“Buy then Build” by Walker Deibel is a book that provides guidance for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to acquire and grow existing businesses instead of starting their own from scratch. The book offers practical advice and insights on how to find, evaluate, and acquire businesses, as well as how to manage and grow them for long-term success.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part provides an overview of the buy then build approach, and discusses the advantages and benefits of acquiring existing businesses. The author emphasizes that acquiring a business can be a faster and less risky way to achieve entrepreneurial success than starting a business from scratch, as it provides an existing customer base, cash flow, and operations.
The second part of the book offers a detailed roadmap for acquiring and growing businesses. The author walks readers through the entire process, from identifying potential acquisition targets to negotiating deals and executing a growth plan. He provides practical advice and tools for each step of the process, including due diligence checklists, valuation methods, and strategies for post-acquisition integration and growth.
One of the strengths of “Buy then Build” is its focus on practical advice and tools for entrepreneurs and business owners. The author draws on his own experiences as an entrepreneur and investor, as well as interviews with successful business owners and experts in the field, to provide actionable insights and strategies. The book includes numerous case studies and real-world examples, which help to illustrate the concepts and principles discussed.
Another strength of the book is its emphasis on long-term thinking and sustainable growth. The author encourages readers to focus on acquiring businesses that have the potential for long-term growth and value creation, rather than short-term gains. He provides guidance on how to identify and evaluate businesses with growth potential, as well as strategies for building sustainable competitive advantages and developing strong management teams.
However, one potential weakness of the book is that it may not be applicable or relevant to all readers. The buy then build approach may not be suitable for every entrepreneur or business owner, depending on their industry, goals, and resources. Additionally, the book may be more relevant to larger businesses and investors, rather than smaller startups or individual entrepreneurs.
Reviews of Buy Then Build
“Buy then Build” by Walker Deibel has received generally positive reviews readers. Many have praised the book for its practical advice and insights on how to acquire and grow businesses, as well as its focus on long-term thinking and sustainable growth.
Some people have found the buy then build approach to be a faster and less risky way to achieve entrepreneurial success than starting a business from scratch. By acquiring an existing business, entrepreneurs can benefit from an existing customer base, cash flow, and operations, which can help them to grow their business more quickly and efficiently.
Others have appreciated the author’s emphasis on sustainable growth and value creation. The book encourages readers to focus on acquiring businesses with long-term growth potential and developing strong management teams, rather than short-term gains. This approach can help to ensure the long-term success and profitability of the business.
Some business people have criticized the book for being too focused on larger businesses and investors, and less relevant to smaller startups or individual entrepreneurs. The buy then build approach may not be suitable or feasible for all entrepreneurs or businesses, depending on their industry, goals, and resources.
Overall, “Buy then Build” is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business owners who are interested in acquiring and growing existing businesses. The book provides practical advice and tools for every step of the process, as well as insights and strategies for long-term success. While the buy then build approach may not be suitable for everyone, those who are interested in this approach will find “Buy then Build” to be a useful and informative guide.