Alex Holley, owner of Be Dry Systems and Ramjack Louisville, transitioned from consulting to owning weather-dependent businesses specializing in waterproofing and foundation repair. He shares his journey of networking through 100 meetings in just four months to acquire a $4.5 million home services company. Alex discusses the intricacies of managing a crew, integrating two brands, and navigating early payroll challenges. His emphasis on building rapport with employees highlights the importance of trust and communication in the blue-collar sector.
Alex Holley demonstrated the power of networking by organizing 100 meetings in four months to identify business acquisition opportunities.
His acquisition of two related businesses allowed for optimized operations and cross-selling opportunities, significantly boosting revenue potential.
Holley highlighted the importance of building employee trust and engagement during ownership transition by proactively communicating and addressing concerns.
Deep dives
Networking as a Key Strategy for Success
Finding deal flow in local markets can be challenging due to a limited number of businesses for sale. Networking proves to be an essential strategy for success in this space, as demonstrated by Alex Holley, who set a high standard by arranging 100 meetings over three months. By proactively engaging with individuals in his community, he steadily built connections that ultimately led to his acquisition. Similar success stories from others, like Ben Rizzo and Adam Duggins, highlight the effectiveness of networking in identifying viable business opportunities.
The Appeal of Small Business Ownership
Alex Holley’s background reveals a longstanding fascination with small businesses, stemming from early interactions with families who owned them. After a career in technology consulting and then working for a local small business, he always sought to return to this environment. His decision to pursue business ownership materialized after facing layoffs, leading him to explore the possibility of acquiring an existing business rather than starting a new one. This desire to transition from consulting to entrepreneurship showcases the magnetic pull small businesses hold for many professionals.
Acquisition of Two Complementary Businesses
Holley’s acquisition included two related businesses, Be Dry Systems and Ramjack Louisville. Be Dry specializes in waterproofing and foundation repair, while Ramjack focuses on foundation stabilization, allowing for cross-selling opportunities. Having both businesses under one roof provides potential for synchronized operations, as the same crews can handle both types of services, optimizing resource use. With a combined average of $4.5 million in revenue and a solid financial foundation, both businesses are well-positioned for growth.
Navigating the Transition as a New Owner
As a new owner-operator, Holley quickly learned the importance of fostering trust with employees during the transition period. His first day involved reassuring the team about their job security, and he emphasized maintaining a positive work environment. Facing challenges such as payroll setup and unanticipated employee requests, he leveraged his background and previous corporate experience to address these issues. By engaging directly with staff and demonstrating a commitment to learning the business, he cultivated a supportive atmosphere, vital for overcoming the hurdles of business ownership.
Growth Opportunities in a Project-Based Industry
In foundation repair and waterproofing, the demand for services is often driven by urgent customer needs, making it crucial to capture leads effectively. Holley plans to leverage his personal network to increase market share without making drastic changes in the early days. He emphasized the importance of quality over quantity in hiring sales staff, leading to improved conversion rates for leads and better overall performance. By strategically enhancing the operations of both businesses and utilizing customer leads more effectively, he aims for sustainable growth over time.