Looking to buy and run one great Mid-Atlantic business.

About Daniel

I grew up in a small town on the North Carolina coast where my mom and dad started, owned, and ran a small business. I was inspired by their hard work and how seriously they took their responsibility to their employees, customers, and community. That's the kind of owner I intend to be.

An engineer by training, I started my career on the plant floor in steel-toe boots, learning how great products are made. Since then I've spent 17 years growing and running businesses in specialty chemicals, materials, and industrial distribution, at Stein Fibers, ExxonMobil, and an investor-backed specialty chemicals company. Along the way I started an industrial-waste management company of my own, so I know what it takes to build something—and how much it means to the person who built it.

Today I live in Wilmington, where my wife and I are raising our family.

What I'm looking for

Type of business

I'm primarily interested in established businesses that make or sell technical products or provide technical services, including specialty manufacturing, formulation and blending, value-added distribution, and industrial services. I'm open to other strong businesses where I can see an opportunity to be a good long-term owner.

Size

Roughly $1–3 million of annual profit (EBITDA or owner earnings). If you're not sure whether your business fits that range, let's talk anyway.

Location

Within about two hours of Wilmington, in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey.

Situation

An owner thinking about retirement, a partner looking for an exit, or a business owner who wants to find the right person to carry the company forward.

What you can expect from me

• Confidentiality Our conversations stay between us. I won't contact your employees, customers, or suppliers without your okay, and I'll treat your information with the care it deserves.
• Continuity I plan to keep the business where it is, keep the team, and keep the name, and build on the foundation you've created. Its people, customer relationships, and reputation are what make it worth buying.
• A thoughtful transition I'll work with you on a transition that fits your timeline and gives you confidence in what happens after you step away. Whether you want to stay involved for a period of time or transition more quickly, we'll find an approach that works for both of us.
• Straight talk You'll deal directly with me throughout the process, and I'll be honest with you about where I stand so neither of us wastes time. I'm funding the purchase with my own capital and bank financing.
• A long-term owner I'm not buying the business to turn around and sell it. My goal is to own and operate it for the long term.

How this usually goes

1. A first conversation, by phone, about your business and what you're thinking. No commitment on either side.
2. A meeting in person, over coffee or at the business, to get to know each other and talk through what you've built.
3. A few basic numbers, under a confidentiality agreement if you'd like. With a rough picture of revenue and profit, I'll tell you early where I think we'd land, so neither of us spends months finding out we're far apart.
4. A written offer, or an honest no.