
From Government Job to Business Owner - Kevin Mizell
What's Your Deal? | Business Buying, Business Acquisitions, Investing & Exit StrategiesShow Notes
What does it really take to leave a stable career and step into business ownership? In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt sits down with Kevin Mizell, a former government construction engineer manager who walked away from a high-level career to buy a small business—right in the middle of the pandemic. Kevin shares the real, unfiltered truth about what it's like to go from a W2 job to owning a business. From taking on large debt for the first time, to navigating labor challenges, to realizing that "passive income" isn't what most people think—it's all here. If you've ever thought about leaving your W2 job and buying a business, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to succeed. This isn't theory. This is what it looks like in the real world.
Timestamps:
02:00 – Leaving a stable career for business ownership
06:00 – Early entrepreneurial thoughts and risk considerations
10:00 – Choosing the right business (and core competency)
13:00 – Navigating the acquisition process
18:00 – Transitioning into ownership
22:00 – Employee challenges and leadership realities
26:00 – Buying during COVID uncertainty
28:00 – Managing debt and financial pressure
31:00 – Work ethic, integrity, and long-term mindset
36:00 – Advice for aspiring business owners
41:00 – Working with brokers and evaluating deals
44:00 – The reality of "owning vs. working in" a business
47:00 – Gratitude and closing thoughts
Connect with Kevin Mizell
Email - [email protected]
Phone Number: 928-515-9663
Bennett Glass: https://www.bennettglassandmirror.com
Connect with Matt Uhler / Amped Success:
Instagram: @ampedsuccess
Website: ampedsuccess.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612/
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