Reading List
As the search landscape becomes increasingly competitive, it brings both challenges and opportunities. While deal flow may be harder to secure, the quality and accessibility of resources for self-funded searchers has never been better.
This curated reading list is organized into three sections. The first two—Pre-LOI and Post-LOI—cover the essential reading you’ll want at different stages of your journey. The final section includes Bonus Material for when you have time to dive deeper.
Pre-LOI
These books are essential at the outset of your search. While they may not feel as hands-on as reviewing CIMs or talking to brokers, they provide the kind of insight and pattern recognition that usually comes from years of experience.
Richard Ruback & Royce Yudkoff
A comprehensive introduction to entrepreneurship through acquisition, offering step-by-step insights from two HBS professors. This book walks through the step by step process of searching and closing a deal. It is more aimed towards traditional searchers but many of the concepts apply to self funded.
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Walker Deibel
A tactical and mindset-shifting guide to buying and growing a business rather than starting one from scratch. While having overlaps with the HBR guide, this book also covers more of the human element - how to interact with sellers, how to reveal red flags early. We recommend reading both.
Buy on AmazonPost-LOI
The time between signing an LOI and closing is hectic, but it’s also a rare window to prepare for ownership. The post-acquisition "J curve" is very real, but thoughtful planning can make a major difference. These books will help you think through your operational approach. You will better frame your vision for investors and employees.
Gino Wickman
Introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework used by thousands of small businesses to create clarity, accountability, and operational rhythm. This is especially relevant post-close, when new owners need to align a team, prioritize execution, and implement process without stifling agility. A go-to playbook for structure in the first 90–180 days.
Buy on Amazon
John C. Maxwell
Outlines a clear framework for growing as a leader—from gaining positional authority to developing influence through respect, results, and mentoring. For searchers who may be first-time managers, this book provides a helpful roadmap to build credibility with inherited teams and lead with intentionality.
Buy on AmazonBonus Material
For those looking to go deeper, this section includes supplemental reading focused on leadership, operations, and behavioral insights. Each title offers a different lens through which to evaluate decisions and lead more effectively. Not every tool will apply to every situation, but collectively they form a versatile library of best practices.
Joel Ankney
Written specifically for small business buyers, this book demystifies the legal process behind acquisitions. It provides plain-English explanations of key contract provisions, deal structures, and pitfalls—especially useful for searchers navigating their first deal without a legal background.
Buy on Amazon
William N. Thorndike
Profiles CEOs who generated exceptional returns not by scaling fast or innovating wildly, but by thinking deeply about capital allocation. A compelling read for owner-operators who must think like investors while running day-to-day operations.
Buy on Amazon
Andrew S. Grove
Intel’s former CEO lays out timeless principles of management with surprising practicality. This book is a masterclass in running effective meetings, managing through metrics, and aligning teams—essential tools for a first-time CEO stepping into a small business.
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Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein
A foundational text in behavioral economics, showing how subtle changes in choice architecture can lead to better outcomes. For searchers, this can be applied internally (incentives, policy design) and externally (customer behavior, pricing strategies).
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Kim Scott
A modern leadership guide on how to deliver direct feedback without losing trust. Especially helpful for searchers stepping into inherited teams, where building rapport and setting new standards need to happen quickly and authentically.
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Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee
Makes a compelling case that emotional intelligence—not IQ or technical skills—is the defining trait of effective leaders. A critical read for any new CEO managing people through change, uncertainty, and growth.
Buy on Amazon