#216 How One Operator Is Making Big Waves in Business Acquisitions

Want to buy a small business using smart deal structures like earnouts, seller financing, and low-risk offers? In this episode of Jackquisitions, host Jack Carr sits down with Chris Barr, a first-time buyer navigating the ups and downs of business acquisitions—from walking away from bad fits to crafting a $900K cash-plus-earnout offer for a pressure washing company.Learn how Chris is sourcing off-market deals, avoiding shady broker tactics, and building a personal brand that attracts sellers. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how new acquirers can finance service businesses, evaluate seller terms, and structure deals that actually close. If you're buying a business or scaling through acquisition, this episode is packed with actionable insight.⚡ What you’ll learnWhy Chris walked away from an art-framing shop that didn’t fit his criteriaHow a pool-route deal fell through—and the red flags you should watch for with brokersThe numbers behind a $900 K cash-at-close + earnout offer for a thriving pressure-washing businessProven frameworks for earnouts, seller notes, and revenue-share agreements that reduce risk and align incentivesTips for building a credible personal brand (see his Quick Staffers journey) to source off-market dealsStep-by-step due-diligence tactics, valuation shortcuts, and negotiation language you can use todayWhen to pivot, when to persist, and how to decide if a deal really moves the needleWhether you’re a first-time buyer, an operator expanding a portfolio, or a service-business owner curious about exits, this conversation is packed with actionable M&A strategy, deal structuring hacks, and outreach scripts that close.👤 Hosted by: Jack Carr  👤Episode Guest Chris Barr 💼 Shoutout to Quick Staffers LLC Need trained HVAC & plumbing CSRs at a fraction of the cost? Quick Staffers LLC specializes in placing top-tier global talent with the best SOPs and scripts. 🔥 Get $1,000 off your first placement here💼 Special Thanks to First Internet Bank! Looking to buy or expand a business? First Internet Bank is a National Preferred SBA lender specializing in acquisitions for the skilled trades. Their SBA loan program offers up to 90% financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and commercial real estate—plus optional lines of credit to fuel future growth. Unlike traditional lenders, they take a “how can we” approach, making deals happen for both first-time buyers and experienced operators.👉 Special Offer: Mention Owned and Operated for a reduced good faith deposit and a complimentary deal review + buyside prequalification.Connect with Alan Peterson from First Internet Bank here to get started!⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Recap04:42 Navigating Business Deals and Strategies23:23 Mitigating Risks in Acquisition Deals28:56 Balancing Growth and Risk in Business AcquisitionsSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.