Seeking an industrial business to preserve and grow for the long term.
Introduction
Hi, I’m Austin Shaffer. I am seeking to acquire and operate one small U.S.-based manufacturing business as a long-term owner.
I hold a degree in mechanical engineering and have spent several years in manufacturing and logistics across various roles, including engineering, supply chain development, and business development. I am currently completing my MBA degree from BYU's Marriott School with emphases in supply chain and finance.
Acquisition Criteria
I'm looking for a healthy, US-based production-centric business where the owners are not only considering selling, but ready to close in the short term.I am open to a range of manufacturing segments, including metals, plastics, composites, wood, or other materials. Target capabilities may include fabrication, machining, molding, finishing, assembly, or related production processes. I am also open to both manufacturing-as-a-service and niche product-based business models.
General Target Profile
The following criteria are directional, not strict:
Production: Meaningful in-house production capability - Machines, skills and processes.
Size: Approximately $500k–$2M in SDE, EBITDA, or owner cash flow
Team: Roughly 5–30 employees
Customers: Repeat demand and limited single-customer concentration
Geography: Located within the continental United States
Financing
I am especially interested in sellers who are willing to carry a meaningful seller note as part of the transaction. I value seller financing as a funding instrument for the alignment it creates between buyer and seller.I also have active lender and investor relationships ready to support a serious acquisition and bring the necessary capital to closing.
Timing
I am currently searching full time and prepared to close immediately upon finding the right opportunity.I have built a team of advisors, have a diligence process in place, and prepared to get a deal done.
Early Post-Acquisition
The first priority after the acquisition is to maintain stability. I will vigorously learn the operations and industry, gain trust with the incumbent team, and fight to maintain beneficial pre-existing contracts and relationships.
Long-Term Aspiration
Regardless of the business that I buy or the industry that it serves, I aim to build something increasingly meaningful over time:
Familial: A top priority for me is for employees to be safe, healthy, and dignified by their work. Similarly, customers, suppliers, and partners each deserve respect and love. I'll build toward this environment every day.
Lean: I'll implement and safeguard a lean culture over time. We will respect people, reduce waste, deliver value, and chase perfection.
Constructive: We will engage in work that is valuable to customers, and beneficial to society as a whole. I am certainly interested in profitability, but not only for its own sake.
Growing: I will work to expand operations, win market share, and build a valuable name. It will be a great honor to provide advancement, make returns, be involved in the community, and share the success over time.