We buy, grow, and invest in small businesses
Our Mission
We would like to utilize our experience and expertise to add value to the building blocks of our economy, small businesses, to make an impact to our communities, and to preserve the legacies of a great generation of founders and business owners.
We are looking to acquire, operate, and grow a well-established small business that operates in Texas or remotely. At the moment, we are looking for businesses that are:
- Between $300k – $1.5M in annual cash flow (SDE or adj. EBITDA)
- Has a history of reliable operations and consistent customer base
- Has a competitive edge that can be retained without current owner
We have successfully completed our first business acquisition, Nada’s Italy, in 2024. Therefore, we are particularly interested in businesses in the travel industry. We would love to discuss more if your travel business:
- Has a strong niche in a particular geography or segment (e.g. 20+ years in Italy only doing small group tours)
- Target high-end customers with high ticket values
- Has high customer retention rate or repeat/referral rates
Why Us
Personal Approach
We are real people that are going to own and operate your business, ensuring that your customers, employees, and partners are well taken care of.
We are not private equity, nor are we back by a group of private equity-like investors.
Right Expertise
We bring a range of experiences that are relevant for owning and growing a small business. We have been builders, operators, business owners, and investors ourselves.
We are not pursuing business acquisition just for financial reasons (we have separate investment portfolios).
Pragmatic Execution
We are creative yet pragmatic in our approach. We are organized and efficient in our execution. We have experience working with large and small companies in almost every function.
We see this journey as the best opportunity to leave our marks and make a meaningful impact.
Who We Are
Hi, I’m Shell. I’m a seasoned business professional with a diverse perspective. Over the last 17+ years, my experience ranged across a wide spectrum of industries and functions (from SaaS to base chemicals, from corporate strategy to marketing). Iām particularly experienced in strategic growth and operations, in both large businesses and fast moving startups. As a part-time entrepreneur for the last decade, I have a track record of accurately analyzing the market and reliable execution. I enjoy building processes, designing GTM models, and optimizing businesses for growth.
Hi, I’m Constantine. I’m a builder and engineer at heart. I bring significant technology expertise from 15+ years of building solutions for enterprise customers and rapidly developing PoCs (proof of concepts) with the most cutting edge technologies such as generative AI, ML, IoT and OT. My builder mentality and practical problem solving skills will be a valuable resource for digital transformation and significant value creation. I love rolling up my sleeves and solving problems with technology!
Our Track Record
Both of us have spent time in sales and marketing functions. Shell has owned the P&L of a product portfolio, led marketing for a startup company, built strategic partnerships with some of the most prestigious companies. Constantine has been a pre-sales and post-sales technical lead for over a decade and interact with customers and prospects on a daily basis.
Shell started her career in strategy and operations consulting, where she worked on projects focused on growth and performance improvement. After moving to Houston, she did strategic planning and analysis for a large chemical company, later also taking on commercial responsibilities for a product line. She then ran special operations at a fast scaling startup, building and scaling several teams. She has high confidence that she can operate and optimize a physical or a digital business.
Constantine has extensive experience helping large and small companies design their cloud-based digital infrastructure. As a life-long builder and technologist, he is well versed to take on any digitalization initiative and modernize the tech stack of an existing company.
We have been part-time entrepreneurs for the last decade, having built and operated several small businesses as well as rental properties. While none of those were anything serious or significant in size, we have a good taste in entrepreneurship. Additionally, Shell has been an investor and operator in startups, which gave her a unique perspective and appreciation of our target businesses.
Shell has worked through several post merger integrations as the PMO lead and as a consultant. She understands the importance of people and team in M&A transactions, as well as the nuances of running a smooth process. Constantine has worked with his customers on technical integrations and is the technology partner in the process.
FAQs
How did you come to pursue ETA (entrepreneur by acquisition)?
We’ve always had an entrepreneurial itch in our blood. Both of us have taken big risks in our lives and careers, and we knew from long ago that our ultimate goal was to be business owners. Over the years, we were introduced to the concept of buying existing businesses. After doing our own research and speaking to many ETA entrepreneurs, we decided that it’s the right path for us.
Why are you looking to buy small businesses?
Given the many decades of experience we’ve accumulated, we have high confidence in operating and growing an established small business. We are both exceptional ‘generalists’ and enjoy solving a wide variety of problem. We find small business ownership gives us the right set of problems to solve.
How are you funded?
We will fund the acquisition with personal equity and likely an SBA loan. A small group of ‘family and friends’ investors are also available to inject additional funding if needed. We will have a lot of ‘skin in the game’ and plan to take good care of your business.
You don’t have experience in my industry, how would you be able to run my business?
Even though we may not have direct experience operating in your specific industry, we have worked in a wide range of industries that provided us with a good understanding of what to expect. We are also very fast learners and diligent workers. Coupled with all the transferrable skills – problem solving, communication, big picture thinking, attention to detail, and financial acumen, we believe we are capable of operating and growing many types of businesses.
How do you plan to run the business? Are you a passive investor or owner/operator?
We want to be involved in the business. Whether it means we are hands-on operators, or working with an existing management team, we want to use our skillsets to build upon the solid foundation you have laid. We also want to work closely with your team and give them opportunities for growth.
Transition Plan
We recognize that a business transaction is a significant life event for you, the seller. As part of our process, we will work with you to understand your needs and expectations. We will then work together to develop a transition plan that allows you to ramp down at a pace that works for you, and for us to ramp up to take over the business.
Transition Goals:
Business continuity | Seller expectations | Buyer needs
Contact Us
Do you have a business that you’re considering transitioning out of? Or are you a broker interested to connect with quality buyers? Please don’t hesitate to reach out: shell@elmestatesgroup.com.