Lance Bachmann, founder of LB Capital, has built a career on a clear and effective business philosophy: “Build It to Sell It.” This approach, rooted in creating value-driven companies that are designed to be attractive acquisition targets, has allowed him to successfully build, scale, and sell businesses across a range of industries. In this article, we’ll break down Bachmann’s philosophy and how it has shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
The Core of ‘Build It to Sell It’
At the heart of Bachmann’s philosophy is the idea that businesses should be built with long-term value and scalability in mind. Rather than focusing solely on short-term profits, he prioritizes creating strong foundations, sustainable operations, and growth strategies that make these companies desirable to potential buyers. His track record of selling companies like 1SEO Digital Agency, Dilling Heating & Cooling, and Cherry Roofing and Siding reflects his success in executing this strategy.
Bachmann’s approach ensures that businesses are not only profitable but also scalable, which is a key factor in attracting interest from investors or larger corporations looking for acquisition opportunities.
Building with a Vision for Growth
A crucial element of the ‘Build It to Sell It’ philosophy is the focus on growth and market positioning. For Bachmann, scaling a business isn’t just about increasing revenue—it’s about creating a market leader that stands out in a competitive landscape.
One example of this is 1SEO Digital Agency. Bachmann built the digital marketing firm from the ground up, developing it into a top-tier agency that offered a wide range of services, including SEO, PPC advertising, and web development. By continuously expanding its capabilities and client base, 1SEO became a leader in its field, which ultimately led to its acquisition by Skyharbor Capital in 2023.
Bachmann also applied this growth-focused mindset to the roofing industry. Through LB Capital, he co-founded Munz Roofing by rolling up several smaller businesses—5 Star Roofing, Only The Best Builder, and Rhubart Roofing. This consolidation created a stronger, more competitive company that could offer a comprehensive range of services and capture a larger market share.
Strategic Partnerships and Diversification
Lance Bachmann’s success is also rooted in his ability to form strategic partnerships that enhance the value of his ventures. In addition to Munz Roofing, Bachmann formed Planet Roof by partnering with My Pittsburgh Roofing and Link Roofing. He also founded Roofing Pups through partnerships with Lenox Roofing Solutions, Air-Tite Exteriors, and CJC Roofing.
By aligning with the right partners, Bachmann is able to scale businesses more efficiently and create entities that are attractive to acquirers. His ventures in the roofing industry demonstrate how rolling up smaller businesses into larger, more diversified entities can increase their overall value and market presence.
Bachmann’s partnerships extend beyond the roofing industry as well. His work in the technology sector, co-founding Shock I.T. Support and partnering with Titan Pro Technologies, further illustrates his versatility and his ability to apply his philosophy across different industries.
Positioning for a Successful Exit
One of the most important aspects of Bachmann’s philosophy is his focus on positioning companies for successful exits. This involves creating businesses that not only perform well but also have the infrastructure, systems, and scalability that make them appealing to potential buyers.
Bachmann’s success in this area is exemplified by the sale of Dilling Heating & Cooling to Apex Service Partners and Cherry Roofing and Siding to Vertex Investors. In both cases, he built businesses that were positioned as industry leaders, making them prime targets for acquisition.
By designing companies with the eventual goal of selling them, Bachmann ensures that his businesses are consistently focused on growth, efficiency, and market leadership—all of which are critical factors in securing successful exits.
Recognition and Influence
Lance Bachmann’s success and the impact of his ‘Build It to Sell It’ philosophy have not gone unnoticed. His businesses have been recognized in prestigious lists like the INC 5000, which highlights the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. He has also been featured in Forbes, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in entrepreneurship and business strategy.
Beyond building and selling companies, Bachmann is also a sought-after speaker and author. He shares his insights on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and leadership at conferences and universities, mentoring the next generation of business leaders. His ability to articulate the principles behind his success makes him a respected figure in the business world.
A Versatile Philosophy Across Industries
While Lance Bachmann’s roots are in digital marketing, his ‘Build It to Sell It’ philosophy is adaptable to a wide range of industries. From home services to roofing and technology, his approach to building businesses with the end goal of selling them has proven effective time and again.
His ventures with Munz Roofing, Planet Roof, and Roofing Pups demonstrate how the same principles can be applied to consolidate and scale businesses in the roofing industry. Similarly, his work with Shock I.T. Support shows that the philosophy extends to the technology sector, proving that this strategy can be adapted to various types of businesses.
A Blueprint for Long-Term Success
Lance Bachmann’s ‘Build It to Sell It’ philosophy offers a clear and practical framework for building businesses that are designed for sustainable growth and attractive to acquirers. His track record of successfully building and selling multiple companies—ranging from digital marketing agencies to roofing and technology businesses—proves that his approach works.
By focusing on long-term value, strategic partnerships, and positioning for exits, Bachmann has developed a blueprint that other entrepreneurs can follow to achieve similar success. Through his work with LB Capital and his commitment to mentoring future business leaders, Lance Bachmann continues to leave a lasting impact on the industries he touches and the entrepreneurs he inspires.
