Knocked-up Money
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Want to skip the startup grind?

Want to skip the startup grind?

How to buy a business instead.

Dollar Dad
May 14, 2025

In partnership with

Read time: ~3 minutes

Welcome Back, Fellow Parent

I started Knocked-up Money a few years ago during nap time — built it from scratch, with no playbook and plenty of trial and error.

It’s grown into something real. And I’m proud of that. But let’s be honest — the startup path is a lot.

That’s why these days, I’m exploring something different too: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition — or ETA.

Instead of building a business from the ground up, you buy one that already works: customers, systems, and income included.

Because sometimes, the fastest path to freedom isn’t a fresh idea. It’s a smart purchase.

Gif by TNTDrama on Giphy

Yes that’s Shaq.

No, this isn’t an post about basketball.

If you didn’t know, Shaq has been VERY successful in business. His portfolio is absolutely full of acquisitions, everything from Papa John’s to car washes. It’s a bit hard to find his full portfolio, but if you’re curious, check out the below article on some of the franchises he owns:

Shaq Franchises: A List of the NBA Star's $100M+ Portfolio

Take a look into the NBA star and media personality to determine which franchises Shaquille O'Neil owns and how he invests his money to earn more millions.

wolfoffranchises.com/shaq-franchises

If you’re in more of a video mood, here’s an interesting one on his massive empire:

This week’s post breaks down exactly how buying a small business works — and how to make it happen.

Here’s the short version:

You don’t have to start from zero. There are thousands of small businesses for sale that already generate steady income — many from owners who are retiring and ready to hand things off.
You can finance a deal — even a $1M business. Example: buy an HVAC business for $1M that earns $250K/year.
- $100K down (your capital or HELOC)
- $700K SBA loan
- $200K seller financing → You pay ~$9K/month and keep the rest. It cash flows and builds equity from day one.
Look for businesses you can improve, not just run. Can you add better marketing? Improve pricing? Automate operations? You don’t need to be the technician — you need to be the operator.
Funding options include: SBA loans, seller financing, partnerships, HELOCs, and even ROBS (retirement fund rollovers). You’ve got more options than you think.
The first 90 days are all about learning. Don’t come in hot with a rebrand. Come in curious. Learn the people, systems, and what already works — then optimize.

I’ve personally been working hard the past few months to build a network of small business brokers. The biggest challenge is a) getting on their radar and b) proving you’re a high-quality candidate to get in front of sellers.

I had a seller meeting recently which went really well and am working through next steps.

Here are a few of the best places to look to source a deal:

BizBuySell: The biggest marketplace for small businesses in the U.S.
Flippa: Best for online businesses, including ecommerce, SaaS, and content sites
Acquire: Focused on startup-style and online business acquisitions
Empire Flippers: Higher-quality online businesses
Duuce: a newer entrant to the space, focusing strictly on newsletters for sale.
Facebook groups and forums
Local brokers (for more traditional businesses)
Cold outreach to business owners (“I’m a huge fan of your business, would you ever consider selling?” goes a long way)

This might not be the business play you’ve heard about. But it’s one more parents should seriously consider — especially if you’ve got some savings, limited time, and a desire to build long-term wealth.

And hey — if you’ve ever thought about buying a business or just want to talk through whether this path might work for you, reply to this email.

I read every response, and I’m happy to share more about what I’m seeing in the market right now.

(Every click supports Knocked-up Money)

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Outro

Thanks for taking the time to read today’s newsletter! It means the world that you’re here.

Quick question before you jump to the next big thing — I’d love to know where you’re at on your business journey:

Where are you on the business journey?

(Click to vote — your answers help shape future newsletters)

P.S. I’m actively searching for a business to acquire right now. I’m looking at everything from service companies to online businesses — so if you’re curious about what that looks like (or know of something for sale), hit reply. I love talking about this stuff.

Want to skip the startup grind?

How to buy a business instead.

Welcome Back, Fellow Parent

I started Knocked-up Money a few years ago during nap time — built it from scratch, with no playbook and plenty of trial and error.

It’s grown into something real. And I’m proud of that. But let’s be honest — the startup path is a lot.

That’s why these days, I’m exploring something different too: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition — or ETA.

Instead of building a business from the ground up, you buy one that already works: customers, systems, and income included.

Because sometimes, the fastest path to freedom isn’t a fresh idea. It’s a smart purchase.

Yes that’s Shaq.

No, this isn’t an post about basketball.

If you didn’t know, Shaq has been VERY successful in business. His portfolio is absolutely full of acquisitions, everything from Papa John’s to car washes. It’s a bit hard to find his full portfolio, but if you’re curious, check out the below article on some of the franchises he owns:

If you’re in more of a video mood, here’s an interesting one on his massive empire:

This week’s post breaks down exactly how buying a small business works — and how to make it happen.

Here’s the short version:

I’ve personally been working hard the past few months to build a network of small business brokers. The biggest challenge is a) getting on their radar and b) proving you’re a high-quality candidate to get in front of sellers.

I had a seller meeting recently which went really well and am working through next steps.

Here are a few of the best places to look to source a deal:

This might not be the business play you’ve heard about. But it’s one more parents should seriously consider — especially if you’ve got some savings, limited time, and a desire to build long-term wealth.

And hey — if you’ve ever thought about buying a business or just want to talk through whether this path might work for you, reply to this email.

I read every response, and I’m happy to share more about what I’m seeing in the market right now.

(Every click supports Knocked-up Money)

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Outro

Thanks for taking the time to read today’s newsletter! It means the world that you’re here.

Quick question before you jump to the next big thing — I’d love to know where you’re at on your business journey:

Where are you on the business journey?

P.S. I’m actively searching for a business to acquire right now. I’m looking at everything from service companies to online businesses — so if you’re curious about what that looks like (or know of something for sale), hit reply. I love talking about this stuff.

See you soon,

The Dollar Dad

Did a friend send you today’s newsletter?

Want to skip the startup grind?

How to buy a business instead.

Welcome Back, Fellow Parent

I started Knocked-up Money a few years ago during nap time — built it from scratch, with no playbook and plenty of trial and error.

It’s grown into something real. And I’m proud of that. But let’s be honest — the startup path is a lot.

That’s why these days, I’m exploring something different too: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition — or ETA.

Instead of building a business from the ground up, you buy one that already works: customers, systems, and income included.

Because sometimes, the fastest path to freedom isn’t a fresh idea. It’s a smart purchase.

Yes that’s Shaq.

No, this isn’t an post about basketball.

If you didn’t know, Shaq has been VERY successful in business. His portfolio is absolutely full of acquisitions, everything from Papa John’s to car washes. It’s a bit hard to find his full portfolio, but if you’re curious, check out the below article on some of the franchises he owns:

If you’re in more of a video mood, here’s an interesting one on his massive empire:

This week’s post breaks down exactly how buying a small business works — and how to make it happen.

Here’s the short version:

I’ve personally been working hard the past few months to build a network of small business brokers. The biggest challenge is a) getting on their radar and b) proving you’re a high-quality candidate to get in front of sellers.

I had a seller meeting recently which went really well and am working through next steps.

Here are a few of the best places to look to source a deal:

This might not be the business play you’ve heard about. But it’s one more parents should seriously consider — especially if you’ve got some savings, limited time, and a desire to build long-term wealth.

And hey — if you’ve ever thought about buying a business or just want to talk through whether this path might work for you, reply to this email.

I read every response, and I’m happy to share more about what I’m seeing in the market right now.

A Message from Today’s Sponsor:

(Every click supports Knocked-up Money)

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Outro

Thanks for taking the time to read today’s newsletter! It means the world that you’re here.

Quick question before you jump to the next big thing — I’d love to know where you’re at on your business journey:

Where are you on the business journey?

P.S. I’m actively searching for a business to acquire right now. I’m looking at everything from service companies to online businesses — so if you’re curious about what that looks like (or know of something for sale), hit reply. I love talking about this stuff.

See you soon,

The Dollar Dad

Did a friend send you today’s newsletter?