Register for the webinar:

• SBA Loans 101 + Program Updates - Jun 12th - https://bit.ly/3FGQIqB

Sarah Chiles & Matthew Ferguson left careers in VC to buy the only auto repair shop for 35 miles in their native Aspen.

Topics in Sarah & Matthew’s interview:

• Backgrounds in engineering and VC
• Preserving local fabric by buying businesses
• The “tackle shop” nature of businesses in small towns
• Seasonality in a small resort town
• Gaining the respect of employees
• Vision of a hometown holdco
• Crisis management when their operator left
• Modernizing and restructuring the auto repair business
• Finding out what each employee wants
• Long-term commitment to Aspen

References and how to contact Sarah & Matthew:

• Sarah’s LinkedIn
• Matthew’s LinkedIn
• Aspen Total Automotive
• Shop Fix Academy
• Adam Markley on Acquiring Minds: Getting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a Holdco
• Cassi Niekamp on Acquiring Minds: Buying a $1.2m Fencing Business & Earning Trust Quickly
  
  

Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:

• Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher

Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

• The Acquisition Lab

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

• Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

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
Producer by Pam Cameron

Register for the webinar:

• SBA Loans 101 + Program Updates - Jun 12th - https://bit.ly/4jG0FSV

After Evan Stewart found his footing in his printing business, he pushed it from $1.8m to $3.2m EBITDA in under 2 years.

Topics in Evan’s interview:

• Experience in the Acquisition Lab
• 6 months of imposter syndrome
• Earning the right to be heard
• Changes in direct mail printing technology
• Standing out amongst fierce competition
• His wife joining the business
• Moving his family to be closer to the business
• Accepting investment from friends and family
• Putting a lien on his house to get the loan
• Buying into a shrinking industry

References and how to contact Evan:

• LinkedIn
• Direct One
• Alex Holley on Acquiring Minds: Networking His Way to $800k SDE

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

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

• From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.com

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

• Pioneer Capital Advisory

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
Produced by Pam Cameron

Register for the webinar:

• How to Outsource Your Search: Understanding Buy-Side Advisory - Jun 5th - https://bit.ly/43PpR4R

Christine Traylor is bringing entrepreneurial ambition to a business often dismissed as a side gig for retirees

Topics in Christine’s interview:

• Pivoting from international development to business owner
• Acquiring a historic B&B in Dupont Circle
• A seller who refused to negotiate on price
• Living on site with her family at the B&B
• Calculating the value of the real estate
• Raising 2 small children in their business
• Long, frustrating buying process
• Combining SBA, conventional loan and seller note
• Difficulty in hiring an innkeeper
• Standing out amongst the hospitality competition

References and how to contact Christine:

• LinkedIn
• christine@swannhouse.com
• Swann House
• Instagram

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

• Pioneer Capital Advisory

Get a complimentary IT audit of your target business:

• Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcher

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
Produced by Pam Cameron