“Making It Work” is a series about small-business owners striving to endure hard times. When Nicole Rizzo came across the “For Sale” listing for Die Cleaning Equipment, she was initially drawn to the fact that it was run by a married couple. Her husband, David, found the name puzzling, wondering if it involved janitors. However, the company employed welders and created machines that cleaned other machines, specifically aluminum extruders used in various products. The owner, Steve Smith, oversaw the shop, while his wife, Kristin, handled the finances. The Smiths had built their business from scratch, with Kristin initially working as a church secretary. As they approached their 70s, they dreamed of new adventures involving aluminum, months-long trips in an Airstream trailer. A younger couple like the Rizzos wasn’t the obvious choice to take over the business as neither knew much about aluminum. After visiting the Smiths’ shop near the Phoenix airport, the Rizzos were convinced. In June 2021, they bought the company for about $600,000. Almost four years later, they have recovered their investment. The number of “searchers,” or prospective buyers like the Rizzos, is growing. The surge of workers seeking greater autonomy, along with nearly a quarter of American small businesses being owned by people 65 or older, is driving this growth. Enrollment in business courses on “entrepreneurship through acquisition” has soared, but an MBA is not necessary. Many influencers on YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok share advice on buying a business. Loans from the Small Business Administration can be appealing with low down payments, but there is a risk of failure. Searchers are advised to fall in love with the business’s economics and be prepared to get involved in daily details and challenges. Some searchers are more calculated, spending an average of 18 months browsing online listings and seeking advice from brokers. The competition for buying businesses has increased, with search funds and private equity firms in the mix. However, the Rizzos have found their niche and are proud to offer a unique service, even though it may not be as impressive to some. They still maintain a close relationship with the Smiths, who are happy to see their business in capable hands.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/business/young-professionals-boring-small-business-niches.html