What It’s Really Like to Buy and Run Small Businesses with Michael Heath

In this episode of the M&A Launchpad Podcast, hosts Feras Moussa and Casey Minshew talk with Michael Heath—a three-time entrepreneur who has acquired and operated a commercial garage door company, a pool retail business, and a pool construction company. Michael shares the gritty, behind-the-scenes realities of business ownership that you won’t find in the guru playbooks.  From working at a roofing supply manufacturer to bootstrapping his first acquisition during COVID, Michael discusses how he navigated everything from underpriced jobs and partner dynamics to team turnover and personal burnout. He explains how each acquisition taught him critical lessons that shaped the next, and how being "all in" is often the only way forward.  Whether you're considering your first acquisition or navigating operational chaos, Michael’s story will resonate.  In this episode, we discuss:  How Michael went from commuter school and corporate job to buying three companies  The lessons from each business that made the next one stronger  Why margins matter more than revenue  How a terrible bookkeeper nearly sunk his first business  What really happens when sellers stay on after the sale  The power of employee one-on-ones and why he regrets not doing them sooner  The surprising upside of chaos—and how Michael re-centered himself  How he's structured investor deals, including 49/51 equity splits  When it's worth walking away from a deal—even after doing the work  Contact Michael Heath:  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-heath-biz/  Additional Resources:  Sponsored by O’Connell Advisory Group – Work with a trusted Quality of Earnings and Financial Diligence partner who focuses solely on business acquisitions.  Visit: https://www.oconnelladvisorygroup.com  Join our Community at the M&A Launchpad Conference – Premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and dealmakers in the lower-middle market.  https://www.malaunchpad.com  M&A Launchpad Hosts Contact – Casey Minshew & Feras Moussa  Email: [email protected]  Looking to buy or sell a business? Connect with the team at Equity Launchpad for expert guidance and hands-on support throughout your transaction.  Visit: https://www.equity-launchpad.com  About The M&A Launchpad:    The M&A Launchpad provides insights into acquiring, investing in, and selling profitable businesses in the lower to middle market. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur,  we will provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and capital to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. The M&A Launchpad presents a series of weekly podcast episodes and hosts an annual M&A Launchpad Conference tailored to the M&A community. Connect with M&A Launchpad:  🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mW6i4ooujqC7eOPWmguU7 🎧 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-a-launchpad/id1740382586 🎟️ Attend Upcoming M&A Launchpad Conference: http://malaunchpad.com/