Q&A With Leap Partners CEO, John Cerasuolo

John Cerasuolo and Leap Partners purchases, invests in, and supports local HVAC companies across the Southeast. With 12 acquisitions under his belt in less than two years, John shares what sets Leap Partners apart and the future of the industry.

Q: You have been in the acquisitions business for over 22 years now. What do you think has made this a lasting career for you?

A: My enthusiasm for growing small businesses. I am an eternal optimist, and meeting small business owners every day reassures me that the American Dream is alive and well. I have a lot of respect for entrepreneurs in the HVAC, plumbing and electrical industries. Most started out with a truck and a passion for their trade. Then, through hard work, dedication to customers and employees, and bravery, they’ve been able to build a successful business. Then, most reach a point where the day to day of accounting, marketing, human resources, taxes, insurance, etc. sucks up all of their time and energy. They then get pushed further and further from their passion for the trade. That is where we come in. Instead of buying a company and making sweeping changes, we have more success providing investment and support for the companies’ leaders and former owners to focus on the parts of the business they enjoy, with the same autonomy that made them successful in the first place.

Q: In June alone, you acquired three new companies. Tell us about that.

A: We are excited to continue growing in Kentucky while also entering the Georgia, North Carolina and Missouri markets. Any type of growth is exciting for us, and the more seasoned professionals we bring in, the better services we are going to offer. It was the same reason we were so excited to bring on Mitch Mobley, formerly of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, as the VP of Operational Support last year.

Q: You were previously the CEO of ADS Security and led the team to become the 16th-largest security company in the country. Then you left the home services industry before founding Leap Partners. What made you come back to the industry?

A: I missed home services and the great people who work in this industry. When you call an HVAC technician or plumber, it is because you really need them. Nothing feels better than helping people keep their day-to-day lives running. I established Leap alongside a few of my business partners from ADS because I know we all share that passion.

Q: You mentioned helping your acquired companies with talent recruitment. How are you facing that hurdle head on?

A: There is new technology and a whole new generation waiting to be exposed to hardhat jobs. Working in HVAC, plumbing, or any home services job, is steady, great-paying work that can open a world of possibilities for younger recruits; but in order to do so, we have to stay current. Our VP of Operational Support is working in the field to help our companies grow and adapt to the new landscape of our industry.