269: Scaling Through Acquisitions: The Playbook for Explosive Growth Through M&A with Tom Shipley

Scaling a business is slow and unpredictable. Many entrepreneurs don’t make it to year five, and even fewer figure out how to scale.But what if the key to unlocking exponential growth was to multiply your efforts through strategic acquisitions?Tom Shipley is the co-founder of Atlantic Coast Brands, founder of Queen City Media, and co-founder of DealCon, one of the fastest-growing M&A ecosystems for entrepreneurs. Tom has built, scaled, and acquired companies across beauty and skin care brands like Hydroxatone, Amazon FBA, media, and ecommerce, generating well over $1B in revenue over his career.In our conversation, Tom shares how acquisitions saved his company during a crisis, the mindset that helped him rebuild after losing millions in revenue overnight, and the frameworks you can use to turn stagnation into exponential growth—all while designing a life and business with intention and time freedom.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How programmatic acquisitions can solve cash flow issues, save struggling companies, and 10x enterprise value faster than organic growth alone.2.) Tom’s “Add a Zero” philosophy to think bigger which helps to recruit better talent, attract better capital, and unlock strategic breakthroughs.3.) Why masterminds and peer groups are the ultimate force multiplier for entrepreneurs—and how vulnerability can produce life-changing business insights.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/269Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Experts say that word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing channels—but in today’s world, publishing a book uniquely establishes credibility and authority by showcasing your expertise.A book can work for you 24/7, build trust before you ever meet someone, and open doors that would otherwise remain closed. Yet most entrepreneurs delay writing one because they think they don’t have the time, clarity, or expertise. Today’s guest is an expert in eliminating those excuses and will show you why writing a book may be the highest-ROI move you can make for your business.Chandler Bolt is the founder & CEO of Self-Publishing School and SelfPublishing.com, one of the fastest-growing companies in the Inc. 5000. He’s helped publish over 7,000 books, has become a multi-seven-figure entrepreneur, and built his entire business by helping people turn their ideas into authority-building books that generate leads, sales, and long-term assets.In our conversation, Chandler explains why a book can be the #1 leverage tool for entrepreneurs and investors, how self-publishing gives you all the upside and the freedom to release updated versions, and the biggest mistakes people make when marketing their book. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) Why writing a book is the #1 authority-builder for entrepreneurs and investors—and how it can generate leads, sales, referrals, and high-quality deal flow on autopilot.2.) How Chandler scaled SelfPublishing.com into an eight-figure company and his framework for helping busy founders publish a high-impact book faster than they thought possible.3.) The hard money investing lessons Chandler learned, both wins and losses, that every entrepreneur should hear before partnering on deals and deploying capital.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/268Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many aspiring investors believe that only significant capital and experience build wealth in real estate. Today’s guests show that with work ethic, resourcefulness, mentorship, and determination, anyone can create extraordinary results.I’m thrilled to be joined by Dedric and Krystal Polite, a husband and wife team and co-founders of Be Polite Properties. Dedric and Krystal are real estate investors, serial entrepreneurs, and stars of the TV series 50/50 Flip on Hulu and A&E.Their journey began in 2012 with listing Krystal’s apartment on Airbnb, which then led to wholesaling and renovating properties, building a real estate education company, and expanding into Sky Zone trampoline park franchises.You’ll hear how creative financing became the springboard for building generational wealth in real estate, the benefits of joining mastermind communities, and how sharing their journey on social media attracted more deals and helped them get discovered by a hit TV show.Together, they’re helping aspiring real investors fulfill their dreams through their coaching and education programs. Whether you’re early in your investing journey or looking for help to grow your real estate portfolio, their story will inspire you to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How Dedric & Krystal left their corporate jobs and how a single Airbnb led to them flipping over 100 properties and eventually starring in a hit TV series on A&E.2.) Why creative financing and seller financing became their breakthrough strategy—and how these methods can help anyone scale without large amounts of cash.3.) The importance of mentorship, mastermind communities, and surrounding yourself with people who’ve had success at a higher level.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/267Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Experts tell us that every 60 seconds, over one million plastic bottles are sold worldwide. Sadly, most of them will end up in landfills or the ocean, polluting the very thing that all living beings need to sustain life. It’s no secret that the continued use of single-use plastic bottles is unsustainable for our planet and health. Few have made it their mission to solve this issue. But that’s exactly what today’s guest has been doing for almost a decade, and they’ve already eliminated over 500 million plastic bottles so far.Shadi Bakour is the co-founder and CEO of PATH, the world’s first 100% refillable, recyclable bottled water brand. What started as an idea in a CVS parking lot has grown into a purpose-driven company. The mission: eliminate single-use plastics while offering consumers a premium, health-conscious option and eliminate 10 billion plastic bottles in the next few years.In this episode, we explore what it takes to scale a purpose-led company, how sustainability is not just a trend but a permanent shift in consumer behavior, and why aligning profit with purpose might unlock the biggest investment opportunities in the years ahead.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How Shadi turned an idea into a movement that’s eliminated over 500 million plastic bottles from oceans and landfills.2.) Why purpose-led businesses outperform competitors and attract top talent, partners, and investors.3.) The powerful shift toward a refillable economy—and what it reveals about the future of consumer behavior.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/266Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the biggest reasons why affluent families and high-net-worth investors have lost trust in financial services and wealth management firms is that most of the advice they receive is biased and driven by incentives that serve institutions instead of clients.Imagine financial advice and strategies that truly align your wealth with conflict-free guidance. Most investors expect traditional wealth managers and RIAs to act in their best interests. Today’s guest will reveal how the financial industry actually operates—and how they are disrupting the status quo.That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome Mo Lidsky to the podcast. Mo is CEO and Partner at Prime Quadrant, one of North America’s leading multi-family offices. With $26B+ in AUC (Assets Under Consultation™) and over 400 years of combined experience, they’ve cracked the code on providing financial services that aren’t focused on selling products, and empower families to make better financial decisions.They believe that typical family offices with 7-figure net worths should have the same access to institutional-quality options that are enjoyed by billion-dollar corporations, offering aligned interests, a diversity of opportunities, exceptional planning, and predictable outcomes. In our conversation, Mo shares how Prime Quadrant designed a cost-effective family office model that bridges the gap between retail investors and institutions, giving clients access to institutional opportunities and advice tailored solely to their needs. We’ll also discuss how their fee-only structure creates transparency and how focusing on your real goals leads to genuinely personalized financial advice.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How to identify misaligned incentives in traditional wealth management and avoid paying for biased advice.2.) How Prime Quadrant’s family office model delivers institutional-quality access and advice for affluent families.3.) How to clarify what you truly want—and build your financial life around purpose, freedom, and alignment.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/265Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Far too many entrepreneurs equate growth with complexity and remain hyper-focused on offering more products on more platforms, spending countless hours for minimal profit. This mindset often results in burnout, wasted spending, and a business that owns them instead of a business that runs without you.But it doesn’t have to be that way. And today’s guest is here to show you how.Allan Dib has built and scaled multiple companies by simplifying the complex. As the bestselling author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan and Lean Marketing, he’s helped millions of business owners cut through the noise, strip away what isn’t working, and create marketing systems that scale and generate profit. His mission is simple: turn chaos into clarity and help leaders reclaim their time freedom while still making a profit.In our conversation, Allan and I explore what it really means to build a “lifestyle empire”—a business that not only runs efficiently, but one that generates wealth and fuels your life without sacrificing everything you love. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How subtraction leads to exponential growth and why simplicity—not more tactics—is the ultimate growth strategy in marketing and business.2.) How to focus on your “Genius Zone” by building a business that allows you to focus your time on where it matters most.3.) The biggest expense for most entrepreneurs and why hiring a tax strategist is a gamechanger to preserve your wealth.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/264Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Far too many investors seek out advice and chase ROI without realizing how much bias and hidden costs are influencing their decisions. Pay-to-play is very common in the mastermind space, but there is one community that has a different set of rules.I’ve been a member of many mastermind groups over the years, and that’s why I want to highlight what sets the Lifestyle Investor communities apart from the rest. What started as a handful of friends talking shop and sharing deals over a glass of wine has become one of the fastest-growing investment communities in the world.Today, I’m joined by Ryan Casey, Chief Operating Officer of The Lifestyle Investor, to pull back the curtain on how our communities have evolved into a global ecosystem with world-class due diligence, exclusive deal flow, and unforgettable live event experiences around the world.You’ll hear how we’ve redefined the way people build wealth. From eliminating bias in investing and spending upwards of $300k/year on vetting and due diligence, to creating programs like our Foundations group for young adults, the Open Community for new investors, and even a financial literacy book for kids.Whether you’re just starting your wealth journey or scaling into financial freedom, this episode shows how to build a life designed around freedom, purpose, and the people you love.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How we’ve built an investment ecosystem that is the opposite of a “pay-to-play” group and helps our members avoid costly mistakes with industry leading experts and strategies.2.) The difference between our four communities—Lifestyle Investor, Tribe of Investors, Foundations, and the Open Community—and how to know which one’s right for you.3.) How we’re empowering families to build wealth across generations through mentorship, education, and actionable investment frameworks.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/263Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if you could spend just one day sharing your product or service with an irresistible offer—and turn that one event into a multimillion-dollar business by harnessing the power of a single presentation?Most entrepreneurs spend years trying to grow their business through endless marketing tactics, but few realize they could be just one presentation away from the breakthrough they’ve been chasing. Whether it’s on a stage or in a boardroom, one powerful presentation can change everything. Which is exactly what happened to today’s guest.Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Colin Boyd back on the podcast. Colin is a Certified Speaking Professional, founder of the Sell From Stage Academy®, and author of One Presentation Away. Colin has helped some of the biggest names in the expert space design presentations that convert clients without sales-y or slimy tactics. In addition to experts such as Amy Porterfield, James Wedmore, and Jenna Kutcher, he has also collaborated with major corporations, including Coca-Cola, Suncorp, and Hewlett-Packard, to name a few.In our conversation, Colin explains how anyone can craft their origin story into a conversion story, one that connects and converts authentically to drive exponential growth in their business.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How to reframe selling as an act of service and remove feelings of guilt from your mindset. 2.) How to structure presentations that organically leads to a yes and convert more prospects into clients.3.) How to sell from stage without feeling “salesy,” by using Colin’s framework for turning selling into serving and making irresistible offers that people are excited to say yes to.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/262Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many high achievers chase success at the expense of their health—believing burnout is just part of the price you pay for greatness. But what if the opposite were true?Today, I’m sitting down with Lauren Pronger—entrepreneur, author, certified holistic health expert, and founder of SuperWell Living and Well Inspired Travels—to reveal how peak performers can achieve wealth and wellness without burning out in the process.Lauren has worked with elite athletes, CEOs, and high-net-worth families around the world to help them reclaim their energy, focus, and joy. Her new book, SuperWell: The 8 Pillars to Living a Life You Love, isn’t about diets, fads, or shortcuts—it’s a sustainable lifestyle for those striving to be their best in every area of life.In this episode, we talk about how Lauren turned her own season of burnout into a global wellness brand, how she carved a niche in luxury wellness travel, and what high performers can do to feel healthy, focused, and in control again.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) How Lauren turned burnout into balance. She shares the real story behind hitting her breaking point—and how rebuilding her health one habit at a time led to the creation of SuperWell.2.) How Lauren created a category-of-one luxury wellness travel brand that redefined wellness experiences for professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and C-suite executives.3.) The 8 Pillars of SuperWell Living—the daily habits that fuel energy, focus, and longevity for high performers everywhere.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/261Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When your values aren’t clear, it’s easy to chase the wrong deals, hire the wrong people, and build a life and business that drains you.Today, I sit down with Robert Glazer—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners—to explore how defining your personal core values can transform the way you lead, invest, and live.Robert built a $35M global company serving brands like Airbnb, Uber, and Adidas, but his greatest success came from understanding what he valued most, and aligning every decision around it.In his new book, The Compass Within, Robert reveals how your personal core values act as a decision-making compass for both business and life. We unpack how to use that same framework to hire the right people, choose the right investors, and build a life of freedom that truly aligns with who you are.In this episode, you’ll learn: 1.) Why really company culture starts with core values — and how defining what you stand for (and what you don’t) helps you attract the right people and repel the wrong ones.2.) What Robert learned from his own private-equity exit—how he structured the deal, picked the right partner, and avoided the mistakes most founders make.3.) How your personal values can help you invest smarter—filtering founders, partners, and deals that align with your principles, not just your profit goals.Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/260Tax Strategy MasterclassIf you're interested in learning more about Tax Strategy and how YOU can apply 28 of the best, most effective strategies right away, check out our BRAND NEW Tax Strategy Masterclass: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/taxStrategy Session For a limited time, my team is hosting free, personalized consultation calls to learn more about your goals and determine which of our courses or masterminds will get you to the next level. To book your free session, visit LifestyleInvestor.com/consultationThe Lifestyle Investor InsiderJoin The Lifestyle Investor Insider, our brand new AI - curated newsletter - FREE for all podcast listeners for a limited time: www.lifestyleinvestor.com/insiderRate & ReviewIf you enjoyed today’s episode of The Lifestyle Investor, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review.Connect with Justin DonaldFacebookYouTubeInstagramLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.