About Alpha Heritage
Alpha Heritage was formed to support the acquisition process of a local, small-to-medium size business (SMB). Alpha Heritage supports an individual, full-time searcher, seeking to acquire and operate one single, established business for which the owner is looking to transition leadership through a personalized sale. Our flexible approach to numeration and deal structure will prove mutually beneficial in laying a strong foundation for the future of the business and all stakeholders. A profitable business that has built a track record of success requires a steward that is committed to the existing employees and focused on further growth. The goal is to preserve the founder’s legacy through a hands-on management approach with a long-term focus. We are not a strategic buyer, and we are not private equity. Alpha Heritage aims to invest in, and grow, the target business from its current state.
Background
John founded Alpha Heritage in 2025 with the mission to acquire a small generational family business. John is a proven leader and analytical thinker who has built strong relationships throughout his career.
Prior to Alpha Heritage, John forged a multi-decade career in the financial capital markets as a corporate credit specialist within fixed income. He managed capital as a principal-based corporate bond trader and analyzed financial statements as a special situations credit analyst.
- Quick decision making with imperfect information
- Uncover risks and plan accordingly
- Interact and respond daily with customers
- Communicate effectively across internal teams
- Understand the pressures to generate a return on capital
Most recently, John spent the last 15yrs of his career helping build a startup broker-dealer that grew it's balance sheet to nearly $1.5B. The firm was ultimately acquired by a large multinational independent investment bank and financial services company in 2022. The entrepreneurial experience forged his commitment to own and run a small business.
biographical
John was born and raised in Morris County, NJ, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree from Lehigh University as a two-sport athlete. While working, he earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation which is widely considered the "gold standard" in investment credentials. He currently resides in Westfield, NJ with his wife and three children. He enjoys golf and paddle tennis, and is active in the community as a member of the Boosters Executive Board and a former youth PAL football and travel basketball coach.
Target business criteria
- Located within a 1 hour drive of Westfield, NJ
- Revenue Target: $2m < Annual Revenues < $10m
- Cash Flow Target: $500k < EBITDA < $1.5m
- Industries that have low sensitivity to economic cycles and technology advancements
- No restaurants, retailers, or software-centric business models. Ideally home services or niche manufacturing.
Ideal Situation
- Sellers seeking liquidity as they transition away from day-to-day involvement
- Sellers interested in maintaining the family values within the organization
- Sellers desire for a fully-engaged, local owner that values “fit” with their people
Deal financing
We are open-minded and flexible in negotiation, but a capital structure framework would resemble:
- $250k-$750k equity downpayment component
- 10-20% seller note
- 60-80% senior debt in the form of SBA 7(a)
- <20% outside equity, if needed under unique circumstances