Generational Transfer Entrepreneurs

GT Entrepreneurs co-founder Brenden Van Buren is on the popular Acquiring Minds podcast! Listen in as Brenden sits down with Acquiring Minds podcast host Will Smith to discuss all things search/ETA! Brenden and Will dive into both Brenden’s acquisition of commercial fencing installation business Pro Max Fence Systems, LLC as well as how GTE was first started as an accelerator when Brenden was an MBA student at Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business. Will presses Brenden on buying a fencing business, known for being cyclical and project-based, two attributes that investors typically tell searchers to avoid. The episode also provides Brenden's perspective on the art of search and what he's learned by investing in other searchers. Watch the full episode here or on your favorite music/podcast streaming platform: https://lnkd.in/eZy9iwgE #acquiringminds #generationaltransferentrepreneurs #entrepreneurshipthroughacquisition #eta #searchfunds #gtentrepreneurs #gte #business #investing #podcast #entrepreneurs

Generational Transfer Entrepreneurs co-founder and searcher-turned-operator Brenden Van Buren stopped by his alma mater Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business tonight to speak about his entire search journey to-date with Pro Max Fence Systems, LLC. Thanks to ETA professor Len Caric for having us (and for supplying us with delicious The Smashed Waffle Company waffles ??). Always a pleasure to return back to where it all started. #eta #gte #searchfunds #tepper #waffles

Yesterday, GTE had the privilege of attending the 11th Annual Booth-Kellogg Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference in Chicago. We're continually thrilled by the increasingly growing interest and excitement surrounding the search model amongst so many talented prospective searchers. It’s inspiring to see such vibrant energy in the space! A big thank you to the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management for yet again organizing such a wonderful event, with insightful speakers, great food, drinks, and an excellent venue as always. We’re already looking forward to next year! #ETAConference #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #SearchModel #BoothKellogg #GTE

This past Friday, we had the incredible opportunity to hear from successful serial acquisition entrepreneur, Chris Cynkar, during our latest installment of the GTE Intern Guest Lecture Series. Chris shared his inspiring journey into entrepreneurship, which began in his mid-20s, and offered valuable insights on what it takes to build a successful career in acquisitions and business ownership. His story resonated deeply with our searchers’ interns, providing a firsthand look at the possibilities that lie ahead in the world of entrepreneurship. The GTE Intern Guest Lecture Series is designed to add immense value to our interns’ experience by offering them unique career-related insights from accomplished professionals across various industries. These talks not only enrich their internship but also provide them with actionable knowledge to help shape their future careers. A big thank you to Chris Cynkar for his time and continued partnership with GTE. We truly appreciate your dedication to sharing your experience and wisdom with the next generation of entrepreneurs! #Entrepreneurship #InternshipExperience #CareerGrowth #GuestLecture #BusinessAcquisition

Generational Transfer Entrepreneurs had a great trip up to Harvard Business School this past weekend for the annual Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference. Big thanks to all the HBS student organizers for putting on a great event and all the conference participants for volunteering their time and wisdom. #eta #hbs #gte #searchfunds

Generational Transfer Entrepreneurs kicked off our Fall Guest Lecture Series last week with Mike Colella, SVP of TriState Capital Bank, speaking to the interns of our searcher partners. Since many of our interns are undergraduate students, Mike provided valuable insights into the various career paths within finance, highlighting the key differences between fields such as investment banking and commercial banking that students can pursue after graduation. With his extensive experience in commercial banking, Mike dedicates much of his time to cultivating and maintaining relationships with middle-market businesses. Thank you for your continued support, Mike! #gte #search #guestlectureseries #interns

There’s no better way to finish up the fourth of July weekend than having a new Searcher Sunday! Today we’ve got Matt Herring of NextGen Growth Partners . Passion and curiosity for uncovering unique opportunities combined with analytical rigor from his engineering, sales, and consulting background has been key for Matt’s search. His people-focused mindset prioritizes building authentic relationships and fostering trust to navigate challenges, facilitating collaboration, and paving the way for long-term success. When facing uncertainties, Matt leans on his ability to connect with stakeholders, adapt with empathy, and understand diverse perspectives. For aspiring searchers, he recommends extensively networking within the ecosystem to align the search path with your aspirations and goals. Check out NextGen Growth Partners to learn more!

Generational Transfer Entrepreneurs is pleased to announce the recent partnership between Pro Max Fence Systems, LLC, a leading, Pennsylvania-based fencing contractor providing installation and repair services for non-residential fencing and access control systems operated by GTE Founder and former Searcher Brenden Van Buren, and Saw Mill Capital Partners III, LP and affiliated private equity investment funds managed by Saw Mill Capital LLC. Read the recent press release shown here to learn more about this exciting new partnership.

Happy start to the summer! It’s time for Searcher Sunday, and we will be highlighting Julia Chinakaeva of Bazaar Ventures! Inspired by startup founders' ability to build extraordinary visions, Julia pursued the search fund path to fully embrace her entrepreneurial aspirations, well-suited by her tolerance for risk and uncertainty. Her approach focuses on passionate niche areas aligning personal interests with established criteria, allowing her authentic enthusiasm to shine through. Julia emphasizes clear, robust processes powered by people, processes, and technology to efficiently evaluate opportunities, while strategically planning the search approach and addressing any potential obstacles. Check out Bazaar Ventures to learn more!

Hi everyone! It’s Sunday, so we have another awesome searcher to highlight: today’s Searcher Sunday will be featuring Cody Adelizzi of Second Summit Partners Partners! From his teenage years, Cody has always aspired to become an entrepreneur, and he was drawn to the search fund model as it provided a structured, risk-adjusted path aligned with his competitive nature while allowing access to investor mentors. His passion lies in tangibly impacting teammates, clients, and community through entrepreneurship, seeing it as the best avenue to create positive change at an individual level. He recommends aspiring searchers have a clear motivation grounded in a desire to be an operator and to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of search types. Check out Second Summit Partners to learn more!