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Started By
Message
Looking to Buy a Small Business in Baton Rouge (Owner Retiring)
Posted on 3/24/26 at 9:21 pm
Posted on 3/24/26 at 9:21 pm
I’m 35 and working in the Baton Rouge area in industrial construction. I’ve learned a lot on the corporate side, but honestly I’m getting tired of the politics and would like to build something of my own.
I’ve always had an interest in owning a small business and buying something established seems like the smartest path vs. starting from scratch. I’m especially interested in service based businesses construction services, tree work, landscaping, plumbing, HVAC, tire shops, etc. but I’m open to anything with solid cash flow and a good reputation.
Does anyone have recommendations on where to find mom-and-pop businesses where the owner is nearing retirement and might be open to selling? I know about some of the typical listing sites, but I’ve heard the best deals are often off-market.
If you’ve been through this process or know of any opportunities in South Louisiana, I’d really appreciate the insight. Feel free to reply here or email me at tigerclaw53@aol.com.
TIA
I’ve always had an interest in owning a small business and buying something established seems like the smartest path vs. starting from scratch. I’m especially interested in service based businesses construction services, tree work, landscaping, plumbing, HVAC, tire shops, etc. but I’m open to anything with solid cash flow and a good reputation.
Does anyone have recommendations on where to find mom-and-pop businesses where the owner is nearing retirement and might be open to selling? I know about some of the typical listing sites, but I’ve heard the best deals are often off-market.
If you’ve been through this process or know of any opportunities in South Louisiana, I’d really appreciate the insight. Feel free to reply here or email me at tigerclaw53@aol.com.
TIA
7
Posted on 3/25/26 at 6:46 am to Tigerb869
There are websites such as bizbuysell and sometimes businesses are listed on loopnet. Your main challenge of buying something established is the capital required. Most likely any retiring owner will be selling the building, vehicles, and equipment all with the business. When I was 35, I wasn’t in a financial position to buy a business, maybe your situation is different. You may want consider starting a business on the side out of your home and growing it. A neighbor of mine years ago started a home inspection business and then expanded it to a pest control company since the same clients needed termite inspections. He eventually sold franchises. The initial home inspection part that started it all was easily based out of his house until he could afford a building.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 7:41 am to Tigerb869
I've got a small apartment complex that I am looking to sell in Livingston Parish
I know you didn't mention rentals, so not sure if that is something you are open to.
I know you didn't mention rentals, so not sure if that is something you are open to.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 8:09 am to Tigerb869
Good motivation, but shouldn't you be limited to your expertise? Just wanting to own anything is different than owning something you know.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 8:21 am to KWL85
quote:
Good motivation, but shouldn't you be limited to your expertise?
I have experience with everything mentioned in my post but I agree with you and wouldn't step into something I wasn't familiar with.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 9:32 am to Tigerb869
quote:
I’m 35 and working in the Baton Rouge area in industrial construction. I’ve learned a lot on the corporate side, but honestly I’m getting tired of the politics and would like to build something of my own.
Unless you have $1 mil or likely multiples, you need to understand you are also buying yourself a job until you can grow the business some more.
I'll be honest, a lot of those jobs don't take much to start up and get into. Plumbing, landscaping, HVAC, Tree work, etc. you can do some training or buy some equipment and start small and work your way up.
If you buy a successful business, your investment is going to be at least 3X the profit so if it made $100,000 you will need $300,000 AT LEAST and that's probably on the very low end and doesn't include any assets.
You can go start a landscaping company with $5,000 and a loan of $10,000 and some CC debt and have $30,000 in brand new equipment.
As a business owner, it would be hard for me to tell someone to buy a business with no experience for $300k that they could get into for $30k themselves.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 9:40 am to baldona
quote:
If you buy a successful business, your investment is going to be at least 3X the profit so if it made $100,000 you will need $300,000 AT LEAST and that's probably on the very low end and doesn't include any assets.
3X EBITDA would be on the very low end, probably looking between 5-7x.
I am currently talking to investment bankers/brokers about potentially selling my manufacturing company and the preliminary discussions have been around 6-8.5x of adjusted EBITDA (removing owner expenses that would not reoccur, and 1-time revenues/expenses)
Posted on 3/25/26 at 3:32 pm to Tigerb869
The business brokers are of course a good source but also reach out to any CPA folks you know. They oftentimes have the early info.
With that said - starting something on the side is a very good option.
With that said - starting something on the side is a very good option.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 4:44 pm to slinger1317
What’s your contact info? Very interested!
Posted on 3/25/26 at 5:32 pm to Tigerb869
I’ve got great news for you.
I’ve got a cabinet/kitchen and bath showroom in Gulf Shores I’m about to sell.
It allows you to escape Baton Rouge, move to the beach, and sell design services, cabinets, flooring, etc to builders, remodelers, homeowners, and investors alike.
I’ve got a cabinet/kitchen and bath showroom in Gulf Shores I’m about to sell.
It allows you to escape Baton Rouge, move to the beach, and sell design services, cabinets, flooring, etc to builders, remodelers, homeowners, and investors alike.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 6:32 pm to BamaCoaster
Happy to finance it for you once you find it lol. Lnobles@redstickag.com. All day SBA deal with 10% down (or 5% down if the seller will take a note back on standstill). Holla 
This post was edited on 3/25/26 at 8:56 pm
Posted on 3/25/26 at 8:06 pm to Tigerb869
quote:
I’m 35
quote:
tigerclaw53@aol.com
I don't believe you. If you have an AOL email address, you gotta be at least 50.
Posted on 3/25/26 at 8:09 pm to BamaCoaster
quote:OP you should jump on that. I sold my business in Baton Rouge in large part because frick baton rouge
a cabinet/kitchen and bath showroom in Gulf Shores I’m about to sell.
Posted on 3/26/26 at 2:04 pm to xBirdx
quote:
What’s your contact info? Very interested!
username at gmail
Posted on 3/26/26 at 2:18 pm to Weekend Warrior79
quote:This is my thought, not all buyers are created equal, n being approached to buy my business I have been offered everything from 10x ebitda to a 3x multiple of gross. Some PE money will pay thru the roof if they are in need of closing deals, other folks in the same business will project higher profits while rolling you in and also have some really sweet offers.
3X EBITDA would be on the very low end, probably looking between 5-7x.
I cant imagine a 3x multiple unless it is a business that will really take a hit after the legacy owner departs.
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