- Under the Radar
- Posts
- Exterior Contracting Co. w/ $1M+ Annual SDE 🛠️
Exterior Contracting Co. w/ $1M+ Annual SDE 🛠️
Under the Radar Weekly Deals

Discover Top SMBs for Sale
👋 Hey fellow searchers,
Hope you had a great weekend and welcome back to Under the Radar!
Let’s get right into it.
This week’s issue features:
🚗 Auto repair shop w/ $645K annual SDE
🛠️ Exterior contracting co. w/ $1M+ annual SDE
👔 Dry cleaning biz w/ $521K annual SDE
Hot Deals 🔥
Analyses of the best deals we found across top marketplaces and brokerages.
#1. Auto repair shop w/ $645K annual SDE
🏷️ Asking Price: $1.45M
📍Location: Wayne County, NY
Overview: This established auto repair business has been operating for over 40 years and generates ~$1.8M in annual revenue with an SDE of ~$645K (2.2x). Strategically located along a high-traffic four-lane highway with 20K+ cars per day, the shop includes 8,000 sq ft of service space, nine lifts, and ample parking. The facility is a certified NY state inspection station for cars, motorcycles, and heavy trucks. With fleet accounts, towing contracts, and detailing services, it’s a turnkey operation with multiple revenue streams. Real estate is owned and available for purchase.
What I Like 👍
Tangible Asset Base: $500K+ in equipment and a large, well-maintained facility with 9 lifts and two tow trucks.
Diversified Services: Offers inspections, heavy truck service, motorcycle work, towing, and detailing—beyond just general repair.
Prime Location: 1.08-acre lot with 50+ parking spots, directly on a major highway with great visibility.
Long-Standing Reputation: 40+ years in business with 200+ positive reviews and recurring fleet work.
What to Look Out For 👀
Real Estate Not Included: $1M extra if you want to own the property vs. lease it.
Minimal Marketing to Date: Current growth relies on word of mouth—opportunity, but also a potential blind spot.
Inventory Not Included: Significant inventory exists but must be negotiated separately.
Owner-Operator Transition: Seller is a master mechanic; new owner may need technical understanding or strong management to replace that role.
Key Questions❓
What’s included in the negotiable inventory and how is it currently valued?
How dependent is the business on the seller’s technical expertise or relationships?
Are there any existing service agreements that would transfer with the sale?
#2. Exterior contracting co. w/ $1M+ annual SDE
🏷️ Asking Price: $2.7M
📍Location: Minnesota
Overview: This well-established residential exterior contracting business in the Twin Cities metro area generates ~$3.77M in revenue and ~$1.09M in SDE (2.5x). Founded in 2011, the company specializes in siding, roofing, and other exterior work—no new construction, and no storm chasing. Roughly 80% of revenue comes from insurance-related jobs, with the rest retail. The company has experienced rapid growth over the past three years, boasts excellent margins, and is SBA pre-qualified with a ~$302K down payment.
What I Like 👍
High-Margin Insurance Work: 80% of revenue is insurance-based, providing stable, high-margin income.
No Storm Chasing: Steady pipeline without the chaos or seasonality of chasing storm contracts.
Strong Growth Trend: Significant revenue and SDE growth over the last three years—up and to the right.
SBA Qualified: Lender-prequalified with a reasonable down payment makes this accessible for acquisition entrepreneurs.
What to Look Out For 👀
Retail Sales Still Developing: Only 20% of revenue is from retail; could present a growth opportunity or reliance gap.
Leased Facility: 2,100 sq ft space is leased—confirm terms and renewal options.
Owner Transition: Business success is relationship-driven; transition planning will be key post-sale.
Labor Dependence: With 16 employees, continued success depends on crew retention and project management continuity.
Key Questions❓
Are there any concentration risks among insurance providers or clients?
What systems are in place for estimating, scheduling, and managing insurance-related work?
How reliant is the business on the current owner for relationships or day-to-day operations?
#3. Dry cleaning biz w/ $521K annual SDE
🏷️ Asking Price: $1.55M
📍Location: Florida
Overview: This long-standing Florida-based dry cleaning business has been operating since 1925, generating ~$3.2M in annual revenue and ~$521K in SDE (3.0x). With multiple retail storefronts across the region and a centralized, state-of-the-art processing plant, the business offers a full suite of services—from dry cleaning and shirt laundry to household items and wedding gown preservation. Its established reputation, loyal customer base, and large staff of 60 make it a solid, turnkey operation for an investor, operator, or strategic acquirer.
What I Like 👍
Nearly a Century of Brand Equity: In continuous operation since 1925 with strong community recognition.
Multi-Location Footprint: Multiple strategically located storefronts drive consistent foot traffic and local visibility.
Full-Service Model: Offers everything from traditional dry cleaning to household items and delivery, maximizing wallet share per customer.
Centralized Plant: A modern production hub increases efficiency and helps maintain high quality standards.
What to Look Out For 👀
Labor Intensive Operation: With 60 employees, personnel management and cost control are essential.
No Mention of Owner Role: Need clarity on current ownership involvement to assess transition risk.
Growth Requires Marketing: Expansion potential exists but would likely require investment in marketing or opening new locations.
Leased Real Estate: All facilities are leased—confirm terms, renewal options, and long-term flexibility.
Key Questions❓
How much capacity is available in the current plant for future growth?
How old is the equipment at the central plant, and what’s the estimated remaining useful life?
Have any of the locations had recent lease renewals or rent increases?
Other Hot Deals 🔥
Radar Picks 📡
Bit-sized reads featuring insights and fresh perspectives
Tweet of the Week 🐦
This week’s featured tweet comes from The SMB Investor who drops a crucial reminder: cash isn’t just king — it’s survival. A 13-week cash flow forecast could be the edge that keeps your business standing when the next downturn hits. Check it out👇
💰 SMART SMBs STOCKPILING CASH
Businesses with 2+ months of cash have 76% higher survival rates during downturns.
Two identical businesses during recession:
• Business A: 45 days cash → panicked, slashed prices
• Business B: 180 days cash → poached A's best clientsThe
— SMB Investor (@TheSMBInvestor)
1:44 PM • Apr 10, 2025
Rate Today’s Issue
DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. It offers analyses of businesses without endorsing any specific financial actions. Readers are advised to do their own research and consult a professional before making investment decisions.