In this episode, Wade Bruffey from Main Street Securities discusses the growing asset class of small business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of owner-operators and the financing landscape. He shares insights from his personal journey in the industry and highlights the role of his company in supporting entrepreneurs in their acquisition endeavors. The conversation underscores the significance of community impact and the opportunities available in the small business sector.

About our Guest: Wade Bruffey - Main Street Securities
Wade Bruffey is a registered representative with Main Street Securities LLC, a FINRA member broker-dealer based in Austin, Texas, specializing in helping acquisition entrepreneurs raise equity capital for small and medium-sized business acquisitions. He focuses on deals typically ranging from $500,000 to $15 million in cash flow in the lower middle market.

Wade began his career in private equity at Salt Creek Capital, gaining extensive experience in small business acquisitions. He later served as Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Eko, a healthcare technology company, where he led global technology integrations and deployed over 3,000 endpoints including at the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

As an entrepreneur, Wade co-founded and led GoMobi.work (2022-2024), helping organizations improve employee coaching and internal communication, and operated Wade Bruffey Performance Strategy, providing business strategy consulting to professionals and entrepreneurs.

Wade joined Main Street Securities in July 2024 after serving as Lead Acquisition Advisor at Mainshares. He is passionate about professionalizing the small business acquisition space and helping owner-operators access capital to grow businesses in their communities.

Contact Information
Company: Main Street Securities LLC
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wadebruffey
Website: MainStreetSecurities.net
Location: Austin, Texas

Takeaways

-Main Street Securities focuses on helping clients raise equity for small business acquisitions.

-Owner-operators play a crucial role in the success of small businesses.

-The SBA 7A loan program is a valuable resource for financing acquisitions.

-Community involvement is a key factor in successful business transitions.

-Wade's background includes experience in private equity and small business acquisitions.

-The importance of compliance and professional standards in the investment space.

-Small businesses are vital to their communities and the economy.

-Wade emphasizes the emotional journey of closing a business deal.

-Main Street Securities provides ongoing support post-acquisition.

-The conversation highlights the accessibility of alternative investments for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Main Street Securities and SMB Land

02:30 Understanding Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

05:23 The Role of Owner-Operators in Business Acquisitions

08:28 Navigating Financing for Small Business Acquisitions

10:53 The Importance of Community and Commitment in Business

13:46 Characteristics of Successful Clients and Operators

19:21 Transformative Success Stories in Business Acquisitions

23:04 Wade's Journey into Finance and Acquisitions

28:00 Main Street's Role in Post-Acquisition Support

34:01 The Community and Resources for Business Acquirers

34:55 Final Thoughts on Alternative Investments and Opportunities

Sponsored by:
Real Advisers, Austin, Texas

Video and Podcast Production by:

Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas: https://redsuncreative.studio

For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

Roland Wiederanders: rolandw@fbfk.law 

Sarah Florer: sflorer@fbfk.law 

Disclaimers: 

“This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”

“The hosts of this podcast practice law with the law firm, Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC; however, the views expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and their guests, and not those of Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC.”

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