E18: Chandler Reed (@ChandlerReedSMB) went from never running a business before to buying his first SMB through a random opportunity on Twitter.

Within the first 12 months he 4 X’d revenue, tripled head count and felt on top of the world. But then the market took a dive, wiping out most of his gains and leaving him with a monster task to turn the ship around.

Fast forward till today and he did just that, and in the process sharpened his entrepreneurial skillset.

Now he’s running a small business accelerator, SMBootcamp, which teaches first time time acquisition entrepreneurs how to acquire a business the right way in 6 to 12 months.

Join host Jake Richards (@JakeMRichards) as he sits down with Chandler to uncover Chandler’s proven business buying system.

Topics discussed:

• Why you should buy not start a business
• The 5 key deal filters for making a successful SMB acquisition
• What are the red flags in an acquisition target to avoid on your search
• Perfecting your search avenues: Broker search vs finding off market deals
• Developing training, processes and checklists to maintain consistency at scale
• How to convince investors to support your business acquisition search as a first time buyer
• How to negotiate a fair price once you’ve found the business that meets your criteria
• How and when to play offence vs defence in business to capitalise on the market conditions

This episode lays out the entire proven system Chandler’s clients have used to buy their first business. If you’re interested in acquisition entrepreneurship you are in for a treat.

Follow along on Jake's SMB journey:

Twitter: @JakeMRichards

Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, invaluable small business tips, and updates on each episode release:

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E17: Malcolm Marshall (@MalcolmPools) went from burnout 9-5er working 70 to 110 hours per week, to scrambling stressed out new business owner, to seasoned entrepreneur generating $16 million per year in revenue.

How did he do it?

Building and servicing pools.

But it wasn’t straightforward. In fact, Malcolm’s day one strategy didn’t go to plan. He had to pivot… Big time.

But when it clicked the business took off.

Join host Jake Richards (@JakeMRichards) as he sits down with Malcolm to unpack his pool business journey and pull out the lessons learnt to help you quit your 9-5 and succeed in small business ownership.

Topics discussed:

• How to develop operational excellency in your home service business
• How to build a first class customer experience: The power of small wins
• How to develop a world class training program to build your rockstar team
• Lessons from implementing Gino Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
• The foundations you must know as a new business owner in the pool service industry
• How to launch a $150k/year 1 person pool cleaning business with only $5,000 investment
• The best way to launch a pool service business: Buying an existing route vs starting from scratch
• Why Malcom is 7x’ing his marketing spend in 2024 and how you should think about SMB marketing
• How to transition from start up SMB to premium priced market player without sacrificing sales

This episode is loaded with nuggets of wisdom for entrepreneurs of all experience levels. Whether you’re a burnt out 9-5er looking for a proven path into small business ownership, or a seasoned entrepreneur wanting to take your operation to the next level, Malcolm has just the battle tested advice you need to hear.

Follow along on Jake's SMB journey:

Twitter: @JakeMRichards

Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, invaluable small business tips, and updates on each episode release:

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E16: They say everything is bigger in Texas. And today's guest Nolan Gore (@LeadershipAcad1) has built one of, if not the biggest landscaping businesses in Texas. So rest assured we are talking with a serious operator.

But despite the success, Nolan has had his fair share of struggles. And in today's episode he breaks down what uncomfortable realities you are going to need to face if you want to win big in small business, and most excitingly, the battle tested strategies and principles to do so.

From managing the emotional rollercoaster of your first business acquisition to the intricacies of optimising your ideal sales cycle for your unique business model, Nolan's insights are gold for anyone looking to get their start in the SMB space. Learn how to find solid operators, incubate smaller businesses for increased success, and implement systems that really work.

Topics discussed:

• Understanding and navigating the SARAH cycle of emotional change
• How to manage large-scale transitions within your business
• Incubation model for SMB success: Finding solid operators and teaming up
• The uncomfortable realities of SMB ownership and how to prepare yourself
• Systemising your small business for efficiency and growth
• When and how to implement robust systems like EOS
• Excelling in various landscaping business niches
• Optimising your sales cycle to match your unique business model

Nolan also shares his blueprint for creating an $8.5 million per year landscaping operation, offering an authentic look into the challenges and victories of SMB ownership.

This episode is a masterclass from someone who’s been there and done it, providing an honest look into what it takes to run a successful small business. If you're considering launching into the SMB space or are already on your way, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons.

Follow along on my SMB journey:

Twitter @JakeMRichards

Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, small business tips, and reminders when each episode releases:

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