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Business Buying for Financial Independence

Business Buying for Financial Independence

By: Tim Delaney Business Buying Content Creator
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About this listen

 Are you tired of the 9-5 grind and looking for a path to financial independence? Welcome to Business Buying for Financial Independence, the podcast that helps aspiring entrepreneurs escape the rat race by acquiring a small business. Hosted by Tim Delaney, an experienced business buyer and real estate investor who purchased his first business with just 10% down, this show dives deep into the strategies, challenges, and success stories of real people who built wealth through business acquisition. Each episode features Tim's personal experiences or insightful interviews with business buyers, investors, and industry experts who share their knowledge on acquiring, financing, and growing small businesses. Whether you're exploring SBA loans, seller financing, business brokers, deal sourcing, due diligence, or post-acquisition growth strategies, this podcast is your essential guide for entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). If you're ready to own your time, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom by buying an established business instead of starting from scratch, hit subscribe and begin your journey today! How Do I buy a business? How do I buy a business with no money? Can you buy a business with no money? What to do to buy a business? How do I finance a business purchase? Why buy a business? Why buy a small business? What is the business buying process? What is the process of buying a business? How to achieve financial freedom? How to achieve financial independence? How do you achieve financial independence through buying a business? How do I buy a business to achieve financial independence? How do I buy a business to attain financial freedom? What is a unique way to reach financial independence? How do I buy a business to reach FIRE?2025 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 0012 - The Solopreneur's Path to Buying a Business

    0012 - The Solopreneur's Path to Buying a Business
    Sep 9 2025

    How do you go from relying on a “safe” corporate job to building a business of your own? In this episode, Tim talks with Dennis Geelen about his life-changing journey from being laid off at 43 to becoming a consultant, author, and entrepreneur. Dennis shares the wake-up call that pushed him to bet on himself, the lessons he learned from building a solopreneur practice, and why business acquisition can be a smarter and faster path to financial independence. Whether you’re stuck in a comfort zone or looking for your next chapter, this episode delivers practical advice on risk, resilience, and building a life on your own terms.

    Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

    Tim’s passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

    Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

    [00:00 – 07:45] The Wake-Up Call: Laid Off at 43

    Dennis shares his journey from corporate leadership to being laid off.
    Reflects on the risks of relying solely on a “safe” paycheck.
    Discusses the emotional and financial challenges of starting over.

    [07:46 – 16:15] Building a Solopreneur Business

    How Dennis transitioned into consulting and writing.
    Lessons learned from building a personal brand and business from scratch.
    Why leaning into your passions can create new career opportunities.

    [16:16 – 25:00] Business Acquisition vs. Building From Scratch

    Why buying a business can shortcut the path to financial independence.
    Insights on what to look for in a business acquisition.
    How to evaluate opportunities that align with your skills and goals.

    [25:01 – End] Rethinking Risk and Building for the Future

    The mindset shift needed to take control of your career and finances.
    Encouragement for starting side projects as a safety net.
    How to use setbacks as fuel for long-term growth.

    Guest Bio
    Dennis Geelen is a consultant, author, and TEDx speaker who helps businesses become more customer-centric and innovative. He is the founder of Zero In Consulting and the author of four business books, including The Zero In Formula. Dennis is passionate about helping professionals embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to freedom and fulfillment.

    Connect with Dennis:
    Website: zero-inconsulting.com
    Personal Site: dennisgeelen.me
    LinkedIn: Dennis Geelen

    If you found value in today’s show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

    Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

    Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

    Tweetable Quotes:
    “Doing nothing can be riskier than taking the leap.” – Dennis Geelen
    “Don’t wait for a layoff to start building your future.” – Dennis Geelen
    “Side hustles aren’t just hobbies—they’re safety nets.” – Dennis Geelen
    “The real risk is putting your financial future in someone else’s hands.” – Dennis Geelen
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • 0011 - Why Buying A Business Is Not For You

    0011 - Why Buying A Business Is Not For You
    Sep 2 2025

    In this solo episode of Business Buying for Financial Independence, host Tim Delaney steps away from guest interviews to share an honest look at the downsides of business ownership. While Tim is a strong advocate for buying small businesses, he makes it clear: it’s not for everyone.

    From stress and uncertainty to the myth of passive income, Tim breaks down the realities you’ll face if you’re considering business acquisition. This episode will help you decide if you’re truly ready to take on the challenge.

    Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

    Tim’s passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

    Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

    [00:30 – 02:30] Why Buying a Business Isn’t for Everyone

    The hidden weight of being the “last line of defense.”
    Payroll, inventory, and team conflicts → it all lands on you.

    [02:31 – 03:25] Extreme Ownership Mindset

    Lessons from Jocko Willink’s Extreme Ownership.
    Why taking responsibility (even for others’ mistakes) is key.

    [03:26 – 05:20] The Myth of Passive Income

    Why business ownership is never truly “hands off.”
    The “planting a tree” analogy → hard work before fruit.

    [05:21 – 07:00] Making Decisions Without Certainty

    Tariffs, demand shifts, and supplier risks.
    Why entrepreneurs must act without full information.

    [07:01 – 08:10] Stress: The Constant Companion

    Stress from employees, customers, banks, and even family.
    How stress tolerance determines success.

    [08:11 – 09:15] You Can’t Do It Alone

    The importance of mentors, advisors, and delegation.
    Why refusing help will cap your business’s growth.

    [09:16 – 10:29] Signs You Are Ready to Buy a Business

    Resilience under pressure.
    Comfort with uncertainty.
    Willingness to rely on and empower others.

    If you found value in today’s show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

    Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

    Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

    Tweetable Quotes:

    “Owning a business is not truly passive income.” – Tim Delaney

    “You are the last line of defense for everything.” – Tim Delaney

    “If you want to do everything by yourself, your business will never grow beyond what you can do.” – Tim Delaney
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • 0010 - Leaving His Printing Business to Buy a Sunscreen Company

    0010 - Leaving His Printing Business to Buy a Sunscreen Company
    Aug 26 2025
    How do you go from printing to sunscreen? In this episode, Tim talks with Michael Linden about his fascinating journey from running a printing business to acquiring a growing sun care brand. Michael shares the lessons learned from buying a business instead of building one from scratch, why branding and social media are critical in today’s market, and how strong relationships can make or break an acquisition. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights on business acquisition, growth, and branding. Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate. Tim’s passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from. Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast. [00:00 – 08:45] From Printing to Sun Care Michael explains how he transitioned from printing to the sunscreen industry. Shares why the growth potential of sun care appealed to him. Discusses the mindset shift from running to acquiring businesses. Highlights the initial challenges of entering a new industry. [08:46 – 18:30] Navigating the Acquisition Process Explains the decision-making process behind buying a business. Talks about building trust with sellers and key partners. Shares the lessons learned about legal and financial complexities. Stresses the importance of gut instinct during negotiations. [18:31 – 28:15] Branding and Social Media for Growth Why rebranding can transform a business’s future. How social media drives visibility and customer engagement. Discusses strategies for modernizing a traditional business. Explains how to adapt to consumer expectations in competitive markets. [28:16 – End] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Building relationships as a cornerstone of successful acquisitions. Setting clear growth plans after buying a business. Learning from industry veterans to shorten the learning curve. Encouraging others to pursue business ownership for financial independence. Guest Bio Michael Linden is an entrepreneur who transitioned from the printing industry into the sunscreen business through strategic acquisition. With a keen eye for growth opportunities and a strong belief in the power of branding and social media, Michael continues to innovate and scale his business while sharing lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Connect with Michael: Website: https://rubberducky.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrlinden/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rubber-Ducky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellinden If you found value in today’s show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom. Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates: Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney Tweetable Quotes: Buying a business can save you years of trial and error.” - Michael Linden “Relationships aren’t optional in acquisitions—they’re everything.” - Michael Linden “Rebranding isn’t just about a logo. It’s about reintroducing your company to the world.” - Michael Linden “Trust your gut. It’s one of your best tools in business decisions.” - Michael Linden
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
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