There’s a lot of glamor around starting from scratch.

The zero-to-one stories. The bootstrap hustle. The tech unicorns.

But what if the real growth opportunity—especially for those of us focused on time, freedom, and cash flow—was buying a business that already works?

That’s exactly what Robert Dicks did.

Former Air Force officer. Tech startup veteran. Now owner of Unicorn Moving in Austin, Texas.

He didn’t build from scratch—he bought an existing business, stabilized it, and scaled it. And the lessons he shared on The Ownership Advantage are a masterclass in modern-day business ownership.

Here are the takeaways every operator and investor should hear:

1. Walk Into Cash Flow, Not Chaos

Startups are sexy. But they’re often slow, expensive, and risky.

Buying right lets you shortcut straight into momentum.

“There’s no better learning than by doing,” Robert shared. “If you can walk into a successful business, then you walk into cash flow.”

His sweet spot? Businesses with real revenue, solid reputations, and untapped potential—especially when paired with a buyer who brings a specific “superpower” to the table (like marketing, ops, or tech).

2. Stability First. Strategy Second.

When you buy a business, your first job isn’t to innovate.

It’s to build trust.

Robert resisted the urge to change everything in the first 90 days. Instead, he focused on psychological safety:

• One-on-one team meetings

• Retention bonuses

• Symbolic raises

• And a clear message: “We’re here to build, not break.”

“You don’t know enough in the first year to change anything,” he said.

That humility is rare—and powerful.

3. Dirty Boots > Flashy Startups

There’s massive opportunity in the trades right now.

Moving. Plumbing. HVAC. Landscaping.

What Robert calls “dirty boots businesses.”

They’re:

✅ Always in demand

✅ Often run by retiring boomers

✅ Undervalued because they’re unsexy

If you bring modern tools, marketing, and systems to a legacy business with a strong team? You’re not just buying a job. You’re unlocking equity.

4. Old School Service Meets New School Tech

Robert didn’t just keep the old systems—he upgraded them.

From AI-powered customer service to automated bookkeeping, he’s bringing 2025 thinking into an industry still stuck in 2010.

And Thats the Advantage: Most operators aren’t tech-forward.

“It’s never been easier to create efficiencies,” he told me.

Most just don’t know where to start.

5. Culture Is the Moat

There’s a reason his team sticks around. Some of them have been at Unicorn for 10+ years in an industry known for high turnover.

His secret?

• Hire for heart

• Reward loyalty

• Say thank you daily

• And don’t tolerate high-performers who poison the culture

No spreadsheet can replace that.

Final Word: Buy Smart. Lead with Humility. Build Something That Lasts.

Robert didn’t just buy a moving company.

He bought a legacy—and upgraded it with modern systems, tech, and leadership.

If you’re a business owner tired of the grind…

Or an investor looking for real-world cash flow instead of paper valuations…

Robert’s story is proof:

Buying a good business and leading it well can change your life.

▶️ Watch the full episode here:

🎧 Prefer audio? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ownership-advantage-w-tanner-obrien/id1742349209?i=1000717182233

🧠 Want help finding or growing a business like this? DM me “OWNERSHIP”