Started as SBA Searcher, Built to a PE Fund
Jun 01, 2026•1 hr 46 min
Episode description
The first business Joe Wechsler bought had $280k of SDE. Seven years later, he runs a fund with $50m of buying power.
Register for the webinar:
- Franchising for the ETA Buyer: Resales, Roll-Ups, and Real Deals - Thu, June 4 - https://bit.ly/4vnGP5u
Topics in Joe’s interview:
- Background in management consulting
- Inspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad to own assets
- Joining an early cohort of the Acquisition Lab
- Searching is more fun with a partner
- First deal died 10 days before closing
- Discovering employees had never been paid overtime
- Total office staff turnover in first 4 months
- Acquiring 4 diverse businesses
- Launching a $25M equity fund with 5 partners
- It’s all about the people
References and how to contact Joe:
- Blueline Ventures
- Who by Geoff Smart and Randy Street
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Richard T. Kiyosaki
Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):
- Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring Minds
Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:
- From this page or contact jenny@aspenhr.com
Work with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:
Connect with Acquiring Minds:
- See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
- Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
- Follow Will on Twitter
Edited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron
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