The Best Boring Businesses to Build a $10M Company

Not every "boring business" is built to scale.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack Carr ranks four home service businesses that can realistically grow into $10M+ companies and explains why so many others stall out long before they get there. From recurring revenue and route density to hiring, middle management, and acquisitions, Jack breaks down what separates a lifestyle business from a business with real enterprise value.

If you're thinking about buying, starting, or scaling a home service company, this episode will help you understand which business models have the strongest long-term potential, and where each one tends to break.

The best businesses aren't just easy to start. They're built to scale.

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In this episode, Jack covers:

• The five characteristics every scalable home service business shares
• Why plumbing ranks ahead of HVAC for long-term growth
• How recurring revenue changes the value of a business
• The biggest scaling challenges in pest control and landscaping
• Why most companies get stuck around the $2M mark
• What buyers look for in businesses that can grow past $10M
• How leadership, systems, and middle management drive enterprise value

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X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

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Sponsors

Breaking $5M Workshop

Join John Wilson and Jack Carr in Akron, OH for a hands-on workshop built for home service owners ready to scale past $5M. Get the proven playbook, tour Wilson's operation, and connect with other growth-minded contractors.

Register here: https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million


Quick Staffers

Hire trained HVAC and plumbing CSRs without the overhead of traditional hiring. Save $500 on your first placement with Quick Staffers: https://www.quickstaffers.com/

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What does a septic business actually run on?

In this special field episode of Jackquisitions, Jack Carr takes you inside one of the most important assets in any septic company: the pump truck. Instead of talking about acquisitions from a desk, Jack walks through a real septic truck and explains how it works, why every component matters, and what buyers should understand before purchasing a septic business.

From the chassis and vacuum system to the tank, hoses, and disposal process, you'll get a firsthand look at the equipment that drives revenue every single day. If you're evaluating a septic company, understanding the trucks is just as important as understanding the financials.

The trucks are the business. Knowing how they work helps you understand what you're actually buying.

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In this episode, Jack covers:

• How a septic pump truck generates revenue
• Why vacuum pumps are the most critical (and expensive) component
• The difference between the truck chassis and the tank system
• Why tank construction and weld quality matter
• The equipment every septic truck carries for daily operations

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Follow Jack for More Acquisition Insights
X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Breaking $5M Workshop

Join John Wilson and Jack Carr in Akron, OH for a hands-on workshop built for home service owners ready to scale past $5M. Get the proven playbook, tour Wilson's operation, and connect with other growth-minded contractors.

Register here: https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million

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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.

Thinking about buying a business? Most first-time buyers start on BizBuySell, but that's where the competition is highest.

In this episode of Jackquisitions, Jack Carr shares three proven strategies to find off-market business acquisition opportunities before they ever reach business brokers or online marketplaces. Learn how experienced buyers source small business acquisitions through networking, industry relationships, and direct outreach instead of competing over public listings.

If you want to buy a business at a better valuation, negotiate stronger deal terms, and find acquisition opportunities that other buyers never see, this episode breaks down the process that actually works.

The best business acquisitions aren't found on marketplaces—they're built through relationships.

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In this episode, Jack breaks down:

• Why business brokers and listing sites should be your last resort
• How distributors, vendors, CPAs, bankers, and attorneys become your best deal sources
• Why you should call business owners instead of sending automated emails
• How licensing databases can help you build acquisition lists
• The overlooked advantage of networking with divorce attorneys and financial planners
• Why the best buyers find businesses before they ever go to market

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Follow Jack for More Acquisition Insights

X: https://x.com/thehvacjack

Sponsors

Breaking $5M Workshop

Join John Wilson and Jack Carr in Akron, OH for a hands on workshop built for home service owners ready to scale past $5M. Get the proven playbook, tour Wilson's operation, and connect with other growth minded contractors. Register here: https://www.ownedandoperated.com/upcoming-events/oao-workshop-breaking-5-million

First Internet Bank

Looking to buy or grow a home service business? First Internet Bank offers SBA financing for acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate. Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit, a free deal review, and buyside prequalification: 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.