Contrarian Thinking Review (2026): Should You Buy a Boring Small Business?
On This Page
- Contrarian Thinking in One Minute
- Programs for Buyers and Owners
- The "Buy a Boring Business" Idea
- Businesses the Model Usually Targets
- What Can Go Wrong
- The Earnings Disclaimer
- Free Ways to Learn First
- Who It Suits Least
- Before You Buy a Program
- Alternatives to Consider
- Is Contrarian Thinking Legit?
- Pros and Cons
- Who It Suits
- Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026
- Other Reviews Readers Compare
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Verdict on Contrarian Thinking
Contrarian Thinking in One Minute
Contrarian Thinking is the education company of Codie Sanchez, a former finance professional known for promoting the idea of buying "boring," cash-flowing small businesses such as laundromats, car washes and service firms. Based in Austin, Texas, it sells programs for business buyers and business owners, a community, in-person workshops and a free weekly newsletter, The Main Street Minute. It says it has taught 10,000 members over five years.
| Founder | Codie Sanchez |
|---|---|
| Company | Contrarian Thinking LLC |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Focus | Buying and growing small businesses |
| Members taught | 10,000 over 5 years (per its site) |
| Free content | The Main Street Minute newsletter |
Programs for Buyers and Owners
- For buyers: an acquisition community and system for finding, evaluating and buying a first business.
- For owners: growth cohorts and a "Boardroom" peer group.
- Workshops: such as a Growth Accelerator workshop in Austin in November 2026.
Prices aren't listed on its homepage; you go through an application or concierge.
The "Buy a Boring Business" Idea
The pitch: many small business owners are retiring, and buying an existing profitable business can be less risky than starting one. That's a real trend. But buying a business still requires capital or financing (often SBA loans), due diligence, and the skills to manage staff and operations.
Businesses the Model Usually Targets
| Type | Why buyers like it | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Laundromats | Simple operations | Aging machines, lease terms |
| Car washes | Recurring customers | Equipment and water costs |
| Home services (HVAC, plumbing) | Steady demand | Reliance on licensed staff |
| Vending and route businesses | Low staffing | Thin margins |
Each type has its own risks; none is passive once you own it.
What Can Go Wrong
- Overpaying based on inflated seller numbers.
- Hidden debts, lease problems or customer concentration.
- Personal guarantees on loans.
- Owner-dependent businesses that decline after the sale.
Use an accountant and attorney for every deal.
The Earnings Disclaimer
Its site says results are not typical or guaranteed and that it doesn't track typical member results. That's honest, and it means testimonials show the best cases.
Free Ways to Learn First
The newsletter, Codie Sanchez's free videos and SBA resources on buying a business cover the basics. Learn how to read a profit and loss statement and a seller's discretionary earnings figure before paying for a program.
Who It Suits Least
People with no savings, no access to financing or no interest in managing staff will find the acquisition path hard. A small online project costs less to test while you build capital.
Before You Buy a Program
- Read the free newsletter for a month.
- Learn basic deal math and SBA loan rules.
- Get the program price and refund terms in writing.
- Talk to members outside the sales call.
- Budget for advisers on your first deal.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want a lower-cost start, an online business can be tested for little money with tools like Systeme.io.
Is Contrarian Thinking Legit?
Yes. It's an established education company with a well-known founder and a clear earnings disclaimer. Buying a business carries real financial risk.
Pros and Cons
What Stands Out
- Practical, popular acquisition focus
- Free newsletter and content
- Clear earnings disclaimer
What to Weigh Up
- Prices not published on homepage
- Buying a business needs capital and diligence
- Results not tracked
Who It Suits
People with savings or financing access who want to buy and run a small business.
Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026
If Contrarian Thinking isn't the right fit for you, here's what we suggest instead.
After comparing hundreds of programs over the years, we know what works and what doesn't. In fact, most of the business opportunities are either instant cash grab schemes or scams or they require experience. However, this beginner-friendly system stood out and is our #1 recommendation for 2026.
Other Reviews Readers Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Founded Contrarian Thinking?
Codie Sanchez.
Where Is Contrarian Thinking Based?
Austin, Texas.
Does It Have a Free Newsletter?
Yes, The Main Street Minute.
Are Results Guaranteed?
No, its disclaimer says results aren't typical or guaranteed.
Our Verdict on Contrarian Thinking
A credible guide to a real strategy. Learn the deal basics free before paying.
Looking for a Better Starting Point Than Contrarian Thinking?
Consider our #1 recommendation for making money online in 2026.