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Industry: Carpet, Rugs and Flooring

Location: Overland Park, KS

The DVS Group’s Role: Buyside Representation

Buying a Kansas City Metro-Based Business was a Must for This Wichita Native

Erwin, a Purple Heart recipient and Wichita native, served in Iraq. In 2006, his platoon came under attack near Baghdad. Erwin was left with shrapnel wounds to his face, neck and extremities, requiring emergency surgery at Walter Reed Medical Center. During his transition to a civilian, Erwin made an important connection with GallantFew, a nonprofit organization with a mission “To facilitate a peaceful, successful transition from military service to a civilian life filled with hope and purpose.”

In 2017, Erwin attended a Kansas City Royals game under the guise he was the veteran or active duty member honoree of the night. On top a stadium of fans applauding Erwin for his service, he was given a new Malibu on behalf of Kansas City Chevrolet dealers.

Erwin explains, “After receiving a car at the K for the work I do in support of veterans, I knew Kansas City would be our home. Buying a business here in Kansas City means I can support other small businesses and help make a positive impact within the community. I have two young boys I am raising to be men, and they need to witness their father being a positive role model in the community and to understand the value of hard work.”

Trusted Connections in the Veteran Community Led Erwin to The DVS Group

The Kansas City Metro is home to a very close military/veteran community. These networks are a source for inspiration, information and trusted referrals. When Erwin came to the realization that he needed a better outlet for personal and business growth, he confided in fellow ex-Rangers. One, specifically, encouraged him to take the business ownership route, leading him directly to The DVS Group, a social impact investment bank focused on serving groups like veterans, walking them through the buying process and helping them become community-building business owners.

“Once connected with DVS Group, I knew I would be taken care of from a transition standpoint. Not only would they help me reach my goal, but also connect me with other veterans who have left the corporate world to acquire a company. Any firm that has veterans and their families as their best interest is a direct reflection of their leadership and values,” Erwin says. “Philanthropy is a major catalyst to change. Giving a veteran the opportunity, such as a business acquisition, is an opportunity not many veterans receive. DVS Group’s years of business relationships help make the business acquisition a success and sets the veteran up for success after the transition.”

The Deal:
The transaction closed on December, 2022.

Industry: Tooling Distributer

Location: St. Louis, MO

The DVS Group’s Role: Buyside Representation

With a Banking and Business Ownership Background, Scott Moseley Knew His Business Type
Scott Moseley, a former bank CEO, set his sights on the risks and rewards of business ownership. In 2018, he purchased his first company, KC Supply, from The DVS Group and experienced enormous early success. Four years later, Moseley was ready for a follow-on acquisition, and he knew exactly what he wanted.

Scott Special Tools checked nearly all the boxes for Moseley. Between its nearly 80-year history in the industry and a renowned reputation, Scott Special Tools was Moseley’s ideal encore deal.

It’s Never Been About a Quick Sale for Scott Special Tools}
St. Louis-based Scott Special Tools is a tooling distributer serving the Midwest since 1944. Through impeccable customer service and unmatched industry knowledge, the company’s team cultivates relationships with customers, some dating back half a century. Their employees’ goal has always been to create life-long partnerships, rather than make quick sales. And, their customers know this.

That reputation meant a lot to Scott Special Tools’ owners. When it came to finding the right buyer, they looked beyond the purchase price. They wanted a buyer who could maintain the company’s hard-earned market position and guide the business through another 80 years.

Given Scott Moseley’s success with KC Supply and his evident passion to preserve the reputation of and grow Scott Special Tools, the sellers knew he was a great fit as their buyer.

Scott Moseley explains, “The process was similar to my first purchase. From the initial call with the sellers, all during due diligence, and through the closing, Sam Taets from DVS was there to explain the process to the sellers, keep the bank and the attorneys up to date, and move the process along. Scott Special Tools  is comparable to KC Supply in that they are both distributers and it fits nicely in my wheelhouse, adding diversity to my personal portfolio. The sellers remain with the company to facilitate the transition and were equally happy with the way that Sam helped educate them during the process. I’d highly recommend using DVS to find a company if you’re interested in buying or selling.”

The Deal:
The transaction closed on June 30, 2022.