Consultant Paul Callahan: Your Consulting Job Is ETA Training
Paul Callahan left top consulting to buy Metro Metalworks. His secret: a management consulting career built the ideal general manager skillset for ETA.
Career Consultant Who Bought a 7-Figure Manufacturer | Paul Callahan Interview
With Will Smith, Paul Callahan · Sunday, July 12, 2026
Paul Callahan, a former management consultant at top firms, shares his journey into entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) by purchasing Metro Metalworks, a 7-figure metal fabrication business. He discusses the motivations behind his career pivot, the complexities of deal structuring including unique SBA financing for real estate and managing net working capital adjustments, and his post-acquisition strategy for leveraging technology to modernize the capital-intensive manufacturing operation.
Stay W2, Buy an Advisor: The High-Salary ETA Playbook
For high-earning founders, quitting your W2 for ETA is a huge opportunity cost. Paul Callahan and Will Smith unpack why paying for a buy-side advisor while working makes financial sense.
Metro Metalworks: Paul Callahan's Tech-First, People-First Growth
Paul Callahan bought a metal fabricator. His 'tech-first' growth strategy? Slow, careful implementation, prioritizing people over new software. Learn how he does it.
NWC Peg Cost Paul Callahan Six Figures After Close
Paul Callahan's Metro Metalworks acquisition led to a painful six-figure NWC true-up, despite strong performance. Learn to structure your NWC payment terms smarter.
Split Your Acquisition: SBA 7A & 504 Loan Tactic
Paul Callahan split his Metro Metalworks acquisition into business (7A) and real estate (504) to get 25-year amortization. Optimize your acquisition cash flow.