From Italy to Independence: The Realities of Buying a Business

Italy is teaching me something: business can be built around lifestyle. Owners close their shops for a few hours, and no one bats an eye. Work supports life.

That’s not how it works in America. If you buy a business, you’re stepping into long days, tough decisions, and pressure that doesn’t stop just because you want an afternoon off.

The Italian Dream vs. The American Grind

In Italy, you might inherit the family café that’s been running for generations. Customers are loyal, and the rhythm of the business has been set for decades.

In America, when you buy a business, you’re not inheriting a smooth-running lifestyle machine — you’re inheriting employees, customers, systems, and problems that all need your attention.

The reality is:

• You will work harder in the beginning.

• You’ll face sleepless nights managing cash flow and staffing.

• You’ll be wearing multiple hats until you can build the right team.

That’s the grind no one should sugarcoat.

What Makes It Worth It

So why do it? Because despite the grind, buying a business gives you something you’ll never get working for someone else: control.

When you own a business, you’re building equity, creating something lasting, and giving yourself a shot at real independence. The freedom to travel more, spend more time with family, or design your own lifestyle doesn’t happen on day one. It happens after you put in the sweat equity.

Lessons From Italy for Business Buyers

Italy is a reminder that lifestyle matters — but lifestyle is earned.

If you’re buying a business, ask yourself:

• Am I willing to put in the hours at the start?

• Can I push through the challenges until the systems run without me?

• Do I want this badly enough to grind for the freedom later?

That’s the mindset shift every buyer needs.

Why WE Built The Buyer’s EDGE Club

This trip is reminding me of the gap between the dream of owning a business and the reality of it. That’s why we created The Buyer’s EDGE Club.

Inside the club, we:

• Teach buyers what business ownership really takes.

• Show how to evaluate businesses not just by numbers, but by whether you can handle the workload.

• Provide a community and resources so you don’t have to face the grind alone.

It’s where buyers prepare for the reality of business ownership, and position themselves for the reward that comes after.

Italy is inspiring, no doubt. But back in America, if you want that kind of lifestyle, you’ve got to be willing to work for it. Buying a business is not a shortcut, it’s a challenge.

If you’re ready to face that challenge and build your own independence, join me in The Buyer’s EDGE Club. We’ll help you do it the right way.