This final episode of the ETA series brings everything full circle. If you've been following along, you know we’ve covered the entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) space in depth—exploring what it takes to buy a business, what can go wrong, what goes right, and how investors evaluate deals.

In this episode, the host breaks down:

• Why acquisitions became part of her growth strategy
• The real challenges of buying a business vs. starting from scratch
• Lessons from her own ETA journey, including deals that fell through
• Why innovation and AI are crucial, even when acquiring an existing business
• How to determine the right path for you—startup vs. acquisition

No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode will give you valuable insights into wealth-building, growth, and business strategy.

Whether you’re an aspiring searcher, a startup founder, or someone exploring business ownership, you’ll walk away with actionable insights for your next steps.

📩 Join the host's newsletter for exclusive insights & updates: tpmfocus.com/newsletter TPM Focus Newsletter - "Unpolished Business"

💡 Want to learn how to scale smarter with AI & automation? Join the waitlist: tpmfocus.com/businessstrategy This is the Business Strategy Cohort of entrepreneurs learning directly from the host of Unpolished MBA.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Most searchers focus on finding the perfect business to buy—but what happens after the deal closes? In this episode, Monique Mills sits down with investor and experienced entrepreneur Mario Montag to discuss what really drives post-acquisition success. Spoiler: it’s not just adding new tech and CRMs.

Mario shares what he looks for in searchers before investing, why operational execution is the #1 factor in long-term success, and the importance of EOS (from the book Traction). He also reveals the biggest mistakes searchers make, why keeping customers is the most critical post-close task, and why the ETA space needs more honest conversations about its challenges.

If you’re thinking about acquiring a business or investing in one, don’t miss this conversation!

Key Topics:

• The investor mindset in ETA
• Key operational improvements that drive value
• How to assess risk and avoid hidden pitfalls in acquisitions
• Why seller notes and earnouts are essential protections
• Lessons from failed deals
• 
  

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

🔗 The Book Traction (EOS Framework): https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

🔗 Mario Montag’s Website:https://mariomontag.com

🔗 Mario Montag on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariomontag/

🔗 Fruition Capital:https://fruitioncap.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, hosts discuss how cash flow can make or break your business. Whether you're running a company, buying one, or just trying to keep your finances in check, understanding how money moves through your business is essential.

Joined by Josh Tejkl, a Fractional CFO and cash flow expert, he uncovers the biggest financial mistakes entrepreneurs make—and how to fix them.

He breaks down how to collect payments faster, why cash flow forecasting is essential, and the real difference between Controllers, CFOs, and Bookkeepers (so you don’t overpay for what you don’t need).

If you're serious about building a financially strong business, avoiding cash shortages, and learning real-world financial strategies, this is a must-listen episode.

Key Takeaways:

• How late payments can silently kill your business
• The right way to chase invoices & collect payments faster
• The cash conversion cycle & why it matters more than you think
• How AI is disrupting financial management (and what’s next)
• The biggest cash flow traps in business acquisitions

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Guest Co-Hosts:

Company -->August Advisory - https://augustadvisory.co/

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjtejkl

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Company --> Sunset Coast Partners

NEW BOOK RELEASING SOON!

Jedbmorris.com

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/

Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Thinking about buying a small business? You’ve probably seen all the hype online about acquisition entrepreneurship—no money down, seller financing, and easy paths to wealth.

But what if most of that isn’t true?

In this episode, Kinza Azmat, a business broker and acquisition entrepreneur, breaks down the realities of buying a business, the biggest misconceptions, and what buyers and sellers get wrong. We dive into red flags in deals, the truth about business brokers, why most businesses aren’t actually sellable, and how to avoid a financial disaster.

If you’re considering buying or selling a business, this episode will help you go in with your eyes wide open and avoid the pitfalls that many first-time buyers fall into.

Topics Discussed:

🔥 The biggest myths about buying a business (and what first-time buyers get wrong)

🔥 Why some businesses should never be acquired—even if the financials look great

🔥 How to uncover hidden risks before signing an LOI

🔥 Why business brokers sometimes overpromise to sellers (and how that affects buyers)

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about buying or selling a business.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Kinza’s Book (Preorder & Course Access) – Check it out https://www.thechiefrebel.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, Jed shares his experience of buying and losing a business, the lessons he learned, and his mission to shed light on the often-overlooked challenges of business acquisitions. His forthcoming book, Buyer Beware: Real Stories of Business Acquisition Failure, compiles stories of searchers who’ve faced setbacks, offering actionable takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of cash flow management and its impact on business viability.
• Why the character of the seller matters as much as the financials of the deal.
• Understanding behavioral finance in the context of business transactions.
• The value of sharing failures and lessons learned to guide future buyers.
• Why traditional vs. self-funded search is a lifestyle decision, not just a financial one.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Jed’s Book Presale Page – Sign up for early access and snippets from the book--> https://buyerbewarebook.carrd.co/
2. Search Fund Study --> https://hadleyfamilycapital.com/wp-content/uploads/120907-Search-Funds_Death-and-the-Afterlife_Benjamin-Kessler_9.7.2012-1.pdf

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Guest Co-Hosts:

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Company --> Sunset Coast Partners

NEW BOOK RELEASING SOON! https://buyerbewarebook.carrd.co/

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/

Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe

This episode features Yvette Owo, an acquisition entrepreneur and accountant. The discussion focuses on the crucial role of quality of earnings (QOE) reports in the acquisition process and how they help identify financial discrepancies, whether due to errors or fraud.

Yvette emphasizes the importance of understanding revenue spikes, working capital adjustments, and boundary setting in professional relationships. Practical advice is given on handling client demands, HR analysis, and different approaches to conducting QOEs, including the depth of analysis and associated costs.

Essential business topics such as customer concentration, account receivable aging, and proof of cash are explored, providing listeners with vital insights into managing finances during acquisitions.

The conversation underscores the need for thorough due diligence and the value of engaging experienced professionals to ensure successful business transitions.

Don't miss this episode if you're serious about navigating the entrepreneurial journey with eyes wide open.

Books Mentioned:

• Not Nice by Dr. Aziz Gazipura.
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

https://www.yvetteowo.com/

Company: https://www.yoloaccounting.com/ and https://www.cfo-cpa.net/

Twitter: @yvetteowo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this candid episode, hosts break down the gritty realities of entrepreneurship. From personal guarantees and bankruptcy to building resilience in the face of failure, they leave no stone unturned. Whether you're considering buying a business or struggling with your current venture, this conversation offers invaluable insights, actionable advice, and hard-earned wisdom. Don't miss this episode if you're serious about navigating the entrepreneurial journey with eyes wide open.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• BOOK: Corporate Turnaround Artistry: FIx Any Business in 100 Days - https://a.co/d/6Mxzb8S
• BOOK: One Day I'll Work For Myself https://a.co/d/4pniLlr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Guest Co-Hosts:

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Company --> Sunset Coast Partners

NEW BOOK RELEASING SOON! https://buyerbewarebook.carrd.co/

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/

Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode hosts dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). They explore why buying a business is not the "easy" path many imagine, the tools and strategies to streamline the search process, and the importance of self-awareness and honesty when taking on the responsibility of business ownership.

From leveraging tools like HubSpot, Apollo, and local databases to the nuances of search criteria, Monique, Kinza, and Jed share practical advice for aspiring business buyers. They also tackle misconceptions about small business ownership, discuss the challenges of transitioning into entrepreneurship, and provide actionable insights for evaluating potential deals.

If you're considering buying a business or navigating the world of SBA loans, Keira’s wealth of experience and advice is a must-listen. Plus, she shares her current work as an SBA loan broker and her mission to debunk myths and provide realistic, actionable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Topics Discussed:

• Why the current economic environment is fueling interest in business acquisition.
• Tools and platforms for finding on-market and off-market deals.
• The importance of defining clear search criteria (industry, geography, profitability).
• Leveraging personal strengths and unique attributes in the acquisition process.
• How industry-specific search tactics differ (e.g., landscaping vs. well drilling).
• The psychological and financial realities of owning a business you “cannot quit.”
• The risks of early exit strategies and misconceptions about SBA loans.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• HubSpot: hubspot.com
• Apollo: apollo.io
• Simply Noted: simplynoted.com
• BizBuySell: bizbuysell.com
• 
  

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Guest Co-Hosts:

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Company --> Sunset Coast Partners

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/

Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com