Learn From Those Who've Actually Done It

Our instructors aren't just teachers—they're business owners, acquisition specialists, and operators who've spent years navigating the complexities of buying and running businesses across Australia. They bring real stories, actual mistakes, and honest insights to every session.

Rupert teaching business acquisition fundamentals

Rupert Callahan

Business Acquisition Specialist

Rupert bought his first business in 2012—a small manufacturing outfit in Brisbane that was bleeding cash. He turned it around, sold it three years later, and has since acquired seven more businesses across Queensland. He teaches the due diligence process like someone who's found hidden liabilities the hard way.

Petra guiding students through financial analysis

Petra Lindstrom

Financial Structuring Advisor

Before teaching, Petra spent twelve years as a commercial lending officer. She's seen hundreds of business purchase deals—the good, the terrible, and the ones that never should have happened. Now she helps people understand what banks actually look for and how to structure deals that work for everyone involved.

Vernon discussing operational transitions with students

Vernon Wu

Transition & Operations Guide

Vernon specializes in the first 90 days after acquisition—the period where most new owners realize they bought someone else's problems. He's guided thirty-plus transitions across retail, hospitality, and service industries. His approach focuses on staff retention, customer continuity, and realistic operational expectations.

Teaching That Reflects How Business Actually Works

We don't follow textbook theories or simplified case studies. Our instructors build sessions around real situations they've encountered—messy negotiations, unexpected discoveries during due diligence, financing that fell through at the last minute, transitions that went sideways.

Every module includes practical exercises based on actual businesses currently for sale in Australia. You'll work through real financials, identify genuine red flags, and practice conversations with sellers using scenarios our instructors have lived through.

  • Small group sessions where you can ask about your specific situation
  • Access to instructors between sessions for ongoing questions
  • Real deal reviews—analyzing current listings together
  • Practice negotiations with feedback from experienced buyers
Interactive workshop session on business valuation methods

What Happens After The Learning

Malcolm, Cairns

Completed March 2023

Malcolm spent six months in our program before acquiring a small construction supply business. The financial analysis skills he learned helped him spot discrepancies in the seller's books—turned out they'd been classifying personal expenses as business costs.

He renegotiated the price down by 0,000 based on accurate profit figures. Two years later, he's stabilized operations and brought on a part-time manager so he's not working 70-hour weeks.

Still checks in occasionally to discuss supplier negotiations and staffing challenges.

Siobhan, Gold Coast

Completed August 2022

Siobhan walked away from two potential deals during her search—both times recognizing issues we'd covered in the due diligence module. The third business she pursued was a café with solid fundamentals but poor marketing.

She closed that deal in January 2023. By mid-2024, she'd grown revenue by implementing systems we discussed around customer retention and local partnerships. She's now looking at opening a second location and recently came back to audit an advanced operations course.

Credits the program with teaching her when to say no—saved her from expensive mistakes.

Derek & Anita, Townsville

Completed November 2023

This couple bought a mechanical services business in early 2024. The transition was rough—the previous owner had run things very informally, and they discovered customer relationships were more personal than documented.

They reached out to Vernon for additional transition coaching. Took them nearly eight months to stabilize customer retention and establish their own processes. They're now profitable and have started documenting everything properly—partly because they realize they might sell someday too.

Currently mentoring a newer program participant who's considering a similar acquisition.
One-on-one mentorship session reviewing business documents

Mentorship Built Around Your Timeline

Business acquisition isn't something you rush. Some people spend three months finding the right opportunity. Others take two years. Our instructors stay connected with you throughout your actual search and purchase process—not just during the formal program.

You'll have access to ask questions when you're looking at real listings, negotiating actual terms, or dealing with unexpected complications during due diligence. Because that's when you actually need guidance.

Open Office Hours

Drop-in sessions twice monthly where you can discuss whatever you're currently working through.

Document Reviews

Send over financial statements or purchase agreements for instructor feedback before you commit.

Deal Debriefs

Whether you close a deal or walk away, we'll discuss what happened and what you learned.

Post-Purchase Support

Six months of transition support after you acquire a business—when reality hits and you need practical advice.

Next Program Starts September 2025

We keep groups small—maximum twelve participants per cohort. If you're seriously considering buying a business in the next year or two, let's talk about whether this program makes sense for where you are in the process.

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