I Left JP Morgan to Make Millions Buying Boring Businesses

In this episode of the Deal Flow Show, we sit down with Ben Kelly, the founder of Acquisition Ace and one of the most respected voices in the small business acquisition space. Ben shares how he transitioned from Army Intelligence and JP Morgan to owning multiple cash-flowing businesses—all while prioritizing family, faith, and time over hustle culture.You’ll learn how Ben makes over $1M per year while working 20–25 hours a week, why he refuses to overwork, and how he uses leverage, teams, and personal brand to scale smarter—not harder.Whether you're a private equity investor, solopreneur, or acquisition rookie, this episode is a masterclass in using acquisitions to buy back your life.Sign up to our newsletter where the heavyweights of high finance share their off-market playbook: https://offmarketmemo.beehiiv.com/ 00:00 - Intro: Meet Ben Kelly00:33 - Ben’s background: Army Intel → JP Morgan → Entrepreneurship01:30 - Teaching others to acquire businesses for $150K+ cash flow03:00 - Why people misunderstand what Ben teaches04:00 - The myth of “get rich quick” business buying05:00 - How Ben transitioned for time freedom06:30 - Why time—not money—is his #1 value07:30 - The $5K SaaS deal that became $180K/year08:30 - How Ben works 20–25 hours a week (with 4 kids)10:00 - The secret: Only buy businesses you don’t have to run11:00 - How Ben picks the right people before he buys12:00 - What he looks for in a general manager14:00 - How to “read the energy” of a business during due diligence16:30 - The role of faith in how Ben leads and hires19:00 - Why Ben’s values shape every business decision21:00 - Business can be dirty—why integrity pays long term23:00 - Ben’s upbringing and personal faith journey26:00 - Why some Christians chase billions and others chase family28:00 - Ben’s daily schedule: 5-hour workdays by design30:00 - The 4-filter system Ben uses to say yes or no to ideas32:00 - ROI filter: Only doing what compounds his existing strengths34:30 - Why brand is now the centerpiece of his business model36:00 - How his newsletter and content drive deal flow passively38:00 - What social media does that cold calls can’t40:00 - The unfair advantage of brand: speed and reach42:00 - Ben’s superpower: thinking through people, not tasks44:00 - How Ben values his time in dollars before taking on new projects46:00 - How he customizes incentives to each person on his team48:00 - The biblical principle that fuels his generosity50:00 - Paying people more than they ask for (on purpose)51:00 - Crash course: How to find, fund, and integrate a deal54:00 - Why you should wait 90 days before changing anything55:00 - Where to find Ben online