create brand nv logo

#2 From Corporate to Owner: How Matt Lentz Bought and Took Over a Business

What does it really take to buy a business—and successfully take it over?

In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Matt Lentz, owner of The Roofing Company, who purchased an established business with zero prior experience in the roofing industry.

Instead of building from scratch, Matt chose a different path—acquiring an existing company and learning how to lead it from day one.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to evaluate a business before buying it

• Creative financing strategies, including SBA and seller financing

• What to look for when negotiating contracts and non-competes

• How to take over a team and earn trust as a new leader

• The challenges of transitioning ownership

• How to grow and expand after acquisition (including adding new services like solar)

Matt also shares the mindset that guides his decisions: doing the right thing for customers and employees—even when it’s not the most profitable short-term move.

If you’ve ever considered buying a business instead of starting one, this episode gives you a real-world look at what that journey actually requires.

Produced by David “Fingers” Bell and Nicole Valentin Alicea.

Here are some other episodes you might like

#24 From College Side Hustle to Tampa Landscaping Powerhouse: JP Lebel’s Entrepreneurial Playbook

In this episode of the Create Brand NV Podcast, Nicole Alicea sits down with JP Lebel, founder of Lebel Landscaping, to break down how he built a thriving Tampa-based company from the ground up—starting with nothing more than a college side hustle knocking on doors and mowing lawns. What began during the 2008–2009 recession as a way to make ends meet quickly evolved into a full-scale operation. Today, Lebel Landscaping services high-profile clients including Zoo Tampa, Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and major commercial properties across the region. JP shares the real, unfiltered journey of scaling a service-based business—covering everything from hiring and managing crews, reinvesting in equipment, and transitioning out of the field, to building a reputation that drives consistent referrals and growth. This conversation dives into practical lessons for entrepreneurs, including: • Why reinvesting in your business matters more than personal lifestyle upgrades • How to hire for character and build

Read More »
May 14, 2024

#19 Glazer Children’s Museum CEO Sarah Cole on Leadership, Strategy, and the Power of Play

Nicole Alicea sits down with Sarah Cole, President and CEO of the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, Florida, to explore how leadership, strategy, and a clear mission can transform an organization—even in times of crisis. After stepping into her role shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah was forced to make rapid, high-stakes decisions to keep the museum afloat. What followed was a complete rethinking of the organization’s direction—moving away from traditional strategic planning and toward a more flexible, purpose-driven approach. In this episode, they discuss: • How to lead through uncertainty and organizational disruption • Why traditional strategic plans often fail—and what to do instead • Building alignment between leadership, staff, and board members • The role of community, partnerships, and access in nonprofit growth • Why “play” is more than fun—it’s essential to learning, development, and long-term impact Sarah also shares how the museum refined its mission, strengthened its culture, and positioned

Read More »
December 12, 2023