A businessman playing chess

M&A

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Uncle Sam world war 2 poster saying I want you to sell me your business

If you do not own a business:

Maybe you can help me find one with an OSTD-WHTK owner:

Old, sick, tired and dying who hates their kids… aka;

A baby boomer who is ready to retire. Rather than close their doors and let the business evaporate, let me see if I can provide the greatest payoff a business offers… Also, I pay referral fees.

As long as I can develop Deming mastery, I would be just as happy,

Partnering with Business Owners

I have a deep seated fear that people will resist Deming’s philosophy and the profound changes that result. That is why I am partnering with M&A experts.

If controlling the business is the only way I can enforce its transformation, so be it. Supplication does not work. Besides,

There are 28M businesses in the U.S..  41% are owned by baby boomers who are aging out.  60% of businesses have no succession plan.  Only 5% of the population are entrepreneurial (people in the market).

M&A is also the quickest way to destroy its threshold of knowledge. How many Deming organizations have been destroyed by a new owner doubling down on management tactics from the past?

While I want a diverse portfolio, for the most part;

I am looking to invest in or acquire companies in and around Charlottesville with $500k-5M in top line revenue.

Preferably B2B providers, creative artisan-focused businesses or anything related to home improvement.

I am connected to a nationwide network of business owners, investors, and operators.  Together, we share expertise and resources helping businesses grow revenue, profitability and valuation. 

When you are struggling or ready to move on, we can help. There are several ways we can structure deals. Our aim is for everyone to benefit:

  • We can buy your business outright. You can walk away and do something else.
  • We can do something less drastic, relieving all of your stress while allowing you to continue serving your clients and do what you love.
  • Or something in between. The possibilities are infinite.

What sets me apart?

  • A unique bimodal (structural/conceptual) thought process (differentiation)
  • Passion for operations and process improvement (BPI capability)
  • Love for learning (range, growth, insight, strategy, etc.).

I value human flourishing. I believe human potential is an untapped resource. I estimate the average organization garners about 20% of an employee’s capacity.

All my life I have been an employee. I know first hand how little value and effort is placed on leveraging human resources. As an employee, most people will assume I will fail in any business venture. As Deming once remarked:

Experience teaches nothing. In fact there is no experience to record without theory… Without theory there is no learning… And that is their downfall. People copy examples and then they wonder what is the trouble. They look at examples and without theory they learn nothing.

My theory:

Most organizations spend so much of their time, energy and resources effectively squandering human capital. With less effort, management can tap into human ingenuity: Simply by Removing Barriers!

For most of us, this requires a radical shift in mindset. Simple. Not easy. Nor an overnight process.

However, if you want to be remembered fondly, if your goal is leaving your business in good hands, I can think of none better.

My aim:

Transform your company into a World-Class Organization. 

I am even challenging private equity investors, Amazon aggregators, family offices, SPACs, etc. Suggesting a superior method.

You are well-intentioned, highly intelligent analysts. Trained to look at financials as a means of extracting value. However, most of you have never been operators.

Thinking about all those biases, is it ridiculous to think there may be other, more important factors than P&Ls?

Variation and systematic interdependencies, for example, cannot be reflected in financials.

How do you measure trust? Some things cannot quantified, such as employee moral, customer satisfaction, consumer loyalty, an engaged workforce, etc.

This tunnel vision makes it easy for the C-suite to overlook inefficiencies in their processes. Ignoring the correlation between culture and productivity. More importantly;

How is that short-term, investor led, quarterly results are deemed logical? Driving people to achieve financial targets without regarding how their actions affect processes is chaotic madness. This forces deception, manipulation and competition between people on the same team.

Traditional financial-results-driven-thinking worked wonders for GM in the ’60s where it originated. However, the world has evolved. Different eras require different thinking. Today, this line of thinking puts management at odds with its workers.

Success (extraordinary financial results, high-performance, long-term productivity and sustainability) are the result of continual, robust process improvement and adaptation.

I am sure I am mistaken and naïve, yet business stats are excruciating.

We live in a copycat culture.

Serious, really determined people seem to double down on traditional techniques expecting double their resolve. The way I see it;

Traditional business is red ocean strategy.

Whereas the Deming approach appears:

Image of a blue ocean. In business strategy, a "red ocean" refers to an existing market with intense competition where companies fight for a share of existing demand, often leading to price wars and low profit margins, while a "blue ocean" represents a new, untapped market space with little competition, where companies can create new demand by introducing innovative products or services that differentiate them from existing players;

I know we are slowly making progress, yet I remain convinced most organizations in America must fundamentally change their management approach if they want to thrive in the coming decades.

Is Your Business a Perfect Fit? This is What I am Looking For:

I am currently seeking to acquire a business where I can build on an established foundation, optimize operations, and create long-term growth. My focus is on preserving the legacy of business owners like you, while taking your company to new heights.

If your business fits the criteria below, I would love to hear from you. Let’s discuss how we can make the transition seamless and beneficial for everyone involved.

Industry Preferences:

  • Home improvement services (e.g., remodeling, HVAC, landscaping).
  • Property management or real estate services.
  • Creative or artisan-focused businesses (e.g., woodworking, custom design).
  • Remote or online businesses with scalable potential.

Financial Requirements:

  • Minimum ideal monthly profits of $20,000 (with flexibility for high-growth potential businesses).
  • Established cash flow and consistent financial performance.

Operational Requirements:

  • At least 3 years of operating history with proven success.
  • A team of 5 or more employees, preferably professionally managed or with management potential.

Location:

  • Preferably located in Charlottesville or Albemarle County, VA.
  • Open to remote or online businesses if they align with my other criteria.

Management and Scalability:

  • Businesses that are professionally managed or can transition to professional management.
  • Opportunities to improve operations using systems and processes rooted in W. Edwards Deming’s principles.

If your company aligns with the criteria above, or if you are curious about the acquisition process, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to connect with me or set up a call or meeting. Let’s explore how we can create a seamless and successful transition for your business. Let’s collaborate.

Benefits of Selling to Me:

When you sell your business to me, you can rest assured that I will:

  • Preserve your legacy: I respect what you’ve built and will ensure its values and culture remain intact.
  • Empower your team: I focus on creating systems that allow employees to thrive and contribute to the company’s success.
  • Optimize for growth: With my background in process improvement, I’ll take your business to new levels of profitability and scalability.

What Sets Me Apart:

My combination of curiosity, adaptability, and creativity makes me a compelling partner or buyer for any business owner:

  • Curiosity: My love for learning ensures I will bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to any venture.
  • Adaptability: I am not afraid to step into new industries. I got range. I am versatile and open to opportunities many would shy away from.
  • Visionary Leadership: While I avoid day-to-day operations (self-managing business is the aim), my strategic thinking sets the tone for the business’s future.

What You Can Expect From Me:

  • What I Offer: I bring a rare mix of creative and systems-driven thinking. My strength lies in identifying inefficiencies, creating long-term value, and implementing processes that make businesses more scalable and autonomous.
  • What I Value: I am passionate about building businesses that thrive without being dependent on any single person – including myself and/or the business owner. I value systems that empower teams and create sustainable growth.
  • What We Can Achieve Together: By applying Deming’s principles of process improvement, I can help elevate your business operations, enhance profitability, and leave a legacy of excellence.

How This Benefits the Businesses I Acquire:

By following Deming’s principles, I ensure that the businesses I acquire:

  • Operate more efficiently and profitably.
  • Retain their unique culture while empowering employees.
  • Build long-term value for customers, teams, and communities.

A Smooth Transition, Sustainable Growth, and Continued Success:

My goal is preserving your legacy while unlocking new potential. Rather than strong arm you and liquidate all assets, I want to apply SPC, Toyota Kata, Kaizen and a whole host of methods improving the company’s output and productivity.

After implementing these and acclimating the team, the last thing I want to do is sell the company to some schmuck of a CEO that will revert everything back to the traditional, speculative, old-timey way of doing things.

How else might I reduce seller’s remorse for you personally?

Selling your business is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. My goal is to make that process as smooth as possible, while ensuring the legacy you have built continues to thrive.

By focusing on process improvement, team empowerment, and sustainable growth, I help businesses transition seamlessly while positioning them for long-term success. For example:

Preserving Your Legacy:

  • What I Do: I understand how much time, effort, and heart you have put into your business. This is why I am committed to respecting and maintaining the values, culture, and reputation you have built.
  • Why It Matters: Your customers, employees, and community will see that the business continues to operate with the same care and attention you have always provided.

Empowering Your Team:

  • What I Do: I focus on creating systems that help your team perform at their best while reducing inefficiencies. If needed, I will also ensure professional management is in place to lead with clarity and support.
  • Why It Matters: A strong, motivated team drives success—and I’ll ensure they’re set up for growth and stability after the transition.

Optimizing Operations for Growth:

  • What I Do: Using proven systems and principles inspired by W. Edwards Deming. I identify inefficiencies and create streamlined processes that improve profitability, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Why It Matters: By improving operations, I can reduce costs, boost margins, and make the business even more resilient for the future.

During the Sale:

  • What I Do: I work closely with you to create a transition plan that aligns with your goals. Whether you want to stay involved for a period or step away entirely, I will ensure the process is tailored to your preferences.
  • Why It Matters: A well-managed transition minimizes disruption for your team and customers while giving you peace of mind.

What This Means for You:

By selling your business to me, you will have the peace of mind knowing that:

  • Your employees will be supported and valued.
  • Your customers will continue to receive the same quality and care.
  • Your business will be in capable hands, positioned for growth and success.

Whether you are looking to transition out completely or stay involved for a time, I aim to work with you to ensure the process aligns with your goals and expectations.

Are you ready to explore how I can help your business thrive in its next chapter? Let’s chat. Connect with me on the Collaboration page. Don’t be a stranger. Reach out. Schedule a call or meeting.

I cannot wait to learn more about your goals and how we can make them happen together.