Rob Belk networked his way to "the most caffeinated guy in town" searching for a local business — then found it online.

Register for the webinars:

• From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4aKP3fY
• Don't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - Tue, Jul 21 - https://bit.ly/4feY1DP

Topics in Rob’s interview:

• Geographic search in the Triad of North Carolina
• Networking with local business owners
• Finding a business through Axial
• Buying a marketing and consumer research agency
• His choice to stay out of the weeds
• Bringing in a consultant (maybe too) early
• How his agency intersects with the trades
• Structuring a 50% earnout
• Consensus-based leadership style
• Finding clients through Substack

References and how to contact Rob:

• LinkedIn
• Sales Factory
• Adam Duggins on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a Holdco of 4 Blue Collar Businesses in 10 Years
• Joe Soelberg on Acquiring Minds: Buying Small to Then Buy Larger $1m SDE
• Bryan Houck on Acquiring Minds: 4th Time's the Charm: 3 Broken Deals to Buy a Great Business
• Scott Alexander on Acquiring Minds: Rebuilding from 80% Collapse to Mid 7 Figures Revenue
• Rob’s 10-page Search Learnings

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 jenny@aspenhr.com

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 and produced by Pam Cameron