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Ever wondered if buying a business could be your shortcut to real financial freedom—or just a fast track to regret? We sit down with a seasoned business broker who's owned parts of 10 companies and sold countless more, pulling back the curtain on why acquisition entrepreneurship isn't the hype it's cracked up to be, but can still build lasting wealth if you're wired for it. He shares the raw truth from his front-row seat: the heartaches of ownership, the red flags in deals, and how focusing on people over spreadsheets separates winners from those who flame out.

We unpack the myths peddled by influencers like Cody Sanchez, from spotting stable businesses (hint: look for 10+ years of operation and low employee turnover) to navigating the wild west of brokerage. It's not about chasing shiny objects—it's about burning your ships, aligning with the right partners, and killing fear before it kills your dreams. This conversation arms you with the clarity to decide if buying beats starting from scratch, and how to lead with purpose in a world that rewards grit over glamour.

📌 Key Topics:

✅ Why Buy a Business? Proven systems and cash flow beat starting from zero, but only for true entrepreneurs—test the waters first to avoid personal guarantees and burnout.

✅ Red Flags in Targets: Aim for 10-15+ year-old operations with 5-7 year employee tenure; high turnover signals absent owners or control freaks.

✅ People Over Profits: The real magic happens by prioritizing team culture—pay well, offer ownership stakes, and create family vibes to slash churn and boost revenue.

✅ Brokerage Realities: 77% of sub-$2M EBITDA businesses never sell; approach brokers humbly with a transition plan, past risks, and spousal buy-in to stand out.

✅ Overcoming Fear: Hear stories of COVID near-misses and turnarounds—nimble small businesses survive by transparency, creativity, and burning bridges to your old life.

✅ Private Equity vs. Family Offices: PE brings systems but intense due diligence; family offices move fast but are picky—vet them like they vet you.

✅ Succession and Legacy: Raise gritty kids by tying rewards to perseverance; build a "generosity machine" where business transforms lives, not just bank accounts.

✅ Retirement Shift: From high-risk builds to dividend streams—flexibility wins, but always chase the "yes" in your soul.

What's one fear holding you back from your next bold move— and how will you kill it today?

00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Financial Freedom

01:03 The Value of Buying a Business

02:56 Evaluating Business Longevity and Stability

05:20 The Importance of People in Business

09:31 Creating a Positive Work Environment

11:25 Navigating Business Transactions

19:41 The Role of a Business Broker

22:19 Building Trust in Business Deals

27:26 Approaching Business Brokers as a New Buyer

30:18 Understanding the Broker's Perspective

33:05 The Importance of Personality in Business Transactions

36:51 Navigating Risk and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship

40:10 The Role of Mindset in Business Acquisition

45:58 The Significance of Partnership and Support

49:09 Evaluating Business Potential and People

52:28 The Balance of Systems and Flexibility in Business

57:30 The Future of CFO Roles in the Age of AI

01:00:40 The Role of Security in Entrepreneurship

01:03:08 Learning Through Adversity

01:06:11 Transforming Lives Through Business

01:09:00 Understanding Private