Acquiring Minds 4th Time's the Charm: 3 Broken Deals to Buy a Great Business
Aug 21, 2025
Bryan Houck, the owner of Extra Credit Projects, is a seasoned entrepreneur who purchased an award-winning creative agency at 58 after a series of setbacks. He shares his journey of resilience, reflecting on losing everything in a startup and discovering his unique talents. Bryan discusses the importance of hiring a buy-side advisor, navigating financial complexities in acquisitions, and crafting innovative marketing strategies like guerrilla campaigns. His insights on personal motivations demonstrate how entrepreneurship can thrive at any age.
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Meet Sellers Early And Stay Personal
- Meet the owner early and maintain personal contact to test seriousness and build trust.
- Use frequent, direct interactions to flush out sellers who aren't actually willing to sell.
Meet Owner First, Data Comes Second
- Bryan prioritized meeting the owner first because he believes the owner reveals critical business data beyond the numbers.
- That approach helped him detect shady financials in other deals early.
Bought An Award‑Winning In‑Person Agency
- Extra Credit Projects is an 18‑year old creative ad agency with a full-time in‑person team and strong award credentials.
- Bryan calls the team a 'Superbowl team' for its culture and creative output.
