The Billionaire’s Playbook: How to Spot Trends, Scale Fast, and Never Miss the Next Big Thing

What separates those who ride the waves of change from those who are swept away? For Brad Jacobs, it’s the art and science of trendspotting—a skill that has made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. This blog unpacks his playbook for anticipating, researching, and acting on major industry shifts.

Why History Matters: Lessons from the Past

Jacobs urges leaders to view technology through a historical lens. From stone tools to the internet to AI, each leap was once unimaginable. Understanding this acceleration helps leaders anticipate when an industry is about to be transformed. Miss the wave, and you risk irrelevance; catch it, and you can build the next unicorn.

Relentless Research: Going Beyond Google

Trendspotting isn’t just about reading headlines. Jacobs immerses himself in trade journals, SEC filings, and industry conferences. He interviews experts who have weathered booms and busts, looking for patterns and contrarian insights. This disciplined curiosity uncovers opportunities others miss.

AI: The Mothership Trend

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every sector. Jacobs calls it the 'mothership'—a force that can either supercharge your business or make it obsolete. The key is to ask: Will AI disrupt my industry, or will it help me scale faster? Companies that harness AI and automation position themselves for exponential growth, while laggards risk extinction.

Turning Insights into Action: The M&A Engine

Spotting trends is only half the battle. Jacobs has mastered the art of scaling through M&A, completing over 500 acquisitions. Every deal is stress-tested for downside risk, focused on customer value, and integrated with respect for culture and people. This disciplined process turns insights into billion-dollar results.

Scalability: The Secret Ingredient

Jacobs chooses industries where growth can be exponential, not just incremental. He looks for sectors ripe for disruption—often those that seem boring or overlooked. By applying new technology and scalable systems, he creates value that compounds over time.

For founders and executives, the message is clear: become a student of trends, invest in relentless research, and act boldly on your insights. The future belongs to those who see it coming.

For a deeper dive, see reviews and summaries at SoBrief, Daniel Scrivner, and BeFreed.ai. 1 3 4