The Searchers Podcast
Real conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors navigating business acquisitions.
Host Alex Hoffmann shares practical insights and real-world strategies from those who've successfully bought and grown businesses.
All Episodes
- Episode 3 • • 34:18 ⭐
Brett Sleyster: From Banker to Co-Owning a Treatment Center
with Brett Sleyster - CFO & Co-Owner of Windmill Wellness Ranch
A friend's broker referral, a 7-month diligence marathon, and a deal in an industry he never planned to enter – Brett shares how he and his partner acquired Windmill Wellness Ranch, a residential addiction treatment center in Texas. Traditional vs. self-funded search (his wife settled that debate), building lender relationships early, navigating out-of-network healthcare deals, and why your first months should be spent listening, not changing. Brett now also invests in searchers alongside his father.
- Episode 2 • • 59:15 ⭐
Joseph Heieck: Lessons from Buying and Scaling a Small Business
with Joe Heieck - Co-founder of Heiton Partners
Joe Heieck went from Navy intelligence to Harvard Business School to buying and scaling a software business—then stepped up to chairman and co-founded Heiton Partners to buy companies and place CEOs. We cover finding mentors, working with brokers as partners, what 'quality of revenue' really means, a simple seven-check diligence rhythm, and how to lead through the messy middle of scaling. Practical, candid ETA lessons—minus the fluff.
- Episode 1 • • 4:42
The Dream We All Share (And Why Most of Us Never Start)
Join Alex Hoffmann as he explores the shared dream of entrepreneurship and introduces an alternative path - buying a company instead of starting from scratch. Discover why acquisition might be less risky and more accessible than traditional startups.
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