For ETA Buyers
We Don't Just Advise. We Implement.
Siah Labs is the implementation partner for ETA buyers. We don't just give you a 200-page "strategic plan" - we roll up our sleeves and build the digital infrastructure that turns your traditional acquisition into a high-margin platform.
Get Your Free 100-Day PlanThe Reality No One Warns You About
You spent months searching. You crushed the due diligence. The deal closed. Congratulations.
Now you're standing in the office on Day 1, and:
The team is watching. They've seen owners come and go. They're skeptical. Some are already updating their resumes.
The seller is gone (or worse, still hanging around giving conflicting direction).
Tribal knowledge is walking out the door. The office manager who "just knows" how everything works is retiring in 60 days.
Customers are nervous. Your biggest account just asked for a call "to discuss the transition."
The numbers don't match. Revenue looks different than the CIM promised. Expenses you didn't see are appearing.
You're drinking from a firehose while also being the person everyone looks to for answers.
This is the reality of ETA. And you don't have to figure it out alone.
Why ETA Buyers Need Different Support
You're not a struggling business owner who let things slide. You're not a second-generation family member who grew up in the business.
You're a high-achiever who just made the biggest financial bet of your life on a business you've owned for 48 hours.
Traditional business consultants don't get it. They'll give you a 200-page strategic plan when you need to know: Should I fire the GM this week or give them 90 days?
You need someone who:
- Understands the unique pressure of personal guarantees and SBA debt
- Has helped first-time owners navigate the seller transition
- Can tell the difference between "legacy issue you inherited" vs. "problem you need to fix now"
- Knows how to earn credibility with a team that doesn't know you yet
- Focuses on cash flow and quick wins, not just long-term strategy
How We Help ETA Buyers Win in the First 100 Days
Phase 1: Operational Assessment (Days 1-30)
What's really going on?
We help you quickly diagnose what you actually bought:
- • Financial reality check: reconcile the seller's numbers with what's actually happening
- • Team assessment: who are your A-players, who's checked out, who's waiting to see if you're serious
- • Process audit: what systems exist, what's held together with duct tape
- • Customer health check: which relationships are solid, which need immediate attention
- • Quick-win identification: where can you make immediate improvements that build credibility
Phase 2: Stabilization & Early Wins (Days 31-60)
Build credibility and momentum.
- • Team transition plan: How to communicate vision, earn trust, and make tough personnel decisions
- • Customer reassurance: Scripts and strategies for key account conversations
- • Cash flow optimization: Identify immediate levers (AP/AR, pricing, vendor renegotiation)
- • Process documentation: Capture critical tribal knowledge before it disappears
- • Owner credibility builders: Early improvements that show the team you know what you're doing
Phase 3: Growth Foundation (Days 61-100)
Set up for sustainable growth.
- • Financial cleanup: Get books accurate and set up dashboards you can actually use
- • Sales process improvement: Optimize what's working, fix what's broken
- • Operational efficiency: Eliminate bottlenecks and streamline workflows
- • Strategic roadmap: Where to invest for growth (now that fires are out)
- • Accountability systems: Metrics and rhythms to run the business without being in the weeds
What Makes Us Different
We've Been in Your Seat
We're not career consultants. We've owned, operated, and scaled businesses. We know what it's like to sign the front of the check, not just the back.
No Death by PowerPoint
You don't need another deck. You need someone who will sit with your bookkeeper, ride along on sales calls, and have the tough conversation with your GM.
ETA-Specific Expertise
We've worked with 50+ first-time owners acquiring established businesses. We know the playbook for service businesses: HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, home services, light manufacturing.
Focus on Cash & Quick Wins
Your SBA payment is due every month. We prioritize moves that improve cash flow and EBITDA in weeks, not years.
Common First 100 Days Mistakes We Help You Avoid
You might be a fit if:
- • You recently closed (or are about to close) on an established business
- • This is your first time as majority owner/operator
- • You came from corporate, consulting, finance, or another W-2 role
- • The business is doing $1M-$20M in revenue
- • You have strong ambitions but need help navigating the transition
- • You're in a service-based or light manufacturing business
Industries we know well:
How We Work Together
Option 1: First 100 Days Intensive
Hands-on operational support through your critical first quarter
- • Weekly on-site or virtual working sessions
- • Unlimited email/text access
- • Tool kit: Templates, checklists, playbooks
Investment: Let's talk
Option 2: Fractional COO
Ongoing operational leadership as you scale
- • 2-4 days per month embedded in your business
- • Strategic + execution support
- • Board meeting prep and investor relations
Investment: Let's talk
Option 3: Targeted Projects
Specific operational challenges
- • Financial cleanup and dashboard setup
- • Sales process optimization
- • Team restructuring
Investment: Let's talk
Success Stories
HVAC Company - Pittsburgh, PA
"I bought a 30-year-old HVAC business and inherited a team that was set in their ways. Within 60 days, Siah Labs helped me identify which systems to keep, which to upgrade, and how to have the tough conversations. We improved EBITDA by 18% in the first year while keeping our best technicians."
- Former consultant, first-time business owner
Landscaping Services - Bucks County, PA
"The seller told me the GM was great. Turns out he was coasting. Siah Labs helped me see the red flags, make the change, and restructure the team. Cash flow improved immediately."
- Former private equity associate, ETA buyer
Plumbing Company - Chester County, PA
"I didn't know what I didn't know. Siah Labs gave me a framework for the first 100 days so I wasn't just reacting to fires. Having someone who'd seen it before was invaluable."
- Former corporate operations manager, new owner
Ready to Turn Your Acquisition Into a Success Story?
Let's talk about your first 100 days.
Most new owners wait until they're drowning to ask for help. The smart ones get support from Day 1.
Free 30-Minute Assessment Call
We'll review where you are, identify your biggest risks, and outline what success looks like in your first quarter.
No pitch. No obligation. Just a conversation with someone who's helped dozens of ETA buyers navigate exactly what you're facing.
Schedule Your Free CallEmail: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I reach out - before closing or after?
A: Ideally 30-60 days before closing so we can build your 100-day plan during due diligence. But we've helped plenty of owners who call us on Day 15 when they realize they need support.
Q: Do you work with search funds?
A: Yes. About 40% of our clients are traditional searchers, the rest are self-funded or through investor groups.
Q: What if I'm outside Pennsylvania?
A: We work nationally, with a concentration in the Mid-Atlantic. Most engagements are hybrid (some on-site, mostly virtual).
Q: How is this different from a business coach?
A: We're operational partners, not just advisors. We'll attend your leadership meetings, review your P&L line-by-line, help you have tough conversations, and implement systems with you. Less talking, more doing.
Q: What if my business is outside your usual industries?
A: Our expertise is in established service and light manufacturing businesses. If you're in tech, retail, or highly specialized industries, we can recommend specialists.