I'm buying one business and building on what already works.
I'm Collin. I've spent nearly a decade in general management at consumer goods companies, and I'm backed by experienced investors to acquire one company and run it full time as CEO. If you own a business and are thinking about selling, I'd like to hear about it.
Email meHow it works →One buyer, one company.
Valley Rise is a search fund. That means I'm an individual buyer, not a firm with a portfolio. Experienced investors have backed me to find one business, buy it, and run it full time as CEO.
When I find the right company, I'll move my family to your community. The goal is to keep what already works: the team, the customers, and the way you do business.
A bit about me
I grew up in northern Wisconsin around family-owned businesses, and I saw how much they run on hard work and doing the right thing. They taught me that a business is its people and the trust they've built.
In my career I've worked in corporate general management, running multi-million dollar business lines with P&L responsibility. I've led cross-functional teams through supply chain problems, revenue growth, and a fair number of surprises.
My goal now is to own and run a business directly and apply what I've learned to it. My wife, our young daughter, and I live in Ohio. When we find the right company, we'll move to your community so I can work in the business every day.
You can read more about my background on LinkedIn.
What I look for
The specifics vary by business. These are the things I look at first.
Well run
A track record of steady profits and clean financials.
Customers who come back
Repeat relationships, without heavy dependence on a few accounts.
A lasting position
A business known and trusted in its market with a team of high impact and low ego individuals.
Ways this can work
These are the structures I'm open to discussing.
A clean exit
You step away at close, with a short, defined handoff.
A planned handoff
You advise me throughout a transition window while I learn the business, your customers, and your team.
How you get paid
Most of the purchase price is paid in cash at closing, funded by my investors' equity and debt financing. We agree on price and structure in a letter of intent before diligence begins.
How it works
Four steps, on a timeline we set together.
Intro call
A short, confidential conversation to see whether we're a fit, with no obligation on either side.
Agree on price, terms, and your transition
A letter of intent sets the price, the structure, and how long you stay involved.
Diligence
We sign an NDA first, then I review the business with as little disruption to your team as possible.
Close and handoff
I take over day to day as CEO and work with you through the agreed transition.
Common questions
Who are you, and how is this different from a private equity firm?
Unlike a traditional private equity firm that manages dozens of companies with a team of financial analysts, I am an individual entrepreneur backed by experienced institutional investors. I am looking to buy one great business and dedicate 100% of my time to running it day-to-day as CEO. I focus on long-term sustainability rather than quick financial engineering.
What happens to my employees?
I'm buying this business because of how it runs today. Your team knows it best, and I plan to rely on them.
Who is backing you?
Experienced search fund investors have committed capital to help me acquire one company. Financing for a deal combines their equity with debt. I'm glad to go through the details with you.
Are you willing to relocate to run my business?
Absolutely. Once we agree to terms and close on the business, my family and I will relocate directly to your community. I am fully committed to being on the ground every day, leading from the front.
What does the transition process look like for me as an owner?
The transition is completely structured around your goals. While I will take over day-to-day CEO responsibilities from day one, we will design a transition window where you stay on in an advisory role to train me on key operational nuances, customer relationships, and vendor dynamics.
How do we keep our conversations confidential?
We execute a standard mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before sharing any sensitive business details. I respect the quiet operations of your business, and our discussions remain completely off the radar from your employees, competitors, and customers until you are ready to announce a deal.
How long does the sale process take from start to finish?
Once we sign an initial Letter of Intent (LOI), I'll work quickly to complete full due diligence, finalize legal documents, and close. My goal is to work efficiently and transparently so you can keep 100% of your focus on running the business during the process.
How do you value my business?
Valuation is primarily based on a multiple of your historical cash flow (typically via EBITDA). However, every business is unique. I take into account your company's growth trajectory, customer retention, market position, and operational strength to structure a fair, competitive offer that reflects the true value of what you've built.
What will week one look like after the deal closes?
Day one is about listening, learning, and building trust. I won't come in making sweeping operational changes. My immediate priority is to meet with employees, introduce myself, and listen to their feedback. The first 90 days are dedicated to learning the business from the inside out alongside your team.
Get in touch.
If you're thinking about selling, or just want to talk it through, send me an email. I keep every conversation confidential.
I respond within one business day.