MY JOURNEY INTO ETA ...

After nearly three decades in Corporate America, I found myself at a crossroad. It was 2018, and I had just been caught in a round of layoffs following Dun and Bradstreet's acquisition by Black Knight. This wasn't just another setback; it was a wake-up call. The corporate world I had known for 25 years was changing, and the promise of job security had become an illusion.

As I contemplated my next move, I stumbled upon a book that would change the trajectory of my career: "HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business" by Richard S. Ruback and Royce Yudkoff. The concept of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) fascinated me. Here was a path to business ownership that leveraged my years of experience without the risks of a startup. I have also bootstrapped 4 startups with 1 successful exit and found the entire process fraught with high risk (i.e., some industry metrics say 98% of the startups fail in the first five years meanwhile only 2% of ETA businesses fail over the same period).

Driven by this new possibility, I dove headfirst into learning everything I could about ETA. I devoured books on business acquisition, valuation, and private equity. Works like "Buy Then Build" by Walker Deibel and "The Company Valuation Playbook" by Charles Sunnucks became my constant companions. I supplemented my reading with masterclasses and bootcamps, each one adding another tool to my growing arsenal.

But it wasn't just about accumulating knowledge. I was applying my 30 years of corporate experience to this new venture. My background in leadership, operations, sales & marketing, product development, finance, accounting, financial modeling, and strategic planning among others are all proving invaluable. I found myself creating Excel models to evaluate businesses, using logic trees to uncover business problems, and applying the Minto Pyramid Principle to structure my thinking and communication.

As I delved deeper into the world of ETA, I had a revelation that energized me even further: this path wasn't just for the wealthy elite. I discovered that with modest means and the right approach, anyone could potentially acquire a business. The idea that I could buy a solid, profitable business for as much as $10,000 or $100,000 was a game-changer.

My ETA journey began in September 2021, when I started my search process part-time, armed with knowledge and driven by possibility. As I delved deeper, I realized the importance of conducting the search through a legal entity. This led me to found Discover Acquisitions LLC in June 2023, formalizing my commitment to the process. Recognizing the need for full dedication, I transitioned to a full-time search in February 2024. My mission is clear: to find and acquire an established, enduringly profitable business with an EBITDA ranging from $750,000 to $2 million.

The search has been both challenging and exhilarating. I've evaluated ~700 businesses and made 7 offers so far. I've come very close to acquiring a "business of yoga" company and a digital marketing agency, each experience teaching me valuable lessons about due diligence, the importance of patience, and listening to your gut even when the numbers tell you otherwise.

Today, as I continue my search for the right business, I'm more convinced than ever that ETA is my path forward. My journey has transformed me from a corporate executive into an entrepreneur-in-waiting, armed with the skills, knowledge, and determination to succeed.

I'm not just looking for a business to buy; I'm looking for a business to grow, to nurture, and to take to the next level. And I know it's not a matter of if, but when. The right opportunity is out there, and I'm ready for it.

To anyone considering this path, especially those with years of corporate experience, I say this: Your skills are more valuable than you know. The journey of entrepreneurship through acquisition is challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It's a path where experience truly counts, where every lesson learned in your career finds new purpose.

The future is bright, and I'm excited to write the next chapter of my story – not as an employee, but as a business owner. The adventure continues, and the best is yet to come.

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