The Acquisition Sweet Spot You’re Ignoring

A tier 2/3 business could be what you're seeking

What’s up everyone,

I’m back with the second edition of the “JackQuisitions” focused newsletter. (read edition #1 here)

For those playing along at home, here are the two most recent episodes of the podcast:

My co-host, Jack Carr, continues to crush it with his acquisition-centric content.

Before we talk about tier 2/3 business opportunities, here’s a word from our partner.

First Internet Bank for Skilled Trades Acquisitions

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.

Target a Tier 2/3 Business

You want to buy a business? Start here:

Stop chasing the flashy stuff. There’s a time for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, etc. But that time may not be now.

Start looking where no one else is paying attention.

That’s where the opportunity lives.

Tier 2 and 3 Businesses Are Hiding in Plain Sight

No private equity firm is circling turf companies. Or canvas installers. Or mulch blowers.

And that’s the advantage.

You’re walking into businesses with real demand, real cash flow, and owners who never systemized anything. That’s low-hanging fruit for any operator who knows what they’re doing.

Better Hours. Happier Customers. Less Stress.

With plumbing or HVAC, you're dealing with emergencies.

With turf or fencing, you're delivering a visual transformation. No panicked calls at night. No sewage backups on weekends.

You show up. You deliver. Everyone’s happy. That’s a different kind of win.

These Businesses Are Stuck in 2004

I’ve seen companies that do $1M+ in revenue and still can’t send a quote on time. No software. No pricing tools. No follow-up.

If you’ve run even a halfway modern home services business, you can plug in:

  • Live quoting

  • Financing options

  • Text-based scheduling

  • Automated follow-ups

And instantly outpace everyone around you.

It’s Not About Scale. It’s About Cashflow

You’re not turning a turf business into a $100M company.

You’re building something that pays you well, keeps your evenings free, and doesn’t depend on ten layers of staff.

This isn’t about empire-building. It’s about buying a real business and making it better.

The Opportunity Is Now—Before Everyone Catches On

Roofing, fencing, and re-pipes were tier 2 once.

Now they’re flooded with competition, private equity, and Google Ads bidding wars.

Turf? Tunneling? Canvas installs? These are still quiet. Still fragmented. Still affordable.

But that won’t last.

Final Word

Want to buy a business that prints cash and doesn’t stress you out?

Here’s what to look for:

  • Niche services no one brags about

  • Happy customers and low urgency

  • No systems—so you can bring your own

  • Steady revenue over imaginary scale

  • A business you can actually enjoy running

Ignore the noise. Own the one everyone else overlooks.

Want to hear Jack and Peter De Baptiste, owner of Joe Cole Plumbing, talk more about this? Here you go ⬇️ 

Acquisition Opportunities

Ready to buy? Here are five home service companies on the market.

Say Goodbye to Back-End Breakdowns

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.

Ask for Patrick. Tell him John Wilson sent you.

Thanks for reading. Forward it to a friend!

👊 John

Disclosure: This newsletter includes sponsored content. However, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Want More Owned and Operated?

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