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Jed Morris is the Founder and Managing Partner of Sunset Coast Capital, where he leads investments in U.S.-based aerospace and defence businesses. He specializes in helping acquisition entrepreneurs and independent sponsors navigate the complexities of small business ownership, diligence, and operator readiness.
Jed’s career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he held financial leadership roles from base operations to the Pentagon. After earning his MBA from NYU Stern, he led engineering programs at Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Hewlett-Packard.
In 2023, Jed left big tech to pursue business ownership full-time. He acquired two founder-led companies through a self-funded search, an experience that continues to shape his perspective on risk, diligence, and leadership. He also advises buyers through his Searcher School program and is the author of Buyer Beware: Lessons from Failed Business Buyers (Fall 2025).
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Facing the Worst-Case Scenario: How Jed Morris Lost His Business and Rebuilt His Life – In The Trenches
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Episode Summary with Timestamps
- 00:00 Introduction to Jed Morris and His Journey
- 07:23 From Military to Business School: The Transition
- 10:22 The Search Process: Finding the Right Business
- 13:11 Acquisition Strategy: The Landscaping Business
- 16:31 The Acquisition Process: Challenges and Lessons Learned
- 19:18 Navigating Cash Flow and Cultural Challenges
- 22:17 The Downfall: Lessons from Failure
- 25:27 Personal Implications and Reflections on Failure
- 31:55 Struggles and Decisions in Business Survival
- 41:37 Raising Capital from Friends and Family
- 44:43 Reflections on Company Size and Valuation
- 53:06 The Importance of Organic Growth
- 59:13 Challenges of Integration in Acquisitions
- 01:01:55 Understanding Personal Guarantees in Business Acquisition
- 01:06:21 Diligence: Trusting the Seller
- 01:12:06 The Importance of Searching on the Side
- 01:17:29 Transformative Lessons from Business Failures
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Thanks to our Sponsors
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