How to Reinvent a $1m Candle Manufacturer

April 14, 2025
Listen in Apple Podcasts appListen in SpotifyListen in Apple Podcasts appListen in SpotifyRSS address of the Acquiring Minds podcast feed
T

oday's guest had already had a very successful career when he turned his sights to buying a business.

Adam Goldberg had started young, worked hard, and run 2 multimillion dollar businesses over his 30-year career.

So after a significant liquidity event in his mid-50s, he tried retiring. Condo in Florida, walking his dog, etc.

That didn't last long.

And when he got back in the game, it was with a struggling, nearly-shuttered candle manufacturer in his native Montreal.

The business had been doing $5m in sales at its height; when Adam looked at it, it was down to $1m.

This was going to be a turnaround.

Adam Goldberg and the Seracon team
Adam (far left) and the Seracon team

But even going in eyes-wide-open, and even with decades of relevant experience in wholesaling and product, Adam underestimated just how hard it would be.

We unpack why it was difficult, where he made mistakes, and how he finally stabilized the business.

Seracon pure maple syrup candle
Seracon’s candle with iconic image

A fascinating story and perspective from someone who is probably a couple decades further along than you, with an impressive career already, and a reminder that even he found buying a small business to be a challenge.

Here is Adam Goldberg, owner of Seracon.

Read MoreStories

How to Reinvent a $1m Candle Manufacturer

Adam Goldberg had to adapt his corporate approach after buying a nearly-closed manufacturer whose sales were down 80%.

Key Takeaways

Introduction

Listen to the introduction from the host

oday's guest had already had a very successful career when he turned his sights to buying a business.

Adam Goldberg had started young, worked hard, and run 2 multimillion dollar businesses over his 30-year career.

So after a significant liquidity event in his mid-50s, he tried retiring. Condo in Florida, walking his dog, etc.

That didn't last long.

And when he got back in the game, it was with a struggling, nearly-shuttered candle manufacturer in his native Montreal.

The business had been doing $5m in sales at its height; when Adam looked at it, it was down to $1m.

This was going to be a turnaround.

Adam Goldberg and the Seracon team
Adam (far left) and the Seracon team

But even going in eyes-wide-open, and even with decades of relevant experience in wholesaling and product, Adam underestimated just how hard it would be.

We unpack why it was difficult, where he made mistakes, and how he finally stabilized the business.

Seracon pure maple syrup candle
Seracon’s candle with iconic image

A fascinating story and perspective from someone who is probably a couple decades further along than you, with an impressive career already, and a reminder that even he found buying a small business to be a challenge.

Here is Adam Goldberg, owner of Seracon.

About

Adam Goldberg

Adam Goldberg
Olivia Rhye
Product Designer

Show Notes

Episode Transcript

Show Transcript
Hide Transcript

Listen instead of watch

Register for the live Q&A
Adam Goldberg
on
<date>
Subscribe to newsletter
Subscribe to receive the latest blog posts to your inbox every week.
By subscribing you agree to with our policies.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.