90+ Acquisitions, 30% Revenue CAGR, 35% Book Value Growth | Brett Kelly Interview
90+ Acquisitions, 30% Revenue CAGR, 35% Book Value Growth | Brett Kelly Interview  
Podcast: Buyers and Builders
Published On: Sun Jun 07 2026
Description: Brett Kelly is the founder and CEO of Kelly Partners Group. Since founding the firm in 2006, Brett has completed more than 90 acquisitions, compounded revenue at over 30% annually and built a business expected to generate roughly $50 million in EBITA in 2026.Timestamps:0:00 Brett Kelly's early years and losing his job at 223:57 Writing to 80 successful Australians while unemployed9:13 The moment Brett decided to start his own firm12:24 Launching Kelly Partners with a clear long-term vision13:22 Inspired by Disney, McDonald's, Ritz-Carlton & Berkshire Hathaway17:10 Choosing the right clients and creating a business system18:36 The 204-step operating system behind Kelly Partners19:01 The acquisition strategy: becoming #1 or #2 in local markets24:05 Winning clients through a differentiated value proposition28:27 Lessons learned from 95 acquisitions29:06 Why the 51/49 ownership model works31:39 What types of firms Kelly Partners acquires32:59 Capital allocation and building a capital-efficient roll-up34:30 Doubling profits after acquisitions: the biggest lever35:18 AI, accounting, and the future of professional services36:28 Permanent capital vs. traditional private equity37:20 Brett's biggest challenge today: financing growth37:53 Kelly Partners' 17-step hiring process38:28 The future: building a global accounting platform39:45 Focus, systems, and operating at world-class standards41:17 Why passion and meaning matter in business43:05 How accountants can genuinely improve people's lives44:24 Final thoughts on leadership, culture, and making a difference45:32 30% revenue CAGR, 35% book value growth & 90+ acquisitionsThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.