Should I keep the licensed technicians when I buy a trades business?

Before you decide, find out who in the business holds which credentials and who would be able to supervise the work if someone left. If the licensed person is the owner and is leaving, you need a plan for that gap on day one. Your lawyer or the relevant trade body can tell you what a company must have in place to operate. Next, talk to the technicians, with the seller’s knowledge. Ask what they like about working there, what would make them leave, and whether customers ask for them by name. A technician who is loyal to the seller rather than the company may be the biggest risk in the sale.

Look at how they are paid and engaged: wages, vehicle use, tool arrangements, on-call duties. Surprises here cost you morale quickly. Finally, consider what you can offer. A clear role, steady work and honest communication matter. Ask your lawyer whether retention terms or non-solicitation wording should appear in the purchase agreement. If you plan to add staff later, ask how hard it has been to hire in this trade, because a thin local pool makes every existing technician more valuable to you.

Key takeaways

• Identify exactly who holds each credential the business relies on.
• Speak with the technicians before closing, not after.
• Ask whether customers follow individual technicians or the company.
• Ask how hard it has been to hire replacements locally.