an active business acquisition. They break down each component of the framework - Structure, Underwriting, Core teams, Capital stack, Exit strategy, Execution, and Due diligence - to reveal how disciplined analysis keeps emotion out of investment decisions. Additionally, they discuss how analyzing historical financials, challenging assumptions, evaluating the existing team, stress testing financing structures, and identifying realistic growth opportunities can create greater confidence before closing a deal. Rich and Jason emphasize disciplined decision-making, the importance of verifying information, and maintaining the willingness to walk away when an opportunity does not withstand scrutiny. We hope this practical guide will help you in your acquisitions. We’re excited to celebrate the 50th episode with you! Here’s to 50 more! What you’ll learn in this episode:  (02:55) How deal structure determines the legal, financial, and investor framework of an acquisition. (04:51) How to calculate business valuations through weighted average EBITDA metrics rather than relying on peak single-year figures. (07:36) Methods for challenging seller add-backs during financial underwriting to verify real net income and debt service coverage. (13:08) Why the existing core team is critical to maintaining operations and supporting growth after an acquisition. (18:31) Capital stack construction and stress-test deal terms to protect cash flows during economic shifts. (22:10) Formulate an intentional exit strategy at the beginning of an acquisition to maximize long-term investor returns. (28:17) Execute thorough due diligence with a trust-but-verify approach to validate backlogs and identify when to walk away from a deal. Connect with your hosts:  * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/  * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/  Subscribe to "The Epic Investor":  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1  Learn more about Epic Capital Funds:  * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/  "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What would change if you became genuinely curious about the people you meet? In this episode, Rich and Jason explore how investors can replace meaningless small talk with authentic, high-value human connections. They talk about becoming more curious, present, and focused on the other person. Rich also shares the FORUM framework: Family and Friends, Occupation, Recreation, Uniqueness, and Making a difference. They use this as a practical guide for discovering common ground, building trust, and moving beyond transactional relationships. It’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships and create opportunities to genuinely serve others. What you’ll learn in this episode:  (01:58) Why traditional surface-level small talk fails. (04:49) The FORUM framework, and how family, occupation, recreation, uniqueness, and making a difference can guide deeper conversations. (09:34) How simple prompts such as “tell me more” can encourage people to open up and reveal what matters to them. (14:25) How connecting over recreational passions exposes real personality traits, and fuels authentic relationship building. (17:33) How recognizing someone's uniqueness can help people feel seen, valued, and understood. (21:44) How approaching differing opinions with humility and curiosity can honor another person while expanding your own perspective. (25:10) How moving beyond your own comfort and priorities to serve someone else can transform an ordinary interaction into a meaningful and impactful experience. Connect with your hosts:  * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/  * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/  Subscribe to "The Epic Investor":  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1  Learn more about Epic Capital Funds:  * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/  "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are your weekly activities actually moving you toward your biggest goals? Rich, Jason, and Bryce unpack the value of quarterly reviews and explain how breaking long-term objectives into specific 90-day priorities can create greater clarity, accountability, and traction. They discuss the downfalls of outdated scorecards and vanity metrics, while emphasizing the importance of measuring the activities and outcomes that truly drive the business forward. The conversation also challenges investors and business owners to set bigger goals, embrace discomfort, surround themselves with people who make them better, and stop wasting valuable quarters on work that doesn't move them toward what matters most. About Bryce Esplin: Bryce Esplin serves as the Chief Operating Officer for both Impact Equity Partners and Epic Capital Funds. He brings extensive professional experience in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, specializing in optimization, procedure standardization, and automation. Passionate about driving growth, Bryce focuses on understanding the granular details of operations to implement effective metrics and scale businesses efficiently. What you’ll learn in this episode:  (00:49) How quarterly reviews revisit core values, accountability structures, previous results, and the priorities that need to be accomplished over the next 90 days. (03:39) Understand the danger of keeping outdated weekly scorecard items that no longer align with your shifting targets. (05:49) How writing specific, controllable goals and eliminating unnecessary metrics can help teams focus on the activities that actually move the needle. (07:10) Identify why cutting out vanity metrics allows your team to focus exclusively on indicators that drive actual results. (10:16) How quarterly reviews can prevent businesses from becoming reactive and help them identify problems early enough to make meaningful changes. (15:00) Why setting significantly bigger goals can force you to abandon old approaches, embrace productive discomfort, and discover new ways to achieve results. (20:51) How an outside coach, advisor, or implementer can help leadership teams stay focused, work on the business instead of simply in it, and get more from strategic meetings. Connect with your hosts:  * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/  * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/  Subscribe to "The Epic Investor":  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1  Learn more about Epic Capital Funds:  * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/  "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What fears are keeping you from pursuing an investment opportunity that could change your future? We have an inspirational episode for you today! Rich and Jason interview Jared Macliver (The Kid Investor), who began developing his business and money-management skills as a young person, and purchased his first investment property before turning 18. Jared shares how education, coaching, creative financing, persistence, and a willingness to act despite fear helped him acquire and improve an RV park while continuing to pursue additional real estate opportunities. They discuss what it means to go against conventional expectations, trust yourself while remaining teachable, and keep taking the next step so you can open doors to extraordinary investment opportunities. Jared MacLiver is an entrepreneur and investor whose interest in business began at an early age through bookkeeping, small businesses, and hands-on management. He entered real estate as a teenager, using coaching, relationship building, creative financing, and disciplined underwriting to acquire his first property. Jared's approach is centered on taking action despite uncertainty, learning through experience, and finding creative ways to accomplish ambitious goals. What you’ll learn in this episode:  (01:26) How Jared's early experiences with bookkeeping and small businesses gave him a foundation in revenue, costs, profits, and money management. (07:31) How finding a qualified coach can educate you on best practices, and fast-track your entry into investing. (09:27) Why feeling scared does not always mean an investment decision is wrong and how to use fear as a signal to take action. (13:04) How Jared structured the acquisition of his RV park using seller financing and a loan from a friend. (15:40) Three actionable operational strategies to significantly increase the net operating income (of an RV park, for example). (18:36) Why committing fully to a goal, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and continuing to take the next step can help you move forward when others don't understand your path. (24:32) How to apply creative resourcefulness and delegation to accomplish projects larger than you could handle alone. Jared Macliver hosts a podcast: The Kid Investor - https://the-kid-investor.captivate.fm/ The podcast dives into the world of real estate investing through the eyes of the next generation. Jared interviews high-level investors, operators, and mentors who are doing big things, and shares the raw, behind-the-scenes stories of building wealth from scratch. Connect with your hosts:  * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/  * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/  Subscribe to "The Epic Investor":  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1  Learn more about Epic Capital Funds:  * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/  "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What simple changes today could strengthen a financial foundation for decades to come? In this episode, George Pace returns, joining Rich and Jason to discuss the principles that create long-term financial stability, emphasizing the importance of starting early, living below your means, consistently investing, and prioritizing income-producing assets over lifestyle inflation. They also explain why it's never too late to begin building wealth and how disciplined investing can compound over time. This episode and conversation brings great advice for investors wanting to create wealth while avoiding common financial mistakes. George Pace is a director with Epic Capital Funds who contributes to evaluating investment opportunities and strategic business acquisitions. He frequently works with operational partners to assess risk management frameworks and optimize portfolio efficiencies. What you’ll learn in this episode:  (01:11) Starting early with consistent savings leverages compound growth to establish long-term financial security. (03:14) Why it’s never too late to begin investing, and how taking the next financial step matters more than dwelling on missed opportunities. (08:56) How to evaluate investment sponsors by examining their track record, conducting background checks, and looking beyond projected returns. (12:49) Why experienced investors who openly discuss past mistakes provide valuable perspective and stronger leadership. (16:41) Why diversification across real estate, stocks, retirement accounts, and income-producing assets can improve both portfolio stability and peace of mind. (22:23) Why generating ongoing investment income provides flexibility, emergency reserves, and additional opportunities without forcing the sale of long-term assets. Connect with your hosts:  * Rich Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddjarvis/  * Jason Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-morris-jmo/  Subscribe to "The Epic Investor":  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1842931450  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IlXsLLc9AoeatJOVWzCWN  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpicCapitalFunds?sub_confirmation=1  Learn more about Epic Capital Funds:  * Website: https://www.epiccapitalfunds.com  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-capital-funds/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccapitalfunds/  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Epic-Capital-Funds/61564739830626/  "The Epic Investor" podcast will help you learn how to use private equity and real estate investing as tools for financial freedom and a more fulfilling life. We’ll guide you towards building passive income and making smarter investment decisions. In each episode, we’ll break down complex investment concepts into clear, actionable insights to give you freedom of purpose. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/