Peter Wild, a seller who finally sold his business after being introduced to the searcher community, discusses the psychology of a seller, finding the right buyer, upgrading to Salesforce, and selling to a "searcher." They also discuss the history of the organic tree health industry and the owner's life as a proxy for whether to buy a business.
Peter Wild found success in selling his business by connecting with the searcher community and identifying the right buyer who shared his vision and passion for the industry.
The adoption of technology and digital transformation, including the use of Salesforce and digital contracts, played a crucial role in the growth and success of Boston Tree Preservation.
The podcast highlights the significance of organic lawn care and the development of the first organic lawn care company in Massachusetts, showcasing the importance of addressing underlying landscape issues to deliver long-term results.
Deep dives
Background and evolution of Boston Tree Preservation
Peter Wilde, the founder of Boston Tree Preservation, started the business in 1977 as a basic tree care company. Over time, he evolved the company's approach to focus on organics and plant health care, addressing the unique challenges faced by trees in the urban forest. By improving soil health and using organic soil amendments, the business differentiated itself from competitors and gained a loyal customer base that valued environmentally friendly practices. The company's success was driven by its expertise, track record, and passionate commitment to the health of trees and landscapes.
The journey to selling the business and finding the right buyer
After receiving multiple offers from competitors interested in acquiring the business at a low price, Peter decided to explore alternative options. He was aware of the search fund model but initially believed it was more suitable for larger businesses. However, after connecting with Carlos Laconi, an MBA graduate experienced in entrepreneurship through acquisition, they realized that the search fund model could work for Boston Tree Preservation. With Carlos on board as the presale operator, the company focused on growth, implemented digital transformation, and optimized operations. Together, they identified the right buyer, Don Gorley, who shared their vision and passion for the industry. The transaction was executed smoothly, and the transition of ownership was successful.
The importance of technology and digital transformation
Boston Tree Preservation's adoption of technology and digital transformation played a crucial role in the company's growth and success. By leveraging tools like Salesforce and digital contracts, they streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer experience. The implementation of telehealth practices during the COVID-19 pandemic further exemplified their commitment to innovation and customer service. The company's embrace of bleeding-edge technology and integration of new systems propelled its growth and positioned it as a leader in the industry.
The Importance of Organic Lawn Care
The podcast episode highlights the significance of organic lawn care and the development of the first organic lawn care company in Massachusetts in 1996. The speaker emphasizes that traditional lawn care often fails to satisfy customers due to weed problems. They discuss how weeds can serve as messengers indicating underlying landscape issues. The organic lawn care company introduced a three-year approach to gradually fix lawn problems, promoting customer retention and delivering long-term results. The success of the organic lawn care program led to the sale of the company to the person who had been running it.
Opportunity in the Green Industry
The episode explores the green industry and the speaker's experiences as an entrepreneur. They note that the green industry, particularly in landscaping, had not been fully professionalized, leaving room for growth and opportunity. The speaker expresses their excitement for the endless possibilities in the industry and their eagerness to explore new business ideas. They discuss strategic moves made to differentiate themselves from competitors and successfully navigate the industry. The episode highlights the importance of finding the right buyer or partner when selling a business to maintain its legacy and maximize value.
