Structuring a partnership

Structuring a partnership

Lexington, KY · Member since 2010 · 315 posts · 133 votes

A buddy of mine had his father pass away about 3 months ago and has inherited his entire construction business. (He was planning on being a CPA but sometimes life has other plans) My friend grew up doing construction under his dad and knows what he is doing, how to deal with contractors, and already has long standing relationships with good contractors in the area. I have confidence he knows what he is doing and runs a good business His business is primarily new contstruction, he's not a big company but builds about 20+ homes per year from the ground up. In the past month he has established a remodeling arm in a seperate LLC in order to expand his business in that area.

I have been thinking about a way to partner with him as we are both young guys, and it could prove to be a great LT business opportunity.

My first thought was to set up a JV LLC for flipping properties in our region. I am a Finance/Accounting guy and can do the business side of things, looking at houses, doing our taxes etc. His expertise and relationships with contractors will cut costs and get the job done right.

How should I structure this type of deal? 50% of the profits? My concern with that is that his remodeling arm would be making money on the work and then taking 50% of the profits of the flip as well. I need to brainstorm (with the help here on BP) as to how to set up a deal with this guy and start building a business.

Also, 2 other partnership ideas - I have thought that once we have some more capital between us we could get into some buy and hold endeavors - say apartments, and use his contracting teams for maintenance, etc. and establish our own LLC and hire 1 guy to internally do the property management.

Also, there's lots of money in big contracts/government contracts. I know you have to get bonded, but how does that work, how much money is needed, and how could I partner up with him to potentially get into this side of the construction.

I know this is a bit broad, but I want to get into these business areas but do not want to run a construction company myself as my job. I want to stay in banking and money management but leverage my relationship with this guy.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

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  • Will BarnardPro Member
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    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    16y

    I think you have a great opportunity in front of you if structured properly.

    Here are a few thoughts of mine:
    Who brings in the money for acquisition?
    I assume your friend manages the rehab, you do the accounting and loctae, negotiate and contract the potential purchases.
    Depending on the first question, your profit split could be 50% or could be different. (the first question is key)

    Your friend is either trusted or not trusted so that is a question only you can answer. If he was to skim by charging more for the rehab, you then ned to be aware of the general costs to do specific items and keep an eye on that. You can certainly get other bids, but if your frend is honest, it behooves him to keep teh costs down as the profit still gets back to him and more delas are possible to be produced.

  • Lexington, KY · Member since 2010 · 315 posts · 133 votes
    16y

    I am fairly aware of what things cost in general, but being as he has his such good relationships he can get things done for cheaper than i'd imagine, so it would be easy for him to tack a little extra on. I agree that trust would be key and I think this guy is fairly trustworthy.

    Money for the flips would most likely be coming from me, primarily. But if he makes good money in his other construction businesses then he could potentially use some of his funds as well - that part is not clear cut. As for now, and the age we are, the money will most likely come from me as my parents will help back me. then that raises the question - why not flip these myself and hire him as the contractor but make sure he is keeping cost down?

    50/50 seems to be the most simple and striaghtforward answer. Any other opinions?

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