EP21 - The Game-Changing Strategy of Acquisition: An Interview with Walker Deibel

Walker Deibel is an expert in the field of acquisition entrepreneurship, having purchased not one but seven successful businesses over the span of a decade. Through his journey, he realized that buying companies can be a more viable and profitable option than starting from scratch. He's also the author of a best-selling book on the subject and the founder of Acquisition Lab, an acquisition accelerator. Get ready to learn from Walker's expertise as he shares the strategies, challenges, and rewards of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur, you’re certain to find value in Walker’s insights.TL; DL HighlightsOnly 4% of companies hit the 1 million revenue mark, with a mere 0.5% reaching 5 million.Baby boomers dominate the business landscape, owning businesses that represent 48% of the US economy.An impending wave: 48% of US companies face a transition due to owner retirements.The ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) model needs revamping to handle these massive business transitions.Despite the allure of ideal businesses, search funds admit that perfect companies are rare.Tech advancements influence ETA's trajectory.Decisiveness is key: The speaker determines a company's acquisition potential within 48 hours.Stability message to employees: Pay, benefits, and vacation remain unchanged post-acquisition.The speaker's pivot: From starting businesses to acquiring them, now even mentoring through Acquisition Lab.For businesses earning over a million in revenue, the speaker endorses the EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) for peer advice and networking.Expertise spotlight: The speaker specializes in guiding first-time acquisitions.Action ItemsConduct research on private equity firms and their role in the business landscape. Explore how private equity can impact company transitions and the economy as a whole.Reach out to entrepreneurs and business owners who have successfully acquired companies. Learn from their experiences and gain insights into the process of buying businesses.Dive deeper into the concept of search funds and single-sponsor searches. Explore how these strategies have evolved over time and the potential benefits and challenges they present for first-time buyers.Explore the role of technology in the evolution of the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) model. Investigate how technological advancements have impacted the search process and the success of acquiring businesses.Engage with Baby Boomers in the business community to better understand the challenges they face in transitioning their companies to new owners. Explore the resources and support needed to facilitate these transitions and ensure the longevity of these businesses.