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Where to Go For Real Acquisition Intel
The ultimate water cooler experience
Jack Carr
August 25, 2025
Welcome to the JackQuisitions newsletter,
Forget LinkedIn. If you want to know whether an HVAC business is worth buying, head to the supply house counter. It’s the ultimate water cooler experience.
Why? It’s where techs complain about bosses, finances, and company health (and that’s just the start).
I go in-depth on this below. 👇️
Don’t forget: I’m hosting an “Acquisitions Happy Hour Meetup” on September 5th in Miami, FL. Sign-up (it’s free).
The Fastest Way to Make an Acquisition
Want first crack at HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses for sale?
Rather than fight hundreds of prospective buyers for the best deals, get notified the moment a trades business hits the market.
✅ Be the first to see new deals
✅ Get a complimentary deal review
✅ Access exclusive off-market opportunities
Join the list here — before the next deal drops. It could be the difference between making a deal and finding yourself stuck at square one.
Ready For Your Next Acquisition?
Finding your next acquisition target can be just as stressful as the process itself. Let me help. Here are some listings for your review:
This $863K revenue HVAC business nets $339K—60% residential, 40% commercial, with less than 3% new construction. Operates with outsourced payroll, QuickBooks for accounting, and in-house extended warranties. Serves ~2,000 active customers and has completed 27 changeouts in the last 12 months.
This $468K revenue cooling systems business nets $162K—specializing in evaporative cooling sales, installation, and service. Established in 1986, it holds a 5-star reputation and strong online presence, with steady booked calls providing consistent workload. Seller financing available, SBA pre-qualified, and positioned for a smooth ownership transition.
This $6.93M revenue plumbing and HVAC business nets $964K—50% commercial, 50% residential, with 55% plumbing and 45% HVAC. Operations are 60% new construction and 40% service. Serves ~1,500 active customers, includes $450K of inventory in the sale, runs on QuickBooks with a CRM in place, and uses outsourced payroll.
This $873K revenue HVAC business nets $254K—established in 2003 with a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and customer care. Operates with tech-enabled scheduling and estimating, strong online presence, and a steady customer pipeline. Runs with low staffing needs, stable income, and ownership flexibility without hands-on repair work.
Supply Houses and Acquisition Intel
Buying a business isn’t only about the P&L. It’s about information. Knowing where to find it, who to ask, and how to read between the lines before you wire a dollar.
In HVAC, I’ve learned that the supply house counter is where the real intel lives.
Techs stopping in for parts
Owners juggling payments
Sales reps who hear it all
It’s the water cooler of the trades — and if you’re paying attention, it can tip you off to which businesses are worth a closer look.
From Counter Talk to Acquisition Clues
I’ve seen it firsthand, and Jeff Bates — who’s bought multiple HVAC companies in Michigan — has too. He told me how often deals start (or end) with a conversation at the parts counter.
If a company is behind on payments, the counter guys know.
If techs are unhappy with leadership, they talk.
If an owner is stretched thin, word gets around fast.
One lead came directly from a supply rep at a company Jeff later went to see. Another time, a counterman tipped him off to a business in financial trouble that was open to selling.
Why the Counter Matters
Most top technicians aren’t uploading résumés to Indeed. They’re busy. They’re loyal. They’re happy until they’re not — and when that happens, the first place they mention it is at the supply house.
That makes the counter a recruiting channel as much as a due diligence tool.
I’ve said it before:
Techs rarely hang out at the office.
They don’t sit in meetings.
They talk shop at the counter.
And when they do, everything comes out: late paychecks, customer headaches, bad bosses, and rumors of a sale.
Lessons for Acquirers
When I’m looking at a trade business, I don’t just rely on QuickBooks or a broker’s pitch. I add the counter to my playbook:
Check the company’s reputation. Ask around casually. You’ll hear whether techs respect it or avoid it.
Look for financial red flags. A supplier who hints about slow payments may save you from a bad buy.
Scout talent. Supply reps know which techs are solid and which ones might be open to moving.
Confirm market position. Local chatter will tell you whether a company is seen as a leader, laggard, or something in between.
After the Close
Numbers tell you how a business performs. The supply house tells you why.
Every operator knows the counter hears everything. As an acquirer, I’d be foolish not to listen.
Tell Me What You’re Thinking
If you want to acquire a home service business, consider buying an existing company. But not just any company. A company that you thoroughly vet — starting with the information you pick up at the local supply house.
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Disclosure: Some of the content and links in this newsletter are sponsored or affiliate links, which means we may receive payment or earn a commission if you click through or purchase. However, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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