Mike Loftus: Growth Through Acquisition without Outside Capital

In this episode of TradesTalk, Justin White sits down with Mike Loftus, founder of Connor’s Landscape, to break down how he scaled his business from a single truck and $10,000 to a $6 million commercial landscaping powerhouse. Mike reveals his acquisition-first approach, using SBA 7(a) loans and seller financing to buy small, overlooked businesses that larger companies ignore. He shares how annual price increases, strategic diversification, and careful due diligence have helped him grow while staying in full control—without outside investors. With more landscape business owners looking to sell in the next five years, Mike sees a huge opportunity ahead. His top advice? Always raise prices 2-3% annually to stay ahead of rising costs and protect profitability.