Epic just laid off over 1,000 employees—nearly 20% of the company.
Not because Fortnite failed, but because growth slowed—and the model behind it couldn’t keep up.

In this episode, Jack breaks down how one of the most successful gaming companies in the world ended up here—and what it reveals about scaling on top of a “money printer.”

We get into:

• Why relying on one cash engine (Fortnite) can quietly break your business
• How growth can hide bad economics—until it suddenly doesn’t
• The risk of expanding too fast without a backstop
• Why being early can cost more than being late

If you’re an operator, owner, or buyer, this is the shift:
Don’t assume growth will cover your mistakes. Build a business that works when it slows down.

Connect with Jack:
X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

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Shaq lost his biggest shoe deal—at his peak.

Not because he failed, but because it forced him to rethink the game entirely.

In this episode, Jack breaks down how Shaq walked away from the traditional endorsement model and built something far more powerful—his own business. Instead of chasing checks, he chased ownership… and built a brand that sold hundreds of millions of pairs.

We get into:
• Ownership vs. endorsement thinking
• Why premium isn’t always the best business
• How accessibility can become your competitive moat

If you’re an operator, owner, or buyer, this is the shift:
Don’t just get paid to promote the product. Build the machine behind it.

Connect with Jack:
X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

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Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

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📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Eddie Bauer is shutting down its stores—after more than 100 years in business.
Not because people stopped buying jackets, but because the business slowly lost what made it work in the first place.

In this episode, Jack breaks down how a legacy outdoor brand drifted into irrelevance—and what operators can learn from its collapse.

We get into:

• Identity drift and how brands lose their edge
• The danger of “middle positioning” (not premium, not cheap, not special)
• Why retail + debt + weak demand is a deadly combo
• Why restructuring doesn’t fix a broken business

If you’re an operator, owner, or buyer, this is the takeaway:
Don’t drift into the middle. Pick a side, own it, and build something defensible.

Because fragile businesses don’t just struggle—they eventually break.

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Connect with Jack:
X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.