Want to Quit Your Job? Here’s a Smarter Way to Own a Business (That Most People Miss)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered: “Is there a better way to get out of the 9-to-5 grind than starting a business from scratch?” Starting a business takes time, energy, capital and let’s be honest most new businesses don’t make it past year five.

But what if I told you there’s a better way?

In my latest Money Ripples Podcast episode, I sat down with business coach and leadership expert Doug Thorpe to talk about a path that not enough people are talking about: entrepreneurship through acquisition.

The $6 Trillion Opportunity No One’s Talking About

Right now, there’s a massive wealth shift happening in America. Baby boomers are retiring, and they’re ready to cash out of the businesses they’ve spent decades building. According to estimates, over $6 trillion worth of businesses are going to change hands in the next decade.

These aren’t just small side hustles or mom-and-pop shops barely making ends meet.

We’re talking about:

• Plumbing and HVAC companies

• Electricians, roofers, and painters

• Manufacturing and service-based businesses

• Businesses with full teams, repeat customers, and consistent revenue

These are well-oiled machines that have been around for 10, 20, even 30 years—and many of them are already profitable.

Why Buying a Business Beats Starting One

Here’s the problem with starting a business:

• You’ve got to build the systems from scratch.

• You’ve got to figure out the marketing, the sales, the operations.

• You’ve got no reputation, no cash flow, no team just a lot of risk.

Compare that with buying a business that’s already producing results. In the episode, Doug shares the story of one client a former wealth manager who bought a plumbing company, didn’t even know how to turn a wrench, and doubled profits in 18 months.

He didn’t have plumbing skills. What he did have was business sense, leadership ability, and a willingness to learn.

You Don’t Need Industry Expertise to Succeed

This was one of the biggest takeaways from our conversation. Doug says that most of the people buying businesses today aren’t experts in that industry and that’s okay.

What they bring is:

• Strong leadership

• Business management skills

• The drive to build on an already successful foundation

Doug’s model focuses on buying what he calls “management-run” businesses, not “Chuck in a Truck” solo operations. These companies already have seasoned employees, processes, and a front office. You’re not replacing the technician—you’re stepping in as the CEO.

How to Find a Business to Buy

I’ll be honest this part overwhelmed me at first. I jumped on BizBuySell and was flooded with listings. Thousands of businesses in dozens of categories. But Doug helped simplify that too.

Here are a few key tips:

• Use filters: Look for businesses over 10 years old in industries you understand or want to learn.

• Network with brokers (but vet them well).

• Search off-market: Some of the best deals never make it to the public listings.

• Work with a guide: Doug and his team offer coaching, due diligence help, and even connections to SBA lenders.

Preparing to Be the Leader

Buying a business is one thing. Stepping in and leading it well is another.

That’s where Doug’s leadership background really shines. He helps new owners transition into their role with confidence, using a four-part framework:

• People – Assess and manage your team

• Process – Improve systems and operations

• Product – Evaluate what you’re delivering

• Performance – Set goals, track results, and grow

This is what turns a good deal into a great long-term investment.

Final Thoughts: This Could Be Your Exit Strategy

If you’re stuck in a job you don’t love or if you’re looking to scale your income without starting from zero buying a business might be your smartest move.

You don’t need to be an expert.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

You just need to find the right opportunity, get the right guidance, and lead with intention.