Operator Seeking to Acquire and Lead One Exceptional Small Business
Based in Virginia, I am seeking to acquire and personally operate one exceptional small business. My focus is the DMV, Richmond, and surrounding Mid-Atlantic region, with flexibility to pursue outstanding opportunities elsewhere.
I have spent the last nine years at a 30-year-old company that builds interactive education and behavior intelligence systems. I joined as a software engineer managing client projects and today serve as Head of AI Product & Strategy, working closely with leadership on products, operations, and company growth.
Along the way, I've developed a deep respect for what business owners build over decades: strong customer relationships, experienced teams, and companies that become important parts of their communities. I'm now looking for the opportunity to continue that work as an owner.
Acquisition Criteria
What I'm looking for
Size
$350k–$1M in Seller's Discretionary Earnings
Location
The DMV, Richmond, and nearby Mid-Atlantic markets, with flexibility to pursue exceptional opportunities elsewhere.
Industry
B2B services, niche services, light industrial, specialty trades, distribution, and recurring service businesses.
Operations
Businesses where day-to-day work runs on established processes, deep operational knowledge, and a reliable team. That's where I know how to add capacity and create margin without disrupting what's already working.
Customers
Strong, long-standing customer relationships with durable local or niche demand
Financials
Consistently profitable with clean or cleanable books
Transition
Owner willing to support a thoughtful, unhurried handoff
Less interested in
- Restaurants
- Retail
- Venture-backed startups
- Heavy construction
- Highly regulated businesses
- Businesses dependent on one salesperson or one customer
Financial Readiness
Prepared to pursue the right opportunity
I am actively pursuing an acquisition and working with experienced advisors, lenders, and investors to evaluate opportunities. For businesses that are a strong fit, I am prepared to move quickly when the fit is right and work toward a successful closing.
Why Sell to Me
An owner-operator, not a financial buyer
Long-term owner, not a financial buyer
I'm not assembling a portfolio or looking for a quick exit. I intend to operate this business personally and build on what the owner has already created.
Respect for employees and customers
The people who work in the business and the customers who depend on it matter. I won't walk in and make sweeping changes on day one.
Preserve what already works
A lot of what makes a business special doesn't show up on a balance sheet. It's the people, the customer relationships, and the knowledge built over years of doing the work well. I've spent nearly a decade working inside a small business, so I understand how valuable those things are.
Practical modernization where it helps
I can improve operations, systems, and processes thoughtfully — without disrupting what customers and employees count on.
Flexible, thoughtful transition
I understand that selling a business you've built is significant. I'm open to transition arrangements that work for you and protect the business.
Contact
Have a business or opportunity that may be a fit?
I'd be glad to connect with owners, brokers, advisors, and referral sources.
Email me here
© 2026 Joe Cumins