What if the “safest” path—staying in your job—was actually riskier than betting on yourself and buying a small business?

Tim shares how he went from trying (and failing) to start a business from scratch to buying a 50-year-old wine and liquor store with 10% down, limited industry experience, and an SBA-backed structure that made the deal possible. He breaks down the actual numbers on the deal, including purchase price, inventory, bank financing, seller financing, and how he recouped his initial cash investment in roughly the first year.

Quotes

• “I wasn’t really ready—but I was ready to be ready and do something drastic for my family.”
• “If it gets you out of a job you hate, why not buy yourself a job—with a path to exit?”
• “Don’t start with the dollars and cents—start with what you want for your life.”

Takeaways

• You don’t need to start from scratch to be an entrepreneur

• SBA loans + seller financing can dramatically lower the cash barrier
• Tim’s first deal was roughly $350K all-in (business + inventory). The structure:

Episode Timeline

00:00 Intro: Acquisitions Academy focus and JVDeals community mention
00:49 Mike introduces Tim Delaney—liquor store owner, real estate investor, and Buy Box creator
02:13 Why Tim abandoned “start from scratch” and began buying businesses
02:43 First liquor store deal: $200K business plus inventory; how the deal came together
04:55 Closing surprise: lower inventory value frees up cash at close
05:15 Six-to-seven months from LOI to closing: building a detailed business plan
06:19 Day-one upgrades: POS system and inventory barcoding
07:11 Owner-operator reality: existing staff, aging owners, and succession planning
08:20 Risk, family, and mindset: buying a business with a young child at home
11:34 How Tim secured SBA financing with limited personal assets
13:18 Results: cash flow, revenue growth, and rapid payback on the initial investment
16:19 Comparing long-term business ownership vs. investing in the S&P 500
17:44 Using the liquor store as a foundation for future acquisitions
18:01 The million-dollar plaza deal: 90% seller financing, 10% private lending
18:51 Using liquor store cash flow to fund plaza improvements
19:40 Why SBA lenders and banks favor seller-financed deals
20:19 Seller note structure and refinancing strategy
21:06 Introduction to the Buy Box framework
21:22 B: Build your future and define your ideal life
22:00 U: Understand your constraints (cash, time, skills, risk tolerance)
22:52 Y: Your role in the business (CEO, operator, marketer, etc.)
23:31 B: Budget—understanding leverage and risk comfort
24:31 O: Opt out—creating a “never” list to narrow opportunities
25:31 X: Execute—build a one-page buyer profile and start talking to brokers
26:10 Recap of the Buy Box framework
26:43 How Peace Corps and overseas work shaped Tim’s views on business and impact
27:37 Using business ownership to support travel, family time, and cultural exposure
29:33 How to follow Tim, his podcast, and his buyer profile tool
30:02 Tim’s resources: Business Buying for Financial Independence and PowerofBiz.com
31:17 Final thoughts, review request, and JVDeals community reminder

Conclusion

This episode shows how a modest acquisition with just 10% down can become the foundation for long-term wealth, flexibility, and opportunity.

Tim’s story isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about using SBA and seller financing, investing early in systems, and choosing businesses that align with your ideal lifestyle.

His Buy Box framework helps buyers focus on opportunities that fit their goals, skills, and risk tolerance—so they can build assets that support their family and values instead of being trapped by another job.

Links

• Tim’s podcast: Business Buying for Financial Independence

• Buyer Profile Tool & Resources: PowerofBiz.com

• Community Mentioned by Mike: JVDeals.CBRCapitalGroup.com

Larsen is the founder and principal of Next Level Income and has spent 20+ years investing in real estate and has been involved in over $2 billion of acquisitions. Chris breaks down the 18.6-year real estate cycle—really a credit cycle—and explains why knowing where you are in it helps business owners and investors decide when to play offense and when to play defense. He shares how he evaluates deals using his "DIAL" framework (Depreciation, Income, Appreciation, Liquidity) and why, late in a cycle, it pays to take profits, build cash, and "be the bank." The conversation then moves into acquiring complementary businesses, owning your own commercial real estate for tax efficiency, and using the infinite banking concept to build a family bank that recycles wealth across generations. Chris closes on a personal note about compounding time, not just money—reminding listeners that the biggest investment they'll ever make is inside the walls of their own home.

Quotes

• "If you can outrun your competition—if you can perform better in all times of the economic cycle—you can really take a lead."
• "Right now in the cycle, I like to be the bank, I like to take some profit off the table, and really start to stack cash."
• "The biggest investment we can make in the world is right inside the walls of our own home."

Takeaways

• The 18.6-year real estate cycle is driven by credit expansion and contraction—understanding it helps you anticipate slowdowns instead of reacting to them.
• Late in the cycle (high prices, rising rates), shift to defense: take profits, build cash, and become the lender through owner financing or hard-money lending.
• Early in the cycle, when there's "blood in the streets," cash on hand lets you buy bargains and capture outsized returns.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro to the podcast and community

02:37 – Chris's background: entrepreneur from age 12, first property in college

04:24 – The 18.6-year real estate (credit) cycle explained

08:05 – What to do late in the cycle: take profits, build cash, "be the bank"

12:14 – How to know if it's a good deal: the DIAL framework

15:28 – Which businesses fit (self-storage, car washes) + complementary acquisitions & owning your real estate

19:46 – Troubleshooting the plan: stepwise growth and "who, not how"

23:11 – Inside Next Level Income: building the right advisory team

24:50 – The interactive ebook & creating generational wealth (Rockefellers vs. Vanderbilts)

28:26 – The infinite banking concept and your family bank

32:36 – Compounding time, not just money: legacy & final advice

33:53 – What he hopes to pass to his sons (the family's four rules)

Conclusion

This episode is a reminder that lasting wealth isn't built by chasing any single deal—it's built by understanding where you are in the larger economic cycle and positioning accordingly. Chris Larsen lays out a practical playbook: read the credit cycle, evaluate deals through the DIAL lens, acquire and structure strategically, and use tools like a family bank to keep capital working for generations. Just as importantly, he challenges listeners to compound their time, not only their money, and to keep family and purpose at the center of why they're building in the first place. If you want to grow through acquisitions while creating durable, generational value, this conversation offers both the strategy and the mindset to do it.

Links

• Next Level Income: nextlevelincome.com

• Interactive ebook: nextlevelincome.com/financial-freedom-book

• Podcast: Next Level Income Podcast (300+ episodes).

• Email: chris@nextlevelincome.com

In this episode of the Acquisitions Academy Podcast, Mike Abramowitz talks with Grant Hansen—a PE origination specialist, fractional B2B sales leader, and a man in long-term recovery, 12 years free from drug addiction. Grant explains how he builds origination systems for private equity firms running roll-up strategies, generating proprietary deal flow so buyers aren't overly reliant on brokers. He digs into setting a buy box, qualifying leads, and the often-overlooked "nurture" game—giving genuine, actionable value (like a "Pest Business Playbook") so that when a seller is finally ready, you're the one they call. Grant also lays out the red flags to watch before JVing with or selling to a PE firm, from proof of funds to how they've treated companies they've already acquired. The conversation then pivots to his personal story—prison, three felonies, and a climb into private equity—offering a powerful reminder that where you are is not who you are, and that transferable skills and second chances compound over time.

Best Quotes from the Guest

1. "You have to really take a people-first approach—the numbers are important, but the relationship is also really key."

2. "I wasn't so focused on how much money I was making; I was focused on what skills I could learn that are transferable to what I really want to do."

3. "There are people who have been through much worse than you, done much worse than you, and come out the other side doing much better. If it can be done, then I can do it too."

Takeaways

1. Roll-up strategies demand systematic, proprietary deal flow—not one-deal-at-a-time thinking—which keeps you in control of the conversation and less reliant on brokers.

2. Most PE firms are strong on finance, underwriting, and evaluating deals, but weak on generating enough deal flow to hit their targets. That gap is the opportunity.

3. The buy box (revenue, margins, EBITDA, owner dependence, customer concentration, revenue predictability) is set by the firm. In fragmented trades, accurate data is scarce, so real conversations do most of the filtering.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro and Grant's background

• 02:37 – What an origination system actually looks like (and where firms fall short)

• 05:38 – Setting the buy box and qualifying deals

• 08:28 – The nurture game: giving real value (the "Pest Business Playbook")

• 10:40 – Building B2B sales pipelines for the trades (and AI)

• 12:05 – Why a people-first approach wins deals

• 13:35 – Red flags before JVing with or selling to a PE firm

• 16:16 – Getting clear on your own goals and buy box

• 17:46 – Deal killers, deal structure, and the two-bite model

• 21:44 – Grant's story: addiction, prison, and recovery

• 25:34 – Three felonies to private equity: second chances and mentoring

• 28:11 – Family, fatherhood, and purpose

• 29:58 – Shout-outs and where to connect

Conclusion

This episode bridges the technical and the deeply personal. On the professional side, Grant offers a clear-eyed look at how real deal flow gets built, why nurturing relationships beats chasing transactions, and how to protect yourself when partnering with or selling to a PE firm. On the human side, his journey from addiction and incarceration to a thriving career in M&A is a testament to the idea that your current circumstances don't define your potential. For any listener working toward their first or next acquisition, the throughline is the same: lead with people, focus on transferable skills, and trust that today's decisions compound into where you'll be years from now.

Links

• Grant Hansen website: https://www.acquisitionpipeline.com

• Grant Hansen on LinkedIn / Facebook: search "Grant Hansen"

• Instagram: @granthansenofficial

• Shield Roofers (Houston – Pearland & Katy)

• Evolve Human Labs (Round Rock, TX)

• Media to Social – John Vandergriff

• Community: jvdeals.cbrcapitalgroup.com

In this episode of the Acquisitions Academy Podcast, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with SBA lending expert Nathan Sable to break down how SBA acquisition financing really works from the lender’s perspective. Nathan shares insights from over 20 years in business banking and explains why SBA loans are such a powerful tool for first-time business buyers. The conversation dives into what lenders evaluate first, including buyer qualifications, liquidity, cash flow, adjusted EBITDA, and seller transition risks. Nathan also discusses common deal-killers, including poor liquidity planning, weak household income, and character-related issues that can affect approvals. This episode is packed with practical guidance for entrepreneurs looking to buy their first business using SBA financing.

Quotes:

• “We’re looking at the business cash flow and the business’s ability to service the debt that’s taken on.”

• “Is someone buying a job, or are they investing in a business?”

• “It’s more than just getting a loan — they need to understand all the moving pieces.”

Takeaways:

1. SBA loans allow lenders to finance deals that conventional banks often cannot approve.
2. Buyers must demonstrate strong personal financial health before lenders evaluate the business.
3. Post-close liquidity is critical — lenders want buyers to keep cash reserves after the down payment.
4. Household income and outside income sources can significantly impact loan approval.
5. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the key metrics lenders analyze when sizing a loan.

Episode Timeline:

02:10 – Nathan Sable’s background in banking and family business

04:32 – Why SBA loans are powerful for acquisition entrepreneurs

07:05 – How lenders evaluate first-time business buyers

09:48 – Understanding personal financial statements and liquidity

12:20 – “Buying a job” versus acquiring a scalable business

14:55 – Breaking down cash flow and debt service coverage

17:30 – How adjusted EBITDA affects SBA loan approvals

20:05 – Seller transition plans and operational continuity

22:48 – Why household income and spouse income matter

25:30 – Common financial red flags lenders watch for

28:10 – Credit history, bankruptcies, and character evaluation

31:02 – Real acquisition examples and underwriting lessons

34:20 – Advice for entrepreneurs preparing to buy a business

37:15 – Common mistakes buyers make during the SBA process

Conclusion

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how SBA lenders evaluate acquisition opportunities and first-time buyers. Nathan Sable provides actionable insights that can help entrepreneurs prepare stronger deals, avoid common mistakes, and better understand what lenders truly care about during underwriting. Whether you are actively searching for a business to buy or just beginning your acquisition journey, this conversation delivers a practical roadmap for navigating SBA financing successfully.

Links & Resources

Nathan Sable – SBA Specialist, Huntington Bank

• Mobile: (330) 842-0883

• Office: (330) 677-7731

• Email: nathan.sable@huntington.com

• Coverage Area: All lower 48 states

• In-Person Meetings Available: Northeast Ohio

• Huntington Bank has ranked #1 nationally in SBA 7(a) loan lending for 7+ consecutive years (2017–2024).

SBA Specialist Profile:

https://www.huntington.com/SmallBusiness/loans/find-an-sba-specialist/sable-nathan

A business acquisition can look perfect on paper… strong revenue, clean financials, and solid growth potential. But many deals begin to fall apart after closing for one simple reason: people. Culture clashes, leadership gaps, and losing key employees can quietly destroy value faster than most buyers expect.

In this episode of the Acquisitions Academy Podcast, Mike Abramowitz sits down with HR expert Necole Matlock to unpack the often-overlooked human side of acquisitions and why team dynamics can make or break a transition.

Drawing from her extensive background in human resources, Necole explains why successful acquisitions require more than analyzing numbers and operations. She shares common mistakes buyers make when they focus too heavily on financials and ignore company culture, employee trust, and leadership alignment during ownership changes.

Throughout the conversation, Necole offers practical strategies for evaluating teams before a deal closes, retaining top talent, communicating effectively during transitions, and creating stability in uncertain moments. The episode serves as a powerful reminder that long-term acquisition success isn’t built on spreadsheets alone—it’s built through people, leadership, and culture.

Quotes:

• “You can buy a great business on paper, but if the people aren’t aligned, it can fall apart quickly.”
• “Culture isn’t something you fix after the acquisition—it’s something you need to understand before you close.”
• “Leadership clarity and communication are the difference between retention and mass turnover.”

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Takeaways:

1. The “people side” of acquisitions is just as important as financial due diligence.

2. Ignoring company culture before closing a deal can lead to major integration issues.

3. Early communication with employees helps reduce uncertainty and turnover.

4. Leadership alignment is critical for maintaining stability during transitions.

5. Evaluating key employees before acquisition can protect business continuity.

Timestamp

00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and guest

00:48 – Meet Necole Matlock and her background

01:33 – Why acquirers overlook the people side

02:45 – The risks of ignoring culture in acquisitions

04:10 – Common HR mistakes during transitions

06:05 – Evaluating teams before closing a deal

08:20 – Leadership alignment and communication strategies

10:15 – Retaining key employees post-acquisition

12:05 – Building trust with existing teams

14:30 – Cultural integration best practices

16:50 – Real-world examples of failed integrations

19:10 – HR due diligence checklist

21:35 – Creating a smooth onboarding experience

24:00 – Long-term people strategy for growth

26:30 – Final advice for acquirers 

Conclusion

This episode reinforces that successful acquisitions go far beyond numbers and contracts. By prioritizing people, culture, and leadership alignment, acquirers can avoid costly mistakes and create a smoother transition. Necole’s insights provide a practical framework for integrating teams and maintaining stability after a deal closes. If you want to build lasting value in your acquisitions, focusing on the human element is non-negotiable. 

Links
Necole Matlock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/necole-matlock-mba-6b778624/

Community: jvdeals.cbrcapitalgroup.com 

Necole Matlock’s Website: https://kaiphr.com/