Hey, dealmakers! Join me, Jill Yahnite, on Beyond the Deal as I dive into the inspiring journey of Steven Orvis, a serial entrepreneur who’s traded the W-2 grind for farm ownership and business acquisitions. From learning the hard lessons of cattle farming to navigating the acquisition of a 34-year-old business, Steven shares actionable insights on entrepreneurship, trust in deals, and finding the right business fit. Curious about escaping the 9-to-5 or scaling your side hustle? This episode is packed with tips to fuel your entrepreneurial fire. Subscribe, like, and share to keep exploring Beyond the Deal!
Guest Introduction:
I’m thrilled to introduce Steven Orvis, a software executive turned serial entrepreneur who’s mastered the art of building wealth. From owning a grass-fed beef farm to closing in on a new business acquisition, Steven’s journey is a masterclass in pivoting from W-2 life to entrepreneurial success. His knack for problem-solving and passion for serving others make him the perfect guest to kick off Beyond the Deal!
Key Takeaways:
• Don’t just make it—sell it first! Steven learned the hard way that pre-selling, like taking deposits for next year’s beef, is key to a sustainable business.
• Trust is everything in acquisitions. Look for sellers and brokers you vibe with to avoid headaches down the road.
• Buying an established business can fast-track your wealth. Steven’s targeting businesses with solid cash flow and longevity for instant profitability.
• Invest in yourself through books and local meetups. Steven swears by audiobooks on 2x speed and Bigger Pockets groups for real estate wins.
• Balance data with gut instinct. Steven’s real estate deals taught him to crunch numbers but trust his intuition when the math feels off.
• Local businesses matter. Acquiring existing companies keeps communities thriving and builds your equity faster than starting from scratch.
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Intro
0:56 Guest Introduction
2:05 Steven’s Entrepreneurial Journey
8:08 Lessons from Farm Ownership
11:00 Navigating Business Acquisitions
20:13 Advice for W-2 Employees
23:00 Real Estate and Networking Tips
27:16 Market Research Strategies
32:16 Rapid-Fire Q&A
32:28 Closing
Keywords:
Jill Yahnite, Steven Orvis, Beyond the Deal, serial entrepreneur, business acquisition, entrepreneurship, farm ownership, grass-fed beef, real estate investing, W-2 escape, business broker, trust in business, Bigger Pockets, financial independence, local business