Exiting for Millions vs. Long-Term Hold - Acquiring Minds Recap

Podcast: Acquiring Minds

Published: 2026-02-16

Duration: 1 hr 22 min

Summary

In this episode, Don Grigg shares his journey of acquiring two struggling businesses and reflects on the contrasting outcomes of exiting one for millions while continuing to nurture the other as his life's work. He emphasizes the rewards of entrepreneurship through acquisition, suggesting it can fulfill personal and familial aspirations.

What Happened

Don Grigg, the guest on this episode, recounts his journey into entrepreneurship through acquisition, starting with his early career aspirations. After graduating from business school in 1990, Don initially sought a position within a mid-sized manufacturing company, where he discovered his passion for operating businesses. This led him to a role with a private equity group, where he honed skills relevant to the searcher role in the ETA space while meeting various business owners.

Eventually, motivated by a desire to own a business, Don purchased two small, struggling companies. One of these he successfully turned around and eventually exited for millions, an experience that many might view as the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success. However, it was his ongoing journey with the other business—a once-unprofitable plastics molding company—that became his true life's work. This company has transformed into a thriving manufacturer of kayaks, generating $22 million in revenue and reflecting his commitment to long-term growth and fulfillment in entrepreneurship.

Throughout the episode, Don emphasizes that entrepreneurship through acquisition can be incredibly rewarding, allowing individuals to create family businesses that reflect their values. He believes that the journey can be as significant as the financial outcomes, and for him, the process of nurturing and growing a business has become a deeply rewarding life pursuit.

Key Insights