In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara interviews David Hori, an entrepreneur focused on acquiring profitable local businesses while preserving the legacy and culture that made them successful. David explains how his approach to business acquisition differs from traditional private equity and venture capital models, prioritizing long-term stewardship over short-term financial engineering. He shares why he is bullish on overlooked industries like well drilling, highlighting how fragmented markets create strong opportunities for thoughtful operators. The conversation explores how technology can modernize traditional trades, improve customer experience, and increase operational efficiency. David also emphasizes the importance of clear exit strategies, helping business owners understand the difference between revenue and true profitability as they prepare for a transition.

Key Highlights:

• David focuses on acquiring businesses with an emphasis on legacy preservation

  
  

• His acquisition philosophy contrasts with traditional private equity and venture capital strategies
  

• Fragmented industries like well drilling offer strong consolidation opportunities
  

• Technology can elevate customer service and operations in traditional trade businesses
  

• Many owners misunderstand the difference between revenue and actual profit
  

• Clear exit strategies are essential for long-term business planning
  

• Business coaching can help owners prepare for successful transitions
  

• Entrepreneurship in local markets creates durable value
  

• Preserving culture is just as important as improving financial performance
  

• David is driven by a mission to create meaningful opportunities for owners and employees

This episode underscores that business acquisition is not just about scaling or flipping companies—it is about stewardship, entrepreneurship, and legacy preservation. By combining operational discipline, technology in trades, and intentional exit planning, David demonstrates how owners can transition successfully while protecting what they’ve built and creating lasting impact for future generations.

Get in touch with David:

Website: https://toplineops.com/

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

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/