The truth about MBAs and business acquisitions

If you think you need an MBA or business degree to be successful in acquisitions…

That’s just not true.

I have an MBA, and while it taught me a lot, it was practically worthless for actually buying a business.

What business school actually teaches you

Most MBA programs focus on theory over practice.

You learn frameworks, case studies, how to build PowerPoint decks, and how to speak confidently about corporate strategy.

All useful for climbing the corporate ladder.

But not much of it is directly applicable to buying a small business.

My program never even covered acquisitions!

Not once did we discuss how to read a CIM, structure seller financing, or negotiate with a retiring business owner.

The skills you actually need aren’t taught in classrooms:

• Analyzing P&Ls

• Understanding tax returns

• Calculating working capital

• Navigating SBA loans

• Building rapport with sellers

Instead, they’re learned by doing.

Here’s what actually works

Instead of spending $100K+ and two years in business school, here’s my suggested path:

1. Learn from people already doing what you want to do.

Find acquisition entrepreneurs you like, follow their content, and study their deals.

2. Consume practical resources.

Books like “Buy Then Build,” YouTube channels focused on acquisitions (I recommend @acquisitionace 😉), and join communities where real deals are happening.

3. Get in the arena.

Start analyzing businesses, talking to brokers, and building relationships with lenders.

The learning curve is steep, but once you develop acquisition skills, you have them for life.

My results speak for themselves

Just a few years ago, I was making six figures at JP Morgan and knew nothing about buying businesses.

Today, I own seven businesses generating over $850K in annual cash flow.

I can guarantee you I didn’t get there because of my MBA.

I got there because I was willing to learn the practical skills, put in the work, and execute on what I learned.

If you’re serious about acquisitions, skip business school and invest that time and money into actual deals instead.

And if you’d like me to send interesting acquisition deals your way when I find them…

Fill out the short form below and I’ll send you occasional emails when I come across deals worth looking at:

👉 I want to buy (or invest as a silent partner into) a small business

Or, if you want to sell a small business, fill out the short form below instead:

👉 I want to sell my small business (and I’m actively looking for buyers)

Onward,

— Ben Kelly