A Playbook for Steady, Sustainable Growth

Some buyers want to blow up what’s already working. We don’t.

At Split Pine Group, we believe that good businesses don’t need to be “disrupted.” They need to be supported. Strengthened. Modernized just enough to grow without losing what made them successful in the first place.

We’re not chasing hypergrowth. We’re playing the long game. And that means building businesses that grow steadily, profitably, and sustainably — year after year.

Here’s what that playbook looks like in real life.

1. Preserve What Works First

Before we talk about growth, we focus on understanding what’s already working. That means riding along with the field team, talking to customers, listening to the staff, and digging into the rhythm of the business.

Often, the best growth strategy is to protect the golden goose: the top customers, the strong crew, the dependable processes, before trying to scale.

We call this our “Don’t Break It” phase. Because you can’t grow what you don’t respect.

2. Build a Real Foundation

Many small and midsize businesses are successful in spite of their systems, not because of them. Our next move is to strengthen the operational foundation.

That might mean:

• Putting scheduling and estimating software in place

• Clarifying roles and responsibilities for the team

• Documenting repeatable processes

• Cleaning up financials for real visibility

• Putting dashboards in place to track what matters

This isn’t bureaucracy. It’s building the systems that make growth sustainable, so that it doesn’t all depend on one person remembering everything.

3. Invest in the Team, Not Just the Tools

No amount of automation can replace a great crew. We prioritize professional development, cross-training, and empowering the next generation of leaders within the company.

Sometimes that means hiring. Other times it means promoting from within or creating a clear path for advancement.

People stay when they see a future. We make that future visible.

4. Dial in the Marketing (Without Losing Your Voice)

Many of the companies we acquire have grown by reputation alone. That’s incredible, and we don’t mess with that formula. But we do amplify it.

We help teams:

• Launch a simple, professional website (if one doesn’t exist)

• Clean up Google Business and local SEO

• Introduce email or text-based follow-ups

• Create consistent branding across trucks, gear, and materials

• Run modest, targeted advertising when it makes sense

The goal isn’t to flood the funnel, it’s to attract more of the right-fit customers who already value what the business does.

5. Grow Deep Before You Grow Wide

We don’t believe in expanding into three new markets just to say we did. We’d rather double down on what’s working in your core market first.

That might mean:

• Offering service agreements or maintenance plans

• Selling add-on services to current customers

• Introducing a new product line (like generators or air purifiers)

• Streamlining how quotes are delivered to close more business

Only once the core is humming do we look at expansion, and even then, it’s thoughtful, paced, and well-supported.

6. Play the Long Game

Sustainable growth isn’t sexy. It’s not a headline. But it lasts.

We aim for:

• 10–20% YoY growth

• Strong margins

• Low employee churn

• High customer satisfaction

• A culture people are proud to be part of

That’s the kind of business that becomes a pillar in its community. and that’s what we’re here to build.

Final Word: We’re Not Here to Flip. We’re Here to Build.

At Split Pine Group, we don’t run on hype cycles or spreadsheets alone. We run on relationships, systems, and a deep belief in the businesses we acquire.

If you’ve built a solid company and want to see it grow the right way, with care, with your people in mind, and with long-term intent, let’s talk.

Because fast fades. But steady lasts.