In this episode, Tim talks with Tijera Wright, founder of Board and Bougee, about what it actually looks like to go from being interested in buying a business to owning one. Tijera brings the perspective of an entrepreneur who already built her own business from scratch. The conversation stays beginner-friendly while still getting into the real mechanics behind buying a small business.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 04:20] Meet Tijera Wright

[04:20 – 08:09] From Interested to Owner

[08:09 – 14:14] Reading Listings and Spotting Red Flags

[14:14 – 20:52] Valuation and Paying for Potential

[20:52 – 29:24] How Seller Financing Works

[29:24 – 33:55] Cash Reserves and Deal Structure

[33:55 – 39:44] Do You Need Industry Experience?

[39:44 – 45:13] Learning the Language of Deals

[45:13 – 49:59] Community and Pattern Recognition

[49:59 – 53:32] Final Advice and Next Steps

Guest Bio

Tijera Wright is the founder of Board and Boujie, a San Diego-based charcuterie and catering business focused on elevated food experiences for corporate events and workshops. Before going full-time into entrepreneurship, she worked as an IT business consultant at a Big 4 firm. In this conversation, she brings the perspective of an operator who built a business from scratch and is now exploring acquisition as a path to long-term wealth.

Connect with Tijera:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/boardand_boujee/

Facebook: facebook.com/boardanddboujee/

Tiktok: tiktok.com/@boardandboujee

Website: boardandboujeesd.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/board-boujee/

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes

"Everyone talks about it's so great to buy a business because that is entrepreneurship." — Tijera Wright

"You kind of just you have to, kind of trust but verify." — Tim Delaney

"You don't want to pay for something that's not there yet, you know." — Tim Delaney

In this solo episode, Tim breaks down the real pros and cons of working with business brokers from both the buyer and seller side. He explains why brokers are often unavoidable in small business acquisitions, where their incentives can create friction, how they can still add real value in valuation, privacy, deal flow, and negotiation.

Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 01:51] Are Business Brokers Good or Bad? Tim sets up a balanced look at brokers from both sides of the deal.

[01:51 – 04:01] Buyer Risks: Incentives, Commissions, and Inflated Valuations How broker incentives can push prices and pressure buyers.

[04:01 – 05:34] Why Brokers Can Be Pushy at Closing Why commission-at-close can create pressure to get deals done fast.

[05:34 – 06:50] Why Business Listings Don't Work Like Real Estate Why brokers keep business listings private and relationship-based.

[06:50 – 08:39] Why Sellers Use Brokers How brokers help sellers with privacy, valuation, and positioning.

[08:39 – 14:49] The Value of a Middleman in Emotional Deals The buyer-side benefits of broker access, context, and connections.

[14:49 – 16:34] What Brokers Cost and When a Buyer's Broker Makes Sense When paying a buyer's broker may actually be worth it.

[16:34 – 18:53] Tim's 3 Rules for Working With Brokers Tim shares three practical rules for dealing with brokers.

[18:53 – 20:40] How to Spot the Good Brokers from the Bad Ones How to tell who is helpful and who is chasing commission.

[20:40 – 21:00] Bottom Line on Working with Brokers Tim closes with the bigger picture on using brokers wisely.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Tim and the community:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: @timtdelaney

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney

Facebook: facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes:

"Business brokers are almost a necessity if you're out there looking for a business to buy right now, especially if it's your first business."- Tim Delaney

"With businesses, the brokers hold those listings close to the vest." - Tim Delaney

"The more brokers you talk to, the more you'll realize which ones are good and which ones are bad, which ones are just trying to get their commission and which ones are actually trying to put together good deals that make sense for the long run." - Tim Delaney

In this episode, Tim sits down with James Smith, a cabinetry-and-design business owner who bought his way into an established operation instead of starting from scratch. James breaks down what the transition actually felt like after closing—learning the real workload behind the "owner isn't super involved" story, building relationships fast, and navigating the practical risks that show up when you inherit staff, customers, and a reputation. The conversation is a clean look at what "buying your way in" really means: financing, operational reality, and the mindset shift from employee to owner.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 02:35] Intro & Who James Is

[02:36 – 06:40] Why Buy Instead of Start

[06:41 – 12:10] Finding the Deal & Getting Serious

[12:11 – 18:05] Closing the Acquisition

[18:06 – 26:10] The Reality Check After You Buy

[26:11 – 35:10] Staffing, Stress, and Operational Load

[35:11 – 46:20] Growth, Risk, and Business Fit

[46:21 – End] Final Takeaways

Guest Bio

James Smith is a business owner based in Florida. After leaving the Army, he acquired and now operates a cabinetry and design business, applying a relationship-first approach to ownership while learning the real operational demands that come with running an established company.

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schrappersceo/

https://www.instagram.com/schrappersfinecabinetry

Website: Schrappers.com

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes

"It's not hard to present yourself well and make a good impression." – James Smith

"I wake up every day and be like, okay, do what you can to help the deal." – James Smith

"Your business is doing great, but you're not showing profits." – James Smith

Tim breaks down a real NEMT (non-emergency medical transportation) listing and shows how to pressure-test the "recurring revenue" claim without getting hypnotized by the headline numbers. He walks through who pays, what operational load really looks like at scale (vehicles + staff), and the unsexy checks that decide whether this business fits your life... or eats it.

Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 03:13] The Listing Looks Great… Now What?

Tim frames the problem: the headline sounds exciting, but you need to understand the model before you believe the story.

[03:14 – 05:58] How NEMT Actually Gets Paid

He walks through pay sources (contracts vs reimbursements) and starts sanity-checking what "recurring" really means.

[05:59 – 09:49] Replacing a W-2 vs Chasing Profit

Tim explains buyer intent: if you're leaving a W-2, you may accept lower early profit because the business replaces your paycheck, if there's a path after debt service.

[09:50 – 13:54] Risk Check: Ops Load, Stress, and Insurance

Tim shifts into risk mode - what could go wrong, what could be stressful, and why insurance + liability can snowball.

[13:55 – 15:20] Verify the Truth: Owner Involvement + Direct Outreach

Broker wall? Tim's move: find the owner directly, message them, and see if they respond like someone selling a real business.

[15:21 – 17:18] Proof, Paperwork, and Your Next Step

Ends with practical verification: request proof of insurance, understand reimbursements, and confirm the business fits you before you chase more info.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Tim and the community:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: @timtdelaney

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney

Facebook: facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes:

"But can you actually make this something where you're selling a true business and not a job?" - Tim Delaney

"How do you decide whether or not it's worth a deeper look, or reaching out to the broker or to the seller to get more information?" - Tim Delaney

"The first thing is you're looking for something that you can scale." - Tim Delaney

Buying a business isn't just about "finding a deal." It's about building the structure that lets you grow without burning out time, partnerships, and the financial plan underneath the whole thing. In this episode, Tim talks with Daniel Schlein about what changes when you shift from "doing everything yourself" to building a real operating machine; and how smart partnerships + smart planning can keep you from learning the hard lessons the expensive way.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 03:10] Cold Open: "Why this works" A quick premise-setting moment that frames the episode's key lesson before the full intro.

[03:11 – 08:40] Daniel's Background & What He Does Who Daniel is, what lane he's in, and the context behind his perspective.

[08:41 – 16:30] The Problem Most Buyers Don't See The "hidden" part of the journey: what breaks deals or stalls first-time buyers.

[16:31 – 26:10] What Actually Creates Confidence What Daniel did (or recommends) that makes buyers move from learning → doing.

[26:11 – 36:40] Decision Filters: What to Look For Practical criteria that simplify decision-making and reduce second-guessing.

[36:41 – End] Final Takeaways: Do This Next A crisp wrap on mindset + next steps for listeners ready to start.

Guest Bio

Daniel Schlein is a financial professional and business-minded operator who focuses on helping people make better decisions around protection, long-term planning, and building real-world financial structure, especially when ownership and partnerships enter the picture.

Connect with Daniel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielschlein/

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes

"I hired my first staff and I was like, wait a second, if I could buy my time back…" - Daniel Schlein

"And so what I ended up doing was leaping into a business with two other partners." - Daniel Schlein

"Good partnerships start on that basis of a good foundation." - Daniel Schlein

In this episode, Tim talks with Ashley Coates, a real estate investor, broker, and operator who has built multiple businesses across real estate, restaurants, and residential care. Ashley shares how she started in real estate at a young age, lessons from buying and operating different businesses, and how she turns properties into scalable residential care facilities with systems and leadership in place.

She breaks down what it takes to remove yourself from day‑to‑day operations, how to evaluate owner‑dependent businesses, and why hiring, systems, and feedback loops are critical to scaling without becoming the bottleneck.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 01:20] Intro & Ashley's background

[01:20 – 05:18] Early start in real estate and taking responsibility young

[05:18 – 08:55] Mindset around risk, fear, and learning through mistakes

[08:55 – 11:55] First business acquisitions and lessons from laundromats

[11:55 – 17:05] Entering residential care facilities and identifying opportunity

[17:05 – 21:05] Systems, scaling, and removing owner dependency

[21:05 – 24:50] Hiring, leadership, and building strong teams

[24:50 – 30:40] EOS, structure, and operational discipline

[30:40 – 35:16] Buying and systematizing a restaurant business

[35:16 – 38:36] Technology, data, and operational efficiency

[38:36 – 41:07] Growth strategy for residential care facilities

[41:07 – 43:15] Feasibility, market demand, and evaluating opportunities

[43:15 – 46:02] Mentorship, masterminds, and accelerating growth

[46:02 – End] Final advice for business buyers and operators

Guest Bio

Ashley Coates is a real estate investor, broker, and operator with over two decades of experience across real estate, business acquisitions, and operations. She specializes in converting residential properties into licensed care facilities and building scalable, system‑driven businesses that run without day‑to‑day owner involvement. Ashley is also the founder of Residential Care Collective, where she helps investors and operators build and grow residential care businesses.

Connect with Ashley:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeandashleycoates/

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes

"Every lesson was very expensive — and I learned it three times." – Ashley Coates

"You have to understand the owner dependency before buying any business." – Ashley Coates

"Systems and leadership are what allow a business to scale without you." – Ashley Coates

In this solo episode, Tim breaks down the industries buyers keep asking about for 2026; and why the industry itself matters far less than fit, fundamentals, and execution. He walks through healthcare-adjacent services, in-person service businesses, experience-driven companies, B2B opportunities, and niche manufacturing, while cautioning against chasing trends or buying something you'll hate operating.

Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 00:30] Context: Industries vs. Fit Tim introduces the topic of "top industries" and explains why the industry itself isn't what determines success.

[00:31 – 01:40] You Don't Have to Love It—But You Can't Hate It Why personal alignment with the business matters more than chasing a trending category.

[01:41 – 03:10] Healthcare-Adjacent Opportunities Housing, elderly services, non-emergency transport, equipment servicing, billing, and wellness businesses positioned for growth as populations age.

[03:11 – 05:10] Service Businesses That Must Be Done In-Person Cleaning, landscaping, cooking, and location-dependent services that are harder to outsource and more resistant to automation.

[05:11 – 06:20] Skilled Trades: Opportunity With Caution HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofing—great businesses, but often require licensing and operational experience.

[06:21 – 07:25] Experience-Based Businesses Escape rooms, fitness studios, kids' activity centers, and experiential services built around memory-driven spending.

[07:26 – 08:50] Business-to-Business (B2B) Services Parking lot sweeping, shredding, data backup, pest control, and other "invisible" businesses that quietly power local economies.

[08:51 – 10:20] Niche & Light Manufacturing Small manufacturers producing specialized parts within established supply chains—often owned by founders approaching retirement.

[10:21 – 11:50] Words of Caution Avoid trendy spikes, highly owner-dependent operations, and businesses with weak fundamentals regardless of industry hype.

[11:51 – 13:20] The Real Filter: Lifestyle, Cash Flow, Risk The best business is the one aligned with your life and financial goals—not the one on a "top industries" list.

[13:21 – End] Final Takeaway & CTA Start evaluating opportunities through fit and fundamentals, not headlines. Subscribe and continue learning through upcoming episodes.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Tim and the community:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: @timtdelaney

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney

Facebook: facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes:

"A bad business is not going to be fixed by just the fact that the industry is taking off right now." - Tim Delaney

"You don't have to love it—but you can't hate it. If you hate doing that type of business, it will not be successful".- Tim Delaney

"The person makes the business, the cashflow makes the business, the structure makes the business." - Tim Delaney

Starting a business from scratch sounds exciting until you experience the steep learning curve, operational headaches, and financial uncertainty that come with it. In this episode, Tim sits down with Joe Trotto to talk about the realities of launching versus buying a business, why Joe pivoted toward acquisition, and what he learned while pursuing a deal in the marine tourism space. From evaluating listings and working with brokers to navigating financial surprises and confidence hurdles, Joe shares the honest, in-progress journey of becoming a first-time buyer.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 02:20] Why Starting From Scratch Isn't Always the Answer

Joe reflects on the learning curve of launching a business and why buying an existing operation can be a smarter path.

[02:21 – 05:30] Joe's Background & Motivation

Balancing a demanding corporate career while pursuing financial independence through business ownership.

[05:31 – 09:10] From Gym Owner to Business Buyer

Lessons from Joe's first venture and why he shifted toward acquisition instead of another startup.

[09:11 – 13:00] Finding a Target Business

How conversations with family led to exploring boat tour companies and the process of searching listings.

[13:01 – 18:20] Outreach, Brokers & First Steps

Signing NDAs, reviewing CIMs, and navigating the early stages of evaluating a real opportunity.

[18:21 – 24:30] Financial Surprises & Deal Breakdown

How updated numbers changed the valuation and ultimately caused the deal to stall.

[24:31 – 33:40] Rethinking the Approach

What Joe learned from the failed deal and how it reshaped his acquisition criteria.

[33:41 – 44:50] Building Buyer Confidence

Mentorship, community, and why first-time buyers struggle with taking action.

[44:51 – 53:30] What Joe Is Looking For Now

Operational simplicity, remote ownership potential, and long-term financial independence goals.

[53:31 – End (~57:00)] Final Takeaways

Lessons for aspiring buyers and the mindset required to pursue acquisition instead of starting from zero.

Guest Bio

Joe Trotto serves as Director of Field Services at GE Vernova, where he leads teams and operations within the power generation industry. Outside of his corporate role, he's a husband and father of three who brings an optimistic, people-first mindset to everything he does. Joe is currently exploring business acquisition as a path toward long-term financial independence and greater control over his time and future.

Connect with Joe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetrotto/

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes

"The pain associated with the learning curve of figuring out the nuts and bolts of an operation are not something I wanted to do." - Joe Trotto

"But even if something is struggling, it's easier to take something that's struggling and prop it up than to dig and lay the foundation anew." - Joe Trotto

"There is a learning curve associated with starting from zero." - Joe Trotto

"I want to have some sort of platform, some sort of foothold to go from so I don't have to start from scratch." - Joe Trotto

In this solo episode, Tim breaks down what buyers should focus on immediately after first learning about buying a business. From casually reviewing listings and building savings, to positioning yourself with brokers and professionals, Tim explains why early exposure and preparation matter far more than rushing into a deal.

Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 01:15] You've Heard About Buying a Business—Now What?

Tim opens by addressing the moment most people are in when they first discover business acquisition and aren't sure what to do next.

[01:16 – 03:00] Start Looking Before You're Ready

Why reviewing business listings early—without pressure to buy—helps build intuition and confidence.

[03:01 – 03:55] The Reality of "No Money Down" Deals

Breaking down why most buyers still need some form of capital, even when creative financing is involved.

[03:56 – 05:45] Building Capital Early

How saving money, improving cash flow, and preparing financially gives buyers more leverage later.

[05:46 – 06:45] Eliminate Before You Specialize

Why narrowing down what you don't want is often more helpful than chasing the perfect business.

[06:46 – 07:05] When to Be More Aggressive

How buyers with capital or experience should move differently and focus their efforts.

[07:06 – 08:05] Why Brokers Forget Generic Buyers

Why vague buyers don't get remembered—and how specificity makes brokers think of you when deals come up.

[08:06 – 08:45] Be Proactive With Brokers and Advisors

Why reaching out consistently matters more than waiting for opportunities to land in your inbox.

[08:46 – 09:40] Finding Opportunities Outside Listings

How networking, referrals, and local connections uncover deals that never hit marketplaces.

[09:41 – 10:30] Exposure Is the Real Win Early On

Why learning and seeing deals is more valuable than closing one too fast.

[10:31 – 11:15] You Don't Need Millions to Start

Tim explains why most people underestimate how accessible business acquisition really is.

[11:16 – End (~12:00)] Final Thoughts

Encouragement to start now—build knowledge, relationships, and momentum before trying to buy.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Tim and the community: Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz Instagram: @timtdelaney Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney Facebook: facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes:

"You don't have to be ready to buy to start learning." – Tim Delaney

"If you're too generic, you're not going to stand out." – Tim Delaney

"You don't need millions." – Tim Delaney

In this episode, Tim talks with Milan Nolen, an entrepreneur and business buyer who shares a transparent look at evaluating risk, recognizing red flags, and knowing when not to do a deal. Milan walks through her transition from employee to founder mindset, the early mistakes she made by moving too quickly, and the moments that forced her to slow down and reassess what she was really buying.

She explains how ignoring basic math and operational realities nearly pulled her into a bad acquisition, why non-operating businesses carry hidden danger, and how learning to walk away became one of the most valuable skills she developed as a buyer.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 08:20] From Employee to Founder

Milan describes the mindset shift required to move from employee thinking to ownership, and why she didn't fully grasp that transition until she was already deep into the process.

[08:21 – 16:20] Early Assumptions & Missed Math

How moving too fast, skipping the numbers, and relying on optimism created blind spots that could have led to a costly mistake.

[16:21 – 24:00] Red Flags & Reality Checks

Milan breaks down the moment she realized the deal might be a "dumpster fire," and how recognizing operational and structural issues changed her approach.

[24:01 – 36:30] Non-Operating Business Risk

Why buying a business that isn't actively operating introduces a completely different risk profile — and why that realization became a turning point.

[36:31 – 49:00] Knowing When to Walk Away

The emotional and strategic challenge of stepping back from a deal, even when the desire to buy is strong.

[49:01 – End] Lessons for First-Time Buyers

Milan's key takeaways for buyers evaluating their first acquisition, including patience, discipline, and respecting what the numbers are telling you.

Guest Bio

Milan Nolen is an entrepreneur and business buyer who focuses on disciplined deal evaluation, risk awareness, and long-term sustainability. Through her experience navigating potential acquisitions, she emphasizes the importance of math, operational clarity, and the confidence to walk away from deals that don't make sense.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Milan:

Instagram: @milanterez TikTok: @milanterez Website: milantereznolen.com

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes

"Either this is a complete dumpster fire, or there's a deeper reason here." – Milan

"I still want to buy a business — I just don't think this is the one to do it with." – Milan