Buying a 138-Year-Old Navy Bell Maker | Jon Hyatt Interview

Synopsis

Jon Hyatt bought E.J. Willis Company, a 138-year-old manufacturer that supplies bells to the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, after abandoning a dental-practice acquisition under letter of intent. The low-six-figure-revenue business had four retired employees, an outdated website, and molds for heritage bells, so Hyatt is developing consumer channels such as wedding gifts and Americana-themed products while documenting the first 90 days of ownership. The episode covers the deal structure, customer lineup, bell manufacturing, pricing, and growth beyond defense contracts.

Ideas in this episode

• Small business acquisition (no experience required)

  Jon Hyatt describes buying E.J. Willis Company, a 138-year-old low-six-figure-revenue bell maker with four retired employees, after walking away from a dental-practice deal, and documents the first 90 days of ownership.