What Buyers are Buying: Boring Businesses

The Deal Board

Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, they explore the surge of Millennials and Gen Z buying “boring” small businesses (such as sawmills, packaging companies, and HVAC services) as Baby Boomers retire and sell their long-held enterprises. They discuss the shift in generational ownership, the appeal of steady cash-flowing businesses over startups, and how younger buyers are using technology to modernize legacy operations. The conversation also covers the importance of relationship-building during business transitions and debunks common myths around “no-money-down” deals. Tune in to learn how this generational shift is reshaping the business-for-sale landscape (and how you can get in on the action)!

Listing of the Week:

Taylor Bombardiere presents a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving specialty retail business just 30 to 40 minutes outside of downtown Denver. This established business features two high-performing divisions: one focused on fine jewelry and the other on antique and premium firearms. Generating $357,000 in annual cash flow, it’s listed at $1.2 million, with the real estate also available for $1.8 million. With little to no competition within a 10-mile radius and a prime high-traffic location, the business enjoys strong community support and a reputation for excellence. For more information, contact Taylor at [phone] or [email protected].

Deal of the Week:

Jenn Armstrong and Philip Handke celebrate the successful sale of a nail salon in Scottsdale, Arizona, Phil’s second nail salon deal in just six months. This back-to-back success highlights the strong demand for well-run, service-based businesses in the Phoenix metro area. While the sale prices remain undisclosed, this latest deal showcases Transworld’s ability to match quality first-time buyers with thriving local businesses. To learn more, contact Phil at [phone], [email protected], or find him on LinkedIn!

Key Points From This Episode:

• [00:45] How Boomers are flooding the market with small businesses for sale as they retire.

• [03:28] Why Millennials and Gen Z are stepping up as buyers in record numbers.

• [06:52] The shift from startup culture to buying boring businesses for cash flow and stability.

• [08:09] Misconceptions about “zero money down” deals and seller financing.

• [08:59] Buying an existing business versus launching a new one.

• [09:25] The scalability and tech-savviness younger buyers bring to legacy operations.

• [11:30] Why successful deals depend on strong relationships between buyer and seller.

• [14:19] Reasons that sellers are more likely to choose prepared, personable buyers.

• [19:12] The importance of being picky about who you take business-buying advice from.

• [20:46] Real-world examples of boring businesses for sale, from sawmills to spray foam, towing, medical supplies, recycling, and more!

• [27:55] Listing of the Week: Taylor Bombardiere (Transworld Dallas Fort Worth Central) is selling a specialty retail biz near Denver, offering fine jewelry, collectible firearms, and optional real estate.

• [29:27] Deal of the Week: Jenn Armstrong and Philip Handke (Transworld Phoenix) celebrate the sale of Phil’s second nail salon deal in just six months!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Deal Board Podcast

Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel

The Deal Board on LinkedIn

The Deal Board on Facebook

United Franchise Group

Transworld Business Advisors

Transworld on LinkedIn

Transworld on Facebook

Call us on [phone]

Email us at [email protected]

Andy Cagnetta

JT Tatem

Forrester's ‘The State Of Business Buying, 2024’ Report

BizBuySell Insight Report

‘Making It Work: In Search of a Boring Business’

Taylor Bombardiere

Jenn Armstrong

Philip Handke

Philip Handke on LinkedIn

#thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #businesssales #businessexit

Quotes:

“[Millennials] are coming into the market fast and furious, saying, ‘What can I acquire? [Where] can I start?' But there's a whole wave of education online that says, don't start [from scratch]. Buy a cash-flowing business, a boring cash-flowing business.” — JT Tatem [0:03:14]

“[Buying] a business is a much less risky proposition than starting a new business and maybe even getting a job.” — Andy Cagnetta [0:09:04]

“[Interact with the seller] face to face, have a conversation, shake their hand. – There are businesses that get sold sight unseen, – [but] most businesses, you don't buy that way.” — JT Tatem [0:12:41]

“There's tons of boring businesses out there that you can buy.” — Andy Cagnetta [0:25:49]