The Kennedy Family
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Self Funded Family with Investors · Ability to transact quickly

We're a St. Louis family looking to buy a family-owned business and operate it ourselves.

We are motivated to transact quickly, seeking a commercial and industrial service business earning at least $500K in cash flow (EBITDA) in eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

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Geoff, Olivia and their two boys
Who we are

A real family, not a fund.

We're Geoff and Olivia, a husband and wife team raising two young boys in the St. Louis area. We're not a private equity firm, investment bank or broker, and we're not looking to buy something, strip it down, and flip it.

We believe the values that made businesses great — operating with integrity and treating people well — are still alive in most family-owned companies. We are searching for a business that shares those same values, buy it and spend the next chapter of our lives running it the way you would have.

While most owners are seeking a 100% sale and like to move fast, we are open to partial ownership with a slower transition if that better suits you.

What matters to us
Family businesses are special because owners treat their employees like family. We intend to preserve that component because we believe your employees and customers deserve the same level of care they received under your ownership.
The stakes

A problem worth doing something about.

Small businesses are being acquired at an unprecedented rate by buyers who are driven by financial incentives alone. The warmth that makes family businesses stand out doesn’t survive when the buyer’s primary motive is to generate a financial return on their capital.

Family businesses are favored over their corporate counterparts because they do business with hard work and integrity. The old fashioned way of doing business isn’t compatible with absentee financial or corporate buyers’ business model.

We think there’s a better way.

What we'll do

We’ll keep the “good” of your business intact.

You probably did not build your business to become a passive investment for an absentee buyer. A loyal workforce and client base comes from an owner who values treating people well with genuine appreciation of your team’s work. We intend to learn everything about your approach so the “good” remains long after you’ve moved on.

We are not afraid to get our hands dirty, and we commit to showing up every day to look after the team, customers and reputation you spent years building.

Businesses we love

We're searching for commercial and industrial service businesses of all kinds, though we are most drawn to these in particular:

We also love manufacturing and distribution businesses in these segments.

If you want to make sure your business ends up in the hands of owners who do business the right way, please reach out confidentially.

Start a conversation
A little about me

I've earned my way up my whole life.

This is not to impress you, but rather to provide the relevant background information so you can get to know the person asking to follow in your footsteps. I am someone who knows how to deliver results with integrity.

  • In high school
    Started out selling Cutco and became one of the top sales reps nationally.
    Learned early that everything good starts with earning someone's trust and helping people solve problems.
  • Early career
    Worked at The BMW Group in Munich.
    Same job, really: take care of people, work hard, and deliver results.
  • Then
    Joined Anheuser-Busch. Promoted five times in five years.
    Became the youngest Senior Commercial Director at A-B in St. Louis, the brewery's #1 market. I then was promoted to lead sales for a mid-sized wine business that A-B had strategic interest in, grew it exponentially for six months until A-B bought it.
  • Today
    Principal Sales Executive at Medtronic.
    Still doing the same thing: figuring out what clients really need and offering them solutions — with patients at the other end of the decision.
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Geoff

A mission-driven sales leader who connects with people. The growth engine for most businesses is landing and retaining new customers. That's the work I've done my whole career, and it's the one place I know I can add immediate value.

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Olivia

A Lead Clinical Business Solutions Analyst on Mercy's Epic team with a behavioral health background and a gift for connecting with anyone. Olivia is one of the warmest, most caring people you'll ever meet.

What talking looks like.

1

We just talk

Coffee, lunch, or a phone call. I'd love to hear your story and how you built this.

2

We get to know each other

You help me understand what is most important to you in a sale & transition so we can determine if I'm the right fit.

3

A handoff you trust

If I'm a good fit, we do a deal with integrity and respect for you, your team, and your name.

4

Helping you exit either way

If I'm not the best fit for you, there are still many ways I can help you get the exit you deserve. I'm happy to help in every way possible.

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us. We’re genuinely excited to get to know you and learn what makes your business special.

We understand your company is more than a business. It’s your life’s work. If we ended up working together, we will make sure it is a decision you are happy with 10+ years from now.

We know a sale can come from all kinds of moments, whether that is retirement, a health change, burnout, bad partnership or just being ready for what’s next. If you like the idea of getting your time back at some point in the next few years, now is the time to start planning for it, and we’d be a safe first conversation.

Whether you decide to work with us, I’d be happy to share my insights on the M&A professionals that would be worthy of your consideration, as well as the ones you’d probably like to avoid.

Please do not hesitate to reach out in full confidentiality. We look forward to connecting with you!

With gratitude,

Geoff & Olivia

Let's talk

Call, text or email any time.

314·221·1867

That's my cell. You'll get me. I'm happy to grab coffee anywhere that is convenient for you.