Welcome to Jackquisitions — your inside look at acquiring a home service business
Hosted by Jack Carr, co-host of the Owned and Operated podcast, this channel breaks down real acquisition strategies—LOIs, SBA loans, due diligence, and post-close integration—all through the lens of home service entrepreneurship.
If you're looking to grow through acquisition, you're in the right place.
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Buying a Business: How Entrepreneurs Build Real Deal Flow
Season 1 · Episode 30
Friday, November 21, 2025 • Duration 31:16
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 Learn
How 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.
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.
📢 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.
Why No One Is Looking at Septic… and How to Buy One Cheap
Season 1 · Episode 29
Friday, November 14, 2025 • Duration 07:46
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 Learn
The 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.
#21 What Happens When Your Boss Is Younger Than You?
Season 1 · Episode 21
Friday, September 19, 2025 • Duration 16:22
In this part two, Jack sits back down with Chris Cisneros of Diamond Plumbing—this time diving deep into acquisitions, market entry strategy, and leading seasoned techs as a 23-year-old service manager. Live from the Miami Meetup, they unpack how to decide between greenfield vs. acquisition, what it really takes to keep teams post-close, and how to think about radius, logistics, and install crews when you’re expanding into Palm Beach County from Miami–Broward.
They talk real risks (like “everyone quit in week one”), LOI-to-close learning, buying profit on day one vs. recruiting from scratch, and the sales-first approach Chris uses to win buy-in from techs in their 30s and 40s.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Greenfield vs. Acquisition: When buying a book of business beats starting from zero—and when it doesn’t
Team Retention Post-Close: Why size and maturity of the target matters for culture conversion
Market Mapping: Using a 2-hour radius, jump points, and install-crew logistics to enter adjacent counties
Recruiting Alternatives: When a dedicated recruiter outperforms an acquisition—for headcount only
Change Management: A sales-led playbook for earning respect as a younger leader
From LOI to Day 1: What to learn before you write the check (and how to avoid six years of trial-and-error)
💼 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.
💼 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?
#20 What We Wish We Knew Before Our Business Journey
Season 1 · Episode 20
Friday, September 12, 2025 • Duration 15:02
In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down with Chris Cisneros of Diamond Plumbing live at the Miami Meetup. Chris shares his incredible journey from selling marketing services door-to-door at just 13 years old to building a fast-growing plumbing business alongside his father. What started with one truck and a thrift store breakroom office has now expanded into a multi-truck operation with a warehouse, a growing team, and lessons learned the hard way.
Chris opens up about the struggles of running a business without mentorship, the costly mistakes of ignoring office systems, and how mentorship, sales training, and overseas staffing transformed their business. From convincing his father to embrace modern sales practices to scaling with virtual CSRs, this conversation is packed with practical insights for operators navigating the messy middle of growth.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Why mentorship can shorten years of painful trial-and-error
How PPC and digital marketing fueled growth—even as a teenager
Lessons from transitioning a one-man shop into a scalable business
The importance of shifting focus from fieldwork to office systems
How overseas CSRs and AI can create near 24/7 coverage
Why emotional selling and sales training are game-changers in home services
💼 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 Here For Sellers: For 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.
#19 Is Buying A Small Business Worth It In 2025?
Season 1 · Episode 19
Friday, September 5, 2025 • Duration 32:46
In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down in Akron, Ohio with Matt, who just closed on his very first acquisition: a 75-year-old HVAC and refrigeration company outside Pittsburgh. Fresh off the Breaking $5 Million workshop, Matt walks through the whirlwind of his first six weeks as an owner—what it’s like to take on a $2M deal, why he valued stability over chasing top-line growth, and how he’s transitioning from a career in big tech and Amazon Web Services to running a boots-on-the-ground service business.
From sourcing the deal through a broker, to navigating retrades when revenue dipped, to managing seller relationships and earnouts, Matt shares the hard realities behind closing his first SBA-backed acquisition. He explains how he de-risked the deal with real estate, why he insists on fixed legal pricing next time, and why building something steady for his family and community matters more than chasing 500% growth curves.
💡 What You’ll Learn: How to source and negotiate your first small business acquisition Why stability and history can outweigh chasing the biggest revenue number Creative ways to de-risk a deal through real estate and seller notes Lessons in managing brokers, lawyers, and SBA lenders Why leaving a W2 for business ownership is a bet on yourself How to build a company that supports your family, team, and community
💼 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.
#18 SBA Acquisition Gone Wrong? Here’s Why the Deal Collapsed
Season 1 · Episode 18
Friday, August 29, 2025 • Duration 37:45
In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack catches up with Chris Barr, who returns with a hard but valuable update: his most recent deal is officially dead. After months of diligence, capital invested, and a strong connection with the sellers, Chris made the tough call to walk away when the risk profile jumped too high. What could have been a dream business became a cautionary tale about what happens when books don’t line up, multiples stop making sense, and the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.
Chris shares the emotional side of killing a deal, why it sometimes feels like “paying tuition” in the acquisitions school of hard knocks, and the critical lessons he’ll carry into his next LOI. From working capital debates to due diligence missteps, this conversation is a masterclass in knowing when to say no—without losing sight of the bigger goal.
💼 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.
💼 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.
#17 From a Truck to $10M+ HVAC Empire
Season 1 · Episode 17
Friday, August 22, 2025 • Duration 39:42
In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down with Jeff Bates, a Michigan-based operator who went from running trucks in the heat to owning and growing multiple HVAC companies. After years at Lennox and a crash course in small business while working for his father-in-law’s trucking company, Jeff and his partner decided to jump into ownership themselves.
Their first deal came in 2022 with RNL Heating & Cooling, a legacy business with real estate included. But the story didn’t stop there—just a year later, they acquired Hurside Heating & Cooling through a broker connection. Along the way, Jeff shares the reality of SBA financing, why branding and location matter more than you think, and how “Day One calls” convinced him to buy vs. build.
From navigating tuck-ins to learning the power of the supply house counter as the ultimate networking hub, Jeff walks through what it really takes to expand through acquisition while keeping culture strong.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Why Jeff chose buying over building—and the immediate payoff of legacy customers
How to use supply houses and parts counters as a secret due diligence tool
The tradeoffs of including real estate in an SBA-financed acquisition
Branding pitfalls: when a company name works against you
The importance of a no-asshole policy in preserving culture
Why tuck-ins remain the best strategy for consistent HVAC growth
💼 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.
For BuyersJackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.
#16 How to Buy a Profitable Company with Almost No Cash
Season 1 · Episode 16
Friday, August 15, 2025 • Duration 34:27
In this episode of JackQuisitions, Jack sits down with Matthew Railla, a former wine industry operator turned termite company owner. After years running his family’s winery, Matt discovered business brokerage through his brother-in-law—and eventually listed a highly profitable termite inspection company. When buyers kept passing due to its relationship-driven, project-based model, Matt had a realization: What if I bought it myself?
From that October 2023 “aha” moment to closing in June 2024, Matt navigated creative SBA financing, licensing requirements, and a stubborn seller’s attorney to acquire Top Termite. Now, he’s growing the business, expanding service areas, and exploring new B2B offerings—all while sharing lessons for first-time buyers.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
How an industry outsider found and bought a business through brokerage work
Why some profitable companies still struggle to find the right buyer\
How to structure a partial buyout with only 5% down (under 2024 SBA rules)
The role of trust, relationships, and reputation in non-recurring revenue trades
Key team members every first-time buyer should have on their side
The mindset shift from “doing it all yourself” to leaning on experts
🎙 Host: Jack Carr — [https://x.com/thehvacjack] 🎙 Guest: Matthew Railla — matt@toptermiteco.com | LinkedIn: Matthew Railla
Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.
💼 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. 💼 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 Here
#15 Why This HVAC Startup Failed in 10 Months | Build vs Buy
Season 1 · Episode 15
Friday, August 8, 2025 • Duration 38:33
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 one The hidden risks of relying on inconsistent lead generation How poor service quality impacts growth and reputation Key differences between building a business from scratch vs. buying one The value of patience, industry networking, and knowing your strengths What 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
📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!
#14 This Operator Bought a Plumbing Company for $1.9M (Here’s What Went Wrong)
Season 1 · Episode 14
Friday, August 1, 2025 • Duration 49:27
📉 Lessons From the Trenches: The Real Cost of a $1.9M Plumbing Acquisition In this brutally honest episode of Owned and Operated, John sits down with Jameson Wildwood, who bought Sweetwater Plumbing in North Carolina for $1.9 million. Six months post-close, Jameson reveals what actually happened—from bad deals and cultural clashes to scaling a service division 5X in half a year. If you're eyeing a plumbing or trades acquisition, this one’s a must-watch.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
The hidden overhead costs of running a new construction plumbing business
Why service and construction are two separate businesses under one roof
How culture clashes can sabotage post-acquisition transitions
Jameson’s hard-earned lessons about brokers, sellers, and negotiation power
What it really takes to build a profitable service division from scratch
The role of marketing, CRMs, and quality-of-earnings in avoiding post-close regret
Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.
Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus. 📢 Enjoyed the episode? ✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!
📢 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.
📢 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.
📢 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.
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.
📢 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.
📈 Keywords: small business acquisitions, dead deals, due diligence, working capital, risk mitigation, sunk cost lessons, acquisition strategy, ETA, service business growth
📌 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.
📢 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.
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.
📢 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.
📢 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.
📌 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.
📌 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.
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