the course

Oct 13-16, 2023

next cohort:

Understand if buying a business is your path to generational wealth & how to start in a weekend.

ACQUIRE 101 helps experienced professionals understand and kickstart the journey to acquire a business.

commit.

Common barriers ACQUIRE 101 helps overcome:

  • ambiguity on what the process of acquiring a company looks like

  • a lack of clarity on how well-suited one’s skills and mindset are for the journey

  • preconceived notions of being "too busy" to pursue acquiring a company

  • not knowing where to begin in the process

kickstart the journey.

In a single weekend, ACQUIRE will help you:

  • identify your unique unfair advantage in acquiring and operating a business

  • learn the keys to an effective search process

  • create a blueprint for closing the right deal

  • prepare to go the distance running a company until exit

  • connect with a community of like-minded peers for support along the journey

Highly rated (9 out of 10 avg rating)

Here’s what past participants have to say:

ACQUIRE 101 walks you step by step through:

preparing

understand your financial runway and identify your unique unfair advantage. You'll also establish your success principles and deal breakers, setting you up for success from the start.

searching

narrow your focus to 3-4 industries and master your pitch and deal flow strategy. You'll also learn about industry multiples and be ready to review 50+ deals before making an offer.

closing

stay disciplined and confident during the closing process. You'll understand how to get creative with deal structure and verify what you're buying with diligence partners.

going the distance

tap your network and experts to solve problems, incorporate self-care and mental health into your business plan, and have an exit strategy prepared for whatever ups and downs may come your way.

a generational opportunity.

Baby boomers own 40%+ of US small businesses. 75% are profitable.

Entrepreneurs are 66% more likely to successfully scale and exit an acquired business vs. a venture-backed startup.

Over the next 5-10 years, most owners will look to sell to fund retirement.

A tidal wave of businesses will change hands this decade, creating a generational opportunity for potential acquirers.

Many owners’ children do not want to take over the family biz.

Young experienced professionals can control their destiny and build wealth by acquiring a profitable business.

Instructor: Brian L. Shields

I'm passionate about entrepreneurship through acquisition as a path to building generational wealth, especially for underrepresented professionals. I've achieved financial freedom, and I'm excited to partner with Gravy to share my knowledge.

I spent the earlier part of my career in various Wall Street investment & operating executive roles at large financial firms, including Barclays and Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, and later in Silicon Valley in leadership at pre-IPO fintech & proptech companies.

I was raised in Houston and graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta. I live in LA. I love to cycle, and I love to ginga (if you know, you know).

In 2022, I exited Hill & Co., a real estate services company that I bought and ran for 2 years with a business partner, and am now taking time off to recover and enjoy the arrival of my 2nd kid 👶🏽