Acquiring Minds cover art

Acquiring Minds

Written by: Will Smith
  • Summary

  • Buying a business is an amazing path for many successful entrepreneurs. Learn how to buy a business from the entrepreneurs who have already done it. 2x per week: stories, insights, & valuable advice about acquisition entrepreneurship. Hosted by Will Smith, who is on his own path to acquire a business. Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquiringMinds Sign up for episode summaries at: https://acquiringminds.co
    2021 - 2023, Acquiring Minds
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Episodes
  • Buying a Bankrupt 117-Year-Old Manufacturer
    Jun 6 2024

    Register here for the webinar, The DO's & DON'Ts of the LOI (legal office hours)

    • https://bit.ly/3yCQaOw


    Despite having no experience in manufacturing, Jens Grudno jumped when he heard about a failing straight-razor business.

    Topics in Jens’s interview:

    • Buying a bankrupt razor manufacturer
    • Embracing risk in German business culture
    • Cleaning out and moving a 116-year old business
    • Another company poaching their clients
    • Pitfalls to avoid when buying a business
    • Developing a new, innovative product
    • Operating a company six hours from home
    • Comparing start-ups to acquisition
    • Value of going where there's less competition
    • The craft of manufacturing

    References and how to contact Jens:

    • j.grudno@dovo.com
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • DOVO Online

    Smithlist is a new 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 Business

    Register for the Self-Funded Search Conference, September 13th - 15th in Dallas:

    • Self-Funded Search Conference

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    • The Acquisition Lab

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    • Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
    • Follow Will on Twitter
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 57 mins
  • Rolling Up EBITDA and Rents with Auto Repair Shops
    Jun 3 2024

    Register here for the webinar, The DO's & DON'Ts of the LOI (legal office hours)

    • https://bit.ly/4538koZ


    Stephen Quindlen & Paul Westhart have found powerful multipliers that could yield huge returns in an unlikely industry.

    Topics in Stephen and Paul’s interview:

    • Acquiring auto repair shops
    • Retaining talent by adding employee benefits
    • Fleet vs. passenger car business
    • Almost losing a foreman on day one
    • Why they love the Mountain West
    • Recruiting California workers to Idaho
    • Innovative real estate and business acquisition strategy
    • Offering quality service and strong warranties
    • Executing the SBA 504’s Green Loan strategy
    • Limitations of the SBA 7(a) loan for roll-ups

    References and how to contact Stephen and Paul:

    • Stephen Quindlen - LinkedIn
    • Paul Westhart - LinkedIn
    • stephen.quindlen@bluewrench.com
    • paul.westhart@bluewrench.com
    • Blue Wrench

    Smithlist is a new 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 Business

    Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

    • Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

    Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

    • Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

    Register for the Self-Funded Search Conference, September 13th - 15th in Dallas:

    • Self-Funded Search Conference

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
    • Follow Will on Twitter
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 57 mins
  • 3 Years Later, Climbing Out of the J Curve
    May 30 2024

    Matt Drndak bought a parts business with a plan to grow it. It worked — he's doubled earnings. But it's taken patience.

    Topics in Matt’s interview:

    • Losing everything in the Great Recession
    • His experience in franchises
    • Buying an online store for construction equipment parts
    • Leveraging service to stand out from competitors
    • Determining the value of the inventory
    • Serving customers with low computer literacy
    • Non-mechanic buying a mechanical parts business
    • Capturing the seller’s technical knowledge in YouTube videos
    • Doubling revenue in 3 years
    • Implementing EOS for future success

    References and how to contact Matt:

    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • DHS Equipment

    Smithlist is a new 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 Business

    Get a complementary pre-acquisition HR & PEO review for your target business:

    • Contact mark@aspenhr.com or visit Aspen HR

    Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

    • The Acquisition Lab

    Connect with Acquiring Minds:

    • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
    • Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
    • Follow Will on Twitter
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 21 mins

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