Growth Through Acquisition: Lessons from Navy Veteran and Entrepreneur Gary MacDermid

Entrepreneurship often requires both discipline and strategic vision, and few embody that combination like Gary MacDermid—a Navy veteran turned successful business acquirer, investor, and author. In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sat down with Gary to discuss his journey from military service to civilian business leadership, offering actionable strategies for veterans and entrepreneurs alike. This post distills key insights from the conversation, focusing on growth through acquisition, creative financing, and the importance of intentional goal-setting.

Accelerating Growth Through Acquisition and Strategic Goal-Setting

Gary emphasizes that acquiring businesses—rather than relying solely on organic growth—can rapidly scale revenue, talent, and operational capacity. By identifying complementary businesses and overlaying high-value services, entrepreneurs can unlock immediate opportunities and enhance client value. Creative financing options, such as seller financing, SBA loans, and private investors, make acquisitions accessible even without deep upfront capital, allowing business owners to pursue strategic growth without overextending resources.

Veterans, in particular, benefit from leveraging military discipline and intentional goal-setting, which Gary details in his book Set Your Own Goals or Someone Else Will. He recommends defining clear milestones, breaking down actionable steps, and seeking mentorship or peer accountability to navigate complex business decisions effectively. Beyond acquisition strategies, Gary stresses the importance of cultural integration and communication to ensure smooth transitions for both clients and staff, ensuring that growth is sustainable rather than just rapid.

For all entrepreneurs, Gary underscores the value of overlaying high-ticket services on acquired businesses, continuously learning from new markets, and integrating processes that drive efficiency. Whether transitioning from military service or expanding an existing business, the principles of acquisition, strategic financing, and clear goal-setting serve as powerful levers to accelerate success.

About Gary MacDermid

Gary MacDermid is a Navy veteran, investor, business acquirer, and author of Set Your Own Goals or Someone Else Will. He leverages his military experience and entrepreneurial expertise to help veterans, career changers, and business leaders strategically grow and scale their businesses.

About Gary’s Company

Gary specializes in growth through acquisition, creative financing, and advisory services that empower entrepreneurs to expand efficiently while maintaining operational and cultural integrity. His methods help businesses unlock hidden value and pursue strategic opportunities with confidence.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Gary MacDermid Website: https://garymacdermid.com

• Book: Set Your Own Goals or Someone Else Will

Key Episode Highlights

• Gary’s journey from Navy service to entrepreneurship

• Benefits of growth through acquisition over organic growth

• Step-by-step approach to buying and integrating a business

• Creative financing strategies: seller financing, SBA loans, private investors

• Overlaying high-ticket services to maximize revenue

• Intentional goal-setting framework for veterans and career changers

Conclusion

Gary MacDermid’s insights demonstrate that disciplined strategy, smart acquisition, and intentional goal-setting are essential tools for accelerating growth. By leveraging military experience, creative financing, and high-value service overlays, entrepreneurs and veterans alike can unlock sustainable business success.

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