Buying a pest control business sounds simple; until you start digging into the numbers.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack breaks down exactly how he would evaluate a pest control company before making an acquisition. From recurring revenue and customer churn to route density, technician productivity, and owner dependency, he walks through the key diligence items that separate a scalable business from an expensive mistake.

Jack explains why customer counts can be misleading, how to properly analyze recurring revenue, and why route economics often matter more than top-line sales. He also shares the biggest acquisition traps buyers fall into, including overvaluing project-based revenue, ignoring churn, and buying businesses that rely too heavily on the owner.

Whether you're looking at pest control, HVAC, plumbing, or any route-based home service business, these are the metrics that determine what a company is actually worth.

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In This Episode, We Cover:

→ Why "1,200 recurring customers" doesn't mean what most buyers think it means

→ How to evaluate recurring revenue versus one-time project revenue

→ The importance of customer churn and what it reveals about a business

→ Route density, revenue per stop, and the economics that drive profitability

→ How callback rates impact margins and operational efficiency

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Follow Jack for More Acquisition Insights

X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

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💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank

Looking to buy or grow a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender focused on skilled trades acquisitions. Get up to 90% financing for acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit for growth.

They take a “how can we” approach, helping both first-time buyers and experienced operators get deals done.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit + free deal review & buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson

Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

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📢 Enjoyed the episode?
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Most buyers focus on finding the right business. The best buyers focus on finding the right financing.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack sits down with SBA lending expert Alan Peterson to break down a major new SBA initiative that's creating opportunities for acquisition entrepreneurs—especially those looking at manufacturing businesses.

They discuss the new Made in America lending program, how increased SBA guarantees actually impact buyers, and why banks still won't finance bad deals no matter how much government support exists. The conversation also dives into the realities of buying manufacturing businesses, the risks hidden inside supply chains, and why cash flow remains king whether you're buying a contractor, manufacturer, or construction company.

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In This Episode, We Cover:

→ The new SBA Made in America program and who qualifies
→ Why manufacturing acquisitions are getting increased attention from lenders
→ How a 90% SBA guarantee changes the bank's risk profile
→ Whether higher guarantees actually help buyers win deals
→ Why banks still won't finance bad acquisitions
→ How buyers can use SBA financing to pursue larger opportunities

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Follow Jack for More Acquisition Insights

X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

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💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank

Looking to buy or grow a business?

First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender focused on skilled trades acquisitions. Get up to 90% financing for acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit for growth.

They take a "how can we" approach, helping both first-time buyers and experienced operators get deals done.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit, plus a free deal review and buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson

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Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Most septic companies don’t fail because septic is hard—they fail because they make bad financial decisions early on. In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack breaks down one of the biggest mistakes new septic operators make: buying the wrong truck.

From $300K showpiece vacuum trucks to practical used rigs that actually make money, Jack explains how to think about equipment like an operator—not a truck enthusiast. He covers what to look for when buying your first septic truck, the hidden costs that crush cash flow, and why reliability matters more than chrome.

In this episode, we cover:

→ Why flashy vacuum trucks can bankrupt new septic companies
→ The real cost of financing a $250K–$350K septic truck
→ What to look for in a used vacuum truck before buying
→ Common red flags: rust, bad welds, vacuum leaks, and homemade modifications

Follow Jack for more:

X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

Send us Fan Mail

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🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Most first-time buyers lose deals before they even reach LOI stage—and according to SBA lender Alan Peterson, it’s because they’re trying too hard to look like private equity instead of acting like real operators.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack and Alan break down what actually helps acquisition entrepreneurs win deals in today’s market. From building credibility with brokers and sellers to avoiding the “fake holdco” trap, this episode is packed with tactical advice for first-time buyers.

In this episode:
• Why “LARPing as private equity” hurts buyers
• How brokers and sellers evaluate acquisition entrepreneurs
• Why authenticity beats flashy branding
• The importance of SBA prequalification before outreach
• How LinkedIn and online presence impact credibility
• Why operators often win deals over PE groups
• Common mistakes buyers make when approaching sellers

The takeaway:
The buyers winning deals today aren’t pretending to be billion-dollar funds. They’re authentic, operationally credible, and prepared before they ever contact a seller.

Follow Alan Peterson:
X: @AlanPetersonSBA


💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank

Looking to buy or grow a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender focused on skilled trades acquisitions. Get up to 90% financing for acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit for growth.

They take a “how can we” approach, helping both first-time buyers and experienced operators get deals done.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit + free deal review & buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson

Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Spirit Airlines didn’t fail because people stopped wanting cheap flights. It failed because the business model eventually stopped working.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack breaks down how Spirit built an airline around ultra-low prices, backend fees, and stripped-down customer experience—and why that strategy ultimately collapsed under rising costs, customer frustration, and shrinking operational margins. From fuel prices and labor inflation to branding, loyalty, and the dangers of competing only on price, this episode explores one of the most interesting business case studies in recent years.

In this episode, we cover:
Why Spirit’s “cheap flights” strategy initially worked
How ancillary fees became the real business model
The psychology behind low-cost pricing and customer behavior
Why customers tolerated the model—until they didn’t
How rising fuel, labor, and debt costs broke the economics
The danger of competing only on price in a low-margin industry
Why “cheap” is a strategy—not a moat
What other businesses can learn from Spirit’s collapse

Follow Jack for more breakdowns:
X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank

Looking to buy or grow a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender focused on skilled trades acquisitions. Get up to 90% financing for acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit for growth.

They take a “how can we” approach, helping both first-time buyers and experienced operators get deals done.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit + free deal review & buyside prequalification.

Connect with Alan Peterson: https://alanfib.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Jack believes the next big opportunity in the car wash industry isn’t another massive tunnel wash—it’s modular in-bay automatic car washes.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack breaks down why modular systems could reshape the industry over the next decade. From startup costs and scalability to branding, traffic flow, and customer behavior, he explains why these fast-build systems may outperform traditional car wash models in many markets.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why modular in-bay automatics could dominate the next 5–10 years
• How modular systems reduce construction costs and improve cash flow
• The problem with outdated converted car wash buildings
• Why scalability and adding capacity incrementally matters
• How branding, aesthetics, and visibility drive impulse purchases
• The role traffic flow and site access play in profitability
• Why modern modular systems may outperform traditional tunnel washes

The takeaway:
The future of car washes may be modular, scalable, and easier to expand. Operators who understand branding, site economics, and flexibility early could have a major advantage in the years ahead.

Follow Jack for more breakdowns:
X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank
Looking to buy or grow a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender focused on skilled trades acquisitions. Get up to 90% financing for acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit for growth.

They take a “how can we” approach, helping both first-time buyers and experienced operators get deals done.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit + free deal review & buyside prequalification.
Connect with Alan Peterson

Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Most people think starting a septic business begins with a truck, a logo, or a website. According to Jack, that’s exactly backwards.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack breaks down the real blueprint for starting a septic company in 2026—from licensing and regulation to capital, lead generation, hiring, and scaling operations. This isn’t theory. It’s a practical walkthrough of how to actually build a septic business that survives long enough to grow.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why licensing and compliance matter more than branding early on
• The difference between septic pumping vs. repair businesses
• Why most new operators underestimate startup capital
• How the “J curve” impacts every home service business
• Whether it’s smarter to buy an existing septic company or start from scratch

The takeaway:
If you want to start a septic business, focus less on looking established and more on building the operational foundation correctly. Licensing, cash flow, lead generation, hiring, and systems are what actually create a business that lasts.

Follow Jack for more breakdowns:
X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.

Coca-Cola didn’t buy Vitamin Water for the product—it bought relevance.

As consumers moved away from soda, Coke made a $4.1B bet on positioning, distribution, and speed into a changing market.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack breaks down the real strategy behind the deal—and why great acquisitions are about timing and leverage, not just revenue.

In this episode:

• Buying trends vs building products
• Why distribution beats product
• The power of premium positioning
• 50 Cent’s $100M equity play
• Why ownership > cash

The takeaway:
The biggest wins don’t come from what you build—they come from how you position, scale, and own it.

💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC

Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts.
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💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank
Looking to buy or grow a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender focused on skilled trades acquisitions. Get up to 90% financing for acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit for growth.

They take a “how can we” approach, helping both first-time buyers and experienced operators get deals done.

👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit + free deal review & buyside prequalification.
Connect with Alan Peterson HERE

Send us Fan Mail

Jackquisitions Newsletter — Your favorite source for how to buy small businesses. Real insights, smart strategies, zero gurus.

🖊️ Sign up HERE for more insights


📢 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Like, Comment & Subscribe for weekly insights on business acquisitions, deal flow, marketing, and growth strategies!

📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.