Business Buyer Diaries: the Reality Before, During, and After

Send a text Ever wondered what it takes to get a lender to say "yes" to your dream business acquisition? This Tuesday, we're unwrapping the loan approval process like a gift you didn't expect to receive so early! Join me as I share the thrill of a lender's quick turnaround and the weight a solid personal financial statement holds in their eyes. Discover how the questions a...

Send a text There's something magical about the moment you realize a new chapter of your life is beginning. For me, it happened at the culmination of a rigorous kickboxing instructor training, where I not only honed my skills but also got a rare invite from the teacher of the instructors to delve into the inner workings of running a thriving fitness studio. In this heart-to-heart episode, you...

Send a text Ever felt like you're in a spy movie, waiting for that critical dossier to get the green light? That's the rush we're riding in our latest episode, as we dissect the nail-biting excitement of a high-stakes portfolio review. Imagine the scene: our meticulously assembled documents are now in the hands of the gatekeepers, and it's a waiting game charged with anticipati...

Send a text Unlock the secrets of fitness instruction and club management with our seasoned Muay Thai expert, who joins us on the third day of an immersive four-day training. As you tune in, you'll gain unparalleled insights into the complex dance of leading a class, where the precision of form and technique takes center stage. Our guest peels back the layers of what it takes to maintain bala...

Send a text Switching up my workout routine led me to a 9 am fitness class, a change from my habitual pre-dawn exercise regime, and what I discovered was a vibrant tapestry of lives all intertwined by a common thread: the pursuit of health and personal betterment. At this not-so-average fitness studio, I encountered parents seeking to balance family and fitness, and retirees embracing a new chapte...

Send a text Ever find yourself wistfully reminiscing about the 'good ol' days' of hard work and hustle, despite now living the dream with wealth and comfort at your fingertips? That's precisely the conundrum a former colleague and successful real estate investor posed in a Facebook post that caught my eye and sparked a deeper reflection on success's paradox. Join us as we...

Send a text Ever considered ditching your 9-to-5 to buy a business and claim the entrepreneur title? I did too, and let me tell you, it's not all smooth sailing and champagne toasts. In our latest episode, I'm spilling the beans on the real deal of trading job security for the entrepreneur's dream. It's a candid look at the balancing act of hunting for the right business opport...

Send a text Ever wonder what it's like to navigate the choppy waters of a two-stage business acquisition? Look no further! In our latest chat, we break down the rollercoaster ride of securing not one, but two business locations, with a particular focus on the art of crafting a deal that's both financially savvy and strategically sound. We share the good news that kick-started our week: o...

Send a text Ever wondered how bustling weekend markets can teach us a thing or two about gym membership metrics? We're peeling back the layers on the unexpected connection between average order value (AOV) and the health of your business, revealing how it's much more than just keeping your customers around. This episode takes you through the vibrant aisles of food stands and into the hea...

Send a text As I wandered with my kids, dodging sprinklers and lawnmower drones, I couldn't help but share the latest twist in my saga of securing an SBA loan for a near-million-dollar business deal. It's a personal tale of updated financial statements reflecting life's little surprises, like a timely bonus and my wife's career choices, all while navigating the lender's co...

Send a text Ever found yourself in the middle of a golf game only to realize you're gaining unexpected business wisdom? That's precisely what unfolded during a recent round with an old friend who, unbeknownst to him, is a member of the very fitness club I'm on the verge of acquiring. As we navigated fairways and greens, our casual conversation veered into an impromptu masterclass on...

Send a text Stepping up to lead a warm-up session at a potential business acquisition was an unlikely start to my day, yet it set the stage for a transformative experience at the fitness club. Listen as I recount the exhilarating challenge of guiding members through their paces and the remarkable shift in perception it created. As I moved from observer to leader, I not only earned the club manager...

Send a text Securing a business deal isn't just about flashing the cash; it's a nuanced performance of balance and connection. As I recount my own journey towards acquiring a business, it becomes clear that creating a solid rapport with the seller and establishing trust are as crucial as the numbers on the check. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the delicate art of approaching...

Send a text Patience isn't just a virtue; it's a necessity when navigating the labyrinth of acquiring a small business with an SBA loan. I'll take you on a journey through my own trials and tribulations while buying two sub-million dollar businesses, contrasting the painstaking wait times with the rapid pace of big corporate deals. Expect candid conversations around the high-stakes...

Send a text Discover the secret to making tough decisions with confidence as we unpack General Colin Powell's 40-70 rule in our latest discussion. Infusing intuition into your leadership style, I draw upon my own transformation from an information-hungry analyst to an instinct-trusting fitness studio leader. My personal odyssey reveals the intricate dance of evaluating businesses, from scruti...

Send a text Imagine stepping into a role that's a perfect fit, yet one you've never worn before. That's the essence of this heart-to-heart episode where I reveal the rush and the reality checks of becoming a fitness club owner. This isn't about building a business from the ground up; it's about strapping in and taking the wheel of an existing success. With the ink still dr...

Send a text Embark on a transformative adventure with us as we unravel the tale of a friend's audacious switch from the education sector to the bustling world of tech project management. This episode isn't just about career change—it's a deep dive into identity evolution, revealing the unparalleled significance of mentorship, the impact of tailored online learning, and the art of pe...

Send a text Ever wondered what it's like stepping out of your comfort zone and straight into the spotlight? That's exactly what I did, swapping my regular club member hat for a headset and a whole new title as a fitness instructor. In this whirlwind account, I take you along for the ride from enthusiastic member to a trainee instructor of a high-energy kickboxing class. It's a tale...

Send a text Embark on a journey through the vibrant heartbeat of the Twin Cities' fitness community as we uncover what really makes a gym club thrive. You're about to enter the world of gym ownership through the eyes of an aspiring owner, where leadership makes or breaks success. We'll share the insider perspectives from flourishing clubs sparkling with rave reviews and packed class...

Send a text Faced with the rollercoaster of corporate layoffs, our latest guest took the reins of their destiny by purchasing their own business, a testament to the resilient spirit that fuels the entrepreneurial fire. Their story, steeped in determination and hard work, is not just an account of personal growth but a blueprint for those who seek to create stability out of uncertainty. From balanc...

Send a text As the host of this moving episode, I peel back the layers of my own career journey, revealing the less glamorous side of professional growth often hidden from public view. From the early days of scrapping through dead-end jobs to celebrating hard-earned career milestones, I'll share how strategic networking, relentless perseverance, and a little bit of luck can lead to success. B...

Send a text Ever found yourself gazing at a bonus check, fantasizing about the sheer number of tropical vacations or fancy gadgets it could transform into? Let's take that daydream down a more practical, yet equally thrilling path. This week, I share how my recent bonus check isn't fueling fleeting pleasures but is a concrete pillar in my journey towards business ownership. It's a t...

Send a text Embark on a journey with us as we navigate the intricate world of business strategy and financial planning, especially in the realm where cash burns faster than kindling. My own saga begins with a new accounting firm that truly understands the pulse of companies with rapid financial cycles, much like the energetic beat of the fitness industry. I'll unveil the critical nature of ca...

Send a text Navigating life's unpredictable currents requires a blend of two vital traits: adaptability and resilience. In my own experiences, from the rigor of daily exercise to the tumult of steering a business through the pandemic, I've discovered the profound impact of these qualities. This episode peels back the layers on how to maintain your course with dogged determination while a...

Send a text Caught a cold and caught in the throes of anxiety about the future, I found myself wrestling with the all-too-familiar tug-of-war between the present moment and the 'what ifs' of tomorrow. In the midst of business dealings, timelines, and personnel uncertainties, I peel back the layers of my own experiences with anxiety, revealing how the anticipation of problems can eclipse...