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Michael Mayes in the press — HVAC business buyer & operator.

Michael Mayes, founder of Homestead Service Partners, has been featured in Forbes, quoted by The Wall Street Journal, and recognized across major media for business leadership, acquisitions, operations, and the skilled trades.

150+
Media Mentions
Forbes
Council Member
Chicago
Based Operator
$20M
Business Sold
About Michael Mayes

A Chicago entrepreneur building through HVAC acquisitions.

Michael Mayes is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, the founder of Homestead Service Partners, and an operator focused on acquiring and growing commercial HVAC service businesses. He has been featured in Forbes, quoted by The Wall Street Journal, and recognized for his work in business operations, entrepreneurship, and long-term ownership.

Today, Michael is applying that same operating discipline to the trades, with a focus on commercial HVAC acquisitions in Chicago and Illinois. This page highlights press coverage, media appearances, published commentary, and the broader story behind Homestead Service Partners.

Press Coverage

What the media is saying.

Selected coverage of Michael Mayes on entrepreneurship, acquisitions, operations, business leadership, and regulated industries.

All Press →
01
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ForbesExpert Panel
18 Key Strategies for Navigating Potential Mergers and Acquisitions

Michael shared M&A strategies with the Forbes Business Council expert panel, covering due diligence, structure, and cultural alignment in acquisitions.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
Forbes
02
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ForbesByline
Wage Inflation: How to Balance Employee Satisfaction

Michael wrote for Forbes on how operators can navigate wage inflation while retaining top talent, a major issue in both service businesses and the skilled trades.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
Forbes
03
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WISN / ABCBroadcast
The Costs of Legalizing Marijuana in Wisconsin

Michael was featured as an industry expert on WISN (ABC Milwaukee) discussing the real-world costs, regulatory challenges, and business implications of legalization in Wisconsin.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
WISN
04
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Wall Street JournalQuote
Quoted as Subject Matter Expert on Business Strategy

Michael has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal as an industry expert on business operations, entrepreneurship, and emerging market dynamics.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
WSJ
05
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Chicago TribuneFeature
Chicago Entrepreneur Building Through Acquisition

The Tribune covered Michael’s entrepreneurial background and his operator-led approach to acquiring and growing companies in the Chicagoland market.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
Tribune
06
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CBS ChicagoBroadcast
Featured on CBS 2 Chicago as Industry Expert

Michael was featured in a CBS Chicago report as a business leader and subject matter expert on operations, entrepreneurship, and industry trends.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
CBS
07
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Crain’s ChicagoFeature
Crain’s Chicago Business: Expert Commentary on Industry Regulation

Michael provided expert commentary to Crain’s Chicago Business on navigating complex regulatory environments and building scalable businesses.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
Crain’s
08
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NWA NewsFeature
Featured as Industry Expert on Market Expansion

Michael was cited as a subject matter expert on emerging market opportunities, licensing strategy, and operator-led growth across multiple states.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
NWA
09
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Homestead InsightsAnalysis
McKinsey Just Published a Report on Your Industry

Michael’s analysis of McKinsey’s home services report and what it means for HVAC owners, service companies, and acquisition activity.

Michael MayesMichael Mayes
Read
Commentary Topics

Topics Michael Mayes speaks on most often.

From acquisitions to operations to the future of the trades — these are the areas where Michael contributes expert commentary and published insight.

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HVAC Business Acquisitions
How buyer quality, business valuation, and operational fit shape HVAC acquisitions in Chicago and across Illinois.
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Operational Excellence
What makes service businesses durable, how operators build teams, and why execution matters more than hype.
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Entrepreneurship & Exits
Scaling businesses, navigating growth, and applying hard-earned lessons from building and selling companies.
Recognition & Awards

Awards that speak for themselves.

National and international recognition for leadership, business excellence, and operational impact.

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Bronze Stevie Award
American Business Awards
Executive of the Year — Business & Professional Services. Selected from 3,600+ nominations by 190 professional judges worldwide.
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Silver Golden Bridge Award
Golden Bridge Business Awards
Most Influential People of the Year in Business. An international recognition program honoring contributions of business leaders worldwide.
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Forbes Business Council
Invitation-Only Membership
Selected for Forbes Business Council, an invitation-only community for accomplished founders, executives, and entrepreneurs.
See the Story
Behind the headlines, there’s an operator.

The press tells the story in headlines. This tells it in Michael’s own words: why he left a successful exit behind to start buying HVAC businesses, what he looks for in a company, and why the trades matter more than ever.

From stone mason at 16 to Forbes-recognized CEO
Built, scaled, and sold a business for $20M+
Now acquiring commercial HVAC businesses in Chicagoland
Talk to Michael →
Homestead Service Partners — The Story Behind the Company
FAQ

Common questions about Michael Mayes.

Quick answers about who Michael is, what Homestead does, and how to get in touch for media inquiries or business conversations.

Who is Michael Mayes?
Michael Mayes is the founder of Homestead Service Partners, a Chicago-based company focused on acquiring and operating commercial HVAC service businesses. He is also a Forbes Business Council member and entrepreneur with a history of building and selling companies.
What is Homestead Service Partners?
Homestead Service Partners is an operator-led acquisition company focused on buying and growing commercial HVAC businesses with a long-term ownership mindset.
What topics does Michael Mayes speak on?
Michael commonly speaks on entrepreneurship, business acquisitions, operational excellence, leadership, HVAC industry trends, and service business growth.
Has Michael Mayes been featured in major media?
Yes. Michael has been featured in Forbes, quoted by The Wall Street Journal, and covered by outlets including Chicago media and industry publications.
Media Inquiries

Need a quote? Let’s talk.

Michael is available for interviews, expert commentary, and speaking engagements on HVAC industry trends, business acquisitions, operational excellence, service business growth, and entrepreneurship.

📍 Chicago, Illinois
Typical response within 24 hours
🎙
Book Michael
Available for podcasts, panels, keynotes, and media interviews on business, the trades, and acquisitions.
Schedule a Call →

Your business took decades to build. Let’s make sure the exit reflects that.

Whether you’re ready to sell or just exploring, the first conversation is always free and confidential.