How a Former US Navy Mechanical Engineer Sold His Tattoo Business for 10X Its Purchase Price

Introduction

Transitioning from a Navy mechanical engineer to a successful digital entrepreneur is no small feat. But that’s exactly what Jay Haussman from Bend, Oregon, accomplished. When Jay purchased Tattooing 101, he had no idea this business venture would become the most valuable learning experience of his life — surpassing even his formal education.

In this post, we’ll explore Jay’s journey, the risks he took, and how he eventually sold his business for 10 times its original purchase price. If you’re interested in finding digital businesses to buy and grow, subscribe to the Digital Sniper newsletter, which sends curated digital business opportunities straight to your inbox twice weekly — completely free of charge.

From Shipmate to Entrepreneur

Jay’s entrepreneurial journey began while he was still serving in the Navy. He offered free tattooing services to his shipmates and tried his hand at dropshipping. But despite his efforts, these ventures didn’t yield the financial success he was looking for. It wasn’t until he acquired an online tattoo education business that he found his true calling in the digital space.

Finding the Right Business

Jay’s transition from tattoo artist to the owner of Tattooing 101 was seamless and almost organic. The business was in an industry he was passionate about, and he quickly built a rapport with the seller. As he explored various business opportunities — from content sites to Ecommerce stores — Jay found both entry-level opportunities and high-value assets.

After carefully assessing the risks and potential for low returns, Jay took the plunge and acquired Tattooing 101. It was a big leap, but one that would pay off immensely.

Taking Calculated Risks

One of the keys to Jay’s success was the support he received from the previous business owner. He was shown the inner workings of the business, and after conducting thorough due diligence, Jay felt confident that Tattooing 101 was aligned with his goals.

Despite the initial discomfort of investing $10,000 into the business, Jay knew it was a calculated risk worth taking.

Learning by Doing

Without a formal guidebook, Jay dove headfirst into running the business. When faced with challenges, like improving SEO, he took the initiative to learn and apply new skills.

“I focused on what was working well and identified areas for improvement,” Jay explains. “Scaling the asset after I acquired it involved building on the existing foundation.”

Over time, Jay grew weary of managing the technical aspects and decided to shift his focus toward general marketing, which led him to sell the business.

The Big Payoff

When Jay finally sold Tattooing 101, he managed to close the deal for roughly 10 times what he initially paid.

“Acquiring something already in motion provided the foundation to build upon and brought me to where I am today — not just financially, but in terms of lifestyle as well,” Jay reflects. “This journey has changed my life.”

Conclusion

Jay’s story is a testament to the power of taking calculated risks and learning through experience. His journey from a Navy engineer to a successful entrepreneur offers valuable insights for anyone looking to venture into digital businesses.

If you’re inspired by Jay’s success and want to explore similar opportunities, consider subscribing to the Digital Sniper newsletter. Twice a week, you’ll receive curated digital businesses for sale sent directly to your inbox — free of charge. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your portfolio, Digital Sniper can help you find the perfect opportunity.

References:

• Domingos, M. (2023, December 5). How This Former US Navy Mechanical Engineer Sold His Tattoo Business for 10X What He Originally Bought it For. Retrieved from Flippa Success Stories.
• Haussman, J. (2023). Personal interview with Jay Haussman on his business acquisition journey.
• Flippa. (2023). Flippa Buyer and Seller Experiences. Available at Flippa Official Site.