Evan Sameroff has had a successful career in private equity.
But after more than a dozen years — and since moving to Westport in 2022, and with 2 children, almost 3 and 1, just starting to grow up here — the Harvard MBA graduate is looking for other challenges.
His father and grandfather were small business owners.
Now Sameroff wants to be one too.
Evan Sameroff
This area is fertile, for one to buy. His goal is to find an established company, with 5 to 50 employees, annual profits of at least $750,000, and an owner who does not have a family member interested in taking over (or without a clear succession plan).
It would be a services business, with “good bones, a strong reputation, and low turnover.” He is not looking at a retail store or restaurant.
Sameroff will be a hands-on manager, taking the business he buys to the next level.
Private equity professionals work in short time frames, he notes. This new venture would allow him to “steward a legacy,” while keeping whatever made the company special intact.
His interest began several years ago. But Sameroff did not have the experience to management a team then, or handle supplies or manage a facility. Now, he feels comfortable doing so.
Westport is fertile territory for his quest. Sameroff has met many entrepreneurs here. A growing number of residents are, like he, ready to move on from finance to other pursuits. Others have already done so.
“People here want to help,” he says. “They have substantial business and investing experience, and a deep network across the region.”
Sameroff is in discussions with several prospects. He’s taking it slow, and is interested in hearing from “06880” readers who might know a business that would be a good fit. If interested, email evan@melodeeholdings.com.
So he wants a business that doesn’t involve physical products, but rather expertise and advice, somewhat like an attorney might, or an accountant might. This expertise would be the “ product “ he’s selling. Let me give it some thought.
Think HVAC business, Jack. Private equity is all about rolling up those sorts of businesses.
plumbers. electricians roofers. are needed in tens of thousands for data centers. AI will not replace tradesmen.
HVAC business involves state and local licenses, workers comp insurance, commercial auto insurance, a surety bond, diagnostic tools, a garage to keep the vehicles and equipment in. Will he rent the space or buy the property? He would want to get involved with running this business/company? I’m skeptical. What am I missing here?
Private equity has already started rolling up local HVAC service companies. Mine got bought out a year or two ago. Still operate under the same name and try to pretend they haven’t changed but they do as time goes on.
Private equity did the same with funeral homes and cash washes among other things. A lot of things that historically were local businesses aren’t so local any more.
Well, if he changes his mind & criteria. I would entertain retiring and selling my retail store, Savvy + Grace on Main Street! Happy Holidays to all!
That’s hot news .
This is my personal opinion due to my family history. I wouldn’t buy a business in Westport unless I bought the property where the business was located. There’s too much uncertainty when you’re at the mercy of a landlord.
True Jack that is what happened to the lingerie store downtown.
Is this satire? If not, I have a bridge and a poop recycling business to sell him.
Dermot, I already have a Patent on a poop recycling machine, but I haven’t started producing them as yet!