The Thoughtful Entrepreneur 2319 - Essential Insights for Home Services Business Owners with Commonwealth M&A's Joseph Bergin
How to Prepare Your Home Services Business for a Successful Sale: Expert Insights from Joe Bergin of Commonwealth M&A
In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Joe Bergin, Co-founder of Commonwealth M&A, about how home services business owners—such as those in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, or landscaping—can prepare their companies for a successful sale. With his blend of blue-collar roots and M&A expertise, Joe shares how to transform years of hard work into a legacy-defining exit. He provides straightforward, actionable advice to help business owners position their companies for maximum value and long-term success.
Preparing for the “Deal of a Lifetime”
Joe explains that selling a home services business isn’t something to rush—it’s a process that ideally begins three to five years before you plan to exit. Investors are drawn to these companies for their recurring revenue, resilience, and workforce stability, but only if the business can operate independently of its owner. To increase your company’s value, Joe recommends shifting from an owner-operator mindset to that of an asset manager—documenting systems, empowering leaders, and ensuring your business thrives without daily oversight.
Financial clarity is equally vital. Moving from cash-based to accrual accounting and cleaning up your financial records gives buyers confidence and accurately reflects your company’s true performance. Joe emphasizes the power of predictable, recurring revenue through maintenance contracts and service plans, which not only stabilize cash flow but also make your business more attractive to investors seeking long-term value.
Ultimately, Joe’s message is about intentional preparation. By treating your company as a scalable asset, investing in your people, and planning early, you’ll attract premium buyers and secure better terms. With experienced advisors like Commonwealth M&A guiding the process, home services business owners can navigate the complexities of selling while protecting the legacy they’ve built.
About Joe Bergin
Joe Bergin is the Co-founder of Commonwealth M&A, a boutique mergers and acquisitions firm that helps home services business owners plan and execute profitable exits. Combining blue-collar experience with corporate M&A strategy, Joe specializes in helping entrepreneurs turn their businesses into sellable assets that deliver maximum value and freedom.
About Commonwealth M&A
Commonwealth M&A is a boutique advisory firm serving small to mid-sized home services companies. By limiting the number of clients each year, they provide high-touch, customized support through every stage of the M&A process—from readiness assessment and valuation to negotiation, due diligence, and closing. Their mission: helping business owners achieve their “deal of a lifetime.”
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
- Why home services companies are in high demand among investors
- Four key steps to prepare for a successful sale
- How accrual accounting boosts credibility and valuation
- The importance of recurring revenue and team empowerment
- Why early preparation leads to stronger deals and smoother transitions
Conclusion
Selling your business is one of the most impactful financial decisions you’ll ever make. Joe Bergin’s advice underscores the importance of early preparation, strong systems, and a clear exit strategy. With the right mindset and expert guidance, home services business owners can confidently step into the next chapter of their journey—turning years of dedication into the “deal of a lifetime.”
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