Hawkers, I have done well doing 2 things last couple years.
One, bolting on an acquisition and Two, doing a JV.
Now, this is not exactly what you were asking, but the point is, there are existing businesses out there that are not being run profitably, and they could be and be grown quickly. Many of them.
The bolt on I did, there were massive savings in just reducing dual expenses. Using one system...and negotiating better supply deals from being a larger purchaser then also cross selling opportunities came with it.
From my experience, I can say there are really good small businesses out there (some been around a long time too) that just have cost structures that haven't changed with the times...or automated. Some of these owners have had them for some time, and maybe hit harder times and didn't react or change anything and that's been true in my experience.
If you have cash, then buying and building up and running an existing businesses properly can be very rewarding.
We are at a stage now, where we can grow to a med sized business with over 20 FT employees or just stay were we are and enjoy. Right now, we feel size is comfortable.
We are now in the top 1% of income earners, and I say go for it, and do know where you're coming from. ;-)
(been in past corporate roles)
There are other benefits as well, like income distribution and running your vehicles/ phone etc etc.
We have very low personal expenses.
You would have the background experience and knowledge to do it I feel.
