Many people think that once you buy a business, you're set for life. But the reality is, there's a lot of hard work that comes before you can reap the rewards.

In this episode, Gabrielle Rubenstein takes us through her first year as an entrepreneur after acquiring Ace-Pak Products in 2024. From navigating the challenges of scaling to overcoming the growing pains that come with ownership, she shares the lessons learned, the surprises along the way, and how she's turned her acquisition into a thriving, growing business.

Tune in for an honest conversation about the ups, downs, and everything in between in that crucial first year after buying a business.

In this episode, you will:

• Learn how to evaluate acquisition risk using worst-case scenario analysis

• Understand how SBA leverage can amplify returns and risk

• Discover why systems and clean financials drive business value

Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Gabrielle Rubenstein

(03:42) Women navigating entrepreneurship

(10:59) Financial sensitivity and customer concentration

(14:56) SBA leverage and return expectations

(19:53) Moving from Sage to QuickBooks

(23:37) Competing with industry giants

(25:39) Credit apps and transition mistakes

(28:08) Using advisors for smoother integration

(29:27) Growth strategy and ideal customer profile

(32:49) Systems, SOPs, and clean financials

Resources:
For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/

Follow Gabrielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-rubenstein/

Learn more about Ace-Pak Products: https://ace-pak.com/

Follow Ed:
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders