JackQuisitions - Small Business Acquisitions in Home Service

In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down with Nathan Lindley of Done Right to dig into what it really looks like to roll up small HVAC companies—and why acquisition can be the smartest growth channel in the trades. Nathan shares his jump from Christian book publishing to home services, the “HVAC is non-optional” thesis that pulled him from Oregon to Dallas in early 2020, and why he knew his first deal would be his worst.They get into the gritty middle: buying tiny mom-and-pops out of “cowardice,” learning fast under SBA debt pressure, and discovering the multiple-expansion play that turns a handful of 2.5x shops into a 4x+ platform. Nathan breaks down his current machine—nine deals closed, two under LOI—plus what he actually buys when he acquires sub-$2M businesses: phone rings, not EBITDA. You’ll hear how he values active vs dormant customers, the outbound power-dialer strategy most sellers never use, and how acquisitions can outperform Google PPC CAC by 50% or more.They also talk integration across Dallas and Austin, hiring remote CSRs (shoutout stay-at-home moms), transitioning customers after close, and the emotional reality of early-stage ownership—panic blankets, family capital on the line, and the hard truth that buying businesses isn’t passive income until you’ve survived the knife fight of years 0–5.If you’re doing ETA in home services—or thinking about your first HVAC tuck-in—this one is a masterclass in how real operators build value through acquisition.🔍 What You’ll LearnWhy HVAC roll-ups are a customer acquisition strategy more than a profit-multiple game.Nathan’s path from book publishing to buying his first HVAC company right before COVID.Why your first acquisition will probably be your worst—and how to grow out of it fast.The multiple-expansion thesis: aggregating small shops into a higher-multiple platforms💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts. 🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here💼 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🔗 ConnectJack Carr — https://www.x.com/thehvacjack Nathan Lindley — Send us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down with Stephen Olmon to unpack one of the spiciest ETA questions out there: should you buy a business or build one first? Stephen shares his non-traditional path into entrepreneurship—from a pastor/teacher household to telecom consulting, then into the world of software, NewCo businesses, and eventually acquisitions.They dig into Stephen’s early failed independent sponsor deals, how those bruises shaped his approach, and why he ultimately went the SBA route to acquire and scale Alarm Masters, a Houston-based fire & life safety company now rolling up competitors across Texas. Along the way, you’ll hear what Stephen looks for in alarm/security acquisitions (RMR mix, attrition, commercial focus), how they balance organic vs acquisition growth, and why self-awareness is the most underrated skill in buying businesses.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re actually built to buy a company—or if you should build first, buy later—this one’s for you.🔍 What You’ll LearnWhy “buy vs build” isn’t a strategy question—it’s a self-awareness question.Stephen’s path from NewCo entrepreneurship to acquisitions (and what changed his mind).A clear breakdown of the independent sponsor model and why most deals die in diligence.💼 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: [https://alanfib.com/]  🔗 Connect Jack Carr — X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/thehvacjack Stephen Olmon — https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenolmon/ Send us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits back down with Chris Barr to talk about what real leverage looks like in a self-funded search: building systems instead of just refreshing BizBuySell, working your broker network, and turning your geo + niche into an actual acquisition brand.They break down how Chris is rebuilding his search infrastructure after round one, why tech leverage (CRM, scraping, cold outbound) matters more than you think, and how conferences, LinkedIn, and local presence (hello, West Palm Beach) quietly generate real deal flow. They also dig into ETA conferences like Harvard’s, the value of boards and mentors, and why most first deals go wrong when searchers are desperate to escape the slog.If you’re a year into a search, stuck in a niche or geography, or wondering if you should start a business instead of buying one… this one’s for you.🔍 What You’ll LearnHow Chris rebuilt his search with tech leverage: CRM, scraping, and cold outreach running in the background.Why broker relationships still matter—and how to use them for both first look and “last look” on older listings.How to use LinkedIn, conferences, and DMs without feeling like a guru—and still generate real opportunities.💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts. 🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here💼 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 hereHostJack Carr GuestChris Barr Send us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Buying a septic company is one of the highest-ROI moves in home-service M&A… if you know where to look.In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack breaks down exactly where real septic deals come from — from the obvious online marketplaces to the off-market gold mines almost no one talks about. If you’re serious about buying your first septic business (or adding one as a high-margin tuck-in), this roadmap will save you weeks of searching and tens of thousands of dollars.Jack covers why septic is one of his favorite industries to acquire, why so many buyers overlook it, and the simple outreach strategy that consistently uncovers motivated sellers long before they hit BizBuySell.Whether you're running an SBA search, building a route-based portfolio, or just trying to get into home-service acquisitions in 2026, this one gives you the playbook.What You’ll LearnThe 3 real channels for finding septic companies for sale (and which one beats the others every time).How deal aggregator sites really work—and why the “clean books” come with a premium price tag.Why local business brokers can be useful… and why they rarely have septic deals ready to go.💼 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 🔗 ConnectJack Carr Keywords:JackQuisitions, septic acquisition, route-based business, home service acquisition, off-market deal sourcing, SBA acquisition, residential service, trades entrepreneurship, business brokers, BizBuySell, deal flow, customer lists, route-based valuation, environmental services, well drilling, state permit lookupHashtags:#JackQuisitions #HomeServices #BusinessAcquisition #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Trades #HVAC #Plumbing #Septic #ServiceTitan #Nexstar #GrossMargin #RouteBasedBusiness #OffMarketDealsSend us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Buying a company is hard. Buying a job by accident is worse. In this roundtable, John Wilson (Owned & Operated) and Jack Carr break down the biggest red flags they’ve seen across nine-plus home-service acquisitions—from septic and trash routes to HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. They dig into the “is it a business or a gig?” test, how to sniff out customer concentration that’s hiding in plain sight, why low gross margin is the one warning sign you should never ignore, and the leadership tells (like owners who insist on staying) that can turn a deal into a grind.If you’re scanning BizBuySell, courting a tuck-in, or prepping your first SBA deal, this one will save you time, cash, and headaches.What you’ll learnA simple gut-check to tell business vs. gig (and how price & diligence can de-risk tiny acquisitions).The sneaky ways customer concentration hides (home warranties, PMs with many LLCs) and how to uncover it.Why unverified numbers and box-of-receipts “financials” demand either a deep discount—or a pass.💼 Special Thanks to AppleTree Business Services!One of the most common and expensive mistakes in acquisitions is not getting serious about accounting. Whether you’re buying a business or running one, you need the right financial partner. That’s why we’ve partnered with AppleTree Business Services — a one-stop shop fluent in tools like ServiceTitan and Housecall Pro.👉 Listeners get a free tax & financial review, plus 10% off quality of earnings when buying a business. Visit https://appletreebusiness.com and tell Patrick Owned and Operated sent you! 💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts. 🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here   🔗 ConnectJack Carr John WilsonKeywords: JackQuisitions, Owned and Operated, plumbing acquisition, home service acquisition, SBA acquisition, residential service, trades entrepreneurship, route-based business, customer concentration, gross margin, ServiceTitan, Nexstar, open-book management, profit sharing (debated), brand & cultureHashtags: #JackQuisitions #OwnedAndOperated #HomeServices #BusinessAcquisition #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Trades #HVAC #Plumbing #Septic #ServiceTitan #Nexstar #OpenBookManagement #Branding #GrossMarginSend us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Today on JackQuisitions, Jack talks with Dustin Marx, founder of Mother (Modern Plumbing) — the Texas-based plumbing company that went from $15K a month to an $8M run rate in just 14 months.Dustin isn’t your typical plumbing entrepreneur — he’s a former tech founder who turned a small, two-person shop into a fast-scaling, culture-first powerhouse. In this episode, he breaks down how he found his first acquisition through a podcast, why brand and mission matter more than ever, and how a 50% profit-sharing model built unshakable buy-in from his team.If you’re thinking about buying your first business or scaling your home service company the right way, this episode is a must-watch.💼 Shoutout to PayPerCall.ioStop paying for leads that don’t convert. With PayPerCall.io, you only pay when your phone rings with a qualified customer. Real calls. Real results.👉 Book your free call 💼 Big Reputation Stop chasing reviews and watching competitors outrank you. Big Reputation is the AI-powered review + SEO platform built for home service pros. Automate review generation, respond with AI, track local SEO, and integrate with your CRM. Setup is free, and your first month’s on the house.👉 Book your demo💼Shoutout to Avoca AI!Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish. 🔗 Schedule a demo💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNHow to find your first acquisition through real relationshipsTurning a small acquisition into a multimillion-dollar businessWhy employee incentives and ownership drive faster growthHow to build a brand that stands out in a “sea of sameness”The structure behind open-book management and forecastingLong-term thinking: building a business that lasts generations🔗 CONNECTJack Carr Dustin Marx Send us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Hosts delve into effective strategies for securing new deals in the security industry. They emphasize the importance of niching down to create a strong Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and recommend multithreading to gather comprehensive insights. Learn about the benefits of separating lead and sales processes for better efficiency and conversion rates. Discover traditional tactics still in play, alongside newer marketing techniques, to elevate your brand. They also discuss the significance of using social proof to build credibility.

Should you stay sector-agnostic in ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) or plant a flag with a clear buy box brokers, CPAs, and attorneys can remember? After a month sidelined by a home flood, searcher Chris Barr returns to his acquisition entrepreneurship journey—refining a small-business acquisition thesis around B2B services, GovCon janitorial contracts, and Florida/Palm Beach deal sourcing. We dig into search fund tactics, on-market and off-market pipelines, broker outreach, list scraping, AI-assisted follow-ups, and how to position for SBA 7(a) financing, LOIs, diligence, and close.From tier-1 vs. tier-2/3 service models to residential vs. commercial focus, Jack and Chris get tactical about building a repeatable deal flow engine in a tight geo, crafting a memorable buy box (ticket size, customer type, contract length), and using light automation without sounding like spam. If you’re refining your acquisition criteria—B2B/government contracting, janitorial cleaning services, niche add-ons (e.g., AeroSeal), high-margin home services, or local trades—this episode hits playbooks for valuation, negotiation, seasonality, staffing, and lender selection so you can source better deals, faster.💡 What You’ll Learn • How to create a “tight buy box” brokers/CPAs/lawyers can remember and route deals to • The case for B2B and GovCon janitorial (set-asides, contracts, and people leverage) • Tier 1 vs. Tier 2/3 plays (e.g., niche add-ons like AeroSeal) and which fits a “nice-wage, simple, local” plan • Residential vs. commercial: ticket size, sales motion, and capacity caps • On-market vs. off-market engines: re-engaging brokers, list-scraping, and thoughtful personalization • Using AI for workflow and follow-ups—without sounding like a bot • Why timelines slip (and that’s normal): guilt, resets, and staying in the game • Picking the right SBA lender for trades acquisitions💼 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 💼Shoutout to Avoca AI!Looking to train your call center and improve technician performance? Avoca AI helps teams identify issues, improve call quality, and drive results from start to finish. 🔗 Schedule a demo🎙 Host: Jack CarrSend us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Should you start an HVAC business in 2026? This business is hot—sometimes literally—and it’s vital to most Americans. In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack breaks down what it really takes to start or buy an HVAC company in 2026: how much it costs, what kind of money you can actually make, and why HVAC might be one of the most durable trades to own right now.From licensing and startup costs to cash-flow management, staffing, and seasonality, this one gets brutally honest. If you’ve ever wondered whether to start from scratch or buy an existing business, Jack covers both paths—and the math behind each.💡 What You’ll LearnTrue startup costs: trucks, tools, techs, and permitsHow to buy your way into HVAC with an SBA 7(a) loanWhy HVAC can generate 50–60% margins—but only if you know the tradeManaging seasonality and keeping the phones ringing year-roundHiring and retaining licensed technicians (aka gold)💼 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 💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLCHire trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost.🔥 $1,000 off your first placement🎙 Host: Jack Carr Send us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack flips the mic to bring on seasoned operator, investor, and podcast host Michael Crow. From beating stage four cancer in his 20s to building a 5,000-unit real estate portfolio and then diving headfirst into HVAC and plumbing, Michael shares a frank, field-tested playbook: compounding > flipping, shoulder seasons test your soul, and “permanent equity” works best when you actually plan to hold. They dig into franchise vs. independent, concentration risk war stories, hiring real A-players (and firing paper tigers), and why most businesses won’t become unicorns—and that’s okay.💼 Business Modification Group —The go-to business brokers for trades companies. Whether you’re buying or selling HVAC, plumbing, or electrical businesses, we help you navigate valuations, find deals, and close successfully. Get a free valuation as a buyer or seller and join our exclusive distribution list for the best opportunities in the trades market.👉 Get Your Free Valuation HereFor SellersFor Buyers💼 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💼 Extra Special Thanks to Service Scalers!We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel. Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you? 🔗Check Them Out Here 🎙 Host: Jack Carr — https://x.com/thehvacjack 🎙 Guest: Michael Crow — Permanent Equity | Crow CompaniesSend us a textJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies! 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.