Sell or Scale with John Bartlett

John Bartlett interviews Max Mortimer and West Hubbard of Basement Kings USA about their journey in acquiring and scaling foundation repair businesses. Learn about their partnership, acquisition strategy, deal structure, and what makes for successful seller partnerships in the foundation repair and basement waterproofing industries. This episode offers valuable insights for business owners considering selling their companies or planning an exit strategy in the residential service sector.

In this episode of the Sell or Scale podcast, John Bartlett from Brentwood Growth interviews Ariez Dustoor of NB Group, a private equity firm specializing in first institutional investments in founder or family-owned businesses. Ariez shares valuable insights into what makes businesses attractive to PE firms, ideal deal structures, and how owners should prepare for a sale. Learn what happens during the due diligence process, what changes after acquisition, and how to maximize your business value. Perfect for business owners considering selling or scaling their company with a private equity partnership.

In this episode of Sell or Scale, host John Bartlett of Brentwood Growth talks with Mike Blumenfeld of BZR Advisors about private equity investments in the roofing industry. Mike shares insights into BZR's growth strategy, what they look for in potential partners, and the surprising trend of younger business owners seeking private equity partnerships. Learn about acquisition criteria, deal structures, and how partnering with private equity can transform a roofing business.

Mike explains how BZR has completed 11 acquisitions since 2023 and grown to over $300 million in revenue. He discusses why they focus on company culture, the minimum EBITDA requirements, and how they design deals to benefit both parties. If you're a roofing company owner considering selling or seeking investment, this episode provides valuable insights to prepare your business and find the right partner.

In this episode of Sell or Scale, John Bartlett sits down with Doug Hipple and Tom Basch from Infinity Home Services (IHS) to explore the rapidly growing world of residential roofing acquisitions.

Learn how IHS's founder turned a moment of moral clarity into a mission-driven company now partnered with 25 brands across North America. Doug and Tom share what makes a roofing business attractive to investors, how deal structures typically work (including the surprising 27% average equity rollover), and what the acquisition process looks like from start to finish.

Join John Bartlett as he interviews Jack Werner of HomeX Services Group, who shares how he transformed a family business legacy into a thriving HVAC, plumbing, and electrical enterprise. Learn how this $400M company differentiates itself from private equity buyers, its unique approach to acquisitions, and valuable insights for business owners considering selling. Werner reveals key strategies for growing service businesses, the importance of long-term thinking, and how to prepare your company for a successful exit.

In this episode of Sell or Scale, John Bartlett from Brentwood Growth interviews Griffin Brand, VP of Corporate Development at HighGround. Griffin shares insights into how HighGround partners with successful restoration companies across the US, their acquisition criteria, and how they structure deals. Learn what makes a company attractive for acquisition, the importance of strong leadership and culture, and what owners should expect during and after the acquisition process. Whether you're considering selling your restoration business now or in the future, this episode provides valuable guidance on maximizing your company's value and finding the right partner.

Matt Raimondi from Silvermine Growth Partners shares insider knowledge about how private equity (PE) firms evaluate, acquire, and grow service-based businesses. Learn about deal structures, valuation methods, and what makes a business attractive to PE investors. Essential viewing for business owners considering a sale or seeking growth capital.

Join John Bartlett from Brentwood Growth as he sits down with Jillian Colquitt, M&A Lead at Flint Group, to uncover the secrets behind successful home services acquisitions. Learn how Flint Group grew 76% last year through acquisitions and organic growth and what makes a home services company attractive to buyers.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What buyers look for in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies
• Why companies with $10M+ revenue in major markets are prime acquisition targets
• How rollover equity works and why sellers are earning 3X returns
• The truth about transaction structures and why Flint avoids earn-outs
• Inside look at the 60-day acquisition process from offer to close

Whether you're considering selling your home services business or looking to scale for a future exit, this conversation provides valuable insights into how private equity firms like Flint Group approach acquisitions while preserving company culture and brand identity.

Featured Guest: Jillian Colquitt - Head of M&A at Flint Group

Host: John Bartlett - Brentwood Growth

In this insightful conversation, Drake Hill and Max Kleeman from Funded Ventures discuss their journey from Washington University MBA graduates to aspiring small business owners. They share how they're taking a different approach from traditional private equity, focusing on businesses that are too small for institutional buyers but perfect for hands-on operators.

Former fintech CEO Chad shares his unique approach to acquiring construction businesses in Texas, focusing on commercial construction where many PE firms fear to tread. Learn why he's targeting plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, and how his long-term holding strategy sets him apart from traditional private equity buyers.