The $100K Mistake That Kills This Dealsmart_display

Published: Mar 14, 2026

At first glance this electrical contracting company looks like a solid deal. But once you account for licensing requirements, the economics change quickly.

The $100K Mistake That Kills This Deal

This electrical contracting business has been operating for over 7 years in South Florida and provides services across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The company also performs work for government agencies and municipalities, which can provide steady contract opportunities.


Deal Snapshot

IndustryElectrical Contracting
Established2018
Revenue$1,071,687
Employees7 Full-Time
Revenue Multiple0.93x
LocationBroward County, FL
Asking Price$1,000,000
Cash Flow (SDE)$310,000
Cash Flow Multiple3.23x

Now let's run this through a typical SBA scenario with 10% down.

SBA Scenario (10% Down)

Down Payment$100,000
Annual Debt Service$146,000
DSCR2.12
Loan Amount$900,000
Cash Flow After Debt$164,000

On paper this looks like a healthy deal with strong coverage. But that assumes the buyer can operate the business themselves.


The Licensing Problem

Electrical contracting businesses in Florida require a licensed qualifier. If the buyer does not personally hold the license, they must hire or partner with someone who does.

Assuming a $100,000 licensed operator salary, the economics change significantly.

Adjusted Scenario (Operator Required)

Original Cash Flow (SDE)$310,000
Adjusted Cash Flow$210,000
Cash Flow After Debt$64,000
Licensed Operator Salary-$100,000
Debt Service$146,000
DSCR1.44

What Stands Out

  • Diverse service mix: The company handles residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
  • Government work: Existing public sector contracts can provide stability and credibility.
  • Growing industry: Electrical demand continues to grow with new construction, EV charging infrastructure, and smart-home installations.

Potential Risks

  • License dependency: Buyers without an electrical license must hire a qualified operator.
  • Compressed margins: After paying a licensed operator and debt service, only about $64K remains.
  • Limited DSCR cushion: With DSCR around 1.44, even small revenue fluctuations could create pressure.

BizHub Verdict

This deal scores a 6.1 / 10. The business itself appears solid, but licensing requirements significantly reduce cash flow for absentee buyers. For a licensed electrician looking to own their own company, this could be a strong opportunity. For investors without a license, the economics become much tighter.

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