How I Decide Whether to Keep or Replace Existing Management After a Purchase
One of the toughest calls after buying a business is deciding whether to keep or replace existing management. I’ve learned to evaluate not just skills, but also alignment with culture, systems, and long-term goals. In this article, I share my framework for making this decision, how I assess leadership fit, and why getting it right is critical to post-acquisition success.
The First 90 Days: How I Stabilize a New Acquisition
The first 90 days after buying a business are the most critical. I focus on stabilizing cash flow, earning employee trust, and strengthening operations before chasing growth. In this article, I share the exact steps I take in the first three months, why these actions set the tone for long-term success, and how they protect the business during a fragile transition period.
The First Metrics I Study When Looking at a Potential Acquisition
When I evaluate a potential acquisition, I don’t start with lofty projections—I start with the fundamentals. Cash flow, margins, customer concentration, and recurring revenue are the first numbers I study to see if a business is healthy or hiding risks. In this article, I share why these metrics matter most, how I interpret them, and how they guide my acquisition decisions.
Why I Always Verify Working Capital Needs Before Closing a Deal
Working capital can be the silent deal-breaker in small business acquisitions. If you don’t verify it before closing, you risk unexpected cash shortages that cripple operations after day one. In this article, I explain why I always verify working capital needs, how I assess the true requirements, and why this step protects both valuation and long-term stability in every acquisition I make.
The Importance of Employee Retention After a Business Sale
When a business changes hands, the biggest risk isn’t customers leaving—it’s employees walking out the door. Retaining key staff after a sale is essential for continuity, customer relationships, and cultural stability. In this article, I share why employee retention matters so much post-sale, how I evaluate retention risks during due diligence, and the strategies I use to keep teams engaged after an acquisition.
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.
How I’ve Used Relationships to Find Off-Market Businesses for Sale
Some of my best acquisitions never hit a broker’s listing—they came through relationships. By building trust with owners, advisors, and industry peers, I’ve uncovered off-market businesses that most buyers never see. In this article, I share how I use relationships to source hidden opportunities, why networking matters in acquisitions, and how trust often delivers better deals than traditional listings.
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 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.