By: Dr. Connor Robertson
For years, the cultural narrative has highlighted the allure of startups—Shark Tank pitches, venture capital excitement, tech unicorn dreams. But for Dr. Connor Robertson, that path has often seemed uncertain and full of risks. Instead, he teaches something that many might consider an alternative approach: buying a business that is already operational and using strategic debt to own it. No pitch decks. No funding rounds. No waiting years for profitability. Just a structured, cash-flowing business acquisition that offers a more predictable path to ownership. It may not be as flashy, nor as trendy, but this model works for many, and that’s precisely why Dr. Connor Robertson is advocating for a shift in how professionals view business ownership.
The Problem with the Startup Mindset
Professionals are typically exposed to two popular wealth-building models:
- Fund startups and hope for significant growth.
- Buy real estate and wait 10–20 years for compound returns.
Both models can be effective, but they often come with challenges such as:
- Uncertain timelines
- Low liquidity
- High competition
- Risk of failure
Dr. Robertson has seen many professionals tie up their savings in these speculative ventures, only to be left frustrated and financially strained, while still holding on to their full-time jobs. This led him to consider a different perspective: What if we bought income instead of waiting to build it?
Debt-Backed Ownership: A Practical Path to Control
Using options like SBA loans, seller financing, and creative deal structuring, Dr. Connor Robertson guides professionals on how to acquire service businesses that are:
- Already profitable
- Already staffed
- Already serving loyal customers
These businesses often come with reasonable prices, typically in the range of 2–3x their annual earnings.
Instead of trading equity for cash like a typical startup founder, the buyer retains control of the business while using its cash flow to pay off the debt incurred during acquisition. This approach allows the buyer to maintain full ownership, with the business covering the debt payments through its operations. While there is risk involved, it’s based on real financial data, not speculative projections.
How This Works in the Real World
Let’s consider a practical example. Suppose a business nets $400,000 annually in profit and is being sold for $1.2M (about 3x its earnings). The buyer puts in $120K as a down payment, with the SBA covering the remaining $1,080,000 on a 10-year term. The monthly payment might be around $12,000, but the business still generates $33,000 a month in profit. After the loan payment, the buyer would still have $21,000/month in net cash flow. This provides real, immediate returns, unlike the delayed outcomes often expected from startup investing.
Dr. Robertson calls this “front-loaded ownership,” where the buyer begins enjoying cash flow from day one, and equity growth follows as the loan is paid down.
Why Professionals Find This Model Attractive
Dr. Robertson’s clients are professionals who are looking for a stable income without the daily operations of running a business. These individuals include:
- Physicians
- Engineers
- Sales executives
- Consultants
- Attorneys
They don’t want to leave their jobs or build something from the ground up. What they seek is:
- Ownership without constant chaos
- Cash flow without full-time involvement
- A business that aligns with their lifestyle
To accommodate these preferences, Dr. Robertson structures his deals with experienced managers in place, ensures that standard operating procedures are well-documented, and provides monthly financial dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs). Coaching is also provided to help owners make informed, strategic decisions without being overwhelmed by daily operations. This structure creates an environment where professionals can enjoy both business ownership and their personal time.
The Debt Itself as a Tool
In the world of startups, debt is often seen with caution. However, in Dr. Robertson’s model, it serves as an enabling tool.
Debt allows buyers to:
- Control assets worth millions
- Leverage borrowed funds to maximize returns
- Pay off loans using pre-tax income
- Avoid dilution and retain full ownership
- Build personal net worth over time
Government-backed programs like SBA 7(a) loans often offer favorable terms:
- 10-year amortization
- Low interest rates
- 90% loan-to-value (LTV)
- No personal experience required if a manager is in place
These terms offer flexibility, allowing buyers to maximize leverage while maintaining control.
Investing vs. Owning
Dr. Connor Robertson doesn’t dismiss the idea of investing in startups. Rather, he believes ownership should come first, as it provides greater options down the line.
Ownership creates a range of opportunities, including:
- Reinvesting profits
- Building a family office
- Selling the business for liquidity
- Hiring operators to take over day-to-day operations
- Retiring with compounded equity
Essentially, ownership offers both financial and lifestyle leverage that startup investments may not provide.
Final Thoughts
The concept of using debt to acquire a business is not new. But Dr. Connor Robertson’s approach, tailored for busy professionals, grounded in strategic planning, and mindful of risk, is changing the way many professionals approach wealth creation. You don’t need to raise capital, invent something new, or chase the latest trends. Instead, you can acquire a stable business, implement a well-thought-out plan, and focus on building something real.
To learn more about Dr. Connor Robertson’s debt-backed acquisition model and explore how to start owning instead of speculating, visit www.drconnorrobertson.com.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified financial advisor or legal professional before making any business or investment decisions. All investments carry inherent risks, and it is important to thoroughly evaluate any financial strategy or opportunity.
