Using Acquisitions To Fuel Business Growth

There are two things to know when it comes to holding companies in the home services game.

1. Operating a business is hard.

2. Operating two or more businesses is harder.

Don’t attempt number 2 without keeping number 1 in mind.

If typical business growth and ownership is a marathon then going the route of using acquisitions to fuel growth is a mad sprint.

It’s a different beast altogether.

I’ve joked in the past that people would tell me “Stop, you can’t merge five businesses into one in 60 days and work 16 hours days for weeks on end.”

But I definitely did, and that’s what you’re dealing with in acquisitions.

And if you’ve never done it before then you’re just flying blind.

Don’t do that. Instead, come out to Sundance, Utah in 2025 for HoldCo Conference. Meet other operators and executives while learning to scale and grow.

I’ll be hosting with Michael Girdley from March 31 to April 3, 2025, for four days of real talks, industry-level takeaways, and all the Sundance activities you need to unwind.

This is your chance to get early bird tickets while you can, so get them now.

Fishing, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and more. This is a getaway that comes with the best knowledge on holding companies you’ll ever find.

HoldCo Conference was in Cleveland in 2022 and 2023 and over 100 owners and operators came away with a life-changing experience and a whole new group of peers.

The 2025 edition is going to be even bigger and better.

The lineup of speakers so far includes Chris Munn, Reg Zeller, Logan Leslie, Walker Deibel, and more.

There are still early bird tickets available until the end of September, but supplies are getting low. Lock in that lower ticket price now so you don’t miss out.

Big-time keynotes and business-conquering sessions will change the way you do business.

Join me and Girdley at HoldCo Conference 2025 and get ready to grow.

But if you need some acquisition advice before hitting the slopes at Sundance then I’ve got what you need.

Here’s my top advice when acquiring via a HoldCo.

Let’s do it.

My Best Acquisition Advice

Here’s my most sage advice when it comes to acquisition.

• Rollups are easier than HoldCos with companies in different industries.

Vertical integration is difficult. Build/buy at a lower multiple, and sell at a higher multiple—or hold for larger cashflows.

• It’s hard to be hands-off when it comes to HoldCos.

As someone who actually executes on the “I’ll buy a business and hire a manager so I don’t have to run it” model:

It is way harder in practice and I roll my eyes anytime I see someone say that.

• Bigger is easier.

If you have the chance, buy bigger.  The operational and infrastructure difference between a $3M revenue business and a $5M is worlds apart.

And $1M or below? Forget about it.

If you want more of this then get your ticket to HoldCo Conference now. I may even teach you to ski if you ask nicely.