Why Wall Street is Eyeing Your Local Plumber: Jordan Wagner on Main Street’s Boom

Mom-and-pop shops are the new darlings of Wall Street. But why are hedge funds suddenly interested in your local HVAC company? Let’s break it down. 

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Wagner, one of the founders and principals of The Exit Group, to explore why Main Street businesses are becoming more attractive to Wall Street. From private equity’s growing interest in smaller, essential service businesses to why baby boomers are cashing in on decades of hard work, Jordan provides insights into the mechanics of these deals and how small business owners can position themselves for a profitable exit. Whether you’re running a plumbing company or thinking about your next business move, this episode sheds light on why “boring” businesses are suddenly a hot commodity.

Episode Takeaways:

• Why essential, “boring” businesses like HVAC and plumbing are now attractive to private equity.

• How generational shifts and the rise of subscription services are changing the landscape for service businesses.

• Private equity’s impact on improving valuations for small businesses.

• Factors that drive higher valuations: recurring service revenue, growth, and management structure.

• The long-term strategy of private equity: scaling operations and building efficiency.

• Why private equity is now interested in white-collar trades like CPA firms and legal services.

• The growing interest in property management businesses due to their recurring revenue model.

Want to know if your business could be the next target for private equity? Tune in to find out how you can position your company for a lucrative exit and take control of your financial future.

Favorite Quote:

“We call them boring businesses, but Wall Street loves them because they’re essential— plumbing, HVAC, lawn care. They create fundamental, scalable value.”