Michael Castaño is an entrepreneur and acquisition-minded business owner whose journey began with building an acoustic company from the ground up. Through that venture, he learned the realities of managing customers, navigating operations, and wearing every hat that a small business demands.

When he later turned toward acquisitions, Michael brought those lessons with him — and discovered that persistence, credibility, and seller trust mattered as much as the numbers on paper. Along the way, he leaned heavily on mentorship and the broader acquisition community, finding that shared experiences, open conversations, and collaboration accelerated his growth far more than going it alone.

Today, Michael continues to build on his foundation as both an operator and a student of the community, seeking opportunities that align with his skills and long-term vision for sustainable ownership.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 15:10] Michael's Early Steps

From college into first real estate ventures. How curiosity and persistence shaped his first small deals. Early lessons about negotiating with sellers.

[15:11 – 32:20] First Acquisitions & Seller Financing

How Michael structured his earliest business buys. Why seller financing became a key tool. Navigating fear and uncertainty in his first transactions.

[32:21 – 50:00] Building Credibility & Community

The role of mentors and masterminds in accelerating his learning. What worked (and didn't) when presenting himself to sellers. Developing a repeatable process instead of chasing shiny objects.

[50:01 – 1:08:30] Scaling Ambitions & Real Challenges

Why some deals fell through — and the lessons from near misses. What he's learned about risk tolerance and pacing himself. Managing family, finances, and business at the same time.

[1:08:31 – End (~1:23:00)] Looking Forward

What Michael is seeking in future acquisitions. His advice for first-time buyers who feel overwhelmed. Why he believes persistence and relationships matter more than quick wins.

Guest Bio Michael Castaño is a business owner and acquisition entrepreneur whose journey highlights the reality of small business buying — from learning through mistakes to building a strategy for sustainable ownership. He shares openly about seller negotiations, community, and the mindset shifts needed for success.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Michael Castaño:

• Instagram: @firstgeninvestor

• Website: memtechacoustical.com / michaelcastano.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/memtechacoustics

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

"Seller financing isn't just a tactic — it's a way to show you're serious and build trust." – Michael Castaño

"Community and mentorship are how you accelerate past mistakes." – Michael Castaño

"If you're not failing at something, you're probably not pushing hard enough." – Michael Castaño

"Numbers matter, but people matter more." – Tim Delaney