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Business Buying for Financial Independence

Business Buying for Financial Independence

By: Tim Delaney Business Buying Content Creator
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About this listen

 Are you tired of the 9-5 grind and looking for a path to financial independence? Welcome to Business Buying for Financial Independence, the podcast that helps aspiring entrepreneurs escape the rat race by acquiring a small business. Hosted by Tim Delaney, an experienced business buyer and real estate investor who purchased his first business with just 10% down, this show dives deep into the strategies, challenges, and success stories of real people who built wealth through business acquisition. Each episode features Tim's personal experiences or insightful interviews with business buyers, investors, and industry experts who share their knowledge on acquiring, financing, and growing small businesses. Whether you're exploring SBA loans, seller financing, business brokers, deal sourcing, due diligence, or post-acquisition growth strategies, this podcast is your essential guide for entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). If you're ready to own your time, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom by buying an established business instead of starting from scratch, hit subscribe and begin your journey today! How Do I buy a business? How do I buy a business with no money? Can you buy a business with no money? What to do to buy a business? How do I finance a business purchase? Why buy a business? Why buy a small business? What is the business buying process? What is the process of buying a business? How to achieve financial freedom? How to achieve financial independence? How do you achieve financial independence through buying a business? How do I buy a business to achieve financial independence? How do I buy a business to attain financial freedom? What is a unique way to reach financial independence? How do I buy a business to reach FIRE?2025 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 0035 - Five Best Industries to Buy Into for 2026

    0035 - Five Best Industries to Buy Into for 2026
    Feb 17 2026
    In this solo episode, Tim breaks down the industries buyers keep asking about for 2026; and why the industry itself matters far less than fit, fundamentals, and execution. He walks through healthcare-adjacent services, in-person service businesses, experience-driven companies, B2B opportunities, and niche manufacturing, while cautioning against chasing trends or buying something you'll hate operating. Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate. Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from. Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast. [00:00 – 00:30] Context: Industries vs. Fit Tim introduces the topic of "top industries" and explains why the industry itself isn't what determines success. [00:31 – 01:40] You Don't Have to Love It—But You Can't Hate It Why personal alignment with the business matters more than chasing a trending category. [01:41 – 03:10] Healthcare-Adjacent Opportunities Housing, elderly services, non-emergency transport, equipment servicing, billing, and wellness businesses positioned for growth as populations age. [03:11 – 05:10] Service Businesses That Must Be Done In-Person Cleaning, landscaping, cooking, and location-dependent services that are harder to outsource and more resistant to automation. [05:11 – 06:20] Skilled Trades: Opportunity With Caution HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofing—great businesses, but often require licensing and operational experience. [06:21 – 07:25] Experience-Based Businesses Escape rooms, fitness studios, kids' activity centers, and experiential services built around memory-driven spending. [07:26 – 08:50] Business-to-Business (B2B) Services Parking lot sweeping, shredding, data backup, pest control, and other "invisible" businesses that quietly power local economies. [08:51 – 10:20] Niche & Light Manufacturing Small manufacturers producing specialized parts within established supply chains—often owned by founders approaching retirement. [10:21 – 11:50] Words of Caution Avoid trendy spikes, highly owner-dependent operations, and businesses with weak fundamentals regardless of industry hype. [11:51 – 13:20] The Real Filter: Lifestyle, Cash Flow, Risk The best business is the one aligned with your life and financial goals—not the one on a "top industries" list. [13:21 – End] Final Takeaway & CTA Start evaluating opportunities through fit and fundamentals, not headlines. Subscribe and continue learning through upcoming episodes. If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom. Connect with Tim and the community: Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz Instagram: @timtdelaney Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney Facebook: facebook.com/timtdelaney Tweetable Quotes: "A bad business is not going to be fixed by just the fact that the industry is taking off right now." - Tim Delaney "You don't have to love it—but you can't hate it. If you hate doing that type of business, it will not be successful".- Tim Delaney "The person makes the business, the cashflow makes the business, the structure makes the business." - Tim Delaney
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    14 mins
  • 0034 - Business Buying Confidence: The Mental Hurdle, Mentor Advantage, and a Deal That Didn't Pencil

    0034 - Business Buying Confidence: The Mental Hurdle, Mentor Advantage, and a Deal That Didn't Pencil
    Feb 10 2026
    Starting a business from scratch sounds exciting until you experience the steep learning curve, operational headaches, and financial uncertainty that come with it. In this episode, Tim sits down with Joe Trotto to talk about the realities of launching versus buying a business, why Joe pivoted toward acquisition, and what he learned while pursuing a deal in the marine tourism space. From evaluating listings and working with brokers to navigating financial surprises and confidence hurdles, Joe shares the honest, in-progress journey of becoming a first-time buyer. Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate. Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from. Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast. [00:00 – 02:20] Why Starting From Scratch Isn't Always the Answer Joe reflects on the learning curve of launching a business and why buying an existing operation can be a smarter path. [02:21 – 05:30] Joe's Background & Motivation Balancing a demanding corporate career while pursuing financial independence through business ownership. [05:31 – 09:10] From Gym Owner to Business Buyer Lessons from Joe's first venture and why he shifted toward acquisition instead of another startup. [09:11 – 13:00] Finding a Target Business How conversations with family led to exploring boat tour companies and the process of searching listings. [13:01 – 18:20] Outreach, Brokers & First Steps Signing NDAs, reviewing CIMs, and navigating the early stages of evaluating a real opportunity. [18:21 – 24:30] Financial Surprises & Deal Breakdown How updated numbers changed the valuation and ultimately caused the deal to stall. [24:31 – 33:40] Rethinking the Approach What Joe learned from the failed deal and how it reshaped his acquisition criteria. [33:41 – 44:50] Building Buyer Confidence Mentorship, community, and why first-time buyers struggle with taking action. [44:51 – 53:30] What Joe Is Looking For Now Operational simplicity, remote ownership potential, and long-term financial independence goals. [53:31 – End (~57:00)] Final Takeaways Lessons for aspiring buyers and the mindset required to pursue acquisition instead of starting from zero. Guest Bio Joe Trotto serves as Director of Field Services at GE Vernova, where he leads teams and operations within the power generation industry. Outside of his corporate role, he's a husband and father of three who brings an optimistic, people-first mindset to everything he does. Joe is currently exploring business acquisition as a path toward long-term financial independence and greater control over his time and future. Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetrotto/ Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates: Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney Tweetable Quotes "The pain associated with the learning curve of figuring out the nuts and bolts of an operation are not something I wanted to do." - Joe Trotto "But even if something is struggling, it's easier to take something that's struggling and prop it up than to dig and lay the foundation anew." - Joe Trotto "There is a learning curve associated with starting from zero." - Joe Trotto "I want to have some sort of platform, some sort of foothold to go from so I don't have to start from scratch." - Joe Trotto
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    58 mins
  • 0033 - Want to Buy a Business? START Here!

    0033 - Want to Buy a Business? START Here!
    Feb 3 2026

    In this solo episode, Tim breaks down what buyers should focus on immediately after first learning about buying a business. From casually reviewing listings and building savings, to positioning yourself with brokers and professionals, Tim explains why early exposure and preparation matter far more than rushing into a deal.

    Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

    Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

    Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

    [00:00 – 01:15] You've Heard About Buying a Business—Now What?

    Tim opens by addressing the moment most people are in when they first discover business acquisition and aren't sure what to do next.

    [01:16 – 03:00] Start Looking Before You're Ready

    Why reviewing business listings early—without pressure to buy—helps build intuition and confidence.

    [03:01 – 03:55] The Reality of "No Money Down" Deals

    Breaking down why most buyers still need some form of capital, even when creative financing is involved.

    [03:56 – 05:45] Building Capital Early

    How saving money, improving cash flow, and preparing financially gives buyers more leverage later.

    [05:46 – 06:45] Eliminate Before You Specialize

    Why narrowing down what you don't want is often more helpful than chasing the perfect business.

    [06:46 – 07:05] When to Be More Aggressive

    How buyers with capital or experience should move differently and focus their efforts.

    [07:06 – 08:05] Why Brokers Forget Generic Buyers

    Why vague buyers don't get remembered—and how specificity makes brokers think of you when deals come up.

    [08:06 – 08:45] Be Proactive With Brokers and Advisors

    Why reaching out consistently matters more than waiting for opportunities to land in your inbox.

    [08:46 – 09:40] Finding Opportunities Outside Listings

    How networking, referrals, and local connections uncover deals that never hit marketplaces.

    [09:41 – 10:30] Exposure Is the Real Win Early On

    Why learning and seeing deals is more valuable than closing one too fast.

    [10:31 – 11:15] You Don't Need Millions to Start

    Tim explains why most people underestimate how accessible business acquisition really is.

    [11:16 – End (~12:00)] Final Thoughts

    Encouragement to start now—build knowledge, relationships, and momentum before trying to buy.

    If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

    Connect with Tim and the community:
    Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz
    Instagram: @timtdelaney
    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney
    Facebook: facebook.com/timtdelaney

    Tweetable Quotes:

    "You don't have to be ready to buy to start learning." – Tim Delaney

    "If you're too generic, you're not going to stand out." – Tim Delaney

    "You don't need millions." – Tim Delaney
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    11 mins
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