How to start a Holding Company

The Startup Ideas Podcast

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Girdley, Chairman and CEO of Girdley Enterprises, as we discuss how to build a HoldCo. Michael shares his frameworks and best practices for structuring HoldCo’s.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:25 What is HoldCo
07:22 Types of HoldCo
09:45 Why go HoldCo
12:56 Types of HoldCo Pt 2
15:27 Frameworks for structuring your HoldCo
19:16 7 steps of starting a HoldCo
23:47 Why HoldCo’s are awesome
36:12 HoldCo’s are antifragile
43:16 Make sure HoldCo’s are right for you
45:16 HoldCo Conference

1) What's a Holdco?
It's owning multiple businesses but not running any of them day-to-day.
Think Warren Buffett lite - you're the maestro orchestrating a portfolio of companies.

2) Why go Holdco?
• Diversify risk
• Create asymmetric bets
• Design your ideal lifestyle
• Leverage your passions
Girdley: "I tap dance to work every day, even when things are sucky."

3) Types of Holdcos:
• Roll-up (same biz, diff locations)
• Platform (related businesses)
• Pure Holdco (unrelated businesses)
• Conglomerate (big daddy version)
Pick your flavor based on your interests & expertise!

4) How to start your Holdco journey:
1. Have a plan
2. Define your goals
3. Design your org structure
4. Consult lawyers & tax pros
5. Build your all-star advisory team
6. Execute & iterate
7. Optimize for happiness!

5) The secret sauce? 🤫
• Low-cost tech makes it easier than ever to incubate new businesses.
• Girdley: "You can do that same business they built off the ground for a few $1000"
• Asymmetric bets FTW!

6) Centralize or nah?
• Depends on your asset types & personal strengths.
• Girdley keeps it "radically decentralized" - know thyself!
• "Don't try to do things that I know I suck at."

7) Who's it for?
Not everyone! But if you:
• Love variety
• Hate micromanaging
• Want to build long-term wealth
• Crave a custom-designed career
...Holdco life might be your jam!

8) Ready to dive in?
Start with ONE successful biz, then expand.
And if you're serious, check out Girdley's Holdco conference in Utah next spring!

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