Will my employees find out I'm thinking about selling?

No. Confidentiality is one of the biggest priorities in our process. We sign an NDA before any numbers are shared, and the deal is structured so your team, customers, and suppliers stay in the dark unless you decide otherwise.

What if I'm not ready to sell yet? Is it too early to talk?

Usually, that is the best time to talk. Owners who start planning 18 to 24 months ahead often get better valuations, cleaner closings, and more options.

How do you determine what my HVAC business is worth?

We value HVAC businesses the same way serious buyers do: adjusted earnings multiplied by a market-based multiple. For Chicagoland commercial HVAC service businesses, that usually lands somewhere between 3x and 7x adjusted EBITDA depending on recurring service revenue, customer mix, owner dependence, and operational quality.

How long does the whole process take from first call to close?

Most deals close in 6 to 12 months. That includes the initial conversation, review of financials, a written LOI, focused due diligence, legal drafting, and transition planning.

Can I stay involved after the sale closes?

Yes, if you want to. Some owners want a clean break. Others want to stay involved for 6 to 24 months in an advisory or operational role.

Who is Michael Mayes and why should I trust him?

Michael is a Chicago entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience building, operating, and exiting businesses, including a prior company he sold for 20 million dollars. He is the actual buyer and operator.

HVAC Industry Trends: M&A, Market Reports & Owner Intelligence

The Blackstone HVAC Acquisition: What a $2.5 Billion Deal Means for Chicagoland Owners

April 29, 2026April 22, 2026 by Michael Mayes

Industry Analysis · April 2026 The Blackstone HVAC Acquisition: What a $2.5 Billion Deal Means for Chicagoland Owners Blackstone just paid 18.5x EBITDA for an HVAC platform. Six weeks earlier, they consolidated control of the largest commercial HVAC operator in North America. Here is the full picture — and what every Chicagoland owner should do … Read more

HVAC Business Due Diligence for Sellers: What Actually Happens After LOI

April 28, 2026April 17, 2026 by Michael Mayes

Home·Blog·Due Diligence Deal Mechanics · Selling Your Business HVAC Business Due Diligence for Sellers: What Actually Happens After LOI. A 45-to-90-day process drives 85% of purchase price adjustments in middle-market HVAC deals. Here is exactly what buyers examine, which documents you must produce, and where sellers lose leverage. Written by Michael Mayes Read time 15 … Read more

HVAC Business Succession in Chicagoland

April 15, 2026March 26, 2026 by Michael Mayes

Home›Blog›HVAC Business Succession in Chicagoland 🏠 Founder Story7 min read From the Green Rush to HVAC Business Succession in Chicagoland After building one of the cannabis industry’s most recognized consulting firms, Michael Mayes is now focused on HVAC business succession in Chicagoland, helping retiring commercial HVAC owners protect their team, brand, and legacy. Michael Mayes … Read more

Mckinsey Home Services HVAC Opportunity

April 24, 2026March 11, 2026 by Michael Mayes

Home›Blog›McKinsey HVAC Home Services Report 📈 Market Research10 min read · Industry Analysis McKinsey Just Told Wall Street Your HVAC Business Is Worth Chasing The McKinsey HVAC home services report frames home services as a $700B market that is recession resilient, fragmented, and still mostly owned by independent operators. Translation: sophisticated buyers are looking harder … Read more