--- title: "What We Are Reading: \"Buy Then Build\"" description: Walker Deibel's book Buy Then Build is a good read for business buyers. See why we are recommending it. image: https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/hubfs/BooksWeAreReadingBuyThenBuildSQ1.jpg --- **[![phone](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/hubfs/2020%20Website/white-phone-solid%20(1).svg "phone")(888) 290-5232](tel:888-%20290-5232)      ![envelope](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/hubfs/2020%20Website/envelope-solid-white.svg "envelope") [northstar@tworld.com](mailto:northstar@tworld.com)** [![TRANSWORLD-LOGO-2023-2Color-VF-02](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tworld%20Logos/TRANSWORLD-LOGO-2023-2Color-VF-02.png?width=1801&height=600&name=TRANSWORLD-LOGO-2023-2Color-VF-02.png "TRANSWORLD-LOGO-2023-2Color-VF-02")](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/) ![4 Team members](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2020%20Website/Imagery/4%20Team%20members.jpeg?width=1350&name=4%20Team%20members.jpeg "4 Team members") # Transworld Blog From business brokerage to mergers and acquisitions; we are the business sale specialists. - [Buy Existing Business](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/buy-existing-business) - [For Entrepreneurs](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/for-entrepreneurs) - [Business Advisor](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/business-advisor) - [Business Broker](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/business-broker) - [business advice](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/business-advice) - [entrepreneur](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/entrepreneur) # [What We Are Reading: "Buy Then Build"](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/what-we-are-reading-buy-then-build) [Read More →](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/what-we-are-reading-buy-then-build) - [buying a business](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/buying-a-business) - [selling a business](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/selling-a-business) - [For Entrepreneurs](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/for-entrepreneurs) - [Case Studies](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/case-studies) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tworldnorthstar.com%2Fblog%2Fwhat-we-are-reading-buy-then-build) - [**](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tworldnorthstar.com%2Fblog%2Fwhat-we-are-reading-buy-then-build) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/what-we-are-reading-buy-then-build) [All Posts](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog) # What We Are Reading: "Buy Then Build" - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## ![BooksWeAreReadingBuyThenBuildSQ1](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BooksWeAreReadingBuyThenBuildSQ1.jpg?width=2100&name=BooksWeAreReadingBuyThenBuildSQ1.jpg) ## Research Before Buying If you are considering purchasing a business, Walker Deibel's book "Buy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game" is a helpful book to read before getting started. Deibel walks through the benefit of buying an existing business rather than starting one and discusses the benefits of ownership. ## Don't Start A Business "Acquire a successful business then use cash flow to innovate and upgrade". According to Deibel, an acquisition is more affordable than you might think. ## Engineer Wealth "The concept of return on investment (ROI) is simple..." Deibel lays out what makes a good investment and the margin of risk. ## How To Start Your Search "Most people start looking for a company to acquire completely the wrong way." This book teaches you how to create parameters for looking for a business to buy, and doesn't cut corners on detail, in three substantial chapters. ## Bringing The Deal Together "Acquiring a company isn't a linear process, and there are some actions you'll need to take now in order to succeed later." Understanding leverage, what banks are looking for, different debt options, working with CPAs and attorneys and reviewing business listings are all things you will need to know before buying a business. ## Understanding The Numbers "Rule number one for establishing a purchase price is making sure the *business *can afford to pay for the business. You will learn the different types of accounting, how to determine how healthy the business is, understanding balance sheets, valuation and what "goodwill" is. ## The seller Is Key "Most inexperienced buyers will go in to their first meeting with a seller without trusting them." Understanding the seller's perspective and winning them over can result in the best deal for the buyer. ## Creating The Business Plan Building and executing your plan is the first step in growing an existing business. Deibel helps lay the framework for this process. ## Offer, Acquisition and Transition Writing a letter of intent, the difference between an asset and a stock sale, deal structure, and contingencies all need to be considered. Emotions can run high, and communication is critical to a successful deal close and transition. ## Working With A Broker Transaction brokers help by searching for businesses that meet the buyers goals, act as intermediaries between the buyer and the seller, and keep the deal moving forward to close. Brokers will typically work with buyers on a retainer which can be deducted from the broker fee at close, most often times paid by the seller. Contact us today to get started on your journey to becoming the CEO of your own business.             ![Scott Hislop](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/hubfs/website_templates/TWMN_2016/blog-thumb-scott.jpg) ###### Scott Hislop CEO & Owner at Transworld Business Advisors | Business Brokers Helping Entrepreneurs Achieve Their Dreams and Goals Through the Complex Process of Buying or Selling a Business [Get In Touch](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/talk-to-advisor) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2029673/Assets/Search_Image.png) - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [buying a business (56)](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/buying-a-business) - [selling a business (26)](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/selling-a-business) - [For Entrepreneurs (10)](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/for-entrepreneurs) - [Business Sale Process (8)](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/business-sale-process) - [Financial Related (8)](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/topic/financial-related) - 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Where you might imagine pop-up tent trailers going for $15–20K, the owner and his team specialized in high-end adventure vans, or “Class B” RVs, ranging between $100–200K. - [Transworld Business Advisors](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/author/transworld-business-advisors) - 4 min read - Jan 11, 2024 3:17:00 PM ## [Case Study: How Transworld Helped PWC Sell Their Business in 7 Months](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/case-study-how-transworld-helped-pwc-sell-their-business-in-7-months)   Sales Timeline: 7 Months   The Background Professional Wireless Communications. Inc. (PWC) has provided reliable and affordable two-way radio solutions in Minnesota and Iowa for 25 years. The company has a loyal and diverse clientele, from schools and hotels to casinos and stores. Pat and Paula Green, a husband-and-wife duo, started the business from scratch. With Mark, their salesperson and 20% owner, they have built a profitable and reputable enterprise. As they neared retirement, the Greens wanted to sell the company and focus on family. Mark also desired to sell, but remain employed by PWC. - [Transworld Business Advisors](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/author/transworld-business-advisors) - 4 min read - Aug 24, 2023 9:00:00 AM ## [Case Study: Selling a Pet-Sitting Business in Less Than 4 Months](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/case-study-selling-a-pet-sitting-business-in-less-than-four-months)   Sales Timeline: Less than 4 months Sale Price: $320k   The Background Located in the Twin Cities, the owner of Whiskers to Tails Petsitting had proven to be a successful entrepreneur focused on providing care for animals in the home. As a former employee, the owner took over the business in 2019 and successfully operated it through the COVID-19 pandemic. - [Transworld Business Advisors](https://www.tworldnorthstar.com/blog/author/transworld-business-advisors) - 5 min read - Aug 17, 2023 9:00:00 AM ### Your Goals Are Just the Beginning Talk to one of our Advisors today about next steps. 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