Free Daily Podcast Summary
Acquiring Minds: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Will Smith
Buying a business is an amazing path for many successful entrepreneurs. Learn how to buy a business from the entrepreneurs who have already done it. 2x per week: stories, insights, & valuable advice about acquisition entrepreneurship. Hosted by Will Smith, who is on his own path to acquire a business.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago1h 49m
60% Concentration That Killed an Exit
Raj Mahajan bought a salon software business, tripled it to $11M ARR. Then his biggest customer launched a competitor.Register for the webinar:Tax Issues: Entity and Deal Structuring - TOMORROW!! - https://bit.ly/4frQstmTopics in Raj’s interview:Wanting to move “from coach to quarterback”Buying a niche point-of-sale software companyConverting to cloud-based SaaSGrowing recurring revenue from $4 to $11 millionEstablishing a headquarters for the remote companyA failed exit to private equityHis biggest customer stealing his softwareEmotional turmoil of Covid + lawsuitChoosing to protect his teamLessons learned from good and bad yearsReferences and how to contact Raj:LinkedInJaan CapitalLessons for New Operators - 2020The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:The Acquisition LabGet 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 MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
- 6 days ago1h 38m
Product-Market Fit in the Trades: 4x in 2.5 Years
Patrick Beal left tech to buy an HVAC business with 90% seller financing, no SBA. He's on track to hit $3.5m this year. Register for the webinar: Working Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4f8pSGYTopics in Patrick interview:Entrepreneurship in his familyZoom fatigue from remote workSearching in Northeast OhioFinding a business through his networkMeeting with the seller for almost a yearStructuring 10% down, 90% seller noteUnderestimating working capital needsKeeping his W-2 until the business grewQuadrupling revenue in 2 yearsWorking on getting his HVAC licenseReferences and how to contact Patrick:LinkedInTemperature Control MaintenanceLinh Tran on Acquiring Minds: The Dream Outcome: From $300k to $5m EBITDASteve Carroll on Acquiring Minds: ETA Unicorn: $1 Billion in Revenue in 5 YearsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet 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 channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
- 1 weeks ago1h 16m
No SBA, No Investors: The Liquidity Access Line
Brian Jungles bought a $400k direct mail business in Atlanta and skipped SBA by pledging his portfolio as collateral.Register for the webinars:Don't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/3T4OQOJWorking Capital: One of ETA’s Most Expensive Mistakes - Thu, Jul 23 - https://bit.ly/3T1aELeTopics in Brian’s interview:Leaving his corporate career at AdobeFinding a business through his networkAcquiring for $400k cashGetting a personal line of credit through his bankDirect mail is still effectiveGrowth is a lot of workHumbling experience of learning QuickbooksPicture-perfect transition of ownershipLearning to translate “corporate speak”“The entrepreneur community all wants to help each other.”References and how to contact Brian:LinkedInCity Publications AtlantaGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet 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 MindsThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
- 1 weeks ago1h 22m
Acquiring a $7m Niche Marketing Agency with 50 Employees
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/4aKP3fYDon't Rush: How to Prepare for a Quality of Earnings Report - Tue, Jul 21 - https://bit.ly/4feY1DPTopics in Rob’s interview:Geographic search in the Triad of North CarolinaNetworking with local business ownersFinding a business through AxialBuying a marketing and consumer research agencyHis choice to stay out of the weedsBringing in a consultant (maybe too) earlyHow his agency intersects with the tradesStructuring a 50% earnoutConsensus-based leadership styleFinding clients through SubstackReferences and how to contact Rob:LinkedInSales FactoryAdam Duggins on Acquiring Minds: How to Build a Holdco of 4 Blue Collar Businesses in 10 YearsJoe Soelberg on Acquiring Minds: Buying Small to Then Buy Larger $1m SDEBryan Houck on Acquiring Minds: 4th Time's the Charm: 3 Broken Deals to Buy a Great BusinessScott Alexander on Acquiring Minds: Rebuilding from 80% Collapse to Mid 7 Figures Revenue Rob’s 10-page Search LearningsGet 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 MindsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
- 2 weeks ago1h 30m
Escaping the J-Curve in a $700k SDE Ecom Business
Chris Farkas endured a 7-week fetal position moment when he finally found a website bug that had cost him $500k in sales.Register for the webinar:From Working IN the Business to ON the Business: How Owners Make the Transition - Thu, Jul 16 - https://bit.ly/4vRBhk8Topics in Chris’s interview: Going through Acquisition LabFirst deal fell through on Christmas EveAcquiring an ecommerce business with a warehouseBuying inventory he didn’t wantThe marketing agencies that hurt his businessBusiness almost tanked due to website glitchDoing $10k in sales per dayHardship of traveling every other weekWhy he stays off AmazonMake only one change at a timeReferences and how to contact Chris:LinkedInEmergencyKits.comRuss Hadlock on Acquiring Minds: The Front Lines of a CrisisDave Richards of Keystone Business AdvisorsKalen Foster of Live Oak BankGet a complimentary IT audit for acquisition diligence or post-close transition.Visit inzotechnologies.com/eta.The ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
- 2 weeks ago1h 27m
Never Worked Harder, Never Been Happier
After 25 years in corporate, Gina Rosen bought a jewelry wholesaling business with $635k in sales — now on track to $1m.Register for the webinar: Finance Essentials Before You Close - TODAY!! - https://bit.ly/4fcxTdKTopics in Gina’s interview:Leaving corporate for more family timeDecoupling her salary from her valueAcquiring the supplier for her side gigHer mistake with buying inventoryKeeping her corporate job the first yearGoing full time in the business to focus on salesStanding out by making sales calls in-personOperating a highly seasonal businessHow tariffs have affected her businessAcquiring without the SBA References and how to contact Gina:LinkedInSeasons JewelryThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
- 3 weeks ago1h 26m
Career Consultant Who Bought a 7-Figure Manufacturer
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/4eMaUowTopics in Paul’s interview:M&A, integrations, and private equity experienceCOVID Zoom fatigue sparked career pivotAtlanta’s crowded deal market challengesHiring buy-side help while still workingPursuing full ownership without outside investorsNavigating two simultaneous LOIs carefullyChoosing SBA 504 over 7(a) financing for the real estateAcquiring a high capex businessReplacing Ferrari equipment with Toyota reliabilityWhy consultants make strong ETA operatorsReferences and how to contact Paul:LinkedInMetro Metal WorksWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet 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 MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
- 3 weeks ago1h 23m
(replay)Art of the Roll-Up: 40 Businesses in 4 Years
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 schoolsBuying his first music school as a side projectRaising growth equity after first 2 acquisitionsAcquiring a music school every monthArtists’ negative predisposition toward sellingComparing profitability of music vs. danceImportance of general managers in scalingImplementing apps to streamline operationsOther industries with roll-up potentialRolling up 60+ music/dance schools nationwideReferences and how to contact Jeff:LinkedInEnsemble Performing ArtsDownload the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
Get Acquiring Minds summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
BiggerPockets Business Podcast
Real entrepreneurs share practical advice on starting, growing, and selling businesses, covering hiring, marketing, and raising capital.
The $100 MBA Show
A practical guide to starting and growing a business with minimal resources, covering idea validation, marketing, sales, and reinvestment.
The Money Mondays
Discusses investments, side hustles, and charity through interviews with entrepreneurs and celebrities in their homes and studios.
Mind The Business: Small Business Success Stories
Small business owners share real stories about starting, growing, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
My First Million
Two entrepreneurs analyze market trends and generate business ideas, often with guest collaborators.
BigDeal
Conversations with driven entrepreneurs and investors reveal raw, practical lessons on building wealth and living intentionally.
The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner
A serial entrepreneur shares actionable business ideas, growth strategies, and side hustle tips from decades of real-world experience.
Business Movers
True stories of visionary business leaders and the bold risks, successes, and failures that shaped iconic companies and changed the world.
The Paul Morris Podcast
Entrepreneurs and investors share strategies for building wealth, scaling businesses, and leading high-performance teams.
The Entrepreneur DNA
Entrepreneurs share lessons on building businesses and personal growth through real experiences and mistakes.
Proven Podcast
Charles Schwartz
Founder's Story
Real founders share raw stories of building, scaling, and leading companies, revealing the grit and purpose behind entrepreneurial success.
About Acquiring Minds
Buying a business is an amazing path for many successful entrepreneurs. Learn how to buy a business from the entrepreneurs who have already done it. 2x per week: stories, insights, & valuable advice about acquisition entrepreneurship. Hosted by Will Smith, who is on his own path to acquire a business.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Acquiring Minds in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Acquiring Minds daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Acquiring Minds as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Acquiring Minds podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Acquiring Minds product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Will Smith.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Acquiring Minds release new episodes?
Acquiring Minds publishes 2x weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Acquiring Minds cover?
Acquiring Minds covers topics including Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Acquiring Minds summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.