Walker Deibel
Walker Deibel is a serial acquisition entrepreneur, bestselling author, Emmy-nominated film producer, and award-winning M&A advisor. He is the Founder of Acquisition Lab, a premier business buying accelerator that equips entrepreneurs with world-class education, proven tools, expert resources, and group coaching to help them successfully acquire and scale businesses. Deibel is best known as the author of Buy Then Build, a bestselling book hailed by Forbes as “one of the top 7 books all entrepreneurs must read.” With over a decade of hands-on experience, Deibel has acquired seven companies and participated in more than 100 private transactions, building a reputation as a leading voice in small business acquisition and ETA. He has owned and operated companies across diverse industries, including manufacturing, fulfillment, software, education, and eCommerce, and has co-founded several startups throughout his career.
Walker Deibel Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Founder and Creator
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Founder
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Contributor
Academic History
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M.B.A., Marketing Strategy and Entrepreneurship
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B.A., English Literature and Religious Studies
Walker Deibel is widely recognized for his innovative approach to entrepreneurship through acquisition, empowering individuals to buy and scale established businesses rather than starting from scratch.
A Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, he has dedicated his career to educating and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs on how to successfully navigate business acquisitions.
Through his book Buy Then Build and the Acquisition Lab, Walker provides world-class education, tools, resources, and group coaching programs that equip business buyers with the knowledge and strategies they need to succeed.
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Founder, BuildWealth
Managing Director, Centra Holdings
Producer, Deibel Films
Partner, Codesmith
RECOGNITIONS
2020 Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship
2020 Axial's Thought Leader of the Year
2020 Alliance of M&A Advisors' Middle Market Thought Leader of the Year
MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS
Walker's book Buy Then Build has become the definitive guide for those entering the world of acquisition entrepreneurship, often cited as required reading in entrepreneurial circles and university programs.
He has delivered keynote speeches at Duke University, MIT, and the Alliance of M&A Advisors Conference, sharing insights on buying, growing, and scaling businesses.
His expertise has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Fast Company, and the Harvard Business Review.
Beyond business, Walker is also an accomplished Emmy-nominated film producer, with nearly a dozen films premiering at prestigious festivals including Sundance, SXSW, and the Toronto International Film Festival.