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.

Matt Bauer of American Scale in the field
Matt Bauer in the field

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.