Small Businesses: Insights on Growth, Challenges, and Resilience in Contract Cleaning

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, we sit down with Mark Herbick, founder and CEO of Pursant, who brings over 30 years of experience to the contract cleaning industry. Tune in to explore the nuanced world of small business valuation and what it takes to thrive in a sector known for its low barrier to entry but high demands of grit and ambition. Mark shares his observations on the current landscape for small businesses in contract cleaning, including the emotional and operational challenges owners face as they scale. We also dive into strategic growth opportunities, owners getting comfortable with the idea of making themselves obsolete, and what the path looks like when it’s time to sell. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started, this conversation offers valuable takeaways to understand the realities of today’s small business landscape. _____________________________________________________________________________ Mark Herbick is the founder and CEO of Pursant, a middle market advisory firm specializing in M&A, private capital market financing, transaction advisory services, financial leadership support, and consulting related to business value enhancement. The firm’s integrative, customized suite of services deliver the insight and guidance parties seek to confidently navigate complex strategic transactions. Prior to founding Pursant, Mark was a serial entrepreneur and buyer/seller of businesses, having bought, sold, and operated over a dozen companies of his own and advised on countless strategic transactions in numerous sectors, including the building service contract sector. He grew his companies through acquisitions, strategic divestitures of divisions and managed organic growth. During his time as an operator, Mark found that to best grow enterprise value, it was necessary to become proficient at optimizing company performance and executing strategic transactions. He honed his skills in these areas and in 2009 founded Pursant, LLC. The firm works on over 50 transactions a year ranging in value from $10m-$500m.