How to Build a Sellable Trades Business: Insights from a $3.7 Billion Advisor

For many contractors, the daily grind of running a business—managing crews, ordering materials, and satisfying customers—leaves little time to think about the endgame. You're building a livelihood, but are you building a sellable asset? According to Wall Street veteran and trades industry advisor Gregg Schonhorn, this distinction is the key to unlocking true wealth and freedom.

In a recent episode of the Catalyst for the Trades podcast, Schonhorn, an advisor at SF&P Advisors who has been part of 435 deals totaling $3.7 billion, sat down with host Jennifer Bagley to reveal the playbook for building a highly valuable and sellable trades business. The insights he shared were too valuable not to break down.

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Discover how leading home‑service companies are leveraging AI, subscription models, and digital‑first strategies.

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Learn why private equity, automation, and customer‑centric tech are reshaping the trades.

Article by

Krista Glasser

MEET THE HOSTS

Jennifer Bagley

Jennifer Bagley is the CEO and founder of CI Web Group, an AI-enabled marketing agency helping home service businesses achieve exceptional growth. With over 15 years of experience, she has led companies to significantly increase their leads and revenue through innovative strategies and emerging technologies. Her 12 Step Roadmap to Accelerated Results is a trusted framework for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies looking to expand their markets and achieve lasting success.

MEET THE HOSTS

Jazmin Ramirez

Jazmin Ramirez is an industry-recognized trade operations leader turned award-winning growth strategist. Named one of the top 30 most influential women in HVACR, she leverages her real-world background in frontline plumbing and HVAC operations to serve as a high-accountability growth coach. As the Senior Director of Growth at CI Web Group, Jazmin helps contractors bridge the gap between daily field reality and cutting-edge technology to build sustainable, highly profitable businesses.