Hometown Holdco: Geography as Moat
Hometown Holdco: Geography as Moat  
Podcast: Acquiring Minds
Published On: Thu Jun 12 2025
Description: Register for the webinar:SBA Loans 101 + Program Updates - Jun 12th - https://bit.ly/3FGQIqBSarah Chiles & Matthew Ferguson left careers in VC to buy the only auto repair shop for 35 miles in their native Aspen.Topics in Sarah & Matthew’s interview:Backgrounds in engineering and VCPreserving local fabric by buying businessesThe “tackle shop” nature of businesses in small townsSeasonality in a small resort townGaining the respect of employeesVision of a hometown holdcoCrisis management when their operator leftModernizing and restructuring the auto repair businessFinding out what each employee wantsLong-term commitment to Aspen References and how to contact Sarah & Matthew:Sarah’s LinkedInMatthew’s LinkedInAspen Total AutomotiveShop Fix AcademySTM HoldingsAdam Markley on Acquiring Minds: Getting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a HoldcoCassi Niekamp on Acquiring Minds: Buying a $1.2m Fencing Business & Earning Trust QuicklyGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you’re a searcherLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProducer by Pam Cameron