A Legacy of Entrepreneurship

The time has come. I’ve decided to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey—through acquisition. Whether you call it ETA, a search fund, or “buy then build,” the core idea remains the same: I am pursuing the acquisition of a small business that I will own and operate. Today, I want to share the driving force behind this decision—one deeply rooted in my family’s history.

Entrepreneurship has been woven into the fabric of my family for generations. My grandfather, Gary Bradley—our family’s historian—has spent over a decade uncovering our lineage in Mitchell County, GA. Through his research, he has brought to life the stories of our ancestors, many of whom were business owners and landowners.

One story in particular stands out: my relatives once owned and operated a successful store in the early 20th century. Another sheds light on the vast farmland my family once cultivated, some of which remains in the hands of distant relatives today. These themes of ownership, independence, and self-sufficiency are not just part of our history; they are part of our identity.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that my grandfather himself was an entrepreneur—one who, in many ways, pioneered my path. In 2000, he acquired Dempsey’s Grill in Troy, NY, a bar that had been owned by the same family for 40 years. He sought to preserve its character while making small but meaningful changes—one of which was renaming it Bradley’s Tavern as a tribute to our family.

As a child, I cherished the summers I spent working alongside my grandfather at the bar. I’d wake up at the crack of dawn to join him, taking on tasks like cleaning, stocking shelves, and breaking down boxes. The work wasn’t glamorous, but it was invaluable. It taught me discipline, the importance of seemingly “menial” tasks, and, most importantly, what it truly means to be a small business owner—someone who wears many hats and is deeply involved in every aspect of the business.

My grandfather retired in 2017, selling the bar to another entrepreneur through acquisition. In a fitting tribute, the new owner renamed it The Bradley—honoring both the legacy my grandfather built and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our family.

Now, it’s my turn. Inspired by my grandfather’s journey and the generations before him, I am stepping into the world of entrepreneurship through acquisition. This is more than a career move—it’s a continuation of a legacy.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you all.