Scaling a Tiny Acquisition to a PE-Backed Exit

Phil Miller turned a tiny pet shop doing $100k in sales into a regional pet boarding brand — and the ideal PE platform.

Topics in Phil’s interview:

• Pivoting from real estate to the pet industry
• Slow renovation creating a financial mess
• Delegation is the key to growth
• The real cost of a cheap turnaround
• Building a pet resort brand
• Accelerating growth with Store Capital
• Why franchising is a poor option in his industry
• Dealing with tire-kicking searchers
• Partnering with private equity
• Emotional rollercoaster of combining cultures

References and how to contact Phil:

• LinkedIn
• Pawville
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• Taylor Wallace - first appearance on Acquiring Minds: Buying Doggy Daycares After 10 Years in Tech
• Taylor Wallace -  second appearance on Acquiring Minds:Why Sell to Private Equity: Former Guest Has an Exit
• Store Capital

Get a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):

• Book a call with Tim or [email protected] and mention Acquiring Minds

Download the New CEO’s Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:

• From this page or contact [email protected]

Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

• Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

Connect with Acquiring Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow Will on Twitter

Edited by Anton Rohozov
Produced by Pam Cameron