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Podcasts/Acquiring Minds
Acquiring Minds

Life As An Operator Leaving Pe To Buy A 2m Tree Business

with Costub Dio · Bluma Tree Experts

LenderHawk analysis. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Acquiring Minds.

The Deal

Business
Bluma Tree Experts
Industry
Tree services - residential and commercial tree pruning, removal, stump grinding, and tree healthcare
State
WA
Year
2023
Financing
SBA 7a
Revenue at Purchase
$2.0M
Deal Source
broker

Financing Structure

SBA 7(a)

Strategic Rationale

Acquire a tree services business focused on recurring pruning revenue rather than one-time removals, with experienced owner-operators and a strong client base, to build a sustainable long-term holding in his hometown.

Post-Acquisition Performance

After 13 months, successfully transitioned away both sellers through planned management changes; hired replacement crew leaders and salespeople; maintained service quality; implemented CRM systems and safety protocols; crew median age around 26 supports cultural integration; business operating stably with approximately 800-900 jobs per year and two crews.

The LenderHawk View

Real lenders that finance similar deals

Active Lenders
10
Median Spread
P + 3.50%
Top Lenders
U.S. Bank, National Association94 deals
Columbia Bank92 deals
Banner Bank60 deals
Wells Fargo Bank National Association39 deals
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association31 deals
See all matching lenders →

Key Takeaways

  • 1Resetting expectations about small business quality relative to large PE portfolio companies was necessary for deal completion.
  • 2Owner dependency in small businesses requires careful transition planning and replacement hiring, with SDE adjustments reflecting true buyer earnings capacity.
  • 3Building a peer support network of other searchers and business owners is critical for managing the emotional anxiety of operating a business.
  • 4Patience and allowing a team to buy into a vision is more effective than imposing rapid changes; focus first on not breaking the business.
  • 5Industry passion combined with professional skill development creates opportunities to build culture and sustainable employee careers.

Matched SBA Loan Records

SBA loan filings we matched to this deal

TD Bank, National Association85%
$250KP + 3.00%FY2024
Empire State Certified Development Corporation85%
$58KP + 3.75%FY2015
Santander Bank, National Association85%
$34KP + 6.00%FY2015