Ep 10: Rob LeBlanc [Ambit Partners] - Backing Maverick Searchers in New Markets
Release Date: 11/01/2021
Ep 96: In the Trenches- 7 Months Into Operating a £1M+ EBITDA SME (Fouzan Ali, MD of Combined Services)
Buy and Build
The next acquisition accelerator is going to be in London in June (date TBC). Book your spot now for a discounted rate. If you cannot make that date, you can roll your spot into the next cohort. Join here: ------------- In this episode, we reconnect with Fouzan, seven months into owning and operating the 32-year-old building energy management systems business he acquired. After initially stepping into the role with humility and patience, Fouzan shares how he’s approached leadership, structured his team, and gradually introduced change—from hiring apprentices and outsourcing non-core...
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Ep 95: American Searcher (and Stand-up Comic) Embarks on a Traditional UK Search Fund – Allison Stuckless, Vericor Capital
Buy and Build
In this episode, we speak with Allie Stuckless, a great friend and former JPMorgan colleague, about her transition from banking to launching a UK-based search fund. Allie has a fascinating background and has taken a unique path into the search/ETA world. During the episode, we discuss the challenges of fundraising, her passion for lifecycle services (including the funeral industry), and the lessons she's learned along the way. Allie shares insights on navigating the UK search fund ecosystem, the key differences between US and European search models, and the importance of finding the...
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Ep 94: From Startup Struggles to £5 Billion Exit: Jeremy Middleton’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Buy and Build
In this episode of Buy & Build, we sit down with Jeremy Middleton, co-founder of HomeServe, who later exited and is now CEO of Middleton Enterprises, his family investment office. We dive into his journey from corporate life at Procter & Gamble to building a FTSE 100 business and leading it to a £5 billion exit. Jeremy shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the hard lessons of early entrepreneurship, how he and his co-founder pivoted a failing business into a national success, and his contrarian take on acquisitions. Now, as an investor, he reveals what he...
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Ep 93: From Intern to “Interns as a Service”: Daniel Ewart’s Journey from Search Fund Intern to Entrepreneur
Buy and Build
In this episode, we’re joined by Daniel Ewart, one of the youngest guests to date, who shares his unexpected entry into the search fund world. From his hands-on experience as an intern supporting proprietary outreach to launching an "interns as a service" business, Daniel offers a fresh perspective on deal sourcing and scaling support for searchers. Learn about the challenges of cold calling, the intricacies of sifting through data, and the unique approach Daniel is taking to help others in the search fund space. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and searchers alike! ----- We would...
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Ep 92 - Scaling with EOS: Lessons in Leadership, Vision, and Growth with Rob Liddiard
Buy and Build
In this episode of the Buy and Build podcast, Paul and Rob Liddiard (Paul's EOS implementer), have a fascinating discussion on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its implementation within Paul's business Amber Home Improvements. Host Paul and Rob explore the practicalities of scaling a business while remaining true to its core values, operational challenges, and long-term vision. Paul shares candid insights from his quarterly check-ins, touching on the impact of aligning teams with core values, navigating leadership challenges, and the benefits of right-person-right-seat decisions....
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Ep 91 - From Sports Coach to Acquisition Pro: Craig Brennan’s Playbook for Scaling Through Acquisition
Buy and Build
To register for the practical IDS session with Rob Liddiard (Paul's EOS implementer), follow this link: --- Also, we still have 3 seats available for the early access, discounted price, for the next Buy and Build Accelerator. Grab your ticket now at: - In this engaging episode of Buy and Build, Paul welcomes back Craig Brennan, a seasoned expert in buying and building multi-business groups. Craig shares insights from his extensive journey, growing his companies through both organic growth and acquisitions across diverse sectors. With his origins in community...
info_outline![Ep 90: From Search to Acquisition in 6 Months [While Employed] - Toby Henry's Self-Funded Search Journey show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/33480612?height=50&width=50)
Ep 90: From Search to Acquisition in 6 Months [While Employed] - Toby Henry's Self-Funded Search Journey
Buy and Build
Still 3 seats available for the early access, discounted price, for the next Buy and Build Accelerator. ---------------------------- In this episode of Buy and Build, we chat with Toby Henry, founder of Full Circle Capital, who shares his rapid journey from starting his search to closing his first acquisition in just six months. Toby dives into how he balanced a full-time job while navigating the self-funded search process, leading to the acquisition of Accelerator Solutions. We explore his creative deal structuring, the importance of partnering with the right people, and how...
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Ep 89: How Tobyn Brooks Overcame Incredible Adversity to Build (then Buy) a portfolio of Auto-Related Businesses
Buy and Build
Sign up now for the early access discounted price for the next Buy and Build Accelerator. ------------------------ In this inspiring episode, Tobyn Brooks shares his incredible journey from overcoming personal challenges to building a thriving business with The Figaro Shop and now rolling up vehicle service centers. At the age of 13, Tobyn dropped out of school and fell victim to addiction, and shortly thereafter became a drug mule. After having spent 15-20 years on the streets, undergoing multiple surgeries to repair the damage done to his body, Tobyn incredibly turned his life around....
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Ep 88: How a Former Uber General Manager Transitioned to SME Operating and Investing (Fouzan Ali, MD of Combined Services)
Buy and Build
Early bird access is live for the next B+B Search Accelerator, at a reduced fee for the first 5 sign-ups. The date is still TBD but any conflicts can be refunded or rolled to the next event. Enjoy the podcast. ----- In this episode, we sit down with Fouzan Ali, an operator-turned-investor who recently closed his first acquisition, a 32-year-old business with strong foundations and growth potential. He shares his unique approach to scaling while focusing on operational efficiency and long-term value creation. We dive into his search process, key acquisition...
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Ep 87: From UK Fund Manager to Industrial Holdco Builder - Mark Wharrier's Journey
Buy and Build
Only 1 week to go to until the Buy and Build Search Accelerator. If you want to acquire a great business, quicker, come and learn from these experts. -------------------------------------- In this episode of The Buy and Build Podcast, host Paul chats with Mark Wharrier, co-founder of Scientific Partners, about his transition from UK equity fund management to acquiring niche industrial businesses. Mark shares insights into his acquisition strategy, focusing on founder-led, high-margin companies with untapped growth potential. Tune in to hear Mark's thoughtful approach to long-term...
info_outlineThis week we speak with Rob LeBlanc of Ambit Partners. This excellent conversation covers the characteristics of "maverick" searchers pioneering new markets, the investment thesis of Ambit's first fund, and what investors can expect from this very attractive, uncorrelated asset class.
Ambit Partners recently announced the $16m initial close of their inaugural fund, targeting $36m, and are are looking to back ±60 search funds over the next couple of years.