Experience/thoughts on semi-absentee ownership

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by a searcher from Babson College - F.W. Olin Graduate School
in Chapel Hill, NC, USA

7mos ago

Experience/thoughts on semi-absentee ownership

I'm evaluating a business (a chain of a few fitness studios) located about 2 hours away. There is apparently a strong management team in place, and the current owner isn't heavily involved day to day. However, I'd only be able to go there for a few days every other week... I'm curious what people's general perspective and/or experience is on semi-absentee ownership...is it doable? does the risk factor for success increase markedly?

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reply by a searcher 6mos ago
from Babson College in Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Thanks Andrew. Circling back on this thread and agree. From everything I've read, it's very common that owner's underestimate (often inadvertently) their day-to-day involvement. The classic "how often does their phone ring during lunch" test is one way to uncover the true level of involvement.

reply by a searcher 6mos ago
from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, USA

Absentee ownership for businesses this small is generally a pipe-dream. The stakes are too high and management levels are almost always too thin in these firms. If you want absentee ownership, buy stocks.