Buyers and Builders

Reza Jafer, managing partner at Second Byte Capital and former PE and banking pro, left corporate finance to buy and scale small businesses. He recounts financing creative deals, building an operator-led motor coach roll-up nearing eight-figure EBITDA. Topics include purchasing strategies, seller-friendly terms, fundraising shocks, scaling teams, and cross-border platform expansion.

A look at how a small Charlotte advisory firm professionalized lower-middle-market M&A. Stories about turning founder chaos into bankable deals and why packaging determines lender trust. Explanations of a senior-first advisory model and the cultural habits that trained durable dealmakers. Traces of this firm’s influence across banks, private equity, and regional M&A.

Luis Reyes, founder and CEO of Iberian Ventures, a roll-up operator in fire safety with roots in SaaS and consulting. He discusses completing 30+ acquisitions in four years. Topics include his buy-and-build thesis, the 100-day integration playbook, building proprietary AI workflows for operations, and sourcing and underwriting dozens of SME deals across Europe.

Christa Glassburn, operator and investor who scaled a search-fund-backed business from ~$15–20M to over $200M through seven acquisitions and global expansion. She recounts moving to rural Virginia, executing first acquisitions and integration lessons. She explains why small-town companies are overlooked, how to source off-market rural deals, and launching Harbor Capital to keep HQs local.

Dive into the world of special situations and overlooked businesses. Discover how understanding human incentives can lead to the best investment opportunities. Learn about ghost ship companies that VCs misinterpret and how patience can yield better results than constant deal-making. Hear an intriguing negotiation story involving a $25 million LOI and a Ferrari. Explore six unconventional truths for making smarter business decisions and see why a unique perspective is key to spotting mispricings and creating value.

Jeremy Yamaguchi, a serial entrepreneur in home services and founder of Cabana, shares insights from his impressive journey of acquiring 10 companies in 18 months. He reveals the untapped tech opportunities in traditionally 'boring' home services and discusses the fragmented nature of the industry. Jeremy highlights his strategy for growth through M&A and vertical software, emphasizing the importance of good-faith transactions and hands-on operations. He also shares valuable lessons like the significance of comparing strengths and the value of deep industry networks.

Discover how hiring a Chief Investment Officer can transform a profitable business's approach to excess cash. Learn from real-world examples, like a fruit importer that shifted its focus to investments and boosted profits significantly. Find out why traditional methods like reinvestment and dividends may not be the best option. Delve into the importance of capital allocation as a growth engine and how treating cash strategically can lead to remarkable financial outcomes.

Todd Saunders, co-founder and CEO of Broadloom, reveals how he transformed his business by focusing on the niche of independent flooring retailers. He discusses discovering a high-value customer base with remarkable retention, leading to an 8-company roll-up that propelled revenues past $30M. Todd emphasizes the importance of brand and community over product, credits Facebook groups for growth, and shares insights on navigating challenges during acquisition integrations. His bold moves culminated in a $100M exit, showcasing the power of vertical focus.

Dive into the fascinating insights of Justin Ishbia, where he discusses the art of buying small businesses and rolling them up for greater success. Learn how prioritizing capital for add-ons can yield impressive returns. Discover that 'luck' is not random but earned through hard work and repetition. Emphasizing the importance of copying successful strategies, Ishbia highlights a focus on industries with growth potential. It’s all about the system's effectiveness rather than just promises. This conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Steve Lawrence, founder of Uncomplicated Group and expert in injection molding, shares his journey from corporate life to acquiring five businesses. He reveals the harsh realities of his first failed deal, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll. The conversation dives into essential lessons on seller readiness, the importance of a strong 'why' in acquisitions, and how operational systems like EOS transformed his factories. Steve candidly discusses the challenges and surprises of small business ownership while offering practical advice for aspiring acquirers.