Alicia Powers wanted to buy a general contractor but understood the risks in such businesses and negotiated accordingly.

Register for the webinar:

• Kill It Early: Spot Red Flags Before Spending on Diligence - Thu, May 14 - https://bit.ly/4wqiYU3

Topics in Alicia’s interview:

• Air Force construction experience
• Corporate job at an elevator company
• Leading a shower remodeling startup
• Layoff motivated her toward acquisition
• Why franchising isn’t for her
• Acquiring a small construction business
• Getting her general contractor license
• Specializing in home additions/ADUs
• Tailwinds in the San Diego area
• Surprisingly long sales cycle

References and how to contact Alicia:

• LinkedIn
• Price Builders

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 Minds

The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:

• The Acquisition Lab

Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

• Pioneer Capital Advisory

Connect with Acquiring Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow Will on Twitter

Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron

Brendan Duebner's goal is to build a healthy, long-term business of 20-40 people. Buying a $1.2m MSP was his first step.

Topics in Brendan’s interview:

• Learning to lead in the Army
• Summer internship with Josh Medow
• Cold calling is unpleasant but effective
• Living and acquiring in the Bay Area
• Working in the business before closing
• Signs of seller integrity
• 85% seller note with no personal guarantee
• Implementing EOS himself
• Choosing to only hire local
• His mission of building a tribe

References and how to contact Brendan:

• LinkedIn
• IT Total Care
• Josh Medow on Acquiring Minds: How to Unlock Growth in a 40-Year-Old Business You Buy
• Abhi Ravishankar on Acquiring Minds: The $50m Lifestyle Holdco

Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

• Pioneer Capital Advisory

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

• Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:

• From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com

Connect with Acquiring Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow Will on Twitter

Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron

Andrew Blazenko has made 6 acquisitions over the last ten years. Pairing businesses with operators is key to his model.

Topics in Andrew’s interview:

• Background as a business broker
• Wanted the exit joy for himself
• Danger of low barrier to entry
• Finding great operators to run his businesses
• Business acquisition requires reps
• Executive in Residence program
• Requiring operators to invest in the business
• Difficulty of raising equity in Canada
• Shipping costs as a natural moat
• Living as a “gentleman of leisure”

References and how to contact Andrew:

• LinkedIn
• ProSafe
• Eterna Equity
• TrueFoam

The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:

• The Acquisition Lab

Get 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 Minds

Connect with Acquiring Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow Will on Twitter

Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron