Feb. 21, 2024
E189: Austin King of Steel River Explores Long-Term Hold Strategy in Industrial Services Space
About the Guest(s):
Austin King is the co-founder of Steel River, a permanent holding company focused on acquiring and growing businesses within the industrial services sector, especially those supporting critical infrastructure such as the overhead...
About the Guest(s):
Austin King is the co-founder of Steel River, a permanent holding company focused on acquiring and growing businesses within the industrial services sector, especially those supporting critical infrastructure such as the overhead crane space. With a background in bond hedge funds and management consulting, Austin transitioned into private equity before launching Steel River with his business partner, Eric Factor. Together, they aim to carry on the legacy of foundational American industries with a long-term growth strategy.
Summary:
In this insightful episode of the "How to Exit" podcast, host Ronald Skelton welcomes Austin King, the industrious co-founder of Steel River. The conversation is a deep dive into the world of industrial services acquisitions and the journey of building a company that focuses on preserving the backbone of America's infrastructure.
Austin shares the story of his transition from private equity to co-founding Steel River, emphasizing the company's mission to create a long-term home for businesses they acquire. The episode outlines Steel River's growth, which boasts an impressive portfolio of 11 acquisitions, predominantly in the overhead crane industry, expanding their footprint in manufacturing support services.
Key Takeaways:
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Contact Austin on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-king12/
Website: https://www.steelriver.co/
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How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!
-Why IT ExchangeNet?
Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match.
"Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron Skelton
The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.
If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.
Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.
Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
Austin King is the co-founder of Steel River, a permanent holding company focused on acquiring and growing businesses within the industrial services sector, especially those supporting critical infrastructure such as the overhead crane space. With a background in bond hedge funds and management consulting, Austin transitioned into private equity before launching Steel River with his business partner, Eric Factor. Together, they aim to carry on the legacy of foundational American industries with a long-term growth strategy.
Summary:
In this insightful episode of the "How to Exit" podcast, host Ronald Skelton welcomes Austin King, the industrious co-founder of Steel River. The conversation is a deep dive into the world of industrial services acquisitions and the journey of building a company that focuses on preserving the backbone of America's infrastructure.
Austin shares the story of his transition from private equity to co-founding Steel River, emphasizing the company's mission to create a long-term home for businesses they acquire. The episode outlines Steel River's growth, which boasts an impressive portfolio of 11 acquisitions, predominantly in the overhead crane industry, expanding their footprint in manufacturing support services.
Key Takeaways:
- Build a Strong Team: Prioritize hiring exceptional talent at all levels, and compensate them well to encourage long-term investment in the company's success.
- Long-Term Thinking: Adopt a strategy that balances immediate decision-making with long-term growth to protect the company's future and legacy.
- Maintain Legacy: Show consistent respect and due diligence when acquiring businesses, focusing on the legacy and community impact.
- Employee Equity: Offering equity to branch managers and employees drives investment in the company's success and helps retain top talent.
- Cultural Fit: After acquisition, ensuring cultural integration is critical to a smooth transition and sustained growth.
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Contact Austin on
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-king12/
Website: https://www.steelriver.co/
--------------------------------------------------
How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!
-Why IT ExchangeNet?
Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match.
"Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron Skelton
The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.
If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.
Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.
Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.
Ronald P. Skelton - Host -
Reach me to sell me your business, connect for a JV or other business use LinkedIn:
Ronald Skelton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronskelton
Have suggestions, comments, or want to tell us about a business for sale,
call reach me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronskelton/
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