wenty-five years ago, today's guest bought 2 businesses within a few months of each other.

Don Grigg was in his early 30s, with 3 kids and a desire to buy a manufacturing business.

In the end both businesses he bought were problem companies — which was by design. He figured the only thing he'd be able to afford were small, struggling businesses, and that he'd have to turn them around.

Which he did.

We hear the story of both, including one that he exited for millions of dollars a few years later.

Which sounds like the searcher dream: Buy a tiny business for low six figures, grow it like crazy, and exit to a publicly-traded conglomerate at 40 years old.

But listen for Don's reflections here, and how he contrasts that exit with the outcome of the other business, which he owns to this day.

‍He has grown that one from an unprofitable little plastics molding business that did custom work for clients to a manufacturer of kayaks under its own brands doing $22m in combined revenue.

This one has become his life's work.

‍And Don thinks your acquisition could be yours.

His words:"You can create a family business that reflects your values, that allows you to exercise your entrepreneurial gifts and creative energies around how to build it. And it's incredibly rewarding, and you can make that your life's work."

Here he is, Don Grigg, CEO and co-owner of BIG Adventures, the company behind Native Watercraft, Liquidlogic Kayaks, and Bonafide Kayaks.