Partner With Austin

As a plumbing or HVAC business owner, you’ve spent years—maybe decades—building something remarkable. Your business isn’t just a source of income; it’s a lifeline for your family, a career home for your employees, and a trusted name in your community.

But as you think about retirement or stepping back, the big question looms: how can you secure your future without sacrificing the integrity of what you’ve built?

A Warning From the Frontlines: The Private Equity Playbook

They call themselves “partners,” but what kind of partner takes actions today knowing they’ll lead to destruction tomorrow? The answer: one who never plans to stick around for the aftermath.

Let’s face it—while there might be a well-meaning private equity (PE) firm out there, the track record tells a different story. Here’s how it usually goes:

Private equity firms roll in with promises of big checks and an easy transition. Year one feels like the honeymoon phase. Your business keeps its name, employees stay in place, and operations seem normal. But by year two, the cracks start to show.

The focus shifts from service and quality to relentless cost-cutting and maximizing profit.

• Tradespeople become salespeople: The focus on craftsmanship gives way to upselling customers at every turn.
• Leadership gets gutted: Experienced managers are replaced with “cost-savers” who prioritize the bottom line over people.
• Loyal employees are forced out: Your team—the ones who helped build your reputation—are replaced or demoralized.

For every dollar these firms squeeze from operations, they’re betting on making five to ten times more when they flip the business to the next, even larger PE group.

What happens next? Quality suffers, customers lose trust, and the legacy you worked so hard to build crumbles.

A Regret That’s Hard to Shake

For many former business owners, the heartbreak doesn’t stop at handing over the keys.

One of the hardest realities they face is seeing their name—once a badge of pride—on the side of trucks representing a company they no longer recognize. Every service call that cuts corners, every upsell that frustrates a loyal customer, becomes a stain on their legacy.

It’s not uncommon to hear regretful ex-owners say they wish they could scrape their name off the side of the trucks. Worse yet, they encourage any remaining employees or family members still involved in the business to get out while they can before the culture, quality, and integrity are entirely hollowed out.

This isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about the heartbreak of seeing a lifetime of work and reputation tarnished, all for the short-term gain of someone else.

Why Austin is Different

At Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’ve seen the damage done during private equity takeovers. And while we’ve benefitted from hiring A-players fleeing from PE-owned companies and gaining customers looking for trustworthy tradespeople, we know there’s a better way.

We’re not a private equity firm. We’re tradespeople, just like you, with decades of experience running a business that’s built on trust, integrity, and quality service.

When we acquire a company, we don’t flip it for profit or strip it down for parts. Why? Because we’re committed to private ownership forever. That means we’re accountable for every decision we make—not just today, but for generations to come.

When we acquire your business, we:

• Treat it like we built it ourselves—from the ground up.
• Use our own funds, ensuring every decision is rooted in what’s best for the business, not outside investors.
• Preserve and grow the legacy of the company, honoring its culture, employees, and customers.

Flexible Partnerships Tailored to Your Needs

We understand that every owner’s situation is different. That’s why we’re open to a variety of deal structures, including:

• Full acquisitions
• Partnerships
• Phased succession plans

We’ll work with you to craft an agreement that meets your financial and personal goals while securing the future of your business.

Your Legacy Matters

We’ve successfully acquired several high-quality plumbing, HVAC, and electrical companies in Southeastern Wisconsin, always with the same commitment: to honor the legacy of their previous owners and ensure long-term success.

When you sell to Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, you can trust:

• You’ll be paid a fair price for your business.
• Your employees will be treated like family. Many find our culture and overall compensation package to be a significant upgrade.
• Your customers will continue to receive exceptional service. In fact, they often experience an increase in service levels and offerings.
• Your business will stay true to the values and culture that made it successful.

We believe the future of the trades depends on skilled professionals—not corporate outsiders—who care about quality, community, and the next generation of tradespeople.

What We’re Looking For

We’re actively seeking plumbing, HVAC, water conditioning, and well contracting companies that meet the following criteria:

• Residential focus
• Two or more service trucks on the road
• Annual gross revenue between $500,000 and $15,000,000
• Located in Southeastern Wisconsin or the broader Midwest
• Ideally, been in business for more than one generation

Why Partner With Austin?

• Your business will be run by tradespeople, not investors.
• We’re flexible and willing to work with your timeline and goals.
• You can have a say in the future direction of your company.
• We’ll preserve the culture and values that have defined your success.

Ready to Learn More?

Selling your business is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. At Austin Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to make that decision easier—with honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to your legacy.

If you’re ready to explore your options, call us today at 262-367-3808.

Ask to speak to Drew, and he’ll connect you with Eric to discuss how we can help.

All inquiries are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Let’s work together to build a future for your business that you—and your employees—can be proud of.