Acquiring Minds

Dan Spracklin acquired a septic pumping business doing $1M annually, then grew it to $3M and margins to 30% in 2 years. Key points from Dan's story: Gray Brothers was a septic pumping business founded in 1929, run by Dan Spracklin's father-in-law. It was generating about $1m per year in revenues from 22,000 customers. Septic pumping companies typically have margins of 10-15%. Dan & his wife ad...

Two brothers took over a 110-year-old business in a stagnating industry. 7 acquisitions later, the future is bright. Key points from Ben's story: Ben Grossman & his brother pivoted their 110-year-old family business from printing to promotional products. The strategy was executed by acquisition: 7 of them from 2013 through 2021. Ben discusses the importance of treating sellers well to build a...

How an online entrepreneur teamed with a family office to acquire & grow a portfolio of 15 websites for over $2 million. Key points from Paul's story: Paul Lemley teamed with a family office to source, acquire, and grow a portfolio of websites. They ultimately acquired 15 sites across 3 acquisitions, spending between $2 and $3 million in total. Paul highlights 5 lessons from this recent foray...

Rick Schmitz was an inexperienced 22-year-old with no money when he acquired a run-down ski resort and turned it around. Key points from Rick's story: Rick Schmitz was a 22-year-old graduating senior uninterested in pursuing a career in finance. He saw a small ski resort for sale in his native Wisconsin. It had been on the market (and losing money) for 5 years. Negotiated the original list price d...

In just 9 months, Mike Botkin decided to acquire a business, negotiated a great deal, and dramatically improved profits. Key points from Mike's story: B & B Landscaping was generating around $800k in annual revenues. Acquired it for 2x of SDE. Paid 50% cash up front, then the remaining 50% was seller financed with a 4-year loan at zero interest. Turns out a third of customer accounts are unpro...

Nick Haschka left a Silicon Valley career and bought an office plant service in 2017, then acquired 9 more through 2021. Key points from Nick's story: The Wright Gardner was doing $1-2m in annual revenue, with margins in the 20% range. Acquired the business in 2017 for ~3x of SDE. Used SBA for 65-70% of the purchase price, 15% seller financing, and cash for the rest. Four months after acquisition,...

How first-time acquirer Philippe Vanderhoydonck found a 30-year-old trade media business & bought it in under 3 months. Reach Philippe Vanderhoydonck at: LinkedIn His acquisition, PETS International Key points from Philippe's acquisition: PETS International is a 30-year-old trade publication that publishes 6 magazines and hosts 2 conferences per year Generates 20-35% margins on low-seven-figur...

How former management consultant Scott Whitt acquired and grew a small clinical trials business into the millions. Key points from Scott's acquisition: Triad was generating $850k in revenues & large 70% margins Scott acquired it in 2015 for 3.5x earnings Used ROBS for part of the acquisition financing Grew revenues to $3m in 5 years Predicts business can grow to $6-7m Reach Scott Whitt: scott_...

Tyler Deike bought a small manufacturer for the cost of property & equipment, making the business itself almost free. Key points from Tyler's acquisition: Blackhawk Fiberwerx was doing $500k in sales with $100k in profit Seller was a retiring and overwhelmed 80-year-old Tyler couldn't due-diligence the deal to death — had to "cross fingers and dive in" Huge margin of safety. Business was selli...

Mike Yarmo bought a struggling distributor & turned it into a local powerhouse in a different niche — then sold for 5x. Key points from Mike's acquisition: Owner was disengaged, retiring, and looking to sell his food distribution company Company was 25 years old but had terrible margins Mike & team acquired for low 7 figures, or ~2x earnings Pivoted the company, grew aggressively over next...

How a 9-month search was rewarded by the discovery of 2 tiny e-commerce companies primed for growth. Key points from Justin's acquisitions: Acquired first company for $160k, or about 3x earnings Generated $200k in revenues during first 6 months Represented more than a 3x year-over-year increase Acquired 2nd co with 100% seller financing Plans to 10x both cos value in 3 years Reach Justin Harris: L...