E218: Nathan Lenahan Discusses Hiring Operators for Small Businesses

How2Exit: Buy, Don't Build - M&A of Small Businesses

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/2ggutbZru4M
About the Guest(s): Nathan Lenahan is an experienced entrepreneur and former military professional. After serving in the army for six years, including multiple tours in Iraq, Nathan pursued a career in real estate investing and obtained an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He has since started and sold multiple companies, including a property management company and a tech-enabled real estate brokerage. Nathan is currently the owner of Bart's Heating and Air, an HVAC company, and the founder of Smooth Operators, a recruiting service that helps small and medium-sized businesses find skilled operators. With his extensive experience in hiring and acquisitions, Nathan is passionate about helping business owners find the right talent to drive growth and success.
Episode Summary: In this episode, Nathan Lenahan discusses his journey from the military to entrepreneurship and shares his expertise in mergers and acquisitions. He highlights the importance of understanding the different phases of a business and hiring the right operators to drive growth. Nathan also introduces his recruiting service, Smooth Operators, which focuses on connecting business owners with skilled operators in the blue-collar industries. He emphasizes the significance of clear communication, setting expectations, and building trust in the hiring process. Nathan provides valuable insights into the challenges and strategies involved in acquiring and growing businesses, offering practical advice for both buyers and sellers.
Key Takeaways:

• Hiring the right operator is crucial for the success of a business acquisition. Understanding the owner's needs, preparing the role for success, and aligning incentives are essential factors to consider.
• Identifying the right operator involves assessing their experience, skills, and mindset. Different operators excel in different phases of a business, such as startup, growth, or maintenance. Matching their strengths with the company's needs is key.
• Building trust and open communication with operators is vital. Clear expectations, ongoing feedback, and a supportive work environment contribute to a successful partnership.
• The staffing industry offers opportunities for growth and acquisition. Nathan's company, Smooth Operators, focuses on connecting business owners with skilled operators in blue-collar industries, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• When acquiring businesses, it is important to have a clear growth strategy. Organic growth through expanding services or geography, as well as strategic acquisitions, can help achieve growth targets.

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Contact Nathan on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanlenahan/
Website:
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