Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come from the most unexpected places. For one ambitious financial analyst in Tampa, Florida, a casual scroll through Twitter led to an entrepreneurial journey he never anticipated. This is the story of how Chandler Reed acquired Get Green NOI, a multifamily lighting company, and transformed it into a thriving green energy solution provider.

About the Business

• Industry: Green Energy Solutions, Multifamily Lighting

• Location: Tampa, Florida (with nationwide project reach)

• Focus: Providing energy-efficient upgrades and solutions to commercial real estate properties, primarily in the multifamily sector.

The Challenge

Our protagonist, with a background in commercial real estate finance, always harbored entrepreneurial aspirations. He recognized the growing demand for green energy solutions and ESG initiatives but lacked a concrete path to business ownership. The challenge was finding the right opportunity that aligned with his skills and vision, while also offering significant growth potential. He needed a business that could leverage his financial acumen and tap into the burgeoning green energy market.

Why Get Green NOI and a Twitter DM?

Fate intervened in the form of a tweet from someone looking for a partner to run a multifamily lighting business in Tampa. The analyst saw the potential to expand the company’s services into other green energy projects, capitalizing on the increasing demand for sustainable solutions in commercial real estate. He jumped on the opportunity. What made Baton different?

From Twitter to Takeover

Here’s how the journey unfolded:

1. The Serendipitous DM: A simple direct message on Twitter sparked an initial conversation and revealed a promising opportunity.

2. Due Diligence and Vision: The analyst recognized the potential to build upon the existing lighting business and expand into a full suite of green energy solutions.

3. Leap of Faith: Despite the challenges of a turnaround and the inherent risks of acquiring a struggling business, the analyst decided to take the plunge, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and the fear of future regret.

4. Immediate Action: Upon confirmation of the acquisition, he immediately resigned from his finance job to fully commit to his new venture.

5. Building a Lean Operation: Focused on efficiency, the new owner implemented software solutions and maintained a lean internal team, prioritizing high-level strategic roles.

The Transformation

Under new leadership, Get Green NOI evolved from a lighting contractor to a comprehensive green energy solutions provider.

• Coast-to-Coast Reach: By subcontracting the installation work, the company can operate nationwide, managing projects from Seattle to Long Island.

• Expanding Services: Building upon its lighting foundation, Get Green NOI now offers low-flow water fixtures, EV charging stations, solar energy solutions, and more.

• One-Stop Shop: Unlike competitors who only provide energy audits, Get Green NOI offers end-to-end solutions, from assessment to project execution.

• A Focus on Value: By prioritizing client needs and offering a comprehensive suite of services, Get Green NOI has become a trusted partner for commercial real estate owners looking to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.

Goals and Vision

The owner’s initial goals were twofold: financial gain and lifestyle control. He sought to create a business that not only generated wealth but also allowed him to structure his time and travel the country. While not currently focused on an exit, he believes that by consistently delivering value to clients and growing the company, a future exit opportunity will naturally arise.

Lessons Learned

The acquisition wasn’t without its challenges. The owner quickly realized he had “bought 10 jobs,” wearing multiple hats and tackling everything from accounting to sales. However, he viewed these challenges as invaluable learning experiences, like “getting a real-world MBA.” The steepest learning curve involved managing people, particularly in a blue-collar environment, and building trust with a team comprised of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Leading by example, working in the trenches, and demonstrating genuine care for his team were key to overcoming these hurdles.

The Baton Valuation Experience

Seeking an objective assessment of his company’s value, the owner turned to Baton. Impressed by the seamless process, digestible reports, and expert guidance, he found the valuation experience to be invaluable.

• Easy and Efficient: The online interface was user-friendly, the questionnaire was concise, and the turnaround time was quick.

• Expert Support: The Baton team provided clear explanations and valuable insights, making the valuation process accessible and informative.

• Eye-Opening Results: The valuation provided a benchmark for future growth and helped the owner understand the potential value of his business.
  

A Word of Advice

For business owners considering engaging with Baton, the owner emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency. In an industry often plagued by antiquated practices and self-serving advisors, Baton stands out for its genuine commitment to client needs and its dedication to providing honest, reliable service.

The Future

While not actively seeking an exit, the owner remains open to future opportunities, including potential bolt-on acquisitions. With a solid foundation in place and a clear vision for growth, Get Green NOI is poised to continue its success in the expanding green energy market.

In His Own Words

“Baton and your whole team is an organization that you can trust with your baby… it’s no small thing to just trust someone with a process like this for your legacy.”