Perils in Partnership: Plumbing Acquisition Gone Wrong

Acquiring Minds

Josh Key partnered with a master plumber from his church to acquire a plumbing business doing $1.25m. It ended badly.

Topics in Josh’s interview:

  • Buying a plumbing business with a partner
  • Quitting his job to go all-in
  • Inadequate due diligence on his partner
  • His partner’s wife getting involved in the business
  • Emotional outbursts and threats from his partner
  • Employees and clients leaving due to the partner
  • Closing the business and filing for bankruptcy
  • What he learned about due diligence
  • How his mindset is guided by his faith
  • What he wants to do next

References and how to contact Josh:

  • josh@castlekeyholdings.com
  • LinkedIn

Work with an SBA broker who focuses exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:

  • Matthias Smith of Pioneer Capital Advisory

Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:

  • Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund Team

Learn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:

  • The Acquisition Lab

Connect with Acquiring Minds:

  • See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
  • Connect with host Will Smith on LinkedIn
  • Follow Will on Twitter

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