TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Jeff Villwock​

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In 2024, Jeff Villwock founded Acquisitions Professor LLC in Bradenton, FL, with a clear vision: to coach entrepreneurs who want to own their own businesses. With over 45 years of experience as an investment analyst, investment banker, and CEO of a leading textbook distributor, Jeff has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to offer.

Jeff's company, Acquisitions Professor LLC, specializes in buy-side mergers and acquisitions (M&A). His comprehensive coaching program guides clients through every step of the acquisition process. From identifying the right business to buy, to conducting due diligence, securing financing, and closing the transaction, Jeff trains buyers in the art of business acquisition. He also provides ongoing weekly coaching and ad hoc support to ensure his clients have the guidance they need at every stage.

Jeff's career is a testament to his skill and dedication. He has completed over $2.6 billion in transactions, served as a partner and director of research at Johnson Rice & Co., and led healthcare research at The Robinson Humphrey Co., a subsidiary of Solomon Smith Barney & Citigroup. He has also been a managing director at three investment banking firms, two of which he founded. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including twice being named a Wall Street Journal All-Star Analyst.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jeff has made significant contributions to the field through his writing. He co-authored "Greed, Scandal and Wrongful Deaths at Tenet Healthcare Corp." and authored "How to Raise Capital – Without Giving Away Your Business." His insights have been quoted in prominent publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Modern Healthcare, and Business Week.

Jeff's journey into the world of business acquisitions began with a phone call from a former client. Faced with the opportunity to buy a company, but lacking the know-how, the client turned to Jeff for help. Jeff's response was simple yet transformative: "I know exactly how to buy this company. Why don’t we be partners, and I’ll be the CEO?" They successfully acquired the largest book distributor in health science textbooks in the U.S., even amidst the early stages of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Reflecting on his career and future goals, Jeff realized he wanted to make a meaningful impact on people's lives by helping them create wealth through business ownership. He designed a program to teach aspiring entrepreneurs the skills they need to acquire their first company, emphasizing a hands-on approach. "This is not a do-it-for-you model," Jeff explains. "You're hiring me to show you how to do an acquisition. At the same time, I'll be with you every step of the way."

Jeff's passion for helping others succeed is evident in his work. "I really enjoy the win," he says. "It’s rewarding to see somebody become successful and do what they didn't believe they could."

Jeff Villwock
Founder
Acquisitions Professor LLC
Website: https://www.jeffvillwock.com
Website: https://www.acquisitionsprofessor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffvillwock