The Complete HoldCo Course 2023

A Comprehensive 5-Step Guide to Building, Scaling, and Exiting Your Holding Company

Welcome to The Complete HoldCo Course 2023, the definitive guide for HoldCo owners, aspiring business owners, and entrepreneurs who want to leverage over 25 years of experience to maximize profits, minimize taxes, and enjoy more freedom. This course is crafted for those who are ready to take control of their future and create lasting wealth through the power of the HoldCo structure.

Who Should Enroll?

• Current HoldCo Owners: If you’re looking to scale, optimize operations, or plan for a profitable exit, this course is for you.
• Business Owners: Single business owners wanting to transition into the HoldCo model to increase profitability and efficiency.
• Aspiring HoldCo Owners: If you’re planning to buy your first company and want to understand the essential steps in creating a successful HoldCo.

Why Choose a Holding Company Lifestyle?

Until recently, the only two paths for wealth-building were owning and operating a company or being an investor. Now, the concept of Holding Companies (HoldCos) presents an attractive third path, where you can manage multiple companies, enjoy operational freedom, and maximize your profits. With more than 45% of businesses in America owned by Baby Boomers nearing retirement, the timing is perfect for transitioning to a HoldCo model and benefiting from the abundance of acquisition opportunities.

The Complete HoldCo Course is based on over 25 years of expertise from Michael Girdley, who built a $100M/year holding company. By enrolling, you’ll learn exactly how to start, operate, grow, and exit your HoldCo while gaining direct access to industry-leading knowledge, a wealth of real-world examples, and invaluable community support.

What Will You Learn?

• Foundation of HoldCos: Learn the underlying principles and operations of a successful holding company.
• Structuring Your HoldCo: Understand how to start your own HoldCo and establish a solid structure for long-term success.
• Proven Playbooks and Practices: Adopt tested strategies to run your HoldCo efficiently, minimize risks, and ensure growth.
• Growth Strategies: Discover the different ways to grow your HoldCo, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
• Exit Strategies: Master how and when to exit your HoldCo, and the tax implications that come with each path.
• Tips and Tricks: Learn essential tips and tricks to help you grow your HoldCo into a winner.
• Know if HoldCo Ownership Is Right for You: Learn how to assess whether becoming a HoldCo owner aligns with your goals and ambitions.

‍ Meet Michael Girdley

I’m Michael Girdley, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a wealth of experience building successful businesses. I’m the Chairman and co-founder of Dura Software, the second-largest software company in San Antonio, Texas. Over the years, I’ve also co-founded several other ventures, including Codeup, Effectual Ventures, and Red Runner Coffee, and have contributed to creating 1,000+ new tech jobs in my community. My journey as a business leader and HoldCo owner has allowed me to become a trusted figure in the startup ecosystem.

Course Overview: Program Breakdown

Phase 1: What is a Holding Company?

In this phase, you will understand the fundamentals of a Holding Company (HoldCo), including the various types, advantages, and disadvantages of this structure. You’ll also learn how a HoldCo CEO’s daily routine differs from that of an operating business CEO and how to solve common startup challenges when launching your own HoldCo.

• Lesson 1.1: What is a Holding Company?
• Lesson 1.2: Why and when you need a HoldCo?
• Lesson 1.3: HoldCo types and examples
• Lesson 1.4: Comparing Each Type of HoldCo
• Lesson 1.5: Advantages of a Holding Company Structure
• Lesson 1.6: Disadvantages of a Holding Company
• Lesson 1.7: CEO of a HoldCo versus CEO of an Operating Business
• Lesson 1.8: How HoldCo CEOs Spend Their Days
• Lesson 1.9: The Capital Allocation Game
• Lesson 1.10: The Cold Start Problem

Phase 2: Starting Your HoldCo

This phase teaches you the 7-step process to start your own HoldCo, from planning and organizing to hiring the right team and filing for your HoldCo structure. Each step is carefully outlined to ensure you have all the tools and resources you need for success.

• Lesson 2.1: Step 1: Making a Plan
• Lesson 2.2: Step 2: Analyze your Needs
• Lesson 2.3: Step 3: Develop a Proposed Organizational Design
• Lesson 2.4: Step 4: Hire a Structuring Attorney
• Lesson 2.5: Step 5: Engage a Tax Advisor
• Lesson 2.6: Step 6: Review with Your HoldCo Team of Advisors
• Lesson 2.7: Step 7: File and Operate

Phase 3: Operating Your HoldCo

You’ll gain valuable insights into building an efficient HoldCo by implementing standardized playbooks, managing interaction models between portfolio companies, and mastering board meetings to maintain operational excellence.

• Lesson 3.1: Standardized Playbooks for Companies
• Lesson 3.2: Defining Interaction Models with your Holdings
• Lesson 3.3: How to Run Board Meetings
• Lesson 3.4: Defining Interaction Models Between Companies

Phase 4: Growing Your HoldCo

In this phase, you will learn the best practices for recruiting top CEOs for your HoldCo, driving organic growth, and leveraging M&A for inorganic growth. This is the key to expanding your business portfolio.

• Lesson 4.1: How to Recruit CEOs
• Lesson 4.2: CEO Compensation Strategy
• Lesson 4.3: Financial Considerations and Organic Growth
• Lesson 4.4: Incubating New Companies
• Lesson 4.5: Financing Growth

Phase 5: Exiting Your HoldCo

The final phase guides you through the process of exiting your HoldCo, covering various exit strategies and their tax implications. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and gain insights into the best online communities for ongoing support.

• Lesson 5.1: Exiting Your HoldCo
• Lesson 5.2: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Lesson 5.3: Getting Help and Online Communities

Ready to Build, Scale, and Exit Your Own HoldCo?

Enroll in The Complete HoldCo Course 2023 today and start your journey to becoming a successful HoldCo owner. Leverage Michael Girdley’s 25+ years of experience and gain access to industry expertise, community support, and actionable strategies that will take your business to the next level.