ou know that one of the classic criteria to look for in a business to buy is that it provide a non-discretionary service.

You want to offer a service that your clients really need, not merely want.

Well, today's episode sheds light on how owning such a business can actually look.

Matt Bauer & Chris Hartman bought a weighing business.

American Scale Company sells, distributes, and services scales for industrial applications.

Clients need to be able to weigh things for their businesses to work.

Which means that Matt & Chris get calls when the scales need service — and during storm season that happens often, and often in the off-hours.

End result: the business is 24/7. A grind.

Matt & Chris are veterans, high pain tolerances. But 5 years of running a scale business weighed on even them.

Happily, they successfully doubled the business during their tenure, professionalized it, digitized it, and there was a willing buyer.

So this story takes you through the full cycle of 2 self-funded searchers who bought a gritty business, grew it, then exited to a strategic.

But I think you'll agree that the biggest takeaway is the need to really understand what running your target business will look like, will feel like.

Are you buying a lifestyle business? Or a "bad lifestyle" business?

Enjoy this interview with Matt Bauer and Chris Hartman, former owners of American Scale Company.