New Podcast: He Left Corporate to Buy a Pallet Company. Then He Doubled It.

Hello SMB Deal Hunters!

I’m excited to share a new interview with Michael Kelker, a former corporate exec who spent 15 years in the aviation manufacturing industry before leaving to buy Timberline Pallet, a custom pallet and crating company in the Quad Cities.

With no prior experience in pallets, Michael stepped in as an owner-operator, doubled the business in five years, and grew the team from 15 to 27 employees.

We dive into what it’s really like to run a blue-collar business, team building, why he says he’s “not a good employee anymore," and how he’s building a legacy business for his daughters (GBR Riverdale is named after them).

COMMUNITY WINS

Here’s what one SMB Deal Hunter Pro member shared this past week:

Want me and my team to work with you to find, finance, and acquire a million-dollar cash-flowing business in the next 6-12 months?

👉 Learn More and Book A Call

INTERVIEW

This episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring business buyers, owner-operators, and anyone exploring blue-collar acquisitions. We dive into:

• Why Michael passed on bigger $2–$4M EBITDA deals to retain control and move fast

• The unique characteristics of the custom pallet industry and how he carved out margin

• How he financed the $2.1M deal with an SBA 7(a) loan and investors

• What changes he made on Day 3 to drive operational improvements and eventually double the business

• Why lumber price volatility caught him off guard (and how he managed through it)

• His lessons from hiring, systemizing, and staying local with long-term hold intent

• How Timberline Pallet grew during COVID while others collapsed

• The value of consistent quality and customer service in a commoditized industry

• What he looks for during diligence, especially outside his own industry experience

• Why he’s happier (and more fulfilled) as an owner than he ever was in corporate

And more!

👉 Watch the full 55-minute interview with Michael Kelker

COMMUNITY PERKS

• Ready to buy and operate a $1M+ business? Get expert help at every step.

• Want to invest passively in SMB acquisitions? Get access to investment opportunities.

• Get a personal introduction to my preferred SBA 7(a) lender, non-SBA lenders, Quality of Earnings providers, or legal counsel

• Raising capital for your deal? I’ll connect you with investors from the SMB Deal Hunter Community.

• Interested in selling your business? I’ll help you connect with buyers from the SMB Deal Hunter Community.

THAT’S A WRAP

Want me to interview you for my podcast? Hit reply.

See you tomorrow with some new deals!

-Helen Guo
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Disclaimer

This publication is a newsletter only and the information provided herein is the opinion of our editors and writers only. Any transaction or opportunity of any kind is provided for information only; SMB Deal Hunter does not verify nor confirm information. SMB Deal Hunter is not making any offer to readers to participate in any transaction or opportunity described herein.