Salary to CEO Jake Richards

E18: Chandler Reed (@ChandlerReedSMB) went from never running a business before to buying his first SMB through a random opportunity on Twitter.
Within the first 12 months he 4 X’d revenue, tripled head count and felt on top of the world. But then the market took a dive, wiping out most of his gains and leaving him with a monster task to turn the ship around.
Fast forward till today and he did just that, and in the process sharpened his entrepreneurial skillset.
Now he’s running a small business accelerator, SMBootcamp, which teaches first time time acquisition entrepreneurs how to acquire a business the right way in 6 to 12 months.
Join host Jake Richards (@JakeMRichards) as he sits down with Chandler to uncover Chandler’s proven business buying system.

Topics discussed:
Why you should buy not start a businessThe 5 key deal filters for making a successful SMB acquisitionWhat are the red flags in an acquisition target to avoid on your searchPerfecting your search avenues: Broker search vs finding off market dealsDeveloping training, processes and checklists to maintain consistency at scaleHow to convince investors to support your business acquisition search as a first time buyerHow to negotiate a fair price once you’ve found the business that meets your criteriaHow and when to play offence vs defence in business to capitalise on the market conditions
This episode lays out the entire proven system Chandler’s clients have used to buy their first business. If you’re interested in acquisition entrepreneurship you are in for a treat.

Follow along on Jake's SMB journey:
Twitter: @JakeMRichards

Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, invaluable small business tips, and updates on each episode release:
https://salarytoceo.beehiiv.com/subscribe

E17: Malcolm Marshall (@MalcolmPools) went from burnout 9-5er working 70 to 110 hours per week, to scrambling stressed out new business owner, to seasoned entrepreneur generating $16 million per year in revenue.
How did he do it?
Building and servicing pools.
But it wasn’t straightforward. In fact, Malcolm’s day one strategy didn’t go to plan. He had to pivot… Big time.
But when it clicked the business took off.
Join host Jake Richards (@JakeMRichards) as he sits down with Malcolm to unpack his pool business journey and pull out the lessons learnt to help you quit your 9-5 and succeed in small business ownership.
Topics discussed:
How to develop operational excellency in your home service businessHow to build a first class customer experience: The power of small winsHow to develop a world class training program to build your rockstar teamLessons from implementing Gino Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)The foundations you must know as a new business owner in the pool service industryHow to launch a $150k/year 1 person pool cleaning business with only $5,000 investmentThe best way to launch a pool service business: Buying an existing route vs starting from scratchWhy Malcom is 7x’ing his marketing spend in 2024 and how you should think about SMB marketingHow to transition from start up SMB to premium priced market player without sacrificing salesThis episode is loaded with nuggets of wisdom for entrepreneurs of all experience levels. Whether you’re a burnt out 9-5er looking for a proven path into small business ownership, or a seasoned entrepreneur wanting to take your operation to the next level, Malcolm has just the battle tested advice you need to hear.
Follow along on Jake's SMB journey:
Twitter: @JakeMRichards
Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, invaluable small business tips, and updates on each episode release:
https://salarytoceo.beehiiv.com/subscribe

E16: They say everything is bigger in Texas. And today's guest Nolan Gore (@LeadershipAcad1) has built one of, if not the biggest landscaping businesses in Texas. So rest assured we are talking with a serious operator.
But despite the success, Nolan has had his fair share of struggles. And in today's episode he breaks down what uncomfortable realities you are going to need to face if you want to win big in small business, and most excitingly, the battle tested strategies and principles to do so.
From managing the emotional rollercoaster of your first business acquisition to the intricacies of optimising your ideal sales cycle for your unique business model, Nolan's insights are gold for anyone looking to get their start in the SMB space. Learn how to find solid operators, incubate smaller businesses for increased success, and implement systems that really work.

Topics discussed:
Understanding and navigating the SARAH cycle of emotional changeHow to manage large-scale transitions within your businessIncubation model for SMB success: Finding solid operators and teaming upThe uncomfortable realities of SMB ownership and how to prepare yourselfSystemising your small business for efficiency and growthWhen and how to implement robust systems like EOSExcelling in various landscaping business nichesOptimising your sales cycle to match your unique business model
Nolan also shares his blueprint for creating an $8.5 million per year landscaping operation, offering an authentic look into the challenges and victories of SMB ownership.
This episode is a masterclass from someone who’s been there and done it, providing an honest look into what it takes to run a successful small business. If you're considering launching into the SMB space or are already on your way, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons.
Follow along on my SMB journey:
Twitter @JakeMRichards
Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, small business tips, and reminders when each episode releases:
https://salarytoceo.beehiiv.com/subscribe

E15: Have you been overlooking blue collar businesses? If so, you could be missing out on a multi-million dollar opportunity. But to fully capture this opportunity, you need the right 21st century technological strategy.
Join host Jake Richards (@JakeMRichards) as he dives deep with Malcolm Peace (@peace_malcolm), an entrepreneur that specialises in transforming traditional blue collar businesses through technology, remote talent, and strategic planning.
From leveraging AI to systematising operations with virtual assistants, Malcolm shares a masterclass on modernising blue-collar businesses. His insights not only reveal the untapped potential in these industries but also provide a roadmap for small business owners and investors to achieve unprecedented growth.
Topics covered:
How to implement AI effectively in small businessesKey financial metrics every entrepreneur should monitorHow to use VA’s to document and systemise your operationsHow to conduct industry research when buying a business in a new industry3 actionable steps to motivate and inspire your team to compete at the highest levelImplementing key performance indicators (KPIs) for staff performance and business healthBuilding operational efficiencies through low code, no code software in traditional industriesThe essential tech tools every small business owner should consider to put their business growth on steroidsWhat first time business buyers need to know to get due diligence right and avoid buying a dud business
Malcolm’s innovative approach to growth, makes this episode a goldmine for anyone looking to pivot from traditional methods to a tech-savvy, systemised business model.
Don't be the one who underestimates the potential of blue-collar businesses. Let Malcolm Peace show you how these industries offer not just financial upside but also a chance for real meaning and purpose in your entrepreneurial journey.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leveraging technology to breathe new life into traditional industries, ensuring their legacy and profitability for years to come.
Follow along on Jake's SMB journey:
Twitter: @JakeMRichards
Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, invaluable small business tips, and updates on each episode release:
https://salarytoceo.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Resources mentioned:
https://tsetserra.com/

E14: In today’s episode, I dive into the critical steps we've taken to address and resolve the growing pains within our expanding small business.
Facing issues head-on is tough, especially when you're caught up in the day-to-day operations. Yet, ignoring these problems only compounds them, leading to inefficiencies and a frustrated team.
I share a comprehensive three-step process we’ve recently introduced that has transformed how we identify, tackle, and resolve issues, ensuring our business operates more smoothly than ever before.
This is episode is designed to help you become an issue tackling machine in your small business to remove your blockers, unleash your team, and ultimately fuel more growth.

Topics discussed:
The 3 step process for resolving issues our business just implementedSerial entrepreneur Gino Wickman’s 3 types of Issues Lists to help streamline the processAnd the mega simple technology stack I implemented to make this system easy to adopt and manage for the team
This episode is packed with practical insights and strategies that have not only been a game-changer for us but have the potential to revolutionise how you address issues within your own business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing operations, these lessons are invaluable.
Enjoy, and let's tackle those issues for good!

Resources referenced in this episode:
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Follow along on my SMB journey:
Twitter: @JakeMRichards
Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter to catch exclusive behind-the-scenes content, small business tips, and reminders when each episode releases:
https://salarytoceo.beehiiv.com/subscribe

E13: Have you tried a bunch of different businesses and still haven’t found the one?
Are you yet to him a home run and find your first break out success?
You might want to consider starting, or buying, an ice-cream shop.
That’s what today’s guest Shawn Allard did.
He bounced around from real estate, to a rental car business, to dental consulting.
But he couldn’t get any traction.
So naturally he bought an ice cream shop.
3 locations later, a coffee shop on the way and business buying opportunities flying left right and centre at him, Shawn has found his lane and is expanding rapidly.
Topics discussed:
How to creatively put together off market dealsGrowth strategies for scaling food and beverage businessesHow to negotiate seller financing with potential business sellersThe three foundational buckets to run a food and beverage business successfullyThe three customer acquisition strategies to grow your food and beverage businessLeveraging the power of small business meet ups to find potential partners, investors and businesses to buyIf you want to get into the food and beverage small business game specifically, or you’re struggling to find the right business to launch your entrepreneurial career,
Shawn lays out the practical game plan with step by step guidance to get firing in this game. Enjoy!
Follow along on my SMB journey:
Twitter: @JakeMRichards
Sign up to the Salary to CEO Newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, small business tips, and reminders when each episode releases:
https://salarytoceo.beehiiv.com/subscribe