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