How I Manage Transition Periods After Acquiring a Company
The transition period after an acquisition is one of the most fragile stages of ownership. I’ve seen companies lose momentum when sellers exit too fast or knowledge isn’t properly transferred. In this article, I share how I manage transition periods, from building trust with employees to structuring seller involvement, and why handling this stage well is critical for long-term stability and growth.
Lessons From Businesses That I Chose Not to Buy (And Why)
Some of the best decisions I’ve ever made were the deals I didn’t do. Walking away from the wrong business has saved me time, money, and energy. In this article, I share the lessons I’ve learned from businesses I chose not to buy, the red flags that made me step back, and why discipline in saying “no” is just as important as the ability to close a deal.
Why Seller Relationships Can Make or Break Your Business Acquisition
In every acquisition I’ve done, the seller relationship has been one of the biggest success factors. A strong relationship builds trust, smooths negotiations, and ensures cooperation during the transition period. A poor one, on the other hand, can derail a deal or poison integration. In this article, I share why seller relationships can make or break an acquisition and how I work to build trust from the very first meeting.
The Biggest Myths About Buying Businesses That Need to Be Debunked
There are plenty of myths about buying businesses—like believing every owner wants top dollar, or that bigger always means better. Over time, I’ve seen these misconceptions mislead buyers and kill deals. In this article, I share the biggest myths about buying businesses that need to be debunked, what’s actually true, and how focusing on reality creates smarter acquisition decisions.
How I Evaluate Risk When Looking at a New Business Acquisition
Every acquisition carries risk, but not all risks are created equal. Over time, I’ve developed a framework to quickly identify the areas that can make or break a deal—cash flow health, customer concentration, leadership gaps, and operational weaknesses. In this article, I share how I evaluate risk when looking at a new business acquisition, what red flags I prioritize, and how I balance risks against long-term opportunities.
Why Culture and People Often Decide if a Deal Works Long Term
Financials can look perfect, but it’s the culture and people that determine if a deal thrives long term. I’ve seen acquisitions succeed when employees feel valued and culture aligns—and fail when those elements are ignored. In this article, I share why I focus on culture and people during due diligence, how I evaluate them, and why they often decide whether a deal truly works in the long run.
What I Look for When Reviewing a Business’s Operations Before Buying
When I review a business’s operations before buying, I’m not just checking boxes—I’m looking for signs of scalability, stability, and efficiency. Strong systems and processes tell me the business can grow without falling apart, while gaps often reveal hidden risks. In this article, I share what I look for in operations, how I evaluate workflows, and why operational strength often matters more than financial projections in deciding whether to buy.
Creative Financing Strategies for Business Acquisitions
Not every acquisition requires upfront cash or traditional lending. Over the years, I’ve learned to use creative financing strategies—like seller financing, earnouts, and performance-based payments—to reduce risk, preserve capital, and align seller incentives. In this article, I share my favorite financing approaches, how I structure them, and why creative deal-making often opens the door to acquisitions that others pass by.
The Psychology of Business Owners When Selling Their Companies
Every deal isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. When business owners sell, they often struggle with emotions tied to legacy, identity, and trust. I’ve learned that understanding the psychology of sellers helps me negotiate fairly, build stronger relationships, and manage smoother transitions. In this article, I share what drives sellers emotionally, how it impacts deals, and why psychology is one of the most important factors in successful acquisitions.
Why Due Diligence Matters More Than Anything in Acquisitions
Every acquisition I’ve made has reinforced one truth: due diligence matters more than anything else. It’s where hidden debts, customer risks, and operational flaws reveal themselves. Skipping or rushing this step is one of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make. In this article, I explain why due diligence is my top priority, the areas I focus on most, and how it protects me from costly surprises.
Lessons I’ve Learned from Negotiating with Business Sellers
Negotiating with business sellers is as much about psychology as it is about numbers. Over the years, I’ve learned that building trust, asking the right questions, and understanding a seller’s motivations often matter more than price. In this article, I share the biggest lessons I’ve learned from negotiating with sellers, the mistakes I avoid, and how these insights help me create smoother, more successful acquisitions.
The Most Overlooked Steps in Buying a Small Business
In my experience, the difference between a smooth acquisition and a painful one often comes down to the small details buyers overlook. From vendor contracts to employee roles and working capital needs, these missed steps can derail success. In this article, I share the most overlooked steps in buying a small business, why they matter, and how addressing them early has helped me avoid costly mistakes.