The Real Way to Build a Roll-Up in 2026 | Shared Services, AI & M&A

Most acquisitions don’t fail because of valuation.They fail because integration breaks the system.In this episode of Founder to Founder, I sit down with Allan Hartley — serial entrepreneur and M&A operator who has built, scaled, and integrated companies totaling over $1B in revenue.We break down how modern roll-ups actually work: platform-first strategy, shared services, deal structures, and how AI is changing acquisitions, recruiting, and operational efficiency.If you’re building a consolidation platform or planning a serious exit, this conversation is a masterclass in engineered growth.💡 What you’ll learn:• Why 1+1 should equal 4 in a roll-up strategy• How shared services become a profit center• What actually increases valuation multiples• Stock deals vs. asset deals explained• How to structure earnouts (gross profit vs EBITDA)• Why cultural misalignment destroys acquisitions• The three red flags that should stop any deal• How AI is reshaping recruiting and M&AThis episode is about building real scale through disciplined acquisitions.📌 Want to discuss your roll-up or exit strategy?https://business.sardorumrdinov.com/📰 Every Saturday I share systems, lessons, and operator insights in The Operator’s Edge newsletter:https://sardor.beehiiv.com/I’ve built Home Alliance to $100M+, trained 1,000+ technicians, and served 500,000+ customers.👇 Would you choose 100% control or an equity rollover for a bigger long-term exit?