The HoldCo Builders Podcast with PrivatEquityGuy is a place where you can find meaningful conversations about holding companies, entrepreneurship, small businesses, investing, and more.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
How I'm Building a $50M EBITDA Holdco Of Boring Businesses | Nick Huber Interview
Monday, April 28, 2025 • Duration 49:40
My guest today is Nick Huber — entrepreneur, investor, and creator behind a $30M+ holding company spanning real estate, service businesses, and media.
In this episode, we dive deep into how Nick allocates capital across multiple businesses, builds operationally lean teams, and balances short-term cash flow with long-term wealth creation.
We explore how social media transformed his entrepreneurial journey, raising millions and unlocking career-changing relationships. Nick also shares the realities of building in public, handling criticism, and why focusing on "unsexy" businesses gives him an edge.
If you're an investor, business buyer, or private equity professional looking to learn how to think, operate, and allocate like a world-class entrepreneur, this conversation is for you.
Topics include:
Capital allocation frameworks
Scaling without losing control
Building trust and raising millions online
The real mindset behind entrepreneurship
Handling criticism and pressure at scale
Life lessons from building boring businesses
Listen now to get an unfiltered view into the mind of one of today’s most transparent and tactical business builders.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:23 - Why everyone wants to follow people who live an interesting life 00:04:25 - The huge upside and downside of being transparent on social media 00:05:36 - “Nick is going broke, he’s a fraud, and going bankrupt?!” 00:10:36 - The debt structure behind Nick’s most expensive acquisition ($52M valuation deal) 00:19:15 - How to stay focused when running a diversified portfolio 00:22:40 - 325 employees across Nick’s portfolio (only 20 are Americans) 00:25:38 - Whatever you do: add as much value to others as you can—and do it for free 00:28:02 - The story of meeting a wealth manager that changed Nick’s views on life and business 00:32:18 - Helping investors evaluate deals led Nick to 5 closed deals 00:35:06 - How one Twitter thread converted into 40,000 followers and a new business life 00:36:28 - Business and life are an adult marshmallow test 00:40:02 - Three things every operator should learn 00:43:22 - Working 60 hours a week 00:45:45 - The most painful part of the journey 00:47:29 - Is Nick an iceman, or does he really care what people think of him?
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
How I Bought 4 Competitors and 200x'd My Company ($1M -> $210M in 5 Years) | Nick Keegan Interview
Monday, April 21, 2025 • Duration 52:05
My guest today is Nick Keegan, co-founder and CEO of Mail Metrics, a company helping highly regulated industries—like banks, insurers, and pension providers—communicate more effectively with their customers.
Nick started Mail Metrics in 2013 at just 24 years old, after serving 11 years in the Irish Defence Forces. It took 7 years to reach €1M in revenue, but what followed is nothing short of remarkable: in 2023, the company hit €40M—and is on track to do €210M in 2025.
In this episode, we go deep into the gritty early years, how he closed his first clients after 3 years of trying, and how Mail Metrics scaled through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Nick breaks down what he looks for in an acquisition target, how deals are structured and financed, and what it really takes to integrate teams post-deal.
We also cover:
The challenges of selling into regulated industries with long sales cycles
How Nick brought on a private equity partner while keeping control
The key lessons from growing a 600-person company
His approach to capital allocation, leadership, and leverage
And the mindset shifts that helped him grow from a bootstrapped founder to leading a 9-figure business
Whether you're an operator, investor, or aspiring acquirer, this episode is packed with insight.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Nick Keegan.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:11 - The early days of Nick and MailMetrics
00:07:01 - The story of the first two massive clients (took an extremely long time to close)
00:08:06 - Growth through acquisitions
00:11:07 - The story of the first two acquisitions (financing and structure)
How 4 Swedish Serial Acquirers Scaled To a 49x P/E Ratio | Niklas Sävås Interview
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 • Duration 55:09
In this episode, we dive into the world of serial acquisitions with Niklas Savas, an analyst at Redeye, who has a unique perspective on the Swedish serial acquirers' approach.
Addtech AB: Over 150 companies, $1.5B in revenue, $150M in operating profit.
Lagercrantz Group AB: Around 40 companies, $500M in revenue, $50M in profit
Lifco AB: Over 100 companies, $1B in revenue, $100M in profit
Teqnion AB: Around 10 companies, $100M in revenue, $10M in profit
Röko: A private company with a diverse portfolio of 27 companies, more than $500M in revenue
Niklas discusses how growth through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can open doors to expansive growth, and how Swedish serial acquirers have mastered the art of driving up prices and maintaining high P/E ratios. We also explore the realities of post-acquisition management, the competitive landscape of deal-making, and the advantages of being sector-agnostic.
With his extensive analysis of businesses and focus on expansion, Niklas paints a picture of how acquisitions can fuel long-term growth.
Niklas is also the host of the Investing by the Books podcast, where he shares insights on acquisitions, business strategies, and investment principles with a focus on real-world examples.
Enjoy this insightful conversation with Niklas Savas.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
How I Bought 4 Companies and Built a One-Man HoldCo Doing $20M in Revenue | Dustin Carreon Interview
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 01:29:13
Today’s story is a huge reminder to not cancel out the troubled kid or the teen who doesn't have it all together.
Just a down-to-earth success story (with all the drama, obstacles, grind and persistence for 90-min straight).
Dustin Carreon’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and strategic thinking. He started with a business that had unpredictable revenue, but instead of accepting its limits, he used it as a stepping stone. Through smart acquisitions and a willingness to take calculated risks, he transformed volatile cash flow into a portfolio of strong, high-quality businesses—all without outside investors.
Today, COI Holdings generates $20M in annual revenue, and Dustin remains in full control.
His story proves that you don’t need a perfect starting point, just the drive to build and the willingness to bet on yourself. Whether you're an operator looking for your next move or an aspiring business owner, there's plenty to take away from Dustin’s experience.
Enjoy this insightful conversation with Dustin Carreon of COI Holdings.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:18 - A turbulent early days doing a lot of hard work without making a lot of money
00:06:16 - Struggling a lot as a teenager
00:12:28 - Not fitting in, thinking you’re not smart enough
00:16:12 - First company: Freelance Electronics (growing from 3 people to 15 people)
00:21:15 - Meeting the millionaire "homeless Santa Claus"
How I Built a 14-Unit Zaxby's Franchise Doing $50M in Revenue | Ben Little Interview
Thursday, February 6, 2025 • Duration 01:05:45
Ben Little runs the #1 Zaxby’s franchise in the U.S. His company owns 14 locations, employs over 800 people, and generates more than $50M in annual revenue.
Ben didn’t just buy into a franchise—he built a powerhouse.
In this episode, we dive into what makes a top-performing franchisee, Ben’s approach to scaling, and how he structures deals and financing. We also cover the challenges of managing a large team, the importance of strong leadership, and why he believes that “people don’t quit jobs, they quit managers.”
Please enjoy this conversation with Ben Little.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:29 - What am I good at, what am I bad at and why franchising?
00:06:59 - Early days: work as a cook and cashier
00:14:23 - Going from being independently successful all the way to starting again from the bottom
00:24:32 - Finding the best operators with the highest standards
00:27:41 - The daily pressure of proving to others that he is the best at what he does
00:29:42 - Where does his drive come from?
00:32:11 - Competitors visit their stores and leave feeling very disappointed
00:35:37 - 4 stores hit $100,000 in weekly sales for the first time
00:40:42 - Expanding the business while owning 100% of the real estate
00:47:31 - People and companies fail because of undercapitalization
How We Bought 6 Businesses and Built a $80M Long Term HoldCo | Ryan Sullivan Interview
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 01:22:04
Ryan Sullivan is a risk-conscious entrepreneur who stepped into business ownership in his late 40s, proving that it’s never too late to take the leap.
As the co-founder of North Park Group, Ryan has been acquiring small legacy manufacturing businesses across the U.S., starting with a 100-year-old electrical component manufacturer in Wichita, Kansas, producing $700K in adjusted EBITDA. What began as a single acquisition with one partner has now grown into a team of five, with six acquisitions to date. Today, North Park Group’s portfolio generates $80–85 million in revenue and $8 million in EBITDA.
Ryan’s approach doesn’t fit neatly into the usual categories—it’s not a holdco, not private equity, and not a roll-up. Instead, he and his partners have built a model from first principles, aligning incentives while maintaining a conservative stance on debt and risk. In this episode, we dive into the strategy behind North Park Group’s acquisitions, how Ryan transitioned into this space, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Please enjoy this conversation with Ryan Sullivan—entrepreneur, operator, and Managing Director of North Park Group.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:25 - "You were 48 when you started - what took you so long?"
00:04:33 - When this "crazy" co-founder Greg convinces you to start acquiring companies
00:09:03 - Core team strengths and weaknesses
00:13:43 - How they were able to continue other pursuits while managing a portfolio of 5 companies
00:16:29 - The amount Ryan invested in the business
00:19:41 - Taking private money vs taking public money and saying no to many investors
How We Bought 10 Businesses and Turned $20K Into a $200M HoldCo | Roman Khan Interview
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 • Duration 45:39
Roman Khan is the co-founder of Peak21, a direct-to-consumer holding company that has scaled to an impressive $200 million in revenue—all while maintaining profitability.
Together with his wife Jennifer, Roman has acquired 10 companies, building a diverse and thriving portfolio of DTC brands.
In this episode, we dive into Roman’s entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges and strategies of scaling a profitable holding company, his approach to identifying and integrating acquisitions, and the unique dynamics of running a business with his spouse.
We also explore the future of direct-to-consumer businesses, lessons learned from building and buying brands, and what it takes to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
Please enjoy this conversation with Roman Khan, co-founder of Peak21.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:30 - Starts his business career with $20,000
00:05:19 - Getting fired by his wife "go find other companies to buy"
00:06:55 - First success in business (paying 7-fig in dividends)
00:08:40 - "I'm an idiot, I made a huge mistake"
00:10:35 - The story of the first acquisition
00:13:40 - Investing in a very small companies and growing 10x or more
00:19:10 - Finding the first investor to start Peak21
00:21:31 - 5 acquisitions, the largest have been 8-figure investments
How I Built and Sold a $16M Company to Invest In Search Funds | Christopher Hillier Interview
Thursday, January 16, 2025 • Duration 01:00:41
Christopher Hillier is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the employee benefits industry.
He began his journey as the Co-Founder and President of Benefit Health Advisor, a full-service employee benefits brokerage based in Englewood, Colorado.
In our conversation, we delve into Chris’s entrepreneurial journey, from starting a brokerage firm from scratch and scaling it to $16M in top-line revenue, to acquiring an insurance underwriting company on the verge of collapse and turning it around for a strategic exit.
We also explore his insights on the ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) space, where he is now a recognized expert, and his perspective on time management—an area he’s written a book about.
Chris shares lessons learned from navigating acquisitions, growing businesses, and managing teams, as well as his thoughts on the future of employee benefits and wellness in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Please enjoy this conversation with Christopher Hillier, serial entrepreneur, investor and educator in the ETA space.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:45 - Christopher's story before founding, building and buying the company
00:04:35 - How does the company make money?
00:10:53 - Landing the first major clients
00:16:55 - First acquisition, buying distressed assets
00:20:49 - The reason for selling the company to a strategic buyer
00:24:11 - It's all harder than you'd ever imagine
00:30:08 - A perfect timing to sell a business: cash, stock, earn-out
00:34:10 - The importance of a right fit between buyer and seller
00:38:40 - Investing in search funds (love for ETA - entrepreneurship-through-acquisition)
How I Bought 2 Businesses With Little Of My Own Money And No Investors | Santino DeFranco Interview
Thursday, January 9, 2025 • Duration 01:21:48
Santino DeFranco is a former UFC fighter turned entrepreneur who has successfully transitioned from the octagon to the world of business ownership. Santino has acquired two companies: a Shell Gas Station with a Krispy Krunchy Chicken franchise and a restaurant hood cleaning business. In this episode, we dive into his journey from professional fighting to becoming a business owner, exploring how his competitive mindset and resilience have shaped his approach to entrepreneurship.
Santino is also a highly sought-after MMA coach who has trained and guided world champions in the UFC, bringing the same level of discipline and strategy to coaching as he does to running his businesses. We discuss what it takes to operate across such diverse industries, his insights into finding value in small businesses, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
Please enjoy this conversation with Santino DeFranco—fighter, coach, and entrepreneur.
Enjoy the episode? Make sure you SUBSCRIBE for more.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:56 - Santino and his wild life as a UFC fighter before his first acquisition
00:02:15 - Creation of the first iPhone and Android app called Ultimate MMA
00:03:29 - Injuries and life as an MMA trainer for UFC fighters
00:04:21 - I started looking for companies to buy
00:05:21 - What sites does Santino use to find businesses
00:07:08 - Find the first business to buy - a gas station
00:07:42 - Where does Santino's entrepreneurial gene come from?
00:10:02 - Tough decision: go back to work or start and build different companies
How We Bought 14 Businesses and Built a $30M HoldCo in 6 Years | Joe Van Deman and Colin King Interview
Thursday, January 2, 2025 • Duration 01:05:30
Meet Joe Van Deman and Colin King
Founders of Circle City Capital Group. Starting with a small amount of savings and an SBA loan, over the past six years, they’ve made 14 acquisitions that have been consolidated into 4 companies, employing a total of 200 people.
A combined $30m of revenue.
----------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:55 - How Joe and Colin met and what they did before their first acquisition
00:07.32 - Quitting their jobs to start a 50/50 partnership with a "stranger"
00:12:29 - First acquisition
00:20:33 - Second acquisition
00:24:45 - The industries and companies they are looking at
00:32:55 - Current portfolio and deals made so far
00:41:42 - How they manage a portfolio of 10+ companies
00:49:31 - How they survived the hard times
00:57:13 - Post acquisition and learning the specifics of the industry/field within 90 days
00:59:44 - Salary, paying dividends or reinvesting the profits
00:20:09 - Improving the bottom line through synergies across the portfolio
00:22:59 - The third acquisition almost doubled the business 00:26:00 - 2–3 factors that need to be true for Nick to acquire a competitor
00:28:27 - When acquisitions don’t go as planned… 00:32:45 - The decision to partner with a private equity firm 00:37:15 - Nick and his roles over the years
00:41:48 - Nick’s view on leverage when doing acquisitions 00:43:40 - What Nick would do if he were to start all over again
00:46:35 - MailMetrics today
00:48:35 - Your goals can come true—sometimes 10x bigger than you ever dreamed
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
🇩🇪 Germany - entrepreneurship
15/08/2026
#54
🇩🇪 Germany - entrepreneurship
14/08/2026
#61
🇩🇪 Germany - entrepreneurship
13/08/2026
#70
🇩🇪 Germany - entrepreneurship
11/08/2026
#95
🇩🇪 Germany - entrepreneurship
30/07/2026
#93
🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
27/07/2026
#100
Spotify
No recent rankings available
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Buyers and Builders, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
