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
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    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
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    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
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    50 mins
  • 0009 - What Buying With "No Money Down" Really Means

    0009 - What Buying With "No Money Down" Really Means
    Aug 19 2025
    In this episode, Tim Delaney discusses the concept of buying a business with no money down, exploring various financing options such as seller financing, SBA loans, and partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the financial obligations tied to business purchases and provides insights into alternative payment structures like earn outs. Tim also highlights the necessity of ensuring that business profits can cover debt payments, offering a comprehensive overview for aspiring business buyers. Key Takeaways Buying a business with no money down is possible.Seller financing allows the seller to act as the bank.You can use existing business revenue to finance a purchase.SBA loans can help secure financing for business acquisitions.Partnerships can provide necessary capital for business purchases.Your personal assets can be leveraged for financing.Earn outs are a less common but viable payment structure.Understanding cash flow is crucial for managing debt.Profits must cover both interest and principal payments.Having some cash available can strengthen your position in negotiations. 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. For over a decade, Tim has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. Along the way, he has analyzed dozens of companies for acquisition, giving him a unique perspective on what makes a deal successful — and what pitfalls to avoid. 00:00 Introduction to Business Buying with No Money Down 03:17 Understanding Seller Financing 06:38 Exploring Financing Options: SBA and Bank Loans 09:29 Leveraging Partnerships for Business Acquisition 12:24 Alternative Payment Structures: Earn Outs and Performance Payments 15:12 Navigating Debt and Profitability in Business Purchases Connect with Tim Website: powerofbiz.comYouTube: @powerofbizInstagram: @timtdelaneyThreads: @timtdelaneyLinkedIn: Timothy T. DelaneyFacebook: Tim T. Delaney Tweetable Quotes "Buy a business with no money down." - Tim Delaney"Your sweat equity is worth something." - Tim Delaney"Make sure profits cover debt payments." - Tim Delaney
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    20 mins
  • 0008 - Starting A Magazine Without The Startup Process

    0008 - Starting A Magazine Without The Startup Process
    Aug 12 2025
    Are you fascinated by the world of publishing but intimidated by the startup grind? In this episode, Tim talks with Rick Sedler, a seasoned entrepreneur who built his career by buying and transforming magazines rather than starting from scratch. Rick shares his journey from custom publishing—producing magazines for others—to acquiring and revitalizing well-known titles like “North Shore” and “Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living.” If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a media business insight into growing through acquisition, this episode is packed with lessons for you. 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. [00:26 – 10:22] From Custom Publishing to Ownership Rick explains how he entered the publishing world through custom projects for clients. Shares his insights on learning the ropes of the industry without taking on massive startup risks. Talks about transitioning from serving clients to becoming a media owner. Highlights the early lessons that shaped his approach to magazine acquisitions. [10:23 – 20:54] Acquiring and Transforming Magazines Details how he identified and acquired “Northshore” and “Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living.” Explains how to assess the value and potential of a publication. Shares strategies for turning underperforming media properties into profitable ventures. Discusses balancing creative vision with business operations. [20:55 – 32:17] Building a Brand in a Changing Media Landscape Talks about evolving the magazine model to stay relevant in the digital age. Explains the challenges and opportunities of integrating print and digital media. Shares the importance of understanding audience needs and brand positioning. Offers advice for entrepreneurs entering industries in transition. [32:18 – End] Key Lessons on Leadership and Growth Emphasizes the value of building a strong team and company culture. Talks about making bold decisions and staying committed through challenges. Shares his personal philosophies on entrepreneurship and success. Encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to seek opportunities in acquisitions. Guest Bio: Rick Sedler is an entrepreneur who carved his path through the world of publishing by buying and transforming magazines. Starting out in custom publishing—where you produce magazines for others—Rick eventually stepped out on his own, acquiring “Northshore” and “Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living.” Connect with Rick: Website: https://www.rmsmg.com/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ricksedler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricksedler/ 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: “You don’t always need to start from scratch — sometimes the smartest move is to buy and build.” - Rick Sedler “Publishing is about more than content; it’s about creating connections with an audience.” - Rick Sedler “Every magazine has a story. The question is whether you can rewrite it for success.” - Rick Sedler “If you’re willing to adapt, there’s still room to thrive in traditional media.” - Rick Sedler
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 0007 - The Power of Self-Belief, Persistence, and Hard Work

    0007 - The Power of Self-Belief, Persistence, and Hard Work
    Aug 5 2025
    Are you stuck in the corporate grind, wondering if there’s a different path to financial freedom? In this episode, Tim chats with Phil Wilkins, a former finance professional who traded spreadsheets for fries and freedom. After stumbling on an article that sparked his entrepreneurial fire, Phil left the safety of his 9-to-5 and bought his very first business. Tune in as he shares the emotional rollercoaster of walking away from a stable job, the lessons he learned as a first-time business owner, and why belief in yourself might be the most valuable asset of all. 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. [00:35 – 09:30] From Corporate to Entrepreneur Phil shares how a single article inspired him to leave his stable finance career. Talks about the emotional and mental hurdles of walking away from a 9-to-5. Describes how belief in himself carried him through early doubts. Highlights the “burn the boats” mentality that pushed him forward. [09:32 – 16:42] Franchises, Cash Flow, and McDonald’s Lessons Breaks down how studying McDonald’s helped him understand systems. Discusses the value of cash flow and repeatable models. Shares how he applied franchise logic to his own business decisions. Offers insight into why big ideas don’t always require big capital. [16:43 – 30:22] Buying Restaurants and Building Real Estate Details what he looks for when evaluating a restaurant for purchase. Talks about pairing business ownership with real estate assets. Explains how real estate plays a key role in long-term wealth. Discusses avoiding shiny object syndrome when scaling. [30:23 – 35:23] Starting Lean and Staying Scrappy Emphasizes growing businesses with minimal resources. Shares the early grind of taking out trash and doing it all. Talks about reinvesting instead of extracting profits early. Encourages others to start small and scale with purpose. [35:24 – 42:37] Using AI and Positivity to Scale Shows how AI tools help automate his operations. Talks about protecting mental space and avoiding negativity. Shares the role of gratitude and belief in business success. Encourages surrounding yourself with uplifting, driven people. [42:38 – End] Financial Discipline and Redefining Success Highlights the importance of being conservative with money. Talks about what “wealth” and “retirement” really mean to him. Shares how he pushes through hard times with mindset and support. Ends with a philosophy of building resilience over time. Guest Bio: Phil Wilkins is a keynote speaker, podcaster, coach, consultant, and author who teaches how to win every day. He prides himself on his unique ability to inspire individuals and organizations in dedication to strategic goals, cultivation of an unwavering work ethic, and commitment to nurture a culture of excellence. Connect with Phil: https://www.byaeveryday.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-wilkins-4290b66/ https://www.instagram.com/philwilkinsbya/ https://www.threads.com/@philwilkinsbya https://open.spotify.com/show/7LprDk6OEdL2fNvMfyc1v1 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: “Having a supreme belief in yourself, you do belong.” - Phil Wilkins “I read that article a thousand times. It was like a vision I couldn’t shake.” - Phil Wilkins “I didn't know anything about manifestation. But somehow, it found me first.” - Phil Wilkins “It wasn’t about burgers, fries, or Coke. It was about ownership.” - Phil Wilkins
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    58 mins
  • 0006 - From Banker to Business Owner & How Persistence Pays Off

    0006 - From Banker to Business Owner & How Persistence Pays Off
    Jul 29 2025
    Are you thinking about buying a business but feeling overwhelmed by the process? In this episode, Tim talks to Aurelius, CEO of Midland Machinery, about his journey of purchasing a business and the key lessons he learned along the way. From navigating the complexities of financing and negotiations to managing the transition, Aurelius shares his firsthand experience in acquiring Midland Machinery. Whether you’re looking to buy your first business or just curious about the process, this episode breaks down the critical steps to help you make smart, informed decisions. 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. [00:01 - 15:15] From Banking to Entrepreneurship Aurelius began his career in banking in 2006, following the failure of his first startup. Worked his way through the ranks of M&T Bank, focusing on business banking. Developed a passion for helping business owners and understanding their financial needs. Decided to transition from banking to owning a business in 2020. [15:16 - 29:46] The Power of Partnerships Aurelius partnered with a childhood friend and another trusted partner. Structured ownership with equal shares for main partners, while minimizing risk for the third. The importance of having partners who believe in you and share the same vision. Focused on building trust with partners and delegating tasks to those with complementary skills. [29:47 - 43:19] The Acquisition Journey Aurelius and his partners looked at various deals before deciding on Midland Machinery. The acquisition process took two years, with many hurdles along the way. They rejected seller financing to avoid future complications and went with traditional bank loans. The importance of persistence and following up during the acquisition process. [43:20 - 57:43] Transitioning into Business Ownership Aurelius’ approach was to focus on building relationships with employees before implementing changes. A gradual approach to business improvements, including customer service and supply chain. Established long-term goals and shared the company’s 10-year vision with employees. Learned the importance of patience, trust, and humility when leading a business. [57:44 - 01:08:33] Key Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Break down complex processes into manageable steps, much like buying a house. The importance of solid financials and clear agreements when acquiring a business. Stay persistent and avoid listening to doubters who focus on the negatives. Surround yourself with a strong support team of lawyers, accountants, and other professionals. Guest Bio: Aurelius Chaves is a former business banker who left corporate life at the age of 40 and bought a construction equipment manufacturer with his childhood best friend. 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: “ The more you have to explain in the financials, the more difficult it's gonna be.” - Aurelius Chaves “ The number one thing that you could do is be responsive.” - Aurelius Chaves “The further it deviates from the actuality of what the job is and the pay for that job, the more complicated the financing gets, the more complicated it gets when you wanna sell the business.” - Aurelius Chaves “ There are lawyers that are deal makers and lawyers that are deal breakers, and just figure out quickly that yours is a deal maker.” - Aurelius Chaves “ If somebody tells you 90% of small businesses fail within 10 years, just you don't need to listen to anything else they're telling you about it.” - Aurelius Chaves
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 005 - Seller Financing: A Smart Way to Acquire a Business

    005 - Seller Financing: A Smart Way to Acquire a Business
    Jul 22 2025
    Ever wondered what it really takes to leave the stability of a corporate job and bet on yourself by buying an existing company? In this episode, Tim sits down with Lindsey Zajac to explore her inspiring journey from a corporate HR professional to owning a thriving talent solutions business. Lindsey shares candid insights on overcoming fear, dealing with impostor syndrome, and why sometimes buying a business can be the smarter, faster path to entrepreneurship. 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. [00:01 - 06:20] Lindsey’s Career Path: From HR to Entrepreneurship Started in HR by chance, gaining broad experience in recruiting and HR roles. Moved frequently to avoid career stagnation and grow her skills. Mid-30s marked a shift toward entrepreneurship due to family/work balance needs. Left a stable Pepsi HR manager role to launch a solo coaching business. Discovered that working alone wasn’t enough; wanted a stronger business foundation. [06:21 - 18:58] The Decision to Buy a Business Opportunity arose to buy Career Partners, a well-established talent firm. Pre-existing relationships with owners helped build trust. Seller financing made the purchase manageable without a big upfront cash hit. Worked part-time for the business first to learn financials and operations deeply. Saw real growth potential by improving existing systems and client base. [18:59 - 27:12] Growing and Evolving the Business Launched a thoughtful rebrand after one year to reflect expanded services. Invested in technology upgrades like CRM and revamped the website. Focused on hiring strategically to grow the team and expand reach beyond Western New York. Navigated employee adjustments with transparency and communication. Emphasized continuous improvement and scaling smartly. [27:13 - 47:25] Thoughts on Risk, Timing, and Mindset Lindsey identifies as a calculated risk-taker who trusts her abilities. Advises others stuck in corporate roles to weigh the risks of staying vs. entrepreneurship. Highlights impostor syndrome as a common barrier but encourages pushing through it. Suggests mid-30s is a sweet spot for buying a business — experience plus energy. Warns against waiting too long to start due to the energy and stamina required. [47:26 - 49:57] Advice for Aspiring Business Owners Do your homework: research, ask questions, and talk to experienced owners. Consider starting a side hustle while still employed to build confidence and traction. Buying a business doesn’t always require a fortune upfront; explore seller financing. Keep adding value wherever you are, whether in a job or your own venture. Trust yourself, be willing to learn, and leverage your support system. Guest Bio: Lindsey Zajac is the Owner and CEO of a talent solutions firm that is committed to elevating careers, empowering leaders and enriching lives by providing world-class services in outplacement, search and leadership development. Prior to purchasing this business in 2024, she spent fifteen years in corporate HR. Lindsey excelled in fast-paced organizations ranging from a start-up to a Fortune 50 organization. She is an advanced, certified leadership coach and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. You can connect with Lindsey: www.ascendantnow.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lahern05/ 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: “Always be adding value and just knowing that, you know, again, the biggest expense for any business iis its people.” - Lindsey Zajac “If my business fails, that's on me, but no one's gonna terminate me from a job.” - Lindsey Zajac “If you decide to stay in an organization. Continually add value and make sure you're learning, ...
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    47 mins