JackQuisitions - Small Business Acquisitions in Home Service

Matthew Railla, a former wine industry operator, now runs Top Termite, a termite inspection company. He shares how he creatively acquired the business using SBA financing after realizing buyers were hesitant due to its unique model. Matt emphasizes the importance of trust, relationships, and having a solid team for first-time buyers. He discusses the shift from doing everything solo to leveraging experts and outlines strategies for expanding service areas while navigating the complexities of business acquisitions.

In this revealing episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down with his good friend Scott Horman, who attempted to build an HVAC business from the ground up. Just ten months later, the doors closed for good. Scott opens up about the hard truths—misaligned partners, poor service quality, and unpredictable lead flow—that ultimately sank the venture. If you’ve ever wondered whether to start a trades business from scratch or buy an existing one, this is a must-watch.💡 What You’ll Learn:Why choosing the wrong partners can doom your business from day oneThe hidden risks of relying on inconsistent lead generationHow poor service quality impacts growth and reputationKey differences between building a business from scratch vs. buying oneThe value of patience, industry networking, and knowing your strengthsWhat Scott would do differently if he started again today🖊️  Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.Sign up HERE for more insights 💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC Hire trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost. 🔥 $1,000 off your first placement🎙️ Host: Jack Carr   🎙️ Guest: Scott HormanSend 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 engaging conversation, Jameson Wildwood, the owner of Sweetwater Plumbing, shares his adventurous experience of purchasing a plumbing company for $1.9 million. He reveals the shocking truth about hidden costs and cultural clashes that can disrupt harmony in acquisitions. With impressive growth from $18,000 to a target of $100,000 in service revenue, Jameson discusses the importance of effective hiring strategies, CRM systems, and smart marketing, all while navigating the complexities of transitioning from tech to plumbing.

Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank, an expert in SBA lending for the skilled trades, reveals the secrets of navigating SBA loans for business acquisitions. He explains the differences between the 7(a), 504, and Express programs, emphasizing the importance of gut instincts and relationships in deal-making. Alan highlights the value of prequalification and how personal guarantees affect loans. He also discusses recent SBA changes, stressing thorough due diligence and the hidden values in unique business models. This discussion is a must-listen for aspiring business acquirers!

 In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack sits down with Chris Barr—an aspiring business owner deep in the trenches of due diligence after signing an LOI to buy his dream company.What follows is a transparent, tactical breakdown of the financial, legal, and operational hurdles Chris is facing. From recasting sketchy financials to prepping for a potential retrade, this episode strips away the romanticism of acquisition and lays bare the gritty work that goes into closing a deal.If you're serious about buying a small business, this episode is your field guide.⚡ What You’ll LearnWhat happens after you sign the LOI: Chris’s real-time playbookNavigating financial recasting and spotting red flagsLegal and operational due diligence—what most acquirers overlookWhy your deal team matters more than your deal sizeWhen retrading is necessary (and how to do it without killing trust)The biggest mindset shift Chris had during diligenceHow to stay optimistic when things get messyWhether you’re a first-time buyer or a deal junkie, this episode will sharpen your edge and help you prep for the real work behind business acquisition.💼 Shoutout to Appletree Business Services HVAC and plumbing pros—ditch tax surprises and unresponsive accountants. Appletree handles your books, taxes, payroll, and acquisitions, and they know tools like ServiceTitan cold.🎁 Get a free tax & financial review or 10% off a QOE report. 👉 Book a call at [appletreebusiness.com] — tell Patrick Jack sent you.💼 Buying Businesses? Jackquisitions is the must-read newsletter for operators, acquirers, and deal junkies. It’s packed with real acquisition breakdowns, seller red flags, and proven strategies from the trenches.📬 Join and get smarter on small biz M&A every week. 👉 Subscribe at https://www.jackquisitions.com/👤 Hosted by Jack Carr – https://x.com/TheHVACJack👤 Episode Guest Chris BarrSend 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 service business with the idea of passive income? In this episode of Jack Acquisitions, host Jack interviews Thomas Beebe, a financial advisor who stepped into ownership of his family’s HVAC company. What started as a hands-off investment quickly turned into a hands-on leadership journey.From remote team management to turning around a messy acquisition, Thomas shares the tactical decisions, operational missteps, and growth strategies that shaped his perspective on what it really takes to own and run a trades business. This episode is packed with real-world insight—whether you're planning to buy, scale, or just survive in the world of home services.⚡ What you’ll learnWhy Thomas initially underestimated the involvement required—and how he course-correctedThe operational systems needed for remote management (and where they fail)How to set up accountability when you’re not on-site every dayInsights from a turnaround: A case study of a friend’s messy HVAC acquisitionThe critical questions Thomas asks in due diligence after seeing both sidesWhen to diversify into adjacent verticals like plumbing—and when not toHow to build a business that’s both profitable and people-firstIf you’re buying a local service business or building one to scale, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you frameworks for sustainable growth—even when you’re managing from a distance.💼 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 to get started [https://alanfib.com/]💼Buying businesses?Jackquisitions is the must-read newsletter for operators, acquirers, and deal junkies. It’s packed with real acquisition breakdowns, seller red flags, and proven strategies from the trenches.📬 Join and get smarter on small biz M&A every week.👉 Subscribe at [jackquisitions.com]   [https://www.jackquisitions.com/]👤 Hosted by:Jack Carr👤 Episode GuestThomas BeebeSend 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.

Want to buy a small business using smart deal structures like earnouts, seller financing, and low-risk offers? In this episode of Jackquisitions, host Jack Carr sits down with Chris Barr, a first-time buyer navigating the ups and downs of business acquisitions—from walking away from bad fits to crafting a $900K cash-plus-earnout offer for a pressure washing company.Learn how Chris is sourcing off-market deals, avoiding shady broker tactics, and building a personal brand that attracts sellers. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how new acquirers can finance service businesses, evaluate seller terms, and structure deals that actually close. If you're buying a business or scaling through acquisition, this episode is packed with actionable insight.⚡ What you’ll learnWhy Chris walked away from an art-framing shop that didn’t fit his criteriaHow a pool-route deal fell through—and the red flags you should watch for with brokersThe numbers behind a $900 K cash-at-close + earnout offer for a thriving pressure-washing businessProven frameworks for earnouts, seller notes, and revenue-share agreements that reduce risk and align incentivesTips for building a credible personal brand (see his Quick Staffers journey) to source off-market dealsStep-by-step due-diligence tactics, valuation shortcuts, and negotiation language you can use todayWhen to pivot, when to persist, and how to decide if a deal really moves the needleWhether you’re a first-time buyer, an operator expanding a portfolio, or a service-business owner curious about exits, this conversation is packed with actionable M&A strategy, deal structuring hacks, and outreach scripts that close.👤 Hosted by: Jack Carr  👤Episode Guest Chris Barr 💼 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 to get staSend 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 small business? In this episode of Jackquisitions, we follow Chris Barr’s journey to acquiring a pressure washing company using smart financing—combining cash, earnouts, and trusted advisors. From submitting the LOI to executing deep-dive due diligence, Chris shares what it really takes to close a successful acquisition.You’ll learn how to build the right team, evaluate financials and legal risks, and structure a deal that fits your vision. Whether you're just exploring acquisitions or in the weeds of a deal, this episode offers an insider’s look at getting a service business acquisition across the finish line.⚡ What you’ll learnWhat Chris looked for in an ideal pressure washing business—and how he sourced itThe creative structure behind his LOI and financing approachWhy specialization matters: How Chris leveraged his real estate pros for M&A successThe step-by-step due diligence checklist across financial, legal, and operational domainsHow to avoid major pitfalls in banking and legal negotiationsThe must-have advisors you need on speed dial when buying a businessHow to evaluate seller-provided info and spot red flags before it’s too lateIf you’re buying a local service business or scaling your portfolio, this episode gives you a framework to approach acquisitions confidently—with the right strategy and team in place.👤 Hosted by: Jack Carr   👤Episode Guest:Chris Barr  💼 Shoutout to Appletree Business Services HVAC and plumbing pros—ditch tax surprises and unresponsive accountants. Appletree handles your books, taxes, payroll, and acquisitions, and they know tools like ServiceTitan cold.🎁 Get a free tax & financial review or 10% off a QOE report. 👉 Book a call here — tell Patrick Jack sent you.💼 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 to get started 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 Owned and Operated, we’re diving into real-world strategies for sourcing and securing small business acquisitions. From outreach to private equity firms to using freelancers for off-market deals, we break down how acquisition entrepreneurs are getting creative and staying competitive.We explore how personal branding can help attract brokers, how to craft a buyer persona that actually stands out, and how Chris Barr is navigating live negotiations for niche businesses—including pool services and a high-end art framing company.Whether you're just starting your acquisition journey or already mid-process, this episode is packed with practical insights for sourcing deals and building a compelling presence in the marketplace.🔹 In This Episode, We Cover: Strategies for off-market deal sourcing using freelancers How personal branding attracts brokers and deal flow The value of a credible buyer persona in competitive markets Updates on two live deals: pool services and art framing How Chris is approaching broker and seller interactions🌐 More resources👤 Hosted by: Jack Carr👤 Guest: Chris Barr💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLCNeed 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💸Sponsored by CFO Made EasyBuilt a strong trades business? Let’s take it to $10M and beyond. CFO Made Easy offers part-time CFO services for home and trade service businesses—helping you boost cash flow, maximize profit per tech, and make clear growth decisions.📈 Free Offer: Book a 45-min Financial Insight Session to uncover growth blockers.Send Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's YouTube ChannelWeekly NewsletterLeave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer:Some links may include UTM parameters for tracking. Episodes may feature paid sponsors, but all opinions are our own. Always do your own research before making business decisions.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, we break down the essential expert team every acquisition entrepreneur must build before buying a business. Whether you’re acquiring your first HVAC company or scaling into multiple service businesses, assembling the right support system can make or break your deal.From legal frameworks to SBA loan processing, we cover the professionals who will help you move quickly, avoid costly mistakes, and access high-quality deals. Plus, we spotlight post-acquisition roles that keep your operations tight—like a skilled bookkeeper and a rock-solid insurance broker.If you're planning to buy a business in 2025, this is your checklist.🚨 In This Episode, We Cover:🔹 Why Every Buyer Needs an M&A Attorney🔹 Using a CPA to Vet Financials and Forecast Performance🔹 Finding the Right SBA Lender to Get Funded Fast🔹 How Valuation Experts Can Protect You from Overpaying🔹 Post-Close Must-Haves: Bookkeeping, Insurance, and Staff🔹 Bonus: Outsourcing Your Customer Service with Quick Staffers🌐 ownedandoperated.com🎙️ Host:🗣️ Jack Carr 💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLCNeed 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 hereSend 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.