The 2 Professors Who Helped Start the ETA Movement

In this special 300th episode of Acquiring Minds, hosts interview Harvard Business School professors Rick Ruback and Royce Yudkoff, authors of the impactful book "The HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business." They delve into their journeys that shaped their expertise in entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) and reveal the intriguing concept of "magical multiples" in the small business acquisition market. The conversation highlights the remarkable growth of their HBS course on ETA and introduces their new podcast, "Think Big Buy Small." Ruback and Yudkoff discuss the changing landscape of ETA, including the rise of self-funded searches, and offer valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing that a prestigious MBA isn't necessary for success. They also explore the emotional side of searching for family connections and the importance of finding a balance between meaningful work and financial stability.