Buyers and Builders

A manager running $115M AUM and 35% annualized returns shares what makes rare, long-term winners. They discuss why elite returns are almost unheard of and why education or experience alone do not create durable edges. The conversation outlines four types of lasting corporate moats and seven hardwired psychological traits that enable investors to buy in panic, concentrate with conviction, and endure volatility.

Jules Brenner, CEO of Industrial Succession Group who acquires and scales sub-$5M EBITDA industrial and metal fabrication firms. He explains his roll-up strategy, how he sources and structures deals, navigates failed bids, and builds marketing and operations playbooks to scale to $100M. Practical talk on valuation, red flags, and hiring A-players.

Matt Paulson, founder and CEO of MarketBeat, turned a finance blog into an email-driven media business. He discusses scaling with a small team, automating content from SEC filings, and reinvesting ad revenue to buy subscribers. He explains why email lists beat blogs, how distribution creates a moat, and why transparency and persistence matter for big wins.

A former executive turned entrepreneur shares an incredible journey of building a $500 million revenue company in just five years. Discover how acquiring 24 diverse businesses fueled rapid growth, while keeping cultural integrity in check. Learn about the investment strategies behind successful operations and the art of selecting effective CEOs. The discussion dives into the balance of organic growth and profitability, revealing insights into effective business management from a true M&A pioneer.

Lee Betts, founder of Betzco, shares his remarkable journey of acquiring eight businesses by age 32 while living in 20 countries. He discusses the art of capital allocation, the importance of off-market deals, and how to efficiently grow his portfolio companies by 2-3 times in just 18 months. Lee emphasizes founder quality over industry fit, highlights his coaching approach to management, and reveals strategies for optimizing financial security and lifestyle. His inspirations include Andrew Wilkinson and Tim Ferriss, guiding his diverse entrepreneurial path.

Discover the transformative power of acquiring traditional businesses with revenues between $2-10 million. Learn how street smarts and genuine connections can lead to successful negotiations. The speaker shares insights on the happiness of old-school business owners and their stress-free lifestyles. Key negotiation techniques emphasize the value of silence and patience. A spontaneous trip to London reveals how ordinary companies hold extraordinary potential for investment. Listening is crucial—appreciating the hard work of business owners can make all the difference.

Learn how to supercharge your traditional business growth by 50-200% annually. Discover why many niche companies struggle with marketing and how to revamp outdated practices. Explore the differences between white label and brand-building, emphasizing direct customer connections. Dive into the importance of database marketing and tracking effectiveness to optimize growth. Uncover strategies to double your revenue while navigating the challenges of the $2 to $10 million revenue range. This is a masterclass in growth!

Dive into the fascinating world of private equity success with a master who achieved a stunning 72% IRR across 586 deals. Discover his unique approach to acquiring small companies and the significance of first-time CEOs in his strategy. Learn how he builds effective management teams while managing risk in smaller markets. Gain insights from personal mentors and family lessons that shaped his investment philosophy, emphasizing understanding and expertise in specific industries.

Nick Haschka, co-founder of Cub Investments, masterfully navigates the world of service company acquisitions, boasting a portfolio of 12 firms. He shares insights on finding the best deals, emphasizing the competitive edge of location and industry knowledge. Haschka discusses the unique challenges of working with retiring owners and highlights transformative strategies that leverage technology for growth. Balancing his entrepreneurial journey with family life, he offers a candid look at the importance of partnerships and the reality of small business investing.

Ben Wolff, co-founder of Oneira, has transitioned from a tech consultant to a real estate mogul, managing over $65 million in assets. He discusses his impressive journey from $30,000 in debt to generating $1.7 million annually. With industry-leading margins of 52-55% NOI, he reveals how social media helps secure direct customer relationships and enhance bookings. Ben emphasizes the importance of quality, sharing lessons learned, and the power of public engagement in building a brand. His insights exemplify innovative strategies for success in hospitality.