JQ: Personal Branding in Business Acquisitions

What’s up everyone,

I’m back with another edition of the JackQuisitions newsletter (here’s the last one if you missed it)…and a big update.

I’m handing over the reins.

The next JackQuisitions newsletter will be written by Jack himself.

Before we go any further, I want to share a “warning” based on a few conversations I’ve had this month…

Don’t overlook the importance of partnering with a bookkeeping, payroll, and tax service.

Get it right now so it doesn’t burn you later.

Appletree Business Services knows how to handle the back-end chaos that’s slowing your shop down.

Whether you're running HVAC, plumbing, or scaling through M&A, they’ve seen it all—and they speak your language (yes, even ServiceTitan and Housecall Pro).

Here’s what they do for busy operators like you:

• Handle bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, and acquisition support in one place

• Proactively manage your finances so you don’t get blindsided in April

• Give you real answers, fast—no more disappearing CPAs

Bonus for our readers:

👉 Get a free financial + tax review or 10% off QOE work for your next acquisition.

Book a call now

Ask for Patrick. Tell him John Wilson sent you.

Ready For Your Next Acquisition?

Finding your next acquisition target can be just as challenging as the process itself. Let me help. Here are some listings for your review:

This $6.9M revenue plumbing and HVAC company serves 1,500+ customers—50/50 split between commercial and residential, 60% new construction, and $450k in inventory included in the $4.5M asking price

This $1.75M revenue HVAC business nets $440K—80% residential, no new construction, and 14 years of loyal clients and long-term staff.

This $1.7M revenue plumbing and HVAC business nets $204K—residential and commercial work, strong marketing, and multiple revenue streams since 2017

This $1.5M revenue HVAC business nets $300K—35+ years strong, 4,500 customers, no marketing, and clean trucks with loyal staff.

Personal Branding = Deal Flow

Most acquisition entrepreneurs think sourcing is all about broker lists, cold calls, and clever emails. But one thing Chris Barr is proving: personal branding matters more than you think.

When Chris chased an art framing business, the seller initially said no. Why? Her broker looked at his website and thought he was private equity—exactly the kind of buyer she wanted to avoid.

The fix? Rebranding his online presence to reflect his true story as an operator, not an investor.

Key takeaways

• Your online presence sends signals—whether you realize it or not. Chris thought his website was “personal,” but it gave off private equity vibes. That nearly killed the deal.

• Brokers and sellers do Google you. In a fragmented market where most brokers don’t know who to trust, branding yourself helps you stand out from tire-kickers and time-wasters.

• Be findable and consistent. Use the same name across your LinkedIn, Twitter, and website. If you're "Chris Buys Painting Businesses," make that crystal clear everywhere.

• Tell a story that sticks. Chris got back into the conversation by offering a 6-month apprenticeship and emphasizing his operator background. That combo got the seller back to the table.

• Personal > professional polish. Sellers don’t want PE polish—they want someone who will take care of their “baby.” You win deals by showing up as a real person, not a pitch deck.

If you're tired of getting ghosted by brokers or iced out by sellers, it might not be your search criteria—it might be your branding.

Take 30 minutes this week to Google yourself and ask: Does this look like someone I’d sell my business to?

Let your story sell you. The brokers will follow.

Want more from Jack? The JackQuisitions podcast series has you covered.

➡️ Trying to Buy a Business: Here’s What No One Tells You
The inside details of buying a business
🎧 YouTube | Spotify | Apple

➡️ This ONE Mistake Can Tank Your First Acquisition
First-time buyers keep screwing this up (and it’s killing their deals)
🎧 YouTube | Spotify | Apple

➡️ The From Zero to 10 Million Cold Calling
He made $10M starting with nothing but a phone and a list—now it’s your turn
🎧 YouTube | Spotify | Apple

Say Hello to First Internet Bank

Buying a Business? Start With the Right Lender.

First Internet Bank is a national Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions in the skilled trades.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or expanding through acquisition, Alan Peterson and his team structure SBA 7a loans with up to 90% financing—plus optional lines of credit for future growth.

Best part? They take a “how can we” approach, not a “we can’t.”

🎁 Bonus for readers:
Mention the show for a reduced deposit and free deal review + prequal.

Get in touch with Alan here.

Tell Me What You’re Thinking

Feedback, good or bad, is the best way to help me improve the OAO newsletter.

Want More Owned and Operated?

📻 Listen to Owned and Operated on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple 

📖 Check out the go-to resource for scaling your home service business here

🤝 Get your brand in front of 40,000+ home service business owners here