Thinking about buying another HVAC company, expanding into a new service line, or finally purchasing your own building? Understanding financing options can make or break your growth strategy.

In this episode of exploreHVAC & Home Services, host Pam Mashburn sits down with Dillon Caraway, Senior Loan Officer at Live Oak Bank, to break down how contractors can use smart financing to scale their businesses.

Dillon works directly with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors across the country to help them evaluate growth opportunities, plan business transitions, and secure funding through SBA lending programs. From succession planning to acquisitions and working capital, he shares practical insights on how financing actually works in the home services industry.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:
• How SBA loans work and when they make sense for contractors
• The right way to finance buying or selling an HVAC business
• Why clean financials are critical when applying for funding
• The growing trend of contractors buying their buildings instead of leasing
• The dangers of short-term, high-interest business loans
• How strategic acquisitions can help HVAC companies grow faster

Whether you're planning to scale to $10M+, acquire another company, or simply want to understand your financing options, this episode is packed with practical advice for HVAC and home service business owners.

Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders, operators, and experts shaping the future of HVAC and home services.

Learn more about financing for HVAC & home services with Live Oak Bank, contact Dillon Caraway: [email protected]