Treat Your ETA Search Like a Startup | Richard Chance at Acquire Fort Worth

Treat Your ETA Search Like a Startup | Richard Chance at Acquire Fort Worth

July 14, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 65

About this episode

Richard Chance discusses treating the business acquisition search like a startup, emphasizing mindset and systems over deal structure.

In this special episode of Before You Buy or Sell a Business, we're sharing a presentation from Acquire Fort Worth, Jared Johnson's monthly event for entrepreneurs through acquisition (ETA), buyers, operators, and investors. Richard Chance, Professor at Tarrant County College and founder of the ETA Accelerator Program, shares the lessons he's learned from working with hundreds of aspiring business buyers. Rather than focusing on deal structure or financing, Richard explores the mindset, habits, and behaviors that consistently separate successful searchers from those who struggle to acquire a business. Throughout the presentation, he discusses why buyers should treat their search like a startup, the importance of building systems instead of relying on motivation, how repetition develops better acquisition judgment, and why relationships, consistency, and execution often matter more than finding the "perfect" deal. Whether you're just beginning your search or actively evaluating acquisitions, this presentation offers practical insights into building a more disciplined and successful acquisition process. Main Takeaways: Treat your business search like a startup by building systems…

People in this episode

Host: Jared Johnson

Guest: Richard Chance

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tarrant County College, ETA Accelerator Program

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