Weekly Recap

E227: Connor Pera Discusses Journey to Acquisition Entrepreneurship and Growing The Print Authority

About the Guest(s):

Connor Pera is an accomplished acquisition entrepreneur specializing in commercial printing services. After earning his business degree from Penn State and an MBA from Chicago, Connor worked in financial services and marketing before venturing into entrepreneurship. He currently runs "The Print Authority," a commercial printing company based in Brentwood, Tennessee. Connor has developed a keen understanding of leveraging acquisition entrepreneurship to create value and grow businesses, making him a knowledgeable and insightful guest.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of How2Exit, host Ronald Skelton sits down with Connor Pera, an acquisition entrepreneur who recently took over "The Print Authority," a commercial printing business in Brentwood, Tennessee. Connor shares his journey from working in financial services and marketing to becoming a business owner. Drawing from his experiences, he discusses the concept of acquisition entrepreneurship, the practicalities of buying and running a business, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Throughout the episode, Connor delves into his strategies for growing "The Print Authority," including expanding their service offerings and building strong relationships with multi-location businesses. He emphasizes the importance of getting involved in the operational aspects of the business to truly drive growth and value. Connor also highlights the significance of knowing your strengths, whether in marketing, operations, or finance, and leveraging them to make informed decisions when acquiring a business. By sharing his firsthand experiences, Connor provides invaluable insights for aspiring acquisition entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of buying and running a successful company.

Key Takeaways:

• Value of Getting in the Game: Connor stresses the importance of jumping into acquisition entrepreneurship rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity.

• Know Your Strengths: Emphasize your unique skills and how they can add value to a business you acquire.

• Effective Communication: Essential for gaining team buy-in and setting clear, actionable objectives.

• Operational Insights: Becoming an operator teaches invaluable lessons that can’t be fully understood through intellectual knowledge alone.

• Capitalize on Experience: Learn from the previous owner and understand that certain industry-specific knowledge will come with time.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I've always had a lot of respect for entrepreneurs and sort of like the business tycoons, if you will."

2. "I really like that model because the revenues are much more reoccurring in nature through those relationships."

3. "The best way to learn how to run small businesses is not to search for the perfect small business to buy; it's to run a small business."

4. "Everything in life is just a series of trade-offs."

5. "The importance of communicating your ideas frequently and often is key to getting buy-in for your vision."

Article:

Navigating the World of Acquisition Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Connor Pera

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E226: Morli Desai Discusses Her Journey in Acquiring and Revitalizing a Skincare E-commerce Business - Watch Here

About the Guest(s):

Morli Desai is an accomplished entrepreneur and the founder of Amaira Natural Skincare. With an MBA from Wharton and a diverse background that includes working on Wall Street and with Medtronic, Moralee embodies a rich blend of analytical prowess and marketing expertise. Influenced by her mother's journey as an immigrant and entrepreneur, she ventured into the world of business acquisition, purchasing an e-commerce company in 2022. Despite facing challenges, Morli remains steadfast in her mission to empower women with natural skincare solutions.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton engages in a candid conversation with Morli Desai, the entrepreneur behind Amaira Natural Skincare. This episode delves into her background, her motivations for acquiring an e-commerce business, and the subsequent challenges she faced. From her philosophies on balancing personal values with entrepreneurship to strategies for turning around a business during turbulent times, Morli offers invaluable lessons from her journey.

Throughout the episode, Morli shares how her upbringing in an immigrant family, coupled with professional stints on Wall Street and Medtronic, molded her entrepreneurial spirit. The episode details the highs and lows of buying an e-commerce skincare company during COVID-19 and the subsequent challenges in navigating a post-pandemic market. With a deep dive into marketing dynamics, including the escalating costs of Google Ads and the strategic pivot to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, listeners gain a comprehensive view of what it takes to steer a company through uncertain waters.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurial Journey: Morli's transition from a stable corporate career to an entrepreneur was inspired by her mother's example and solidified by her professional background and education.

• Challenges in Business Acquisition: Post-acquisition challenges included inflated Google Ads costs and declining revenue, which necessitated a significant strategic pivot.

• Marketing Strategies: Adapting to changing cost structures in digital marketing and exploring alternative advertising channels like Meta and micro-influencers.

• Product Line and Customer Base: Amaira Natural Skincare focuses on natural ingredients to address hyperpigmentation and supports a diverse customer base, including men.

• Future Plans: Morli explores potential acquisitions and new strategies to ensure business growth and sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I love numbers and analytics, and working on Wall Street taught me a lot, but I always wanted to be an entrepreneur."

2. "We lighten, tighten, and brighten your most delicate areas. Our goal is to help women get their confidence back."

3. "Acquiring a company during the pandemic taught me a lot about the volatility of the market and the importance of adaptability."

4. "Email marketing has been crucial in maintaining our customer base, and we've tripled our repeat customer rate."

5. "The journey is all about staying level-headed, executing the strategy, and letting the numbers speak for themselves."

Article:

Embracing Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Morli Desai’s Journey in eCommerce

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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