Contrarian Thinking, founded by Codie Sanchez, is on a mission to help 1 million people become financially and philosophically free by teaching them to create the wealth they need to live the life they want, on their own terms!
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Is Contrarian Thinking legit?
Contrarian Thinking (contrarianthinking.co) has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 104 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Education & Training and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 98% rating it 4 stars or higher; The business has replied to 50% of negative reviews; Reviews mostly discuss User experience, Customer service. Last updated 2026-09-05.
What reviewers say
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Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the knowledgeable and helpful staff for providing valuable guidance during mentoring sessions and interactive workshops. Consumers also deeply appreciate the warm, highly supportive community and the wide abundance of practical resources designed to help individuals successfully navigate complex business acquisitions.
However, some people mentioned difficulties regarding communication and a lack of follow-up from the team. Reviewers noted that certain interactions felt overly demanding without clear operational plans provided initially, while some participants experienced frustrating communication delays or unfulfilled promises regarding ongoing support during their entrepreneurial journey.
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Really impressed by this program. From day one I felt like I would be properly set up to jump into the acquisitions space and realistically own a business within the set time frame. Codie and her entire leadership team are pros at what they do - and perhaps more importantly, they are generous with their knowledge sharing and coaching. Highly recommend to anyone interested and serious about business ownership, entrepreneurship, and wealth building.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-08-19
Thank you, June. The goal has always been to make business ownership feel achievable while giving you the tools and support to pursue it seriously. It means a lot that the quality of the team and their willingness to share what they know have made an impact. Keep going, we’re rooting for you.
Well worth the investment. The academy offerings are rich and dynamic. From education, advisory teams, top line marketplace, on and offline deal sourcing, legal, loans and deep intel on industries and geographical benchmarks. I wouldn’t want to imagine a road to acquisition without this community or platform. Absolute must for anyone that’s serious about closing deals.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-28
Joseph, this is exactly the kind of feedback we love. The goal was to put everything a buyer actually needs — sourcing, legal, financing, intel — in one place instead of making you piece it together from a dozen sources. Sounds like it's doing its job. Go close that deal!
Thirty days now in the Academy...the experience has been incredible. The knowledge transfer, endless resources at every stage, the staff experience and support mechanisms in place are unrivaled. The education is invaluable, you'll carry it with you regardless...you'll stay for the community.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-28
Kelli and Wayne, thirty days in and already feeling it — that's a great sign. The education gets you moving, but you're right that the community is what keeps people around long after the first deal. Glad you're both in it.
One of the best experiences I have had. The coaches and community are incredibly helpful at propelling each individual forward, no matter your level of knowledge. There is a constant flow of information and ways to review the information at your own speed. Contrarian is personable, and the coaches are always willing and available to help one through complex and simple problems alike. This program is an amazing value for the knowledge you receive, and the people in the community are inspiring. They are not kidding when they say this is like getting a master's degree in acquisitions.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-28
Vail, this means a lot. We built this so people could get real answers at their own pace instead of guessing alone, and hearing that it's landing that way is exactly the point. We'll take the "master's degree in acquisitions" comparison. Keep leaning on the room!
The energy is amazing! The entire CT team wants all members to be successful. They go to extremes to help each member. It doesn't matter if you're buying a small business or a large business, the effort is the same.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-28
Andy, appreciate you saying this! Whether the deal is small or massive, the standard doesn't move — every member gets the same push to get it done. Glad that's coming through, the team takes this very seriously!
There is so much knowledge and expertise to help with any type of deal. They know what to look for and think of and helped guide through the process so I felt comfortable during every step.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-28
T, thank you for this. Feeling comfortable through a deal doesn't happen by accident. it comes from having people in your corner who've already seen the patterns and know what to flag. Glad it played out that way for you. Appreciate your feedback!
Had a great time at Contrarian Camp 2026! One of the best events for the Business Acquisitions! The knowledge, wisdom, and connections are priceless!
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-15
Thanks for being part of Contrarian Camp, David. The best part of any event is what happens after everyone goes home, and it sounds like you are leaving with the right tools and the right people in your corner. That is exactly what we hoped to create. Appreciate you being along for the ride.
The support, collaboration, education, tools, and time you receive in this community are truly unparalleled. As someone preparing to buy their first business, having the Contrarian family behind me gives me the confidence that I won’t just acquire that first business — I’ll scale it, strengthen it, and use that momentum to buy my second.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-15
Andrew, we appreciate you being part of the community. Confidence comes from putting in the reps, surrounding yourself with the right people, and having the right playbook. It sounds like you're doing all three. Keep moving forward and keep us posted when that first deal closes.
Deal reviews alone are worth the cost of entry. The staff are extremely helpful and seem to have the right experience for deal advising. Brittany especially was very helpful in helping me sort out roadblocks on my business buying journey.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-15
Appreciate this, Stephen. It means a lot to hear the value is showing up where it matters most. Brittany and the team care deeply about helping members make smart decisions with confidence. Thanks for letting us be part of your journey, and we're excited to see where it takes you next.
Contrarian camp (2 day in-person workshop) was very useful. I very much needed the workshop – style format to work through some blocks to purchasing a business.
The event, and this community, is useful to those who are trying to buy a small business, or seriously considering one; very few others. It’s very focused, and NOT a general motivational or leadership program. I appreciated in particular the warnings and caveats of an acquisition from the Deal Coaches and senior staff, as many have done M&A for years. I need detailed tips not a bunch of rah-rah. Solid value for the money and time. On a final note I appreciated the young lady doing the video interviews: respectful and not intrusive. Shows that the staff (who are delightful) are all on board with the program.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-15
Really appreciate you sharing this, Raymond. We believe people deserve the full picture of business buying, including the risks and the hard conversations, not just the exciting parts. Glad the workshop helped you break through some of the blocks you were facing and that our team made the experience worthwhile. Thanks for noticing the people behind the scenes too.
Skip the business school debt. Buy a business instead!
Contrarian Camp 2026 compressed what feels like an elite MBA in small business acquisitions into three relentless days of learning from people who have actually done the work. No theories. No academic case studies. Just operators, investors, brokers, finance gurus, and acquisition entrepreneurs sharing the frameworks, strategies, and hard-earned lessons they use to buy, grow, and sell businesses every day.
The pace was intense. The content was dense. And every minute was actionable.
The price of admission? Worth its weight in gold—and then some.
But the biggest asset wasn't the curriculum. It was the room.
There's nothing more valuable than surrounding yourself with a community of people who think differently, challenge your assumptions, openly share what works (and what doesn't), SHOUT OUT to: @Rylan Harvey, @Stan Sanchez, @Tia Marciel, @Gunakar Golagana, @Hants White, @Candice Seiger, @Heather & Chris Williams, (not an exhaustive list) WOW, just wow! These great individuals genuinely want to see you succeed, it’s not about them, but YOU. When you're immersed in a room full of buyers, owners, capital providers, and operators, your standards rise, your confidence grows, and your excuses disappear.
Because of this community and everything I learned at Camp, I'm reviewing acquisition opportunities through an entirely different lens. I now have my first deal on the table, and instead of wondering if I can evaluate it, I have the confidence, frameworks, tools, and network to move through the process with conviction and speed.
That's the real ROI.
Contrarian Thinking doesn't just teach you how to buy businesses. It gives you the mindset, the playbooks, and the community to actually become an exceptional owner.
If you're serious about acquiring a business, this isn't an expense—it's an investment that pays dividends long after the weekend ends.
Sincerely,
--The Lumberjack
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-15
Kate, thank you for such a thoughtful review. We believe the best education comes from operators who have been in the trenches, and we are glad that came through for you. The fact that you are looking at acquisition opportunities with a completely different level of confidence is the outcome we hope every member walks away with. Now go build something great and keep us in the loop.
Contrarian Thinking has been such a valuable community for me as a business owner. It’s pushed me to think bigger, make smarter decisions, and look at entrepreneurship in a more practical, creative way.
What I appreciate most is that it’s not just motivational content — it’s real strategy, real conversations, and access to people who are actually building. Being surrounded by other entrepreneurs who are thinking differently, sharing resources, and challenging the traditional path has helped me feel less alone in growing my business.
I’d recommend Contrarian Thinking to any entrepreneur who wants to expand their network, sharpen their business mindset, and be in rooms with people who are serious about building something meaningful.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
Thanks for sharing this, Monica. We believe the right room changes how you think, and that changes how you build. It is great to hear the community has helped you make smarter decisions and connect with entrepreneurs who are serious about the work. We are excited to keep growing alongside you.
This is an excellent community to be part of for anyone considering buying a small business. The resources are excellent, and you genuinely get more value than what you pay for. It's clear the team is mission-driven, genuinely there to help people buy a business, not just to run a money-making machine.
The community has matured a lot over the past year. They've brought in a lot of tailored expertise, added new training resources, and the BizScout app has become seriously advanced. It's a well-organized, super helpful community, with regular office hours and weekly deal review calls.
The deal advisors are all approachable, helpful, resourceful, and experienced. A special shout-out to Nick Carey for his excellent guidance at Contrarian Camp, and to Rylan Harvey, who went above and beyond making everyone feel welcome, meeting people in person, and answering every question.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-15
Thanks for the incredible feedback, Ubaid. Hearing that you see the work happening behind the scenes means a lot because we're constantly raising the bar for our members. Nick and the rest of the team will appreciate the recognition. We're glad you're part of the community and can't wait to see what you accomplish next.
I had a great time at Camp 2026 meeting new people, and connecting with old friends. I appreciate the small group learning and discussions throughout the camp. Special thanks to Rylan for squeezing me in for a 1:1, and Joe P. and Robert S. for letting me sit in on their marketing discussion. Can't wait for the next in person event! CT Team always deliver!
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
Christine, this made our day. Camp is built around the idea that the right conversations can change your trajectory, and it sounds like you made the most of every opportunity. We’re glad the team could make room for you and help create such a memorable experience. We can’t wait to have you back.
CT has put my brain in the Owner’s seat! Mindset is everything. From clarity to confidence, Contrarian Thinking overdelivers on expectations.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
Love hearing this, Shantae. The biggest change always starts with mindset because everything else follows from there. We’re glad the clarity and confidence are showing up in a real way. Now it is time to keep building.
I had an unforgettable experience at CT Camp!The biggest value for me wasn't just the content, it was being live and in-person with so many amazing people. Relationships are everything, and this event was filled with kind, and unreasonably helpful people who genuinely want to see others succeed.
A special shoutout to Hants and Robert S. Their energy, experience, systems, and practical advice were on another level!
Can't wait for next year!
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
Thanks, Ryan. You captured exactly what makes Camp different. The sessions are valuable, but the conversations between them often change the trajectory of someone's business. We’re glad Hants and Robert helped make the experience one you will not forget, and we cannot wait to have you back next year.
I’d put 10 stars if it would let me. Being with the team this weekend made it clear that genuine mission of these amazing folks is to help would-be entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, hone the skills, and find their success in business.
Rylan Harvey, head of the academy, busy man that he is, sat down with me and listened patiently to my tentative plan and gave me the support and confidence to put this thing and gear and stomp on the gas!
But I also have to mention Hants (like pants), a deal advisor who is running his own portfolio of companies. He took a happy chance meeting to mentor me 1 on 1 for two hours that had me struggling to walk, because my pockets were overflowing from all the gold nuggets he dropped during our conversation!
These are people who care. They exist to help you succeed and it is a beautiful thing to watch when purpose and practice are married in the work they do.
This is a heart-felt ‘Thank you’.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
David, this means a lot. We’ll make sure Rylan and Hants see this because they embody exactly what we’re building around here. The best part is not the advice, it is seeing you leave ready to stop planning and start moving. Thanks for trusting us to be part of your journey.
Brittany Hill is an amazing part of the Contrarian Team. She helped me gain clarity and gave me incredible advice that inspired me to move forward in the process.
The Contrarian team was and is very impressive and encouraging. It's amazing how they want to give back and see others succeed.
This is truly a special group of people that are changing the world for the better.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
Really appreciate you sharing this, Jake. We'll make sure Brittany sees your shout out because helping members find clarity and take action is exactly what she's here to do. Building business owners is what drives this team every day. Thanks for trusting us to be part of your journey.
Hi caliber staff. Great mission. Sincere group of trustworthy people. Lots of powerful white collar and blue collar experience among them.
Attended the Camp 2026—Exceptionally high-quality experience!
No high pressured sales tactics.
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
Thank you, Tia. One of our biggest goals is creating a room full of people you can actually learn from and trust. We are glad Camp lived up to that for you and that the experience spoke for itself. Looking forward to seeing what you build next.
I went to Camp with Contrarian Academy with a goal in mind, and through talking with everyone, I gained great clarity. The plan I had in mind wasn’t right for me. Through conversations at Camp I now have clarity about what I actually need to move forward and get my first deal done. Everyone was incredibly supportive, encouraging and very wise. Brittany Hill was especially helpful (my MVP or whatever). She dug into my background, my skills, my interests and provided insights, ideas, and much needed encouragement for my process. Ellie Price was a close second, providing a very similar dynamic to Brittany. (Sorry Ellie, I had to pick one 🤷).
Though I barely know the people at Contrarian Thinking, I can’t help but feel a little like they’re family now after being at Camp. I am already planning to go next year - maybe with a first acquisition to tell about!
Reply from Contrarian Thinking 2026-07-02
Joseph, we really appreciate you taking the time to write this. The right conversation at the right time can change everything, and it sounds like that is exactly what happened at Camp. We will make sure Brittany and Ellie see your kind words. Now go get that first deal done and keep us posted along the way.