Fire Protection M&A: John Corliss Shares His Journey to a Successful Exit

In this episode of Bundy Group Insights, host Jim Mullens sits down with John Corliss, a seasoned industry expert in fire protection, to discuss his journey of acquiring, growing, and ultimately selling Roanoke Sprinkler. John shares his background, his entrepreneurial approach to business growth, and how he strategically positioned his company for a successful exit. He highlights the importance of building scalable operations, establishing strong financial processes, and timing the market right for a sale. The conversation also covers the role of investment banking in maximizing company value during a sale. John explains why he chose Bundy Group as his exclusive advisor, the competitive bidding process that led to multiple offers, and his decision to roll equity post-sale. The episode provides valuable takeaways for business owners considering a future transaction, emphasizing strategic growth, operational excellence, and selecting the right partners for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Building for Exit: Always operate your business as if you’re preparing for a future sale, even if you don’t plan to exit soon.
  
  
• Investment Banking Matters: Working with an industry-focused investment bank ensures maximized valuation and deal success.
  
  
• Competitive Sale Process: Having multiple buyers at the table strengthens negotiation power and ensures the best terms.
  
  
• Scalability & Recurring Revenue: Establishing strong operational processes and increasing recurring revenue enhances long-term business value.
  
  
• Trust in Transactions: The right buyer should align not just with financial goals, but also with company culture and vision.

Listeners tuning into this episode of Bundy Group Insights can expect an in-depth look at John Corliss’s entrepreneurial journey, from acquiring Roanoke Sprinkler to strategically scaling it for a successful exit. John shares firsthand insights on what makes a business attractive to buyers, the importance of scalable operations and strong financials, and how focusing on recurring revenue can enhance long-term value. He also discusses his decision to work with Bundy Group, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive sale process and the factors that led him to roll equity post-sale. Whether you're a business owner considering a future transaction or simply interested in the M&A landscape within the fire protection industry, this episode offers valuable lessons on growth, exit strategies, and maximizing company value.

Learn more about the Bundy Group by visiting bundygroup.com.