How Peer Groups Help Operators Survive (and Scale) After Their First Acquisition

In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down with Rand Larson, owner of Scale Path, to talk about the real reason so many operators struggle after closing their first deal: they’re doing it alone.

Rand shares the origin story of Scale Path—starting as an informal peer group called Trench Therapy—and how one conversation with an overwhelmed HVAC owner (who was staring down a brutal first year post-acquisition) revealed the biggest missing piece for new leaders: a room of other owners who actually get it.

They dig into what peer groups do best (practical, P&L-impacting advice) and what they’re secretly built for (that final 10%: the mental load, the isolation, and the pressure that comes with personal guarantees and leadership). Rand also breaks down the behind-the-scenes realities of building a community business: why some groups fail, why “industry fit” matters more than people think, and how trust becomes the true bottleneck as you scale.

The conversation goes deep on Scale Path’s acquisition (Rand “tucking” his community into a stronger brand), what makes community businesses hard to buy and sell, and the key safeguards to avoid member churn when the face of a network changes. Plus: why the second, third, and fourth acquisition often come easier than the first—and how to position yourself so brokers take you seriously faster.

If you’re navigating your first acquisition, running a home service business, or building a leadership network you can lean on—this episode will hit home.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

• Why new operators feel stuck after closing—and what actually fixes it
• The “90/10” rule of peer groups: P&L execution vs. therapy and pressure relief
• Why most peer groups fail when they mix business models (and how to structure them correctly)
• What makes community businesses risky acquisitions—and how to protect retention

💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank!

Looking to buy or expand a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions for the skilled trades. Their SBA loan program offers up to 90% financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit to fuel future growth. Unlike traditional lenders, they take a “how can we” approach, making deals happen for both first-time buyers and experienced operators.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit and a complimentary deal review + buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank HERE

🔗 Connect

Jack Carr – https://www.x.com/thehvacjack
Rand Larson – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rand-larsen/ 

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