In this week’s episode, we chat with Brian Cohen, a business strategist at SF&P Advisors. Dive deep into the complex world of deal-making, private equity transactions, and business growth in the home service industry.  Brian explains how the market evolved during and after COVID-19, leading to unprecedented deals and valuations. He also shares his experiences and insights on advising clients, the importance of professional guidance when selling an HVAC business, and the critical factors that impact business valuations. Finally, Brian emphasizes the necessity of having knowledgeable representation during business transactions to maximize outcomes.   Key Takeaways : The Value of Expertise in Business Transactions: Partnering with professionals who understand private equity can significantly enhance the value of your deal. Business owners in the HVAC space often struggle to understand the complexities of EBITDA, which professionals can navigate more effectively to maximize deal value. The Importance of Choosing the Right Partner: Whether opting for a private equity buyout or a buy-and-hold strategy, selecting a partner whose goals align with your business ambitions is crucial. Understanding different models like strategic private equity partnerships versus buy-and-hold strategies can help owners make informed decisions. Economic and Market Factors: COVID-19 played a significant role in reshaping the HVAC and home services market. It highlighted the resilience of these businesses and increased their attractiveness to private equity due to high usage and demand spikes during the lockdown periods. ----- Additional Resources ➡️ Schedule a FREE Marketing Assessment today: https://lokalhq.com/marketing-assessment/ ----- 👉 Connect with Brian Cohen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-david-cohen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briandavidcohen Website: https://sfpadvisors.com ----- The Boost, a podcast for home service contractors. Join CMO of Lokal, Zach Wilson, as he explores leaders & innovators in home services, their personal journeys, thoughts and experiences with growth, marketing, and succession. Lokal digital marketing works exclusively with contractors specializing in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and garage door companies to conquer their local turf and grow exponentially. All Aboard the Longship! Powered by Vikings™. For marketing tips, follow Zach Wilson on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.