OnSearching @on_searching

Documenting the real-time ups and downs of a self-funded search. #SMB #ETA #SearchFunds #HoldCos alphaideas.in/wp-content/upl… United States Joined September 2023

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OnSearching @on_searching

12 months ago

Who are the most people on Operating Partner/Operating Exec roles in PE?

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So far today I've seen: - multiple companies I've spoken with at length listed on the @Inc 5,000 fastest growing companies list (had dinner with multiple) - one company I spoke with acquired by a notable rollup PE shop (platform inv.) Validating and frustrating. Onto the next

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Cold email outbound working like a well-oiled machine

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Getting a text from a seller asking how you're doing after a broken LOI feels like getting a "you up?" text from an ex at 2am.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

I am at the stage of my search where I'm posting in local facebook groups

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Furniture distribution business... Expected EBITDA margins? What's a fair purchase multiple? ($2M-$3M EBITDA) Looking for ballpark ranges to frame up a meeting w/ seller today and confirm my initial thought process.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Having a deal under LOI die after several months of work is the ultimate kick in the nuts. Better to avoid the trauma and carnage of a bad deal, but still not fun. Onto the next.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

It's easy to get discouraged during a search but it's important to remember it just takes one deal to get in the game. Patience is the key and the search process itself weeds out most.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

If anyone has used a good service to help send physical direct mailers I'd love to hear about it

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Best earnout structures for SMB buyout? Most obvious structure seems to tie payouts to revenue performance but I've thought about something income-related as well. Seller staying on for 1 year.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Dealing with a seller who is truly ready and willing to sell is the most important seller characteristic other than trustworthiness. Every single conversation is exponentially more difficult when the seller's heart is half in the deal.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

If anyone is able to offer access to Grata and is willing to help a fellow searcher out, DM me.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

For geographic searches, I'd think about what it is that the markets you're in do really well and what they don't do well. Easier to jump into an industry that is favorable locally than one with headwinds. I've been surprised by the regional discrepancies of similar businesses.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

One unique way to find leads for local searchers - find towns/areas you want to acquire in and research who's sponsoring little league teams (it's usually published on some township website). Tedious but fruitful and your intro email is practically written for you.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

It's one thing to talk about LBO'ing a small company via an SBA loan with a PG but it's another to actually do it. Choose people to work with who understand that risk and embody it as if it was their own. Many looking for a fee but couldn't care less your life's on the line.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Random HVAC anecdote. Had my unit serviced yesterday - the tech was 22 years old and instead of going to trade school, he applied directly for a job as a tech at a local company. They offered to train him on the job. Unit is fixed but I was definitely wondering how good he'd be.

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Most well-respected traditional search fund investors in my book: Will Thorndike, followed closely by Jim Edmunds and Kent Weaver. Who else am I missing?

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Reached out to the owner of an interesting commercial services company - size and geography seemed right. Turns out it's owned by an HBS searcher who just sold the company to PE. He gave me some words of encouragement to keep going... ...and that this is his fourth ETA exit

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Where are people seeing SBA7a loans these days? Prime +~150-175 feel right?

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OnSearching @on_searching

a year ago

Call with a seller and of course it started the moment when my daughter decided to throw a fit. Rather than derail the conversation it actually moved things in a positive direction given he's got 3 kids of his own and could relate. Teaching her to cry on my zoom call from now on