The cleaning industry is poised for significant change in the coming year, with new trends and challenges emerging for both buyers and sellers. In this profile, Peter Holton shares expectations for 2025, including growing merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, shifting buyer strategies and the continuing strength of the seller's market.
What are some trends you see developing in the building service contracting industry?
From a M&A perspective, buyers are setting up for a big year. In 2024, transactions were still getting done, but in my conversations with sellers and buyers, next year I expect increased deal activity.
In terms of commercial and janitorial cleaning companies’ strategies, I am seeing different types of buyers entering the space. One type is the buyer that’s trying to do everything — they're using janitorial as their baseline, but starting to do ancillary work such as small patch repair, small electric work or painting.
Finally, all signs point to a seller's market — companies are really looking for quality companies to buy.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I would describe it as collaborative. What I've learned throughout the years is that it’s best to surround yourself with intelligent people and to work with them in a collaborative way. It goes a lot farther than trying to hammer away on your own.
What is one challenge you’ve experienced in your career, and how did you handle it?
The biggest obstacle I have faced in my career is going against the bigger investment banking firms, where each member went to some sort of top-tier school. I took a different route into the industry, demonstrating value by just being myself: the son of a painting contractor who has done the manual labor, who can talk blue collar, who can talk white collar, who can run crews and understand supplies. It’s this life experience that’s given me a leg up on my competition.
Any advice for new contract cleaning professionals coming into the industry?
Get involved and reach out for help. There are so many incredible business owners in this space who have been in the same position as any newcomer. They’re happy to help each other. I have seen it firsthand.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Control what you can control; all the rest does not matter. This means you can control your effort and attitude and ignore the noise.
Peter J. Holton, managing director of Caber Hill Advisors, has 20+ years of experience in sales, operations and M&A within the facility service and manufacturing industries. Prior to joining Caber Hill, Holton worked with Craig Castelli at Bridge Ventures in Chicago. He began his career working in the construction industry, spending nearly a decade at Rose Paving Company, where he held both regional and national positions in a variety of roles, including business development, operations, sales and M&A.
Holton has extensive experience in M&A, business development, operations, and sales management and is an expert at negotiating complex contracts and developing successful business strategies. He also has extensive personal experience working with and advising family businesses.