Built by Founders
Preserved by Partners

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Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Southeast Partners acquires businesses from founders looking for a true Partner, someone who values the people and history behind the brand. We don't just buy companies; we steward the people and the hard-earned time invested in their growth.

Reputation, community engagement, and commitment to quality are non-negotiable to us. We believe those three pillars are fundamental to success and will cement our ability to preserve and grow a company over the long-term.

Our Edge

Three Pillars of Value Creation

Operational Rigor
Builders, Not Just Capital Providers

Over two decades of hands-on operational leadership — running 75+ locations with full P&L ownership, executing complex integrations, and improving margins through process discipline.

  • Multi-site P&L management & integration
  • Systems implementation & process design
  • Turnaround & margin improvement
Financial Discipline
Decades of Finance Leadership

50+ completed transactions representing over $1 billion in aggregate value. Institutional-quality transaction experience applied directly to the small business ecosystem.

  • Robust financial dashboards & KPIs
  • M&A, legal & corporate development
  • Structuring, diligence & closing expertise
Strategic Mindset
Respecting the Past to Build the Future

Before each investment we build a realistic strategic roadmap with targeted growth initiatives tailored to the unique needs and opportunities of founder-led businesses.

  • Strategic planning & growth roadmaps
  • Add-on acquisition identification
  • Network of advisors & domain experts
Acquisition Criteria

What We Look For

Geography
  • Southeast focus
  • Primary states: TN, AL, KY, GA
  • Virtually managed businesses with strong southeastern footprint considered
Business Profile
  • Tenured, well-established brand
  • Owner-operated
  • Recurring or mission-critical revenue
Transition Dynamics
  • Owner willing to stay through transition
  • Culture & name preserved post-close
  • Operations sustainable without founder reliance
Financial Profile
  • Revenue: $3M – $10M
  • Cash Flow: $500K – $3M
  • Manageable revenue concentration
  • Scalable operating margins

Sectors of Interest

Business Services
Established service businesses with recurring revenue, loyal client bases, and defensible market positions.
Industrial Services
Mission-critical industrial operations with durable demand and meaningful barriers to entry.
Building Products
Specialty building and construction products with stable, geographically concentrated regional demand.
Tech-Enabled Services
Technology-driven service businesses with recurring revenue and defensible market positions.
How We Work

A Simple,
Straightforward Process

Our approach is to provide transparency and structure to each transaction, ensuring you as the owner remain informed throughout. No one likes surprises, and as stewards of your business we work tirelessly to earn your trust from the beginning.

Step 1
Initial Business Review
An introductory call to understand your business, goals, and vision. If there’s mutual interest, we conduct a thorough review of financials, operations, and market position.
Week 1
Step 2
Indication of Interest
Formal IOI with proposed framework and preliminary valuation range, key terms and deal structure outlined clearly for both parties to evaluate alignment.
1–2 weeks after Step 1
Step 3
Letter of Intent
In-person meeting to align on shared vision. Together we finalize a detailed LOI covering purchase price, structure, and key terms.
2–3 weeks after Step 2
Step 4
Detailed Diligence
Comprehensive due diligence across finance, tax, insurance, regulatory, legal, and operations, thorough and designed to maintain momentum.
45–60 days after Step 3
Step 5
Purchase Agreement
Both legal teams draft the definitive purchase agreement. Runs concurrently with diligence to maintain deal momentum.
Concurrent with Step 4
Step 6
Closing
Documents executed, funds transferred. You and your team join the Southeast Partners family. Our integration team is alongside you from day one.
~1 week
The Partners

Deep Roots in the Region

Richard Jacques
Richard Jacques
Co-Founder, Transactions & Deal Structuring

A Nashville native and licensed attorney, Richard brings 20+ years advising and investing in founder-led businesses across the Southeast. His analytical skills and financial acumen along with his mission to support the local Middle Tennessee economy give him a unique perspective and help sustain his desire to work with local business owners to help preserve and expand upon their legacies. Outside of work he enjoys coaching his three children and cheering on his beloved Vanderbilt Commodores.

Steven Harris
Steven Harris
Co-Founder, Marketing, Strategy & Growth

Originally from the mountains of North Carolina, Steven has spent over 20 years advising and investing in founder-led platforms. He focuses on driving growth through strategic assessments, targeted roadmaps, and tangible KPIs. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter exploring the Tennessee outdoors and getting out on the golf course.

Patrick Moody
Patrick Moody
Vice President, Finance & Operations

A Nashville native and Auburn University graduate, Patrick recently returned home to join Southeast Partners. Bringing extensive experience across business development and venture capital, he focuses on deal origination, diligence, and portfolio operations, working directly with founders from first conversation through closing. When he's not at the office, you'll find him in the Sewanee mountains or on the golf course.

Let’s Talk

Is Your Business
the Right Fit?

We’d love to learn about what you’ve built. Every conversation starts simply, without obligation, and at your pace.

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