Acquisitions Entrepreneur

Hi! I'm Shalina Clarke, an independent business buyer and acquisition entrepreneur

My goal is to buy profitable, cash flowing businesses; from motivated business owners.

I opened my first restaurant in Los Angeles in 2013. Since then, I have started, operated, and sold two additional businesses. I am now looking to use my experience and knowledge to acquire successful companies.

I have always been incredibly driven.  In 2006, I attended the University of Southern California, on an athletic scholarship, and earned a B.S in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business. Upon graduating, I competed competitively as a professional athlete in track and field. I traveled to more than 20 different states and countries combined, and qualified for the USA 2008 Olympic Trials, and the 2012 Jamaican Olympic Trials

After ending my pro athlete career, I decided to pursue my passion of entrepreneurship.  My first business was born, in a 200 sq feet space inside a gas station.  Over the next eight years I grew, and eventually sold two businesses, Mad Men Burger & Grill, and Alfalfa Farmers Market.  I have learned a lot about managing workers, raising capital, and what it takes to grow a strong company.  I’m now looking to grow exponentially through business acquisitions. 

In 2020, I founded Acquisition Pursuits, an investment group with the focus of acquiring a food manufacturer or service based business that has competitive advantages and growth opportunities in their prospective industries.

Why I love business acquisitions

I’m intrigued by the opportunity to grow exponentially.  Why start a business when you can buy one that’s established, profitable, with management in place, and the kinks already worked out?

 M&A expert, Ace Chapman once said:

“There will be nearly a trillion dollars in wealth transfers in the next decade and, meanwhile, the millenials are starting something from scratch.”

In my business journey so far, I have been mentored by, and have collaborated with very talented individuals in the industry.  I feel the world of business is the only place with no limits or ceilings on what you earn, or the number of lives you can positively impact.

What I look for in the businesses I acquire:

I’m looking to acquire profitable, cash flowing business. They must meet the following criteria:

  • -EBITA between $1 million-$5 million
  • -Established at least five years with strong reputation in the industry
  • -Year after year, steady and increasing revenue growth
  • -Established continuing demand for product or service
  • -Management team in place
  • -Unique competitive advantage in marketplace/ community

What if your business isn’t ready to be sold ?

As a business owner most of your time is spent running your company, juggling multiple tasks, and managing employees. 

Creating an exit strategy for your business is the last thing on your really BIG To-Do List.  

How I can help you:

I’m available for appointment based consultancy on a wide range of business development services.

I specialize in:

  • Raising Capital
  • Buying/Selling Businesses
  • Exit Planning
  • Strategic Partnerships

Everyone is different, but the core competencies remain the same.  I will spend time getting to know your company, and will come up with a plan to help you sell your business and get you into the next chapter of your life.

If you are interested to find out more about me and would like to discuss selling your business, exit planning, or partnerships, let’s talk!

Intresting facts about me

  •  I  love studying great business men and women from the past. You can learn about new strategies and solutions to complex problems.  How did these entrepreneurs become so successful without the internet? They definitely were creative thinkers.
  • I enjoy experiencing new cultures and learning about different religions.  I believe we are more alike than we are different, and understanding those differences is what makes us all unique.
  • I enjoy working out and putting on my gym shoes after competing in track and field for over 14 years.  I start the day with working out and practice a fit and healthy lifestyle.