America’s Forgotten Businesses are Trading Hands.

Are They Going to the Right Ones?

Protecting the Legacy of the New Millionaire Class

We are capturing an untold chapter of the American Dream—one that proves success isn’t confined to Silicon Valley, Wall Street, or a four-year degree. It’s on the streets of every small town, in the hands of the next generation of business owners, and in the legacy of those who built something worth passing on.

Our family business, Sells Group Advisors, helps blue-collar business owners sell their companies ranging from several million in valuation to over $150M. We have walked alongside hundreds of entrepreneurs, and their families, as they consider their future and reflect on legacy, employees, customers, and so much more. 

Decades of hard work lead to one final choice. Years after they are faced with the question if they should have sold to begin with, and if they sold to the right partner.

  • Private Equity Is Taking On The Skilled Trades

    (Forbes, October 17, 2024)

    This article discusses how private equity firms are targeting HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies for consolidation, reshaping the skilled trades landscape. It highlights how these firms are creating a new class of millionaires by buying out smaller companies and merging them into larger entities.

    Article

  • America’s New Millionaire Class: Plumbers and HVAC Entrepreneurs

    (WSJ, October 13, 2024)

    Here, the focus is on how private equity is pouring money into skilled-trade small businesses, offering significant paydays for mom-and-pop shops. It mentions specific cases where owners have sold their businesses for millions, turning into millionaires overnight. This article also touches on how this trend is changing perceptions about blue-collar jobs.

    Article

  • Private Equity Firms Are Now Acquiring Skilled Trade Small Businesses

    (ZeroHedge, October 13, 2024)

    This piece echoes the sentiment of the previous articles, focusing on how PE firms are buying out HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses, leading to significant financial gains for owners. It also includes a quote from a business owner enjoying his newfound financial freedom post-sale.

    Article

  • Why PE is Cutting Multimillion-Dollar Checks to Plumbers

    (Sherwood News, October 15, 2024)

    This article provides insights into why private equity is investing heavily in trade businesses like plumbing and HVAC. It discusses the high demand for these services and how investors are creating opportunities for owners to become millionaires.

    Article