Buying a metal fabricator with $1m in earnings pivoted Paul Callahan into the new entrepreneurial chapter of his career.

Register for the webinar:

• Finance Essentials Before You Close - Thu, Jul 9 - https://bit.ly/4eMaUow

Topics in Paul’s interview:

• M&A, integrations, and private equity experience
• COVID Zoom fatigue sparked career pivot
• Atlanta’s crowded deal market challenges
• Hiring buy-side help while still working
• Pursuing full ownership without outside investors
• Navigating two simultaneous LOIs carefully
• Choosing SBA 504 over 7(a) financing for the real estate
• Acquiring a high capex business
• Replacing Ferrari equipment with Toyota reliability
• Why consultants make strong ETA operators

References and how to contact Paul:

• LinkedIn
• Metro Metal Works

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

• Pioneer Capital Advisory

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

Jeff Homer bought a small local music school as a fun side hustle. It turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Topics in Jeff interview:

• Switching from high finance to music schools
• Buying his first music school as a side project
• Raising growth equity after first 2 acquisitions
• Acquiring a music school every month
• Artists’ negative predisposition toward selling
• Comparing profitability of music vs. dance
• Importance of general managers in scaling
• Implementing apps to streamline operations
• Other industries with roll-up potential
• Rolling up 60+ music/dance schools nationwide

References and how to contact Jeff:

• LinkedIn
• Ensemble Performing Arts

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

• From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com

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

• Pioneer Capital Advisory

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

• The Acquisition Lab

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

Caleb Standafer believed in manufacturing and wanted to spend his career there. A multi-year pivot and ETA got him in.

Topics in Caleb’s interview:

• Moving from tech to manufacturing
• Manufacturing is important for our country
• 7 years operating before searching
• The manufacturing concept of “going to Gemba”
• His 4-year part-time search
• Taking time weekly to develop his leaders
• Partnering with his dad
• Modernizing 1970s technology
• Managing 75% customer concentration
• Renegotiating payment terms with his largest customer

References and how to contact Caleb:

• LinkedIn
• Springfield Tool & Die

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

• Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

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

Get a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.

• Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.

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