Acquisition Advantage, w/ Walker Deibel, Raising Capital w/Parnell Speed

Buying and Selling Small Businesses for the Win

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E206: Walker's Acquisition Advantage: Buy Smarter, Win Bigger with Proven Buy Then Build Strategy - Watch Here

About the Guest(s):

Walker Deibel is an influential figure in the field of mergers and acquisitions, renowned for his bestselling book "Buy Then Build." His expertise encompasses buying and growing businesses successfully over the decades. As a seasoned acquisition entrepreneur, Walker has acquired over nine companies himself and consulted on over 300 acquisitions. He's not just an accomplished author, but also an educator and mentor within the space, having founded an accelerator, Acquisition Lab, to guide prospective business owners on the path of acquisition entrepreneurship. His thought leadership is recognized on prominent platforms, including keynotes at esteemed institutions like MIT.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton is thrilled to welcome Walker Deibel, a towering figure in the acquisitions sector. Walker, known for 'Buy Then Build', provides a captivating glimpse into his journey from a perceived 'unemployed' individual to an acclaimed author and entrepreneur. His unique perspective on buying businesses as a means of entrepreneurship offers valuable insights to listeners.

Walker discusses the evolution of the acquisitions industry, highlighting the shift from seller financing to structured loans like those backed by the SBA – a significant enabler for transactions in the current market. Deibel dissects the common myths surrounding the acquisition space, emphasizing the importance of calculated risk-taking and avoiding the alluring, yet misleading, 'get-rich-quick' acquisition strategies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mergers and acquisitions, offering a mix of practical advice, industry trends, and transparent reflections on the challenges and rewards of business ownership.

Key Takeaways:

  • Acquisition entrepreneurship is about taking calculated risks, rather than searching for low-investment, high-return scenarios.

  • Building rapport with the seller and understanding a business's culture are crucial in the acquisition process.

  • The SBA has been pivotal in enabling more business transactions by offering loans for business acquisitions without traditional collateral requirements.

  • The value of a business is not solely determined by its selling price; growth potential and current operations play significant roles.

  • Acquisition Lab offers targeted, lifetime support to individuals looking to acquire businesses, with a strong emphasis on community and shared learning.

Notable Quotes:

  • "You just need to sign this personal guarantee and you're good." – Walker Deibel on SBA loans for business acquisitions.

  • "A business is sort of made in the image of its owner..." – Walker Deibel on the impact of ownership on company culture.

  • "You take in the information, you're out there doing it, but then you're also able to work with other people in the same situation." – Walker Deibel on the community aspect of learning in acquisitions.

  • “You have to figure out what you bring to the table... make that leap of faith.” – Walker Deibel on aligning personal strengths with business opportunities.

  • "The truth is, if I see the MBA and military experience, I almost just move on to the next person because I know they're okay." – Walker Deibel on key traits observed in successful acquisition entrepreneurs. 

Article:

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Growth & Acquisition - News Newsletter

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E205: Raising Capital for Acquisitions: Funding Sources to Finance Your Dream Deal w/ Parnell Speed - Watch Here

About the Guest(s):

Parnell Speed is a seasoned professional with a background in engineering and experience in the real estate sector. After navigating the challenges of accessing capital in his own ventures, Parnell identified a widespread need for trustworthy guidance in securing funds. Transitioning into the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) space, he was particularly drawn to the concept of roll-ups and sought to deepen his expertise through a dedicated training program. In 2019, he established his own firm, focusing on helping individuals acquire capital for acquisitions, and has since stood out as a reliable advisor, steering clients away from unfavorable funding and towards optimal financial solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the How to Exit Podcast, host Ronald Skelton chats with capital-raising whiz Parnell Speed about the intricacies involved in sourcing capital for business acquisitions. Diving right into the world of M&A, they explore various avenues for funding, capital arrangements, and the importance of financial preparedness when taking over a company.

Parnell brings to the table a wealth of knowledge from his professional journey, which spans from engineering to real estate, to his current focus on capital acquisition. With a candid conversation on the realities of funding, they lay out the building blocks of successful deal-making, emphasizing creativity and diligence as central to overcoming financial challenges.

The discussion navigates through the kingpins of acquisition financing, such as SBA loans and owner financing, and veers into the oft-overlooked realm of non-recourse funding and capital stacking for business takeovers. With a clear view of the landscape, the episode illuminates the path to strategic acquisitions by dissecting the methods and timelines involved in leveraging assets, contracts, and private investor relationships.

Key Takeaways:

  • Acquisition financing includes a range of options like SBA loans, asset-based financing, contract financing, and owner financing, but private investors can also play a pivotal role in funding deals.

  • Being strategic in capital stacking, which involves combining different types of funding, can enhance the potential for a successful acquisition.

  • Creativity in sourcing and arranging capital is crucial; it's about finding the right money rather than just any money.

  • Preparation for growth and operational costs post-acquisition is as important as financing the purchase, and should be factored into the fundraising strategy.

  • The sooner you start planning for funding an acquisition, ideally before even signing an LOI, the better prepared you'll be for a successful transition.

Notable Quotes:

  • "You're only limited by your creativity in terms of finding the type of money that you need to do your deal." - Parnell Speed

  • "It's not as daunting as you might think. If you educate yourself and you work with the right people, it's very doable." - Parnell Speed

  • "Knowing your way around the capital stack, what your business can handle, and your growth plans can make or break your acquisition's success." - Ronald Skelton

Article:

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FROM THE Editor:

Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided for informational & educational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. We are not attorneys, tax, or financial advisors and not qualified to give any such advice.  

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