From Amazon to Entrepreneurship: A Journey into Business Acquisition

Washington DC, United States Jul 21, 2026 ALN: In recent years, the technology sector has undergone significant transformations, marked by a series of layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and shifting workplace dynamics. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in the workforce, prompting many companies, including giants like Amazon, to adapt rapidly to new market realities. This tumultuous environment has had profound implications for employees, particularly women, who have been disproportionately affected by layoffs. The struggle to maintain work-life balance in such a high-pressure environment has led many professionals to reconsider their career paths and explore alternative avenues for success.

After joining Amazon as a product leader in 2022, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that arose from these changes. The pressures of the tech industry intensified, creating an atmosphere where maintaining a presence in home life became increasingly difficult. The layoffs not only affected job security but also contributed to lowered morale among those who remained. As expectations grew, many employees found themselves navigating a landscape fraught with uncertainty and stress.

Amidst this turmoil, I discovered the concept of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). The ETA model offers a compelling alternative to traditional entrepreneurship, which often involves starting a business from scratch or climbing the corporate ladder within an existing organization. Instead, ETA allows individuals to purchase an existing, profitable business, thus bypassing many of the risks associated with startups. This approach appealed to me as I sought to redefine my career trajectory and create a more stable and fulfilling professional life.

During my final year at Amazon, I dedicated myself to identifying my first acquisition target. My vision was to establish a holding company that would encompass both incubated and acquired businesses. In June 2025, I achieved this goal with the acquisition of DiggyPOD, a $10 million book printing business founded in 1988. This acquisition was made possible through a Small Business Administration (SBA) acquisition loan, which provided favorable financing options that made the investment feasible. The SBA's support has been instrumental in enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire established businesses, fostering a new wave of ownership in the marketplace.

In May of this year, I expanded my portfolio by adding Long Overdue Books, a vibrant book publisher known for several notable titles. My ultimate aim is to transform these businesses into a global media organization that supports content creators and nurtures artistic expression. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and I have committed myself to empowering other tech industry veterans to pursue similar paths in business acquisition.

Here are three compelling reasons why entrepreneurship through acquisition is an attractive option for professionals in the tech industry:

1. Uniquely Favorable Financing and Odds

The SBA offers acquisition financing on terms that are often unmatched by the open market. This financing structure made my $10 million acquisition of DiggyPOD achievable, allowing me to establish a manageable monthly payment plan. It is important for potential acquirers to understand that this financing typically comes with a personal guarantee, which means that the borrower is personally responsible for repaying the loan. However, the due diligence process required by lenders and the SBA ultimately enhances the likelihood of success compared to other funding methods, such as bootstrapping or seeking venture capital.

Statistically, acquisitions present a lower risk compared to startups. A study conducted by the Yale School of Management highlighted this disparity, revealing that between 2019 and 2023, SBA business-acquisition loans defaulted at just 1.22%. In contrast, approximately 50% of tech startups fail within their first five years. This stark difference underscores the potential stability that comes with acquiring an existing business, making it an appealing option for those seeking to mitigate risk while pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.

2. Your Corporate Skills Are the Asset

One of the most significant advantages of transitioning from a corporate role to business ownership is the ability to leverage the skills acquired throughout one's career. The week after I purchased DiggyPOD, our primary inkjet color printer, a crucial asset in our operations, broke down unexpectedly. Despite my lack of technical expertise in printing machinery, I was fortunate to inherit a team with over 100 years of combined experience in the printing industry. This team was instrumental in navigating the challenges of production and maintenance.

My years spent in the tech sector equipped me with essential skills such as customer discovery, team leadership, and fluency in artificial intelligence. These competencies, which may seem generic in a corporate environment, become invaluable when running an acquired business. By applying these skills, I was able to revamp DiggyPOD's technology stack, implement a tech-forward executive team, and prioritize customer success through continuous improvement initiatives.

3. The Honest Case for Your Life

Transitioning to business ownership is not without its challenges. In the initial months following my acquisition, I faced a steep learning curve as I familiarized myself with the complexities of a manufacturing operation and worked to build rapport with my team in Michigan. This period was marked by sacrifices, including spending less time with my children, as I dedicated myself to understanding the intricacies of the business.

However, the fundamental difference between acquiring a profitable business and launching a startup is the nature of the cash flow. As a startup founder, one often finds themselves racing against time, hoping that revenue will materialize before funding runs out. In contrast, by acquiring an established business, I entered a scenario where the question shifted from "Will this survive?" to "How do I want to grow it?" This shift in mindset has been liberating, allowing me to focus on strategic growth rather than mere survival.

When I joined Amazon, I established three non-negotiables as a parent: I wanted to be present when my kids woke up, when they returned home from school, and when they went to bed. Unfortunately, the demands of the tech industry made it nearly impossible to uphold these commitments. However, business ownership has provided me with the flexibility to create a life that aligns with my values and priorities. While the journey requires hard work and entails certain risks, it also offers the potential for greater freedom and fulfillment.

For tech veterans facing uncertainty in their careers—whether due to impending layoffs or return-to-office mandates—I want to be a voice of encouragement. There exists an alternative path that allows for both professional growth and personal satisfaction. I took that leap into entrepreneurship through acquisition, and I believe that others can too. By embracing this model, we can redefine our careers and create opportunities not only for ourselves but also for the teams and communities we serve.