High-Margin Specialty Paving Contractor With Built-In Demand Backlog – Columbus, OH

Business Overview:

This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of only a handful of specialized chip-seal and asphalt paving companies in Ohio registered in good standing with the state — a defensible, high-margin niche within a fragmented, low-barrier industry. Built on more than four decades of hands-on trade expertise, this Columbus-based company has become the go-to contractor for premier home builders and high-end residential clients across the region, with a growing presence in commercial and municipal work. Revenue has grown 26% over the past three years — driven almost entirely by price increases rather than added capacity — pointing to significant untapped upside for a buyer willing to expand crew size and take on more of the leads already coming in. The business runs on a lean, asset-light model: core equipment is owned outright, heavier or specialized equipment is rented as needed, and the field crew — led by a long-tenured foreman — operates with substantial independence, handling projects up to $20,000–$25,000 without direct owner involvement. About half of new business comes from word-of-mouth referrals, a strong signal of customer satisfaction and low acquisition cost. Reason for Selling Owner retirement after a lifelong career in the paving trade. Facilities Company administration currently runs from a home office; a buyer will need modest equipment storage (approx. ¼ acre). Ownership has expressed openness to a transitional lease of its current storage space. No real estate is included in the asking price. Competition No specialized state licensing is required for general paving in Ohio, resulting in a fragmented, price-competitive market with many small operators. Within its specific high-end chip-seal niche, however, the Company is one of only four or five providers statewide registered in good standing with the Ohio Attorney General's Office — a meaningful credibility barrier most competitors lack. Ownership reports winning approximately 9 of 10 head-to-head competitive bids against its primary direct competitor. Growth & Expansion Ownership has deliberately self-capped scheduling and currently accepts only the strongest 2–3 estimates of roughly 10 received weekly; local demand reportedly could absorb a full year's backlog within months if capacity were expanded. Growth to date has come almost entirely from price increases rather than volume — added crew capacity represents a largely untapped lever. Seal coating is currently offered only to existing clients due to labor constraints; building dedicated capacity could convert the existing customer base into a recurring maintenance revenue stream. Out-of-state projects (KY, WV, PA, MI, IN) command premium pricing, up to double local rates, and are currently pursued only opportunistically. A dedicated administrative/office hire would free ownership to focus on sales and larger projects. Support & Training Ownership has expressed willingness to support a transition period (scope negotiable) and openness to seller financing on a portion of the purchase price. Employees Field workforce of 5–7, currently engaged as independent contractors (1099), anchored by a long-tenured foreman expected to remain through a change of ownership. Administrative, estimating, and back-office functions are currently handled by ownership and a co-operator — the primary area for a buyer or new hire to plan around. Assets Included Owned equipment (trucks, rollers, paver, tar distributor, and tools) valued at approximately $300,000, supporting the transaction and reducing a buyer's post-close capital needs. Full equipment schedule with serial numbers available under NDA.

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Property Features and Assets:

Company administration currently operates from a home office; a buyer will need modest equipment storage (approx. ¼ acre). Ownership is open to a transitional lease of its current storage space. No real estate is included in the asking price. Owned equipment — including utility and dump trucks, a tar distributor, roller, paver, and tools — is valued at approximately $300,000 and is included in the transaction, reducing a buyer's post-close capital needs. Heavier or specialized equipment (additional trucks, liquid-asphalt application) is rented as needed rather than owned, keeping overhead low. Full equipment schedule with serial numbers available under NDA.

Market Competition and Expansion:

No specialized state licensing is required for general paving in Ohio, resulting in a fragmented market of many small, low-cost operators — including out-of-state crews that enter seasonally to compete on price. Within its specific high-end chip-seal niche, however, competition is limited: the Company is one of only four or five chip seal providers statewide registered in good standing with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, a credibility differentiator most competitors lack. Against its primary direct competitor, ownership reports winning roughly 9 of 10 head-to-head competitive bids. The Company holds an A+ (unaccredited) BBB rating and has built long-standing relationships with premier home builders that consistently steer high-end work its way.

Reason for Selling:

Retirement. Kindly ask the seller for more information.

Additional Details:

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