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