Reflections on 2 Years in the Knife Fight

July 25, 2024

"T

wo years in a bloody knife fight can feel like 10 years."

So said today's guest Brett Kennedy.

Brett has improved the small, $250k SDE moving business he bought in March 2022.

He's got an ops manager to handle the day-to-day.

He's not having to drive the truck himself anymore when one of his movers doesn't show.

He's doubled the business — and in a bad housing market, which is brutal for moving companies.

And as of recording, he's got a second and much bigger business under LOI.

So it sounds like success.

And it is. But the rough ride to get here should not be taken lightly.

You'll hear clear evidence of that at the end — how this lonely, merciless road can wear on people. Even those who are succeeding.

Please enjoy this conversation with Brett Kennedy, owner of Atlanta Furniture Taxi.

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July 25, 2024

Reflections on 2 Years in the Knife Fight

Brett Kennedy has doubled & strengthened the sub-$1 million moving business he bought — but it hasn't been without pain.

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Key Takeaways

Introduction

Listen to the introduction from the host

"T

wo years in a bloody knife fight can feel like 10 years."

So said today's guest Brett Kennedy.

Brett has improved the small, $250k SDE moving business he bought in March 2022.

He's got an ops manager to handle the day-to-day.

He's not having to drive the truck himself anymore when one of his movers doesn't show.

He's doubled the business — and in a bad housing market, which is brutal for moving companies.

And as of recording, he's got a second and much bigger business under LOI.

So it sounds like success.

And it is. But the rough ride to get here should not be taken lightly.

You'll hear clear evidence of that at the end — how this lonely, merciless road can wear on people. Even those who are succeeding.

Please enjoy this conversation with Brett Kennedy, owner of Atlanta Furniture Taxi.

About

Brett Kennedy

Brett Kennedy

Show Notes

Register for the webinar:

How (and Why) to Choose a Franchise as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - https://bit.ly/4fa3CKB

Brett Kennedy has doubled & strengthened the sub-$1 million moving business he bought — but it hasn't been without pain.

Topics in Brett’s interview:

Being raised in an entrepreneurial family
Buying Furniture Taxi, a moving company
Driving the truck himself when employees don’t show
Surprises the seller failed to mention
Good and bad of buying small
Daily stressors of running a small business
Hiring a GM
Doubling the business despite a shrinking market
Your employees are your customers
The next company he wants to buy

References and how to contact Brett:

Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

The Acquisition Lab

Smithlist is a job board for leadership roles at small businesses. If you're not ready to buy a business but want to lead one:

Smithlist - Operate & Lead a Business

Connect with Acquiring Minds:

See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
Follow Will on Twitter

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Episode Transcript

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