By Founders. For Founders.
Our Legacy is Preserving Yours
Grow. Partner. Exit. On Your Terms.
we've sat in your seat...
Iconic Founders Group was built by former founders who understand what it takes to grow a blue-collar business from the ground up.
We work exclusively with specialty contractor owners who have built something meaningful and are now exploring what’s next. That might mean:
- Bringing on a strategic partner
- Preparing for a future exit
- Structuring a transition
- Increasing the value of the business before any transaction
Our role is simple: to represent your interests and guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
We speak your language
We're your trusted advocate
We speak your language
We cut through the jargon and complexity, translating the world of investment partnerships into straightforward terms that make sense for business owners like us.
We've been there
We're your trusted advocate
We speak your language
As former Founders ourselves, we've navigated these same waters and know exactly what keeps you up at night when considering outside investment and a new partnership.
We're your trusted advocate
We're your trusted advocate
We're your trusted advocate
Throughout the entire process, we stand firmly in your corner, ensuring you find a partner who respects your vision while providing the resources needed to scale and fortify your legacy.
Our Services
Sell-Side M&A Advisory for Specialty Contractors
Sell-Side M&A Advisory for Specialty Contractors
Sell-Side M&A Advisory for Specialty Contractors
Iconic Founders Group provides sell-side M&A advisory for founder-led specialty contracting and trades businesses.
We are not brokers running auctions.
We are former founders who have built and sold our own companies.
Our role is to help you evaluate your options, identify the right strategic partner, and guide you through a structured exit process that protects your team, culture, and legacy.
What You Can Expect:
- Direct senior-level support from strategy through close
- Clear guidance on valuation, positioning, and deal structure
- Targeted outreach to vetted buyers aligned with your culture
- Process management so you can stay focused on running your business
We represent your interests throughout the process.
If you are considering selling your specialty contracting business, taking on a strategic partner, or preparing for an exit, we help you move forward with clarity and control.
Board Advisory for Growth & Exit Readiness
Sell-Side M&A Advisory for Specialty Contractors
Sell-Side M&A Advisory for Specialty Contractors
For specialty trade founders who are not ready to sell but want to increase enterprise value, we provide Board Advisory services.
This is strategic advisory designed to prepare your company for a premium future exit.
You work directly with experienced founders and operators who have built, scaled, and sold businesses in blue-collar industries.
You have someone in your corner who has been through it themself.
Focus Areas:
- Enterprise value growth
- Operational optimization
- Leadership structure and succession planning
- Exit preparation strategy
Whether your timeline is one year or five, we help you build a company that attracts the right buyers when the time is right.
how we support founders
1. Strategic Clarity
2. Partner Identification
2. Partner Identification
We help you evaluate whether growth, partnership, or exit is the right next move.
2. Partner Identification
2. Partner Identification
2. Partner Identification
We identify and vet strategic buyers or investment partners aligned with your culture and long-term goals.
3. Transaction Negotiation
3. Transaction Negotiation
3. Transaction Negotiation
We manage introductions, positioning, negotiation strategy, and process coordination — bringing in legal and diligence resources so you can stay focused on running your business.
5. Deal Structuring
3. Transaction Negotiation
3. Transaction Negotiation
We help structure agreements that protect your interests, your team, and your legacy.
Industry focus
Environmental Services
Infrastructure Services
Restoration Services
Facilities Maintenance
Facilities Maintenance
Facilities Maintenance
Commercial Landscaping
Trenching / Underground Utilities
Trenching / Underground Utilities
Trenching / Underground Utilities
Trenching / Underground Utilities
Trenching / Underground Utilities
Elevator Services
Trenching / Underground Utilities
Perimeter Security / Temp Fencing
Perimeter Security / Temp Fencing
Trenching / Underground Utilities
Perimeter Security / Temp Fencing
Complete Blue-Collar Industry Coverage
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Concrete / Cement Work
- Roofing / Roof Coating
- Insulation
- Fire Protection & Safety Systems
- Framing / Drywall
- Fireproofing
- Painting / Wall Coverings
- Tile / Stone / Flooring
- Siding & Stucco
- Masonry
- Welding / Steelwork
- Glazing / Windows & Doors
- Garage Doors
- Railing / Stair Systems
- Solar Installation
- Security & Access Control Systems
- Excavation
- Asphalt / Paving
- Septic / Sewer Services
- Water Treatment / Filtration
- Tree Services
- Gutter & Window Cleaning
- Window Tinting (Residential/Commercial)
- Industrial Cleaning
- Pest Control
- Demolition
Testimonials
Founder | Regional Specialty Trades Business
Founder | Regional Specialty Trades Business
Founder | Regional Specialty Trades Business
“I’ve known Kory Mitchell for years, first as a friendly competitor, later as a trusted advisor. He brings the rare combination of having built and sold a successful business in our space, with the humility and honesty that Founders actually need when navigating big decisions. His perspective is grounded, practical, and most importantly, real. When it came time for us to explore options for our next chapter, having someone like Kory to bounce thoughts off of was invaluable. If you’re serious about growing or exiting your business, he’s someone you want in your corner.”
CEO | National Trades Business
Founder | Regional Specialty Trades Business
Founder | Regional Specialty Trades Business
"As CEO, I've worked closely with the Iconic team during their time on our Board. They not only are thoughtful and engaged Board members, but also invaluable advisors and mentors to me personally. They have helped me navigate difficult decisions with clarity and conviction, often challenging me to think differently and step outside my comfort zone. Their ability to balance strategic insight with candid guidance have pushed me to grow as a leader and ultimately make better choices for the business.
Any organization would benefit from their sharp judgement, steady counsel, and genuine commitment to developing leaders."
Founder | Regional Trades Business
Founder | Regional Specialty Trades Business
Founder | Regional Trades Business
"I've had the privilege of working with Kory and the Iconic team over the years and I can speak to both their exceptional business acumen and their principled approach to M&A. What sets Kory apart from other advisors is his authentic, ground-up experience in the construction industry. He's not just offering theoretical guidance, but practical wisdom earned through successfully growing and scaling real businesses and executing complex, multi-stage transactions."
A Podcast Presented by Iconic Founders Group
calling all exited founders - Be a guest on our Podcast!
Are you a Founder who has taken the Turn?
Are you a Founder who has taken the Turn?
Are you a Founder who has taken the Turn?
You've built something great. You've faced the grind, the growth, and the gut calls that come with leading a blue-collar business - then made the hardest decision of all... to let it go
You've exited your business and are ready to talk about what came next - how it changed you, what you learned, and what you wish you would have known. We're chasing truth, heart, and lessons learned - the real, human side of the founder's journey
What we're looking for:
Are you a Founder who has taken the Turn?
Are you a Founder who has taken the Turn?
Owners and founders of blue-collar service businesses who've exited or sold their company (in full or in part)
People willing to share the real story behind the transition
Email us at theturn@iconicfounders.com to be considered for an upcoming episode!
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Schedule a confidential founder conversation
If you are a specialty contractor founder exploring growth, partnership, or a future exit, let’s start with a private conversation.
We represent founder-led businesses in specialty trades and blue-collar industries and help owners evaluate strategic options with clarity and confidence.
Every conversation is confidential.
Reach Out
Email: Info@IconicFounders.com
Or request a founder conversation and we will follow up directly.
Download our Founder & Owner Guide here
Copyright © 2026 Iconic Founders Group - All Rights Reserved.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.