🎙️ How Ryan Pudenz Built a $100M Construction Empire Through Strategic Acquisitions

In this insightful episode, Ryan Pudenz, founder and managing partner of Merit Management Group, shares his remarkable journey from 18 years in the funeral home industry to building a construction and home services acquisition powerhouse. Through candid stories of early career setbacks, learning to embrace failure as a stepping stone, and recognizing the massive opportunity in the "silver tsunami" of retiring baby boomer business owners, Ryan reveals how persistence and strategic thinking can transform challenges into extraordinary opportunities. From acquiring his first remodeling company with his interior designer wife to building an 8-company portfolio generating 15-17% annual returns for investors, Ryan demonstrates how focusing on brand reputation and cross-selling opportunities can accelerate growth in traditional industries.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Transitioning from corporate funeral industry to construction acquisition success

• Targeting 32-year average age companies for established brand value and reputation

• Creating operational leverage through shared services across portfolio companies

• "Silver tsunami" opportunity as baby boomers exit skilled trade businesses

• Speed-to-lead sales methodology driving growth in traditional construction sectors

• Building cross-selling synergies between HVAC, remodeling, and specialty services

• Due diligence red flags - trust your instincts when something doesn't look right

• Attracting and retaining talent through attitude and effort over experience

🌟 Ryan's Key Mentors:

• Service Corporation International Leaders: 18 years of exposure to different business approaches across multiple markets and acquisitions

• Various Business Owners and Operators: Former owners and leaders who approached business differently, providing real-world scenarios

• Current Professional Network: Successful professionals willing to share insights and secrets, even competitors

• Corporate Training Programs: Comprehensive business knowledge through SCI's structured development programs

• His Wife (Interior Designer): Business partner who sparked the initial remodeling company acquisition idea

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about recognizing industry opportunities, building operational excellence through acquisitions, and how early career setbacks can fuel long-term entrepreneurial success.

🔗 Connect with Ryan Pudenz:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: meritmgt.com

• Investment Information: Available on website

• Company Updates: Newsletter available through website

📄 Transcript Available: Building a Construction Empire: Ryan Pudenz's Strategic Acquisition Playbook

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:

AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#ConstructionAcquisitions #HomeServices #PrivateEquity #BusinessAcquisitions #SkilledTrades #InvestmentOpportunities #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SilverTsunami #InspiredStoriesPodcast