Second Life Leader is where burned-out high achievers come to rebuild—not retreat. I’m Doug Utberg, former corporate soldier turned sovereign strategist. If the old game broke you but didn’t kill your fire, you’re in the right place.
In this episode, I’m joined by John Knowlton, a veteran of 20+ mergers and acquisitions, to unpack the real playbook for buying and scaling businesses without sinking in chaos. We break down:
The three core reasons to acquire—same offering, new geography, or expanded services
Why small- and mid-sized businesses are often better M&A targets than big-ticket corporate buys
How to spot “total chaos” deals you can turn into gold with simple best practices
The invisible layer of management most founders miss when they double in size
The truth about integration—why it’s messier (and more decisive) than negotiation
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or building a portfolio of companies, this conversation will sharpen your lens for growth by acquisition—and help you avoid the traps that kill most deals.
Listen in, take notes, and remember: freedom isn’t granted. It’s forged.
Connect with John:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-knowlton-516b828/
https://AbundantThoughtRevolution.com
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