Before You Buy or Sell a Business Podcast – Hosted by Jared Johnson
At the heart of entrepreneurship is the responsibility to create value not just for yourself but for employees, customers, and the community. In Episode 52 of the Before You Buy or Sell a Business podcast, host Jared W. Johnson talks with Munashe Makava, an NYU MBA graduate who began his career at Deloitte and Goldman Sachs before stepping into entrepreneurship through acquisition.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Munashe credits his parents for instilling an entrepreneurial mindset early on. The birth of his first child became the catalyst to finally pursue ownership. Today he runs two concrete companies in the United States, navigating the realities of leadership, team building, and growth.
From Wall Street to Main Street
Munashe’s journey shows that entrepreneurship is not always about startups. Instead of creating a business from scratch, he leveraged ETA as a pathway to ownership. His strategy was not focused only on industry but on geography. Location determined the businesses he targeted and ultimately shaped his path.
Through this lens he discovered two concrete companies on BizBuySell that fit his criteria. Negotiations, tax considerations, and creative structuring allowed him to complete the acquisitions. But as he quickly learned, closing a deal is only the beginning.
Lessons from the First Year of Ownership
Munashe shares several lessons that stand out for first-time buyers:
- Entrepreneurship through acquisition requires grit and leadership, not just capital
- Geography can be a deciding factor that outweighs industry selection
- Building a strong deal team early can save opportunities later, particularly with tax strategy
- Relationships with brokers and sellers unlock creative deal structures
- Employees are the hardest part of the business and long-term success depends on building a culture of ownership
- Mentorship and networks multiply opportunities and provide guidance during uncertainty
Overcoming Post-Close Challenges
One of the toughest parts of Munashe’s journey came immediately after closing when he lost key operators in the business. He had to rebuild his team quickly while still learning the day-to-day operations. This experience underscored the importance of people. Financial modeling matters, but numbers alone cannot carry a business forward.
By investing in culture, building trust, and encouraging employees to think like owners, Munashe created an environment where people wanted to stay and contribute. His focus on leadership and resilience allowed the businesses not only to stabilize but to grow.
Mentorship and Paying It Forward
Munashe emphasizes that mentorship has been one of the most valuable parts of his journey. Having a network of peers and advisors provided both encouragement and tactical advice during difficult moments. Now, as an owner, he is committed to paying that forward by mentoring others who are considering ETA.
Why Purpose Matters
For Munashe, ownership is not only about financial return. Purpose drives his decision-making and his growth strategy. Building lasting businesses and creating opportunities for others is the ultimate reward. Entrepreneurship through acquisition has allowed him to combine his skills, his values, and his vision into a path that impacts not only his own family but also his employees and community.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Entrepreneurship is not limited to startups, ETA provides a pathway but still requires resilience
- Searching by geography can be as important as selecting an industry
- Building the right deal team, particularly for tax planning, prevents missed opportunities
- Relationships with brokers, sellers, and mentors create leverage during the acquisition process
- People and culture are the hardest part of ownership and the most critical factor in long-term success
Why This Conversation Matters
Munashe’s story is a reminder that acquisitions are more than financial transactions. They are about leadership, networks, and purpose. For anyone considering buying a business, this episode highlights the realities of search, acquisition, and post-close ownership. It is a powerful example of how personal motivation and entrepreneurial grit combine to create value for employees, communities, and future generations.
Listen to the Full Episode
You can stream Episode 52, Concrete Lessons: Munashe Makava on Family, ETA, and Building Businesses, on the Before You Buy or Sell a Business podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts.
For more insights on ETA, business acquisitions, and SBA financing, visit Jared W. Johnson’s website.