Acquiring Minds

Episod

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  Product-Market Fit in the Trades: 4x in 2.5 Years 23.07.2026 1j 38min

  Patrick Beal left tech to buy an HVAC business with 90% seller financing, no SBA. He's on track to hit $3.5m this year. Register for the webinar: Working Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4f8pSGYTopics in Patrick interview:Entrepreneurship in his familyZoom fatigue from remote workSearching in Northeast OhioFinding a business through his networkMeeting with the seller for almost a yearStructuring 10% down, 90% seller noteUnderestimating working capital needsKeeping his W-2 until the business grewQuadrupling revenue in 2 yearsWorking on getting his HVAC licenseReferences and how to contact Patrick:LinkedInTemperature Control MaintenanceLinh Tran on Acquiring Minds: The Dream Outcome: From $300k to $5m EBITDASteve Carroll on Acquiring Minds: ETA Unicorn:  $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 YearsDownload 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 AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.Connect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  No SBA, No Investors: The Liquidity Access Line 20.07.2026 1j 16min

  Brian Jungles bought a $400k direct mail business in Atlanta and skipped SBA by pledging his portfolio as collateral.Register for the webinars:Don't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/3T4OQOJWorking Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - Thu, Jul 23 - https://bit.ly/3T1aELeTopics in Brian’s interview:Leaving his corporate career at AdobeFinding a business through his networkAcquiring for $400k cashGetting a personal line of credit through his bankDirect mail is still effectiveGrowth is a lot of workHumbling experience of learning QuickbooksPicture-perfect transition of ownershipLearning to translate “corporate speak”“The entrepreneur community all wants to help each other.”References and how to contact Brian:LinkedInCity Publications AtlantaGet 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 MindsThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Acquiring a $7m Niche Marketing Agency with 50 Employees 16.07.2026 1j 22min

  Rob Belk networked his way to "the most caffeinated guy in town" searching for a local business — then found it online. Register for the webinars:From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4aKP3fYDon't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - Tue, Jul 21 - https://bit.ly/4feY1DPTopics in Rob’s interview:Geographic search in the Triad of North CarolinaNetworking with local business ownersFinding a business through AxialBuying a marketing and consumer research agencyHis choice to stay out of the weedsBringing in a consultant (maybe too) earlyHow his agency intersects with the tradesStructuring a 50% earnoutConsensus-based leadership styleFinding clients through SubstackReferences and how to contact Rob:LinkedInSales FactoryAdam Duggins on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a Holdco of 4 Blue Collar Businesses in 10 YearsJoe Soelberg on Acquiring Minds: Buying Small to Then Buy Larger $1m SDEBryan Houck on Acquiring Minds: 4th Time's the Charm: 3 Broken Deals to Buy a Great BusinessScott Alexander on Acquiring Minds: Rebuilding from 80% Collapse to Mid 7 Figures Revenue Rob’s 10-page Search LearningsGet 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.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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Escaping the J-Curve in a $700k SDE Ecom Business 13.07.2026 1j 30min

  Chris Farkas endured a 7-week fetal position moment when he finally found a website bug that had cost him $500k in sales.Register for the webinar:From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - Thu, Jul 16 - https://bit.ly/4vRBhk8Topics in Chris’s interview: Going through Acquisition LabFirst deal fell through on Christmas EveAcquiring an ecommerce business with a warehouseBuying inventory he didn’t wantThe marketing agencies that hurt his businessBusiness almost tanked due to website glitchDoing $10k in sales per dayHardship of traveling every other weekWhy he stays off AmazonMake only one change at a timeReferences and how to contact Chris:LinkedInEmergencyKits.comRuss Hadlock on Acquiring Minds: The Front Lines of a CrisisDave Richards of Keystone Business AdvisorsKalen Foster of Live Oak BankGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Never Worked Harder, Never Been Happier 09.07.2026 1j 27min

  After 25 years in corporate, Gina Rosen bought a jewelry wholesaling business with $635k in sales — now on track to $1m.Register for the webinar: Finance Essentials Before You Close - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4fcxTdKTopics in Gina’s interview:Leaving corporate for more family timeDecoupling her salary from her valueAcquiring the supplier for her side gigHer mistake with buying inventoryKeeping her corporate job the first yearGoing full time in the business to focus on salesStanding out by making sales calls in-personOperating a highly seasonal businessHow tariffs have affected her businessAcquiring without the SBA References and how to contact Gina:LinkedInSeasons JewelryThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Career Consultant Who Bought a 7-Figure Manufacturer 06.07.2026 1j 26min

  Buying a metal fabricator with $1m in earnings pivoted Paul Callahan into the new entrepreneurial chapter of his career.Register for the webinar: Finance Essentials Before You Close - Thu, Jul 9 - https://bit.ly/4eMaUowTopics in Paul’s interview:M&A, integrations, and private equity experienceCOVID Zoom fatigue sparked career pivotAtlanta’s crowded deal market challengesHiring buy-side help while still workingPursuing full ownership without outside investorsNavigating two simultaneous LOIs carefullyChoosing SBA 504 over 7(a) financing for the real estateAcquiring a high capex businessReplacing Ferrari equipment with Toyota reliabilityWhy consultants make strong ETA operatorsReferences and how to contact Paul:LinkedInMetro Metal WorksWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.Get 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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  (replay)Art of the Roll-Up: 40 Businesses in 4 Years 02.07.2026 1j 23min

  Jeff Homer bought a small local music school as a fun side hustle. It turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime.Topics in Jeff interview:Switching from high finance to music schoolsBuying his first music school as a side projectRaising growth equity after first 2 acquisitionsAcquiring a music school every monthArtists’ negative predisposition toward sellingComparing profitability of music vs. danceImportance of general managers in scalingImplementing apps to streamline operationsOther industries with roll-up potentialRolling up 60+ music/dance schools nationwideReferences and how to contact Jeff:LinkedInEnsemble Performing ArtsDownload 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 AdvisoryThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Growing a $5m Metal Business 40% in Year 1 29.06.2026 1j 36min

  Caleb Standafer believed in manufacturing and wanted to spend his career there. A multi-year pivot and ETA got him in.Topics in Caleb’s interview:Moving from tech to manufacturingManufacturing is important for our country7 years operating before searchingThe manufacturing concept of “going to Gemba”His 4-year part-time searchTaking time weekly to develop his leaders Partnering with his dadModernizing 1970s technologyManaging 75% customer concentrationRenegotiating payment terms with his largest customerReferences and how to contact Caleb:LinkedInSpringfield Tool & DieGet 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 for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.Connect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  How to 4x EBITDA in 3 Years Without Growing Sales 25.06.2026 1j 23min

  Ned Tomasevic navigated an early crisis then grew EBITDA to $6m and exited at over 8x, four turns higher than he'd paid.Register for the webinar: Transferable Skills: Crafting Your Resume for SBA Lenders - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4v3KOnfTopics in Ned’s interview:Being the first American in his familyUtilizing 20 interns for outreachAcquiring with help from a search fundPost-closing discovery led to lawsuitStress shows up in your body firstGetting guidance from his coach and mentorsReducing shrink from 20% to 3%Quadrupling EBITDA in 3 yearsTaking a year off after exitingHis new role as investor, coach and mentorReferences and how to contact Ned:LinkedInSearchers FundJason Jackson on Acquiring Minds: How to Recover from a Fraudulent SellerGet 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.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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Leaving $700s/Yr to Buy an Underperforming Printing Business 22.06.2026 1j 25min

  Dominick Smith left a lucrative track in PE to pursue a path that offered more meaning. Buying a business has delivered.Register for the webinars: Overcoming Common Deal Sticking Points - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/3Qx1g0WTransferable Skills: Crafting Your Resume for SBA Lenders - Thu, Jun 25 - https://bit.ly/4uOEqQDTopics in Dominick’s interview:Leaving a lucrative job in his late 20’sDodging bullets with due diligenceRenegotiating purchase priceManaging white collar vs blue collar employeesWasting money on ineffective marketingLearning budgeting and frugalityAdvantages of staying in the weedsAggressively pursuing new businessDiscovering and fixing poor website speedsHis intent to sell the businessReferences and how to contact Dominick:LinkedInPrintmoz.comHeather Endresen at Viso Business CapitalBrendan O’Brien at Huntington BankAizik Zimmerman on Acquiring Minds: Founder Mode for ETA: $6m to $25m in 3 YearsGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  From Software to Concrete Cutting (and $1.4m of SDE) 18.06.2026 1j 38min

  When the owner refused a seller note in the $6m transaction to sell his business, Tom McCormick had to get creative.Register for the webinar: Understanding a Quality of Earnings Analysis: What's Included and Why - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/43sZcKnTopics in Tom’s interview:From IBM executive to acquisition entrepreneurBuilding banker relationships to source better dealsClosing on his first LOIConsulting agreement replaced traditional seller note “I wish I would've started this path 15 years ago.”Winning seller’s trust through shared valuesUsing ROBS to buy a larger companyA costly lesson about accounts receivable valuationPrioritizing keeping the blue collar workforce happy“I am so much happier now.”References and how to contact Tom:LinkedInQuality Cutting & CoringThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:The Acquisition LabGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.Download 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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Good Bones: Saving a $3m Business in Decline 15.06.2026 1j 49min

  Despite his love of operations, Himmat Singh intended to own his acquisition passively. Then the lead sales guy quit.Register for the webinar: Understanding a Quality of Earnings Analysis: What's Included and Why - Thu, Jun 18 - https://bit.ly/4vhhY3tTopics in Himmat’s interview:Operating a business for a billionaire in IndiaRan traditional search, closed zero acquisitionsTargeted recession-proof home care opportunitiesBecame CEO of elder care company he couldn’t acquireGrew EBITDA 4x through operational cleanup and systemsSold company to private equity, remaining CEOLife-changing exit from elder care companyLanded printing acquisition through relationshipsPrefers operating to financial modelingStructuring a screaming deal on a printing businessReferences and how to contact Himmat:LinkedInEPI-ColorspaceCircle of LifeWork 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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  How to Buy a $20m Business as a First-Timer 11.06.2026 1j 31min

  When Alan Turkus found a business with a mission, he knew he'd found the right fit for the final chapter of his career.Topics in Alan’s interview:Background in book publishingPost-MBA career in techTaking a career break to raise his sonFrom co-op cashier to co-CEOSeeking security through business ownershipAcquiring a home health and hospice franchiseRaising equity from search investorsRetaining a little over 50% ownershipStructuring with 2 forgivable seller notesThe advantage of buying a bigger businessReferences and how to contact Alan:LinkedInInterim Healthcare of Twin CitiesElliott Edge on Acquiring Minds: 1 Business vs Many: Deciding to Roll UpGrant Hensel of Entrepreneurial CapitalJacob Hall of Kando CapitalPROX Capital GroupConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  How to De-Risk the Personal Guarantee 08.06.2026 1j 11min

  Brendan Burdette and Ryan Conner have launched personal guarantee insurance to enable more — and stronger — SBA buyers.Register for the webinar: Score It or Skip It: A Framework for Fast Deal Evaluation - Thu, Jun 11 - https://bit.ly/3Q1D9qMTopics in Brendan & Ryan’s interview:Psychological weight of the personal guaranteeBuilding a personal guarantee insurance productTaking the risk from a 10 to a 5Sequence of events after defaultTargeting mid to late career operatorsPremiums decrease over timeBalancing risk between unequal partnersSolving the seller rollover conflictPhilosophy of “skin in the game”How they hope this affects ETA ecosystemReferences and how to contact Brendan & Ryan:Brendan Burdette’s LinkedInRyan Conner’s LinkedInPersonal Guarantee Insurance Get 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 AdvisoryThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  The Origin Story of a Compounder ($80m and Counting) 04.06.2026 1j 25min

  Greg Shapiro & Zach Cooper-Vastola are building a long-term, compounding business they see as the anti-PE of the trades. Register for the webinar:Franchising for the ETA Buyer: Resales, Roll-Ups, and Real Deals - TODAY - https://bit.ly/49sKF4HTopics in Greg and Zach’s interview:Founders combined technical and financial expertiseShifted from SaaS to long-term ownershipAcquired century-old Manhattan HVAC companyHigh cost and complexities of New York marketAvoided SBA limits to scale acquisitionsWhat “Anti-PE” means to themDigitization takes longer than you thinkLiving lean on low salariesPredicting HVAC roll-up market shakeout aheadInfluence and investment from Will ThorndikeReferences and how to contact Greg and Zach:HickoryGreg Shapiro LinkedInZach Cooper-Vastola LinkedInWill ThorndikeSteve Carroll on Acquiring Minds: ETA Unicorn: $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 YearsGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Started as SBA Searcher, Built to a PE Fund 01.06.2026 1j 46min

  The first business Joe Wechsler bought had $280k of SDE. Seven years later, he runs a fund with $50m of buying power.Register for the webinar: Franchising for the ETA Buyer: Resales, Roll-Ups, and Real Deals - Thu, June 4 - https://bit.ly/4vnGP5uTopics in Joe’s interview:Background in management consultingInspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad to own assetsJoining an early cohort of the Acquisition LabSearching is more fun with a partnerFirst deal died 10 days before closingDiscovering employees had never been paid overtimeTotal office staff turnover in first 4 monthsAcquiring 4 diverse businessesLaunching a $25M equity fund with 5 partnersIt’s all about the peopleReferences and how to contact Joe:LinkedInBlueline VenturesWho by Geoff Smart and Randy StreetRich Dad, Poor Dad by Richard T. KiyosakiGet 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 TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Buying $1.5m of Earnings Without an SBA Loan 28.05.2026 1j 23min

  As a South African in the US, Justus Luttig had to get creative to search then buy 2 trades businesses at the same time.Register for the webinar: New $10m Limit for SBA Loans: What You Need to Know - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4v3zKXhTopics in Justus’s interview: Growing up on a cattle ranch in South AfricaDisillusioned with the venture capital bubblePerception of white collar work as “the dream”Meeting successful owners of blue-collar businessesBig deal failure on his birthdayStructuring a deal without the SBAChallenges of searching on an H1B visaMerging an HVAC with a plumbing businessThe magic happens when you leave your deskAcquiring during the slow seasonReferences and how to contact Justus:LinkedInCopeland Home ServicesThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  The Magic of Low Multiple + Growth 25.05.2026 1j 33min

  David Graf went after a business that had sat on the market, acquiring $750k of EBITDA for 2.7x. It's going well.Register for the webinars: Negotiating Working Capital in SMB Acquisitions - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4a2ozGeNew $10m Limit for SBA Loans: What You Need to Know - Thu, May 28 - https://bit.ly/49j3V4tTopics in David’s interview: Drive to earn money as a kidChoosing to skip business schoolAdvantages of acquiring in TexasPreparing his case to convince his wifeWorking full time while searchingGrowth is often underpricedWholesaling real estate he didn’t wantHow to decide whether to keep an employeeJoining a group for manufacturing ownersNear-crisis days before closingReferences and how to contact David:LinkedInDanhardRand LarsenScalepathGet a Grip by Mike PatonWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.Get 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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  Rolling Up an Industry with 1.5x Multiples 21.05.2026 1j 55min

  Truc Nguyen has acquired 2 nail salons, an overlooked but fragmented industry where businesses trade at low multiples.Register for the webinar:Negotiating Working Capital in SMB Acquisitions - Tue, May 26 - https://bit.ly/4eQfCTRTopics in Truc’s interview:Why she chose the nail salon industryHer vision for a rollupAnalyzing a current nail salon business listingLow multiples in the nail spaceBargaining power of good nail techsSquare footage and number of chairs mattersDocumenting SOPs for her first salonStaffing a 7-day-a-week businessCreating a great company cultureThe changing face of nail salonsReferences and how to contact Truc:LinkedInSarah Romer on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy a Salon as an Industry Outsider (and Survive)Get 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 AdvisoryThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business: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 Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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  The Origins and Future of a 9-Figure SMB Holdco 18.05.2026 1j 49min

  Gant Elmore and Matt Moldenhauer each bought $2m businesses they built over years. Today their holdco does over $200m. Register for the webinar:Revenue Recognition & Quality of Revenue in SMB Deals - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4dMvx4wTopics in Matt & Gant’s interview:3 generations of acquisition entrepreneursMatt started as operator, became partnerBain mentors warned Matt not to do ETAGoal of owning 50 companies by 2050Being the Ferrari in a price-competitive industryWhy they prefer holding to exitingChallenge of giving control to an operatorGant and his dad teach ETA togetherWar stories from small business operationsDemand exceeds supply of great businessesReferences and how to contact Matt & Gant:Elmore Companiesmatt.moldenhauer@elmorecompanies.comMatt’s LinkedInGant’s LinkedInDownload 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 MindsGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.Connect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron