F3 Partners

You built it right → we keep it that way

F3 Partners acquires established, owner-operated businesses across Central Ohio and carries them forward — same values, sharper execution, no shortcuts

We believe owners should be able to step back from their business without having to let go of its legacy.

F3 Partners is a Columbus, Ohio-based acquisition partnership with the capital and hands-on experience to acquire a privately-held company — helping current owners transition out, or simply partnering alongside them to help the business grow.

We're not a private equity fund. There's no portfolio, no fund clock forcing an exit in five years, and no plan to load the business with debt or strip it for parts. We acquire one business, and we run it ourselves, for the long haul.

Acquisition Criteria

The businesses we look for

Industry

Services, trades, inspection, and manufacturing

Financials

  • $300K–$2M in EBITDA
  • $1M–$10M target purchase price

Geography

Central Ohio, with a focus on the greater Columbus area

Ownership Structure

  • One or two owners
  • Owner or founder led

Acquisition Strategy

  • Majority stake or full acquisition
  • Open to owner staying on, or a full exit

Timeline

Flexible — whether you're ready now or just starting to think about it

Thinking about transitioning out of your business, or looking for a partner to help you scale? Let's talk.

Schedule a Chat

About Us

Operators first, investors second.

F3 Partners is a fully-committed acquisition partnership looking to identify, acquire, and personally operate one great business in Central Ohio — not a portfolio, not a roll-up. One business, run well, for the long term.

We bring hands-on experience across product leadership, business operations, and complex stakeholder management, paired with real discipline in evaluating and structuring deals fairly.

Based right here in Columbus, we're positioned to meet business owners where they are, protect what makes their business unique, and bring the focus needed to help it thrive into its next chapter.

Our Team

Who you'll work with

Tom Huling

Tom Huling

Partner

Columbus, born and raised, with roots that run deep in this city. He's spent his career learning that the deal always comes second to the relationship — leading risk mitigation strategy for organizations, closing deals with foreign heads of state along the way, and always trusting that same relationship-first instinct to get the real work done. New dad, always chasing a better golf game, and probably the guy at your cookout who already knows your neighbor.

Jenna Vucelich

Jenna Vucelich

Partner

Also a Columbus native, just as rooted in this city as Tom. She launched her first company — a birthday party bounce house business — at age 9, and picked up state awards for business acumen before she'd even graduated high school. A certified business nerd at heart, she's the person complicated projects get handed to now — the one who turns a mess of moving parts into a plan people actually follow. New mom, coffee devotee, and always has an opinion on where to eat next.

Jim Baich

Jim Baich

Advisor & Chairman

Founder of MAD Capital and former COO at both IGS Energy and Advanced Drainage Systems, where he helped lead teams through a dozen successful acquisitions and years of aggressive growth. Phi Beta Kappa engineer by training, dealmaker by trade. Just as invested in Central Ohio outside the boardroom as in it, with deep roots in the local business and nonprofit community.

Let's work together

We're currently seeking opportunities to acquire a small business in Central Ohio. If you're planning your transition, let's connect to see if we're a good fit.

Contact Us