The Art of Patience: How Waiting 5 Years to Buy the Right Business Paid Off

“Five years of patience, 90 days of listening, and 10 years of success.”

Josh Rottenberg’s journey from corporate executive to business owner offers invaluable lessons for anyone considering buying an established business.

In this intriguing episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, Josh shares how he waited five years to find the right business, then spent his first three months doing “nothing” but asking questions and observing—a strategy that proved remarkably effective.

Josh reveals his practical criteria for acquisition (including his memorable “one bridge” rule for commuting), discusses how firing two employees established his leadership, and shares his biggest mistake: over-relying on engineers for product development.

His “happy, humble, hungry” framework for evaluating talent and his advice on due diligence are worth their weight in gold for prospective business buyers.

Whether you’re considering buying a business or leading through a transition, this episode offers honest insights from someone who’s successfully navigated the journey.