How To Become an Entrepreneur Through Acquisition With Brian O’Connor of NextGen Growth Partners

January 17, 2025

Episode #6

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Episode's Guest

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the Founder and Managing Partner at NextGen Growth Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm that partners with entrepreneurs to acquire and build companies in growing industries. He teaches entrepreneurship through acquisition at his alma mater, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, as an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship. Brian also serves as a board member and treasurer for Distinctively College Bound — a non-profit focused on creating opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities that cater to their talents and interests and promote continued education.

Before founding NextGen Growth Partners, Brian served as Co-CEO and Head of Business Development of Innflux, a hospitality-focused IT service company. He attained a BBA from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

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In this episode…

Many people lack the idea or time to try to solve an undefined problem in a market that may or may not exist and figure out how to generate their first dollar of revenue to become an entrepreneur. They prefer acquiring an already established business. So, what does it take to become an entrepreneur through acquisition? Searching for a company to acquire is challenging, and selling a business can also be difficult — sellers want to be sure that they are passing their businesses on to someone who cares as much as they do. Having done both successfully, Brian O'Connor has gained a lot of knowledge. He is now offering his expertise to entrepreneurs seeking to acquire small businesses by providing capital support, guidance, mentorship, and infrastructure to help them succeed.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • Brian O’Connor talks about his entrepreneurial journey
  • The lessons learned from Sam Zell
  • The process of becoming an entrepreneur
  • Brian explains the meaning of search funds
  • The experience behind acquiring a business and how to get through it
  • Brian’s proudest moments after the acquisition
  • Does Brian regret exiting the business?
  • Brian talks about NextGen Growth Partners and the challenges he faced
  • Why he teaches entrepreneurship through acquisition and advice for entrepreneurs

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Show Credits

Hosted by: Keith Burns
Special Guest: Brian O'Connor
Produced by: Lullwater & Co.
Edited by: Rise25

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Lullwater. 

Lullwater is a private family holding company where we focus on small business investing and operations. 

We invest in entrepreneurs who are changing the world, one small business at a time. 

This is not just another investing podcast but rather a conversation around building a more just, diverse, fruitful, and thriving world.

Explore the site to learn more about Lullwater & Co., their mission, and who they serve.

Apex Physics Partners 

This episode is brought to you by Apex Physics Partners. 

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