In this episode of the 7 Minute Takeover, Liz McRea chats with Israel Peck, CEO of Cratic, about strategic due diligence in acquisitions. Israel breaks down the difference between standard and strategic due diligence, introduces the value chain framework (marketing, sales, operations, customer service), and shares tips for identifying opportunities to grow a business post-acquisition. Tune in for practical advice on evaluating a business's systems, uncovering hidden risks, and creating a roadmap for growth, all while keeping the process fun!

Connect with Israel Peck: (12) Israel Beck | LinkedInHome - Cratic AI

In this episode of the 7 Minute Takeover, Liz and Eamonn bust the myth that only large corporations can buy businesses. They dive into why individual buyers have a real shot at success, the unique advantages they bring to the table, and how emotional connection and leadership potential often outweigh big budgets. Tune in to learn how to compete with the “big dogs” in the world of business acquisitions!

In this episode, Liz McRea chats with Scott Duke, founder of the Business Succession Group, about how buyers can effectively approach brokers in the M&A space. Scott shares insider insights on the broker's gatekeeping role, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the "3 Ms"; Money, Motivation, and Management experience, to build trust and move past initial barriers. He also provides practical tips for buyers navigating capital expectations and how to position themselves as credible, committed acquirers in a competitive market.

In this episode, Liz sits down with Nunzio Presta, founder of BuyAndSellABusiness.com, which was recently acquired by Village Wellth. Nunzio opens up about his personal journey of selling the business he spent a decade building. He shares what led to his decision, how alignment with the right buyer mattered more than just valuation, and the emotional challenges that come with stepping away from something so deeply tied to his identity. Tune in to hear insights on trust, timing, due diligence, and the seller’s mindset during an acquisition.

In this first "MythBuster" episode of the 7 Minute Takeover, Liz and Eammon tackle the common misconception that you need millions to buy a business. They explain why this belief exists, real ways you can finance a small business acquisition, and share surprising stories of buyers getting started with less than $100,000—or even $0 down!

In this episode, Liz chats with Jerrad Gerein, Founder & CEO of Arc Surveys, about his company’s first acquisition of a land surveying firm in Edmonton, Alberta. Jared shares what motivated their decision to grow through acquisition, the unexpected challenges they faced, especially during post-acquisition integration, and how remote management has played out. He also offers advice for first-time buyers, emphasizing patience, persistence, and the importance of people in making a deal successful.

In this episode, Liz and Eamon talk about finding off-market acquisition opportunities through proprietary outreach. They cover why narrowing your industry focus can improve your success and how a personalized approach builds trust with business owners.
They also share key do’s and don’ts when contacting companies directly, and highlight the importance of follow-up, authenticity, and managing the process with care.

In this episode, Liz and Eamon talk about the seller’s role after a business acquisition. They cover why it's critical to align on post-acquisition involvement early—whether the seller wants to exit quickly or stay involved.

They also explore transition options like unpaid transition periods, seller notes, earn-outs, and rolled equity, and stresses the importance of flexibility if things don’t go as planned.

Hosts Liz and Eamon share their personal stories of buying small businesses, and the valuable lessons they took away. The key takeaways center around the importance of thorough preparation, managing expectations, and being ready for the unexpected when taking over an existing small business.

In this episode, Liz and Eamonn break down the key differences between EBITDA and SDE in small business acquisitions. They explore when to use each metric, how they impact valuation and affordability, and the importance of understanding owner compensation when buying a business.

If you're involved in small business acquisitions, this quick episode will help you confidently evaluate cash flow and set realistic valuations.