Carolina Legacy Holdcos LLC
“A small business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the world you live in.”
— Nicole Snow
What We Do
Purchase
We buy small businesses. We are straightforward, thorough and decisive. We work to achieve a timely closing at a fair price.
Reimagine
We look for growth opportunities by combining the foundation and traditions of the business and team with new innovation.
Flourish
We unleash the potential of teammates, vendors, and customers to the benefit of all stakeholders and the communities they serve.
Why CLH?
"For a seamless transition and a lasting impact. With our unwavering commitment to fair valuations, transparent processes, and a shared vision of community-focused success, we provide owners the confidence of a trusted partner who will honor their legacy while ensuring the business thrives for years to come."
Steve Coakley
Our Criteria
In a Business
Based in North Carolina
Revenues of $.5M – $6M
Established with track record of profitability
“Old school” business model
In a Seller
Seeking retirement or less day to day
Willingness to stay in via seller note or small ownership stake
Prefers new owner keep employees and grow the business’s legacy
Reasonable valuation
Late in Q3 of 2023, we closed a very small acquisition on the assets of the local TapSnap franchise. We are now in the photo booth business where, more importantly, we create Happy People. We’ve had a busy first year, hired a FTE to manage the business, and streamlined operations. If you’re in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill elevate your next event with a photo booth! Reach out to [email protected] or click here.
Late in Q4 of 2024 after seeing a need in the market from our search, we’ve launched The Welcome Company. Our mission is to connect newcomers to the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill market to businesses and services providers through the timeless and meaningful delivery of a welcome basket chock full of goodies, discounts and information from sponsors. Learn more at TheWelcomeCompany.com.
About Us
Steve Coakley, Founder
In 1994, at the age of 28, Steve embarked on his entrepreneurial journey launching his first company, offering a range of services to government. Despite the 95′ government shutdown, they persevered and grew, ultimately making #312 on the INC 500 fastest growing companies. With 100+ employees and nearly $10M in revenue, Steve often reflects that he learned more about business and himself following the crash in 2008. Undeterred, Steve steered his company through leading it to a strong recovery. In 2012, he made the strategic decision to sell. During this 17 year entrepreneurial journey, Steve ventured into several other adjacent business endeavors.
In 2013, he joined a small, handpicked team tasked with bringing a start-up SaaS technology company to market. Babel Street expanded serving customers around the world including US and international governments and Fortune 100. The company achieved a highly successful exit through a PE, marking a significant milestone for both the company and Steve.
With a passion for small business, Steve became an LP in a local investment fund. More recently, Steve joined one of the investments furthering his commitment to driving success in the businesses he believes in. Overall, Steve’s entrepreneurial journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of growth. Married 34 years with 3 kids and 3 grandsons.
Advisors
Jeff Chapman
Serial entrepreneur with multiple exits. Investor. Political appointee. National security expert.
Rob Collins
Entrepreneur, strategic advisor and attorney with proven business and legal experience.
Tim Mann
Highly respected, long tenured owner operator in North Carolina.
Doug Kachadorian
Senior Financial Executive with significant experience in all facets of operational performance, financial analysis and business planning obligations.
Eric Bowen
Operator with enterprise and transactional sales, operations, administration, and go-to-market experience in government and commercial verticals.
– Click photos for additional background –
Contact Us
Whether you’re a seller, broker, investor or just curious about CLH, we’re here to answer your questions.