When Carrie Kelsch was encouraged to start a garage door business back in 2004, she had no experience in the industry. By 2022, her company, A Plus Garage Doors, was generating $35 million in revenue with 30% EBITDA margins.
In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, host John Warrillow shares Carrie’s journey—from her first steps in the home services industry to the personal tragedy that ultimately pushed her to consider selling.
Listen in to discover how to:
Enter a new industry as an outsider and succeed
Build a trusted brand that stands out to customers
Avoid getting ground down by savvy acquirers during negotiations
Play the game of musical chairs private equity triggers when they roll up an industry
Carrie ultimately received offers of 10–11 times EBITDA and settled on a deal that handsomely rewarded both her and her employees.
Want to learn how to make your business irresistible to buyers? CLICK HERE to schedule a meeting with me today.
Video: Building a $35M Home Services Business with Carrie Kelsch
Mark Hartmann is a three-time Inc 500|5000 CEO with a rich sales, operations, and leadership background in the insurance, financial services, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience growing and selling his own businesses, Mark leverages his expertise to help owners grow and sell businesses valued at $1M —$25M. He’s earned a Master of Business Administration from Eastern University, a master of science degree in organizational change management from St. Elizabeth University, and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Columbia University. Mark’s professional certifications include Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and Certified Value Builder (CVB).