ADHS: Helping business owners sell well

American Dream Home Services (ADHS) was co-founded by Will Petter and Dave Shurna to address the increasing challenges faced by family-run home services businesses. In an industry increasingly targeted by private equity firms, ADHS provides an alternative exit strategy that prioritizes employee ownership, legacy preservation, and community impact.

Will Petter's Journey: From Private Equity to Purpose-Driven Transition

Will Petter's journey to co-founding ADHS began with a personal realization about the human cost of traditional private equity acquisitions. After years of working in investment banking and private equity, he witnessed firsthand how aggressive growth strategies often led to the displacement of long-time employees and the dismantling of family legacies.

A pivotal experience involved a second-generation oilfield services company in Texas. Petter's firm acquired the company, implementing changes that ultimately forced out both brothers who had inherited the business from their father. This experience left Petter disillusioned with the private equity model and searching for a more sustainable and ethical approach to business transitions.

The Power of Employee Ownership: A Solution for a Changing Landscape

Petter's search for a better way led him to employee ownership through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). He recognized the potential of ESOPs to empower employees, preserve company legacies, and create lasting value for both owners and their teams.

ESOPs offer numerous advantages, including

• Financial security for both the selling owner and employees

• A smooth transition of leadership and ownership

• Tax advantages at the corporate, employee, and shareholder levels

• Enhanced employee engagement and motivation

Dave Shurna: A Champion for Purpose-Driven Leadership

Dave Shurna, ADHS co-founder, brings a wealth of experience in purpose-driven leadership and community impact. As the co-founder and former Executive Director of No Barriers USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people overcome obstacles and unleash their potential, Shurna has spent decades empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their dreams. His work at No Barriers and his co-authored book, What’s Within You, inform his approach to guiding business owners through transitions.

A Shared Vision: Building a Better Future for Home Services

Petter and Shurna's shared vision for ADHS is to create a nationwide network of employee-owned home services companies that prioritize:

• Exceptional service delivered with integrity

• Employee empowerment and wealth creation

• Legacy preservation for transitioning owners

ADHS aims to provide a viable alternative to private equity acquisition, ensuring that the heart and soul of family-run businesses are not lost in the pursuit of profit. By leveraging the power of ESOPs, ADHS helps owners transition on their own terms, leaving a lasting positive impact on their employees, their communities, and the industry as a whole.