E49: Unlocking Small Business Success with Wade Bruffey

In this episode, Wade Bruffey from Main Street Securities discusses the growing asset class of small business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of owner-operators and the financing landscape. He shares insights from his personal journey in the industry and highlights the role of his company in supporting entrepreneurs in their acquisition endeavors. The conversation underscores the significance of community impact and the opportunities available in the small business sector.About our Guest: Wade Bruffey - Main Street SecuritiesWade Bruffey is a registered representative with Main Street Securities LLC, a FINRA member broker-dealer based in Austin, Texas, specializing in helping acquisition entrepreneurs raise equity capital for small and medium-sized business acquisitions. He focuses on deals typically ranging from $500,000 to $15 million in cash flow in the lower middle market.Wade began his career in private equity at Salt Creek Capital, gaining extensive experience in small business acquisitions. He later served as Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Eko, a healthcare technology company, where he led global technology integrations and deployed over 3,000 endpoints including at the US Department of Veterans Affairs.As an entrepreneur, Wade co-founded and led GoMobi.work (2022-2024), helping organizations improve employee coaching and internal communication, and operated Wade Bruffey Performance Strategy, providing business strategy consulting to professionals and entrepreneurs.Wade joined Main Street Securities in July 2024 after serving as Lead Acquisition Advisor at Mainshares. He is passionate about professionalizing the small business acquisition space and helping owner-operators access capital to grow businesses in their communities.Contact InformationCompany: Main Street Securities LLCLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wadebruffeyWebsite: MainStreetSecurities.netLocation: Austin, TexasTakeaways-Main Street Securities focuses on helping clients raise equity for small business acquisitions.-Owner-operators play a crucial role in the success of small businesses.-The SBA 7A loan program is a valuable resource for financing acquisitions.-Community involvement is a key factor in successful business transitions.-Wade's background includes experience in private equity and small business acquisitions.-The importance of compliance and professional standards in the investment space.-Small businesses are vital to their communities and the economy.-Wade emphasizes the emotional journey of closing a business deal.-Main Street Securities provides ongoing support post-acquisition.-The conversation highlights the accessibility of alternative investments for aspiring entrepreneurs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Main Street Securities and SMB Land02:30 Understanding Small and Medium-Sized Businesses05:23 The Role of Owner-Operators in Business Acquisitions08:28 Navigating Financing for Small Business Acquisitions10:53 The Importance of Community and Commitment in Business13:46 Characteristics of Successful Clients and Operators19:21 Transformative Success Stories in Business Acquisitions23:04 Wade's Journey into Finance and Acquisitions28:00 Main Street's Role in Post-Acquisition Support34:01 The Community and Resources for Business Acquirers34:55 Final Thoughts on Alternative Investments and OpportunitiesSponsored by:Real Advisers, Austin, TexasVideo and Podcast Production by:Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas: https://redsuncreative.studioFor more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.comPlease contact us: [e-mail] Wiederanders: [e-mail] Sarah Florer: [e-mail] Disclaimers: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”“The hosts of this podcast practice law with the law firm, Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC; however, the views expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and their guests, and not those of Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC.”© 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved