<p>Three stories for independent operators heading into the week of May 18, 2026: the NFIB labor-quality reading hit its highest level since December, private equity rollups in home services are still buying at 18.5x EBITDA, and SBA 7(a) rates have settled in a place every operator modeling a deal needs to understand.</p>

Three stories for independent operators heading into the week of May 18, 2026: the NFIB labor-quality reading hit its highest level since December, private equity rollups in home services are still buying at 18.5x EBITDA, and SBA 7(a) rates have settled in a place every operator modeling a deal needs to understand.

Operator Intelligence — Labor Quality, PE Rollups, and 13% Money

Strategy and intelligence for independent business owners and owner-operators who built something they own — not a franchise, not VC-backed, not private equity. Every Monday: three numbers from the past 72 hours and the one decision each one demands. Every Friday: an operator spotlight — family-owned shops, second-generation operators, founder-buyers — plus the one tool, ratio, or playbook worth your time. Real businesses, real P&amp;Ls, real skin in the game. Part of Main Street Media.

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Strategy and intelligence for independent business owners and owner-operators who built something they own — not a franchise, not VC-backed, not private equity. Every Monday: three numbers from the past 72 hours and the one decision each one demands. Every Friday: an operator spotlight — family-owned shops, second-generation operators, founder-buyers — plus the one tool, ratio, or playbook worth your time. Real businesses, real P&Ls, real skin in the game. Part of Main Street Media.

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Operator Intelligence — Labor Quality, PE Rollups, and 13% Money

Operator Intelligence — Labor Quality, PE Rollups, and 13% Money