Are You Ready to Take the Leap? The Realities of Entrepreneurship with Brad Cornell

In today’s episode of the Life On Your Terms Podcast, I sit down with Brad Cornell, a lifelong entrepreneur who has navigated his way from a small-town upbringing in Minnesota to owning a successful business portfolio, including a street sweeping company in Idaho. Brad shares his journey of transitioning from a mechanical engineering degree to full-time entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting and selling his first business, and the pivotal moments that led him to his current path of business acquisitions.

Tune in to hear Brad’s inspiring story, practical advice for budding entrepreneurs, and the realities of what it takes to build and run a business successfully.

Key Points:

• The importance of finding your entrepreneurial path and recognizing opportunities.
• Understanding the challenges and rewards of business acquisition.
• The power of perseverance and resilience in entrepreneurship.
• Balancing family life with entrepreneurial ambitions.
• Strategies for scaling and stabilizing a newly acquired business.

What we discuss:

• [00:51] Brad’s small-town upbringing and early entrepreneurial ventures.
• [05:06] The leap from engineering to running a Barnwood business.
• [10:29] Navigating the challenges of selling a first business during the pandemic.
• [18:00] The transition to real estate investing and the power of house hacking.
• [24:00] The unexpected opportunity of acquiring a street sweeping business.
• [36:27] The realities of business ownership: from operational challenges to cash flow rewards.
• [45:50] Balancing entrepreneurship with family life and future aspirations.
• [51:46] Brad’s thoughts on the next steps and potential business expansions.

Guest Insights:

Brad emphasizes the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and willingness to take risks in entrepreneurship. He shares his firsthand experiences with the ups and downs of business ownership, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to transition into the world of business acquisitions. This episode covers essential topics like cash flow management, the challenges of stabilizing a business, and the long-term benefits of investing in real estate.

About Brad Cornell:

Brad Cornell is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in mechanical engineering who has successfully transitioned into full-time business ownership. He has experience in running and selling small businesses, real estate investing, and business acquisitions. Brad is currently focused on growing his portfolio of service-based businesses and real estate investments while balancing his family life.

Find more from Brad Cornell: 

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Jake Rosenthal: 

• Website: https://www.purelegacies.com
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jake.r.rosenthal
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake.r.rosenthal/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jake.Rosenthal

Podcast: Life On Your Terms with Jake Rosenthal

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