In this episode, Tim talks with Anthony Atiase, husband, father, serial entrepreneur, and co-owner of a janitorial company in South Carolina. Anthony shares how his upbringing across Ethiopia and Ghana shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, why he and his wife pursued business ownership while keeping their day jobs, and how they bought and financed a recession-resistant cleaning company.

He also opens up about the search process, negotiating with brokers and sellers, and how creative financing (including investors and seller financing) made the acquisition possible.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money, Bigger Pockets Rookie, and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 13:00] From Ghana to South Carolina
Anthony's upbringing, watching his mom hustle as an entrepreneur, and why he turned to business ownership.

[13:01 – 26:00] Criteria & Search
How Anthony and his wife defined "recession-proof" criteria and searched for the right business on BizBuySell.

[26:01 – 41:00] Meeting the Seller & Financing the Deal
The role of trust-building with the seller, how multiples were calculated, and the creative financing mix that closed the deal.

[41:01 – End] Transition & Lessons Learned
What it felt like to take ownership, cash flow on day one, and advice for first-time buyers balancing day jobs.

Guest Bio
Anthony Atiase is a husband, father, serial entrepreneur, and co-owner of a janitorial company in York County, South Carolina. With a background in project management and a passion for building businesses, Anthony and his wife sought out a recession-resistant company they could grow while still working their day jobs. Through persistence, research, and creative financing, they acquired a cleaning business that provides steady income and long-term potential.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:
Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes:

• "We wanted a business that was recession-proof, local, and profitable — and we wrote that down before we even started searching." – Anthony Atiase

• "You don't need a background in the industry. You can learn as you go, as long as you bring persistence and curiosity." – Anthony Atiase

• "Seeing cash flow hit our account the day after closing was an eye-opener — this is why you buy, not build from scratch." – Anthony Atiase

Merchant cash advances (MCAs) are marketed as a quick fix for business owners in need of fast funding — no credit checks, no waiting, and no collateral. But beneath the convenience lies a dangerous financial trap. These advances often come with sky-high effective interest rates and aggressive repayment schedules that can strangle your cash flow. In this episode, Tim breaks down exactly how these offers work, why they're so tempting, and what smarter, safer alternatives exist for small business owners.

Tim Delaney is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 02:20] The "Offer You Can't Refuse"
Tim opens with a real-world scenario: a lender offers $50,000—no credit check, no waiting, no hassle. But there's a catch… you owe $70,000 in just a few months.

[02:21 – 05:10] What a Cash Advance Really Is
Explaining how merchant cash advances (MCAs) work, why they're so appealing at first, and how their effective interest rates can skyrocket past traditional loans.

[05:11 – 08:30] The Hidden Dangers
How repayment schedules (daily or weekly) crush cash flow. Why do owners feel trapped even when revenue looks steady?

[08:31 – 11:00] Smarter Alternatives
From SBA microloans to seller financing and lines of credit—options that build sustainability instead of short-term relief.

[11:01 – End (~13:00)] Final Thoughts
Understanding the real cost of "fast money" and how business owners can keep control of their cash without compromising future stability.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Tim and the community:
Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz
Instagram: @timtdelaney
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney
Facebook: facebook.com/timtdelaney

Tweetable Quotes:

"These cash advances can be convenient, but they come with a price." – Tim Delaney

"What starts as short-term relief can turn into a long-term problem." – Tim Delaney

"When you understand how the money moves, you realize that quick cash usually costs the most." – Tim Delaney

In this episode, Tim talks with Ali Boolani, an entrepreneur and first-generation immigrant whose path from hustling floppy disks in middle school to buying a struggling campground is packed with lessons on persistence, failure, and reinvention.

Ali shares how losing his first business forced him to rethink his approach, why listening to customers matters more than chasing the "next big idea," and how he turned around a mismanaged campground by fixing pricing, modernizing bookings, and focusing on the customer experience. He also opens up about the abundance mindset that guides his acquisitions today.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 12:30] Ali's Unusual Background
Ali shares his journey as an academic and entrepreneur.
From laundromats to salons to tech companies — finding mismanaged opportunities.

[12:31 – 23:59] Lessons from Failure
Why his first ventures didn't work out.
The importance of talking to customers before scaling ideas.

[24:00 – 39:47] The Campground Opportunity
Discovering a poorly run RV park in New York State.
Issues with outdated operations: missed calls, bad website, mispriced cabins.
Why Ali saw it as the perfect acquisition.

[39:48 – 53:21] Turning Things Around
Implementing modern booking systems, fixing pricing, adding amenities.
Examples of occupancy improving once small changes were made.

[53:22 – End] Abundance Mindset & Takeaways
Ali explains how abundance mindset drives his acquisitions.
Tim reflects on the importance of building partnerships and long-term wins.

Guest Bio
Ali Boolani is a first-generation immigrant, entrepreneur, and small business acquirer. From hustling as a teen in subsidized housing to buying and turning around a struggling campground, Ali's journey highlights the grit, lessons, and mindset needed to succeed in business buying. He's passionate about solving real operational problems and building businesses that create lasting impact.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Ali Boolani:

• Website: backbaycampground.com

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

"The biggest lessons are the ones that you learn from failure." – Ali Boolani

"Instead of hitting singles, I was trying to hit a home run without ever having talked to the customer." – Ali Boolani

"If you are your own customer, you'll see the pain points others don't." – Ali Boolani

"An abundance mindset opens doors that the numbers never will." – Tim Delaney

In this episode, Tim talks with Jerry Brazie, an entrepreneur and investor who brings a pragmatic, no-nonsense lens to building and buying businesses. Jerry shares why he values fundamentals over hype, how he approaches risk and resilience, and what he's learned from both successes and setbacks. He also dives into why character matters more than spreadsheets, and the mindset shifts that can carry you through uncertain markets.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

Jerry's early entrepreneurial journey.
Why discipline beats hype when evaluating opportunities.
Lessons from mistakes that built resilience.

What Jerry looks for when assessing risk.
Why tough markets are a test of character.
The difference between numbers on paper and reality in practice.

Why strong operators and relationships matter more than projections.
Stories of deals that worked because of people, not just math.
How to build trust in acquisitions.

Jerry's takeaways on building businesses that survive downturns.
The importance of clarity, focus, and long-term thinking.
Final advice for first-time buyers navigating uncertainty.

Jerry Brazie is an entrepreneur and investor known for his straightforward approach to business buying and building. With experience spanning multiple industries, Jerry focuses on fundamentals, resilience, and the people behind the numbers. His perspective challenges listeners to think beyond spreadsheets and pay attention to character and execution.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Jerry Brazie:

• Instagram: instagram.com/jerrybrazie

• Website: thekronosgroup.org

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

"If your entire plan only works in good times, then it's not really a plan." – Jerry Brazie
"Numbers matter, but the people behind the numbers matter more." – Jerry Brazie
"Every market shift exposes who was swimming naked." – Jerry Brazie

In this episode, Tim talks with Adam Schaeuble, entrepreneur, podcaster, and mentor who knows firsthand the cost of overwork and the value of building businesses around lifestyle freedom. Adam shares how pushing himself to the point of hospitalization forced him to rethink success, why generational expectations pushed him toward entrepreneurship, and how he balances "enough versus more" in his financial independence journey.

He also opens up about his podcasting career, mentoring others in the space, and why creating impact-driven businesses matters more than chasing the biggest paycheck.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 15:10] Hitting Rock Bottom
Adam describes how he worked himself into the hospital and what it taught him about the limits of hustle.

[15:11 – 29:55] Generational Pushback
Stories of family urging him toward "safe jobs" like the police force — and how Adam proved he could succeed another way.

[29:56 – 47:30] Enough vs. More
Why Adam filters decisions through lifestyle design instead of chasing endless growth.

[47:31 – End] Podcasting, Mentorship & Impact
How Adam built a platform through podcasting, what he teaches others about audience-building, and why creating impact matters more than income.

Guest Bio
Adam Schaeuble is an entrepreneur, podcaster, and mentor who helps others build businesses and shows around lifestyle freedom. Known for his transparency and energy, Adam combines lessons from his own burnout and reinvention with practical strategies for podcast growth and financial independence.

If you found value in today's show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.

Connect with Adam Schaeuble:

• Instagram: instagram.com/podcastingbusinessschool/

• Website: podcastingbusiness.school/

• Threads: threads.com/@podcastingbusinessschool

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

"The first time I actually hired an employee was the day after I worked myself into the hospital." – Adam Schaeuble

"Every time I saw my grandpa, he'd pull me aside and say, 'there are openings at the police department.' And I just wanted to show him my paycheck and say, look at this." – Adam Schaeuble

"In the financial independence world, we have to filter everything through enough versus more." – Adam Schaeuble

"My day-to-day schedule is more important to me than my actual monetary compensation." – Adam Schaeuble

In this episode, Tim talks with Paul, a Canadian real estate investor and federal law enforcement officer who's exploring his first business acquisition. Paul shares how he and his wife successfully invested in U.S. real estate despite being told it was "impossible," why business ownership feels like the next natural step, and the unique challenges of navigating licensing, brokers, and cross-border deals.

From private investigation firms to roofing businesses, Paul unpacks his search process, the importance of seller trust, and why respect for people's time and relationships matters as much as the numbers.

Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.

Tim's passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.

Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.

[00:00 – 12:00] Paul's Background & Real Estate Success

Growing up in Manitoba and building a law enforcement career.
How he and his wife invested in U.S. real estate after Canadian markets failed to cash flow.
Overcoming barriers as a Canadian investor and scaling into multiple rentals.

[12:01 – 22:30] Discovering Business Buying

How Cody Sanchez's content sparked his interest.
Why business ownership feels like real estate "with more levers."
The appeal of private investigation firms as a natural fit for his skillset.

[22:31 – 37:00] Deals, Brokers & Seller Relationships

Navigating a California business opportunity despite licensing challenges.
Why brokers often dismiss newcomers — and how sellers can see things differently.
Respecting sellers' emotional ties: "You're buying someone's baby."

[37:01 – 52:00] Partnerships & Financing

How Paul found a like-minded partner in the Contrarian community.
Creative terms, seller financing, and long-term planning.
Why treating brokers fairly pays off for future deals.

[52:01 – End] Lessons Learned

Respecting people's time and relationships.
The importance of aligning your skills with the business you buy.
"Give without expectation of return" — Paul's philosophy for success.

Guest Bio
Paul is a Canadian real estate investor and federal law enforcement officer exploring his first U.S. business acquisition. With a strong track record in cross-border real estate, Paul is now leveraging his skills, perseverance, and law enforcement background to enter the world of small business ownership.

Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:

Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." – Paul
"You're buying someone's baby — it's emotional, not just numbers." – Paul
"Give without expectation of return. Just do things for people." – Paul
"If the business is worth it, then you can pay it." – Paul