Zero to $1.1B from Flipping Websites

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In this episode I talked to Thomas Smale in his New York City Office to get his story and some advice on how to buy and sell businesses. He's done over $1B dollars in sales without even knowing how to develop a website, and he shares his advice on how to flip businesses, how to negotiate, and how he would start again if he had $0 dollars. This is a perfect episode for anyone who is hesitant on starting a business, and would rather buy one and build it from there.
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Getting into M&A
2:50 - Self-taught website flipper
4:17 - How he started an M&A firm
5:40 - Using the Pareto Principle to make more money
6:36 - How to buy a business
8:02 - How to spot good businesses
9:46 - Selling a $10M+ business
10:41 - How he got the 8-figure deal
11:23 - How much profit he makes per deal
11:56 - How to value a business
12:56 - Buying a business VS starting one
14:26 - How to negotiate
16:33 - How to buy a business from scratch
🔎 Find Thomas
🐦 Twitter - / thomassmale
💼 Website - feinternational.com
SUBSCRIBE for weekly videos: www.youtube.com/ ‪@starterstory‬
SOCIALS
📸 Instagram - / starter_story
🐦 Twitter - / thepatwalls

[@clarkzy]

I love how he was honest and said ‘I thought I could just not do anything, or just sell courses’ - clearly that’s what everyone thinks now You no longer need to get rich and teach others, you pretend to be rich, teach others and in turn get rich

[@tedsalt2212]

I found your channel through shorts a while back and subscribed and these new longer form videos are great content, its only a matter of time before the videos blow up they're so good and provide so much value so keep up the hard work and keep posting its only a matter of time before other people start getting recommended these videos!!!

[@starterstory]

Thanks so much Ted. We're just getting started :)

[@markmarramusic]

Bot

[@mustafakhundmiri1675]

Hey Pat, your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Love the quality of your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@starterstory]

Thank you Mustafa!

[@lescommercantesdindochine1954]

LOLZ

[@zoranls]

Congratulations man, solid video.

[@sandoumir4348]

Make sure your purchased positive comment flooders don't all use the same phrases. It is just way too obvious now.

[@40ny]

I remember hearing an interview between Thomas Smale and Michael Cyger on the Domain Sherpa podcast many years ago when he was still at the website flipping stage. It's interesting to see how far he's progressed.

[@bestkitchenreviews6346]

This was really inspiring. Thank you! I just subscribed...Cheers!

[@arielzamler]

Accurate and exactly to the point, great video im subscribed from now on :)

[@starterstory]

Welcome aboard!

[@mpaso111]

Yo I am in love with your content bro, thanks I love this format. I am sure by the time you reach a million subscribers, there are going to be great success stories inspired by this channel . Thanks again, you are doing God's work.

[@dniprokids531]

Its February 2024 and the algorithm has brought me this😮. I've been looking for such content for a while. Keep up the great work

[@dennisb.3485]

Great advertising video. This is all basic business theory and concepts that most people with an MBA understand. How do you flip websites...never answered. Not interested in how much he makes or is worth. What are the executable mechanics to flip a website. Oh, I get it buy his books or spend money for the online course. C'mon man...

[@sandoumir4348]

And isn't it weird that all the positive comments say the exact same weird thing that has never been commented on any other youtube video ever? Just for giggles count , for example, 'this channel will blow up".

[@thomassmale2126]

I dont sell books or have a course

[@ImmaUseThisChannel]

@@sandoumir4348if you have never seen people happy that one of their KZbinrs channel is growing then you are either not on KZbin often or you are very very sad person who only searches for negativity. It’s absolutely no way you think being happy someone’s channel is blowing up is a problem.

[@sandoumir4348]

@@ImmaUseThisChannel not at all what I said. Try to react to something I actually did say.

[@DT-ip4db]

If you actually watched the video Thomas sold a book and a course when he was flipping websites, since he is now flipping businesses he is way past that level

[@TheGooglySmoog]

"ANYONE CAN GET RICH" is the trademark of a scam or the possible.

[@kingboji958]

Anyone can get rich tho. Not everyone, but anyone.

[@Roman-uy7qp]

@@kingboji958 this one

[@krisb-travel]

Yep another scammer

[@contaalt4742]

M&A advisory is basically a brokerage, where they connect sellers and buyers of a business, there's an actual market for it.

[@TheGreatEscape77]

Well... theres plenty of money togo around.. literally too much money actually (inflation) sooo.. yea anyone can get rich but it does take effort and yes a lil bit of Luck too.

[@toddnfinley]

You see a Starter Story video you click. Simple. Great video as always!

[@starterstory]

Thank you Todd!!

[@ririzzz8643]

He advice are so down-to-earth!

[@patarap8776]

Great content! Please consider publishing longer deep dive videos. Cheers

[@2minutepodcast]

Incredible content. Keep pushing, this will blow up.

[@starterstory]

Thanks! More to come :)

[@markmarramusic]

Bot

[@hansana0]

Love your videos. ❤️❤️❤️

[@starterstory]

Thanks :) what do you like about 'em?

[@web.mayk3l]

Very good video, many things to take note of!

[@noumansabir3948]

Hi Pat, glad the video came into my suggestion :) Love from Pakistan!

[@reer438]

Nice video and he seems pretty humble with the success. Great down to earth advice. Have subbed

[@starterstory]

Thanks for the sub!

[@FlorinPop]

I'm so happy to see you give KZbin a shot! In a year you'll be well over 100k subs and you'll see the power of it! 😁

[@starterstory]

LFG 🚀

[@toptenyoutubetop10list28]

lol, u are the twitter guy

[@rexOJax]

This channel will blow up very soon 🔥 .. Keep up the dedication brother 💯..

[@starterstory]

Thank you :)

[@jayeagans5097]

Wow.. this is exactly what I do and everything he said is on point. My company manages just under a million dollars in digital assets.. This video just got ur channels a sub from me and I'm going to watch this a few more times..

[@starterstory]

Thanks Jay! See u around :)

[@williampayne271]

How do you get started in this type of business?

[@leowzhilin]

@@williampayne271 I'd like to know too

[@4amwaj]

How can I sell my digital company to you Jay?

[@suas2655]

​@@4amwaj how much you are seeking ?

[@henriqueabreu4436]

Nice interview! Nice channel! Hugs from Brazil! ❤🇧🇷

[@starterstory]

Thank you! 😃

[@arpanbag001]

Suggestion: Cover failure stories as well. They will be of great knowledge.

[@MokusGreen]

Amazing good content - Guys let's start

[@starterstory]

Thanks for your feedback 👍

[@nesrinemly1538]

this channel deserve millions of subscribers❤i love it

[@starterstory]

Thank you ❤❤

[@realsoldierofallah]

Your going to grow to over a million subscribers by the end of the year i can see it. Keep being consistent such a w concept for a video, and a w concept for a channel

[@starterstory]

THANK YOU

[@realsoldierofallah]

Told you you're going to grow fire 🔥

[@philipfriis]

This content is milliondollar content - great insight, perspective and lessons; all for free - thank you!

[@starterstory]

Thank you! That's the goal :)

[@plantylabco]

This channel is full of gold

[@ianLord77]

Nice, informative video/interview, keep up the good work.

[@coolpfpbut9505]

How did you gain connections with these people? Who is on your team? Editors or just you?

[@DylanSigleydropservice]

Probably the best channel on building business stories on KZbin right now

[@CD9688]

So when people start there business or finally have the funds to purchase their domain name, he has already purchased it and sells it to them at a inflated price?..

[@DevinTryanHi]

Pat, this channel is pretty awesome. Great name. Keep it up.

[@stephenhendricks]

This video has so much good information

[@MiteshParmar]

Great video. M&A is my goal and the video makes a lot of sense.

[@lityoshii1086]

Love ur channel

[@starterstory]

Thank you! What do you like about it?

[@casperven5109]

Great video

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

How did he figure out how to buy and then how you have and then sell the actual rights

[@Neverhood.]

Positive and Motivational Thought: "Thomas's inspiring journey from flipping websites in his college dorm room to selling over $1.1 billion worth of online businesses reminds us that with dedication, resourcefulness, and a thirst for knowledge, we can achieve remarkable success in the world of entrepreneurship. Embrace the opportunities available today, leverage your skills, and never underestimate the transformative power of starting small. 😊🚀" Question for the Public: "Have you taken a website flipping course or ventured into website flipping as a beginner? If so, we'd love to hear about your experiences! What challenges did you face, and what valuable lessons did you learn along the way? Any advice for someone looking to start their journey in website flipping? 😃✨"

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

How do you buy a blog without having to write the blog once you buy it

[@donaldva]

Subbed!

[@Unknown-zs8ex]

can this type of business be done from anywhere in the world?

[@user-ef9om6wj2q]

Where can i find the book o buying online business

[@starterstory]

Google it.

[@eleojimenez6398]

5:50 4:40 5:30

[@jzk2020]

Alex said something similar... quickest way to make a million.... buy something worth $5 million for $4 million, then sell it for $5.5 million or something.

[@starterstory]

True that!

[@nochance7417]

amazing video

[@Pedro_Rubio]

Your channel is amazing! Question - Does he have a Master Class that he sales? Where can I find it?

[@wednesdaysangel1]

I really bet the IRS wants a piece of that action

[@DoHelpGetHelp]

hi your subjec is not focus but quality of content is nice

[@king_cj]

So basically he randomly discovered this niche, then was lucky enough on the start and now he is millionaire. Probably its feels good when you lucky enough to get 500% roi, but 95% of us peasants will newer know

[@thomassmale2126]

Have you tried?

[@king_cj]

@@thomassmale2126 yes. Do you want to buy domain with da 33 only for 200$?

[@jadc4050]

Where can I find a business to buy for $100,000?

[@andredei8492]

Which camera are you using? I like the video quality.

[@richmadrid9563]

This is almost the same thing that I did back in college, wherein I buy something like a perfume or an electronic item, then flip it for something more of value, then flip it again for something else or for more money!

[@Hebrews.11.1.3]

Sub'd & turned on 🔔 Very good stuff.

[@FoolishFounder]

nyc " Fansty highrise " looks like a hospital 😂

[@thekingdom845]

great video! I would also look up Roland Frasier and he teaches how to acquire businesses for $0 out of pocket where you actually leverage the business assets to buy the business. You don't need money to buy a business like this guy is suggesting.

[@thomassmale2126]

You do if you want anything good. Ask Roland if he has personally been involved $1bn in deals... nice shill though

[@d1btd3265]

@@thomassmale2126 that escalated quickly.

[@thekingdom845]

There are many businesses that can be acquired with no money out of pocket, there are over 200 ways to acquire a business leveraging the business itself you just need to think creatively and deal with off market deals and have a motivated seller.

[@thekingdom845]

This doesn’t mean there’s no cash involved on closing it just means it doesn’t have to involve your own money.

[@thekingdom845]

The intention with my reply is not to be confrontational it’s to empower the viewer here to know that you don’t have to have cash to do business acquisitions. You just need to have the mindset of #1 knowing what you want to acquire and why and then #2 reaching out to those businesses that match that criteria #3 working together with that motivated seller to get what they actually need from the exit and also for the buyer as well. It’s all about the win win and that’s why doing business acquisitions is great because you can get creative on how to get the deal done without having to risk your own cash and create a win win situation for all

[@Mahadev-jb8yf]

Great stuff❤ how can we work with him ?

[@ninja_guides]

im here before this channel gets 100k+🎉

[@everything4352]

What was the website about?

[@faizandhami]

Proof?

[@VikingMarketer]

Damn have been years since I talked to him. I talked to him before he started that business

[@jzk2020]

He's giving MeatHead vibes from BHW.

[@relaxinggospelmusic2421]

😄

[@Crus0e]

Remember us when you blow up 🙏

[@surferadi96]

Meathead from BHW!!!

[@krisb-travel]

Ah yes the typical scammer who does something cool and because he’s nice he can teach you too in his masterclass

[@AliShan-yd6sv]

I do the same and make $1M easily.

[@Daniel-qz8bp]

Ahh he sells a e course😂 Thats how he makes money, dont fall for it kids.

[@thomassmale2126]

I dont sell courses...

[@sandoumir4348]

@@thomassmale2126 no. You just sell a bunch of gibberish in story form. And you're just not even good at doing that.

[@thomassmale2126]

@@sandoumir4348 this is not my channel. I make my money selling businesses, $0 revenue last year from selling courses or "story form" content.

[@sandoumir4348]

@@thomassmale2126 amazing how terrible you are at reading, though.

[@thomassmale2126]

​@Sandou Mir why don't you get interviewed on the channel and show everyone how smart you are?

[@Vishnu..480]

How much he invested

[@starterstory]

$100

[@Vishnu..480]

@@starterstory how ONLY $100 to make billions how it's possible

[@Lotanna20]

@@Vishnu..480 very possible with Discipline and compounding.

[@josuastangl7140]

@@Vishnu..480 he flipped his way to the top, but he only sold $1b in businesses. He didn't earn $1b for himself.

[@Willopo100]

loool

[@liquidfootballonline]

Misleading title. The guy made money helping other people sell their business NOT flipping websites all the way up to 1 billion like the title implies.

[@girolamolonardelli838]

What is his business name? I have a brand to sell (1.4mln revenue)

[@starterstory]

FE International

[@ikeharris8596]

One human got lucky with this business model and made billion dollars via this, it also means that a billion ppl failed this job so just watch it dont try it

[@megapromo3771]

Meathead from BHW

[@decaprio7421]

Lol...aahhhhh, another bs story with a rented out office lol 😆 🤣 😂 🙄

[@thomassmale2126]

what is bs?

[@toptenyoutubetop10list28]

who buys websites, lol. amazing for this guy tbh

[@numirodi5855]

If he's selling this course, it means that this hustle is stalling. Makes sense, there's a recession coming

[@thomassmale2126]

I am not selling any courses - but keep on hating :)

[@essa-khan]

Nothing is stalling , and no market is ever saturated , it's only the person determination to keep on trying new ways , learn faster ,and learn from the best in business to save time

[@Veenforwin]

Watched it twice and still dont have an idea what this guy is doing😂😂😂😅

[@Icedanon]

You can learn if you just buy his course.... 😂

[@thomassmale2126]

@@Icedanon haven't sold a course for over 10 years now - perhaps watch the video before commenting?

[@Icedanon]

@thomassmale2126 I did, and much like everyone else in the comments, I found it hard to get anything of value out of it. It's par for the course for a video like this to offer a course. So maybe what you want is for me to check the info and make sure you're not offering a course before I make an assumption. Which I don't care about you enough to do.

[@thomassmale2126]

@@Icedanon sorry you didn't find it useful but no need to look: I don't sell a course(s)

[@andrewcecce]

He said a whole lot of nothing

[@andreas_tech]

Using flippa....?! 😂

[@jarrodpairgin6886]

This business model is scummy af. But the numbers dont lie

[@sandoumir4348]

The numbers are also just fictional.

[@thomassmale2126]

@@sandoumir4348 what is fictional about the numbers?

[@sandoumir4348]

@@thomassmale2126 all of it. Not really sure why you feel the need to come so agressively to the defense. If any of it is believable there is no need whatsoever to do that.

[@HlumeloNdoni]

I dont understand why KZbinrs never link out to the people they're interviewing like wtf bro

[@lescommercantesdindochine1954]

Sham

[@moneymanifestation9505]

Yea that's a office of a billionaire 😂

[@thomassmale2126]

closing over $1bn of deals does not make me a billionaire...

[@sandoumir4348]

@@thomassmale2126 agressively defending a pointless utube vid makes you not a billionaire.

[@thomassmale2126]

@@sandoumir4348 at no point have I ever claimed I was. Most people comment without watching the actual video...

[@sandoumir4348]

@@thomassmale2126 you really have a problem with reading. Don't you? Because I never said you are. That was the other guy. Are you always this confused?

[@moneymanifestation9505]

​@@thomassmale2126 that's exactly what the click bait title says 🤡your not even a millionaire because they're not KZbinrs 🤣this is basic fraud

[@profh9382]

He, and his entire floor he rents is full of complete nonsense.😂