Trust the Process: Lessons from a First-Time Business Buyer
June 17, 2025 •
Michael sits down with John Moskola, co-owner of Watson & Sons Plumbing in Western Pennsylvania. With a background in cybersecurity for the Pentagon, John made an unexpected pivot into business ownership through the acquisition of a local plumbing company with his brother. They discuss the challenges of securing financing, navigating the SBA loan process, handling curveballs like environmental studies, and what it takes to successfully grow a family-run trade business in a modern world. This episode offers a candid look at making the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship—and why trusting the process makes all the difference.
Tune into this episode to also learn:
- How to creatively finance a business acquisition without large upfront capital.
- Why adapting benefits packages is key to retaining talent in trades.
- The power of clearly divided roles in family-owned businesses.
- How side investments like real estate can support entrepreneurial ventures.
What we discussed
[00:01:01] John’s early exposure to the business and his career journey from IT and cybersecurity to plumbing.
[00:03:47] How John’s brother was approached to buy the plumbing business and the step-by-step acquisition plan.
[00:05:00] The funding process: SBA loans, seller financing, and borrowing from personal assets.
[00:07:56] Handling last-minute hurdles—like environmental surveys—during the buying process.
[00:08:16] Transitioning from cybersecurity to entrepreneurship with a young family and financial planning.
[00:10:07] Facing seasonality and industry slowdowns, especially during election years.
[00:11:35] Balancing partnership roles: operations vs. administrative vision.
[00:13:39] Modernizing the trade business by offering benefits and retirement plans.
[00:17:13] Expansion strategy: Opening a second location and adding new service lines.
[00:19:33] Balancing business ownership with family life and four kids.
[00:22:20] Diversification: Investing in real estate and long-term strategic planning.
[00:25:28] Future vision: Acquiring additional service businesses to build a one-stop home services company.
[00:26:29] John’s closing advice: Trust your gut, trust your team, and trust the process.
3 Things To Remember
- You don’t need a large amount of cash to buy a business—creativity and the right team make all the difference.
- Modernizing trade businesses with strong benefits and culture can be a competitive edge for recruiting and retaining talent.
- Entrepreneurship is not just about growth—it’s about having a clear process, a supportive team, and the discipline to stay focused.
Memorable moments:
(00:05:00) “Having two individuals who were in their early thirties trying to buy a business, it didn’t go so well… so we had to get creative.”
(00:08:39) “On a Monday, I gave my notice. On Wednesday, we found out we were pregnant with our fourth child. On Thursday, my wife lost her job.”
(00:26:29) “Trust the process. Outline the plan. It’s not going to go smooth—but in the end, it’ll work out.”
Useful Links
Connect with Michael Pallozzi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpallozzihfm/
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HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
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Michael Pallozzi, AIF
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Disclosure: HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
