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.