I'm Paul Guarino. With 20+ years of hands-on experience as a business owner and finance executive, I'm seeking a service-based business in the Mid-Atlantic region to acquire and grow for the long term. No investment committee. No playbook. Just a committed operator who understands what it takes to build something that lasts.
These are the types of businesses I'm actively looking for. If you're not sure whether your business qualifies, I'd still welcome the conversation.
These are guidelines, not hard rules. If something doesn't fit perfectly but feels right, let's talk.
I'm not a first-time buyer learning on the job. I co-founded HomeCooked, a prepared meals company, nearly 20 years ago and still operate it today. I've also acquired and successfully exited a digital media business. I know what it means to meet payroll, manage a team, keep customers happy, and make it work when things don't go according to plan.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, I spent over a decade in institutional finance, including roles at JPMorgan, Coast Asset Management, and State Street. I've managed hundreds of billions in client assets, built operational due diligence programs, and led cross-functional teams. That background gives me the financial discipline to evaluate opportunities rigorously and the operational instinct to grow them thoughtfully.
I'm looking for one business to acquire and commit to fully. Your employees, your customers, and the culture you've built matter to me. I want to protect what makes your business work and build on it for the years ahead.
Selling your business is a major decision. You deserve a buyer you can trust to close, to take care of your team, and to build on what you've created.
As a business owner myself for nearly two decades, I understand the weight of what you've built. Your business isn't just a financial asset to me. I know what it took to get here.
My financing is in place. I'm prepared to move from letter of intent to closing without financing surprises or unnecessary delays.
No investment committee. No partners to convince. When the fit is right, I move decisively. You'll deal directly with me from our first conversation through closing and beyond.
I'm not looking to own a business from a distance. I'll be on-site, learning the operation, earning your team's trust, and running things hands-on from the start.
My background in institutional finance means I evaluate opportunities rigorously. My experience as an entrepreneur means I know that spreadsheets don't run businesses, people do.
Your employees, customers, and community relationships matter to me. My goal is to protect the culture and reputation you've built while positioning the business for its next chapter of growth.
Co-founded and continue to operate a prepared meals company serving the Greater Philadelphia area. Responsible for financial operations, technology, ecommerce, and business development.
Acquired and operated a digital media business with over 2 million social media followers. Grew revenue through SEO, affiliate marketing, and content strategy. Successfully exited in 2021.
Led operations and client strategy for institutional retirement clients managing $260B+ in assets. Served as primary point of contact across portfolio management, compliance, technology, and client service.
Designed and implemented the firm's Operational Due Diligence program. Managed derivative financing, credit allocations, and portfolio risk analysis for hedge fund investments.
Directed fund accounting operations, NAV reporting, and portfolio reconciliations. Built and led a team of up to 16 direct reports.
Two decades of entrepreneurial and operational experience
Ready to move from LOI to close without financing delays
Acquired, grew, and sold a profitable digital business
Whether you're a seller, broker, or advisor, I'd welcome the chance to connect. Every conversation is confidential and no-pressure.
I'd genuinely like to hear about your business. This is a confidential, no-pressure conversation. Just two people getting to know each other and exploring whether there's a fit.
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