Acquiring and Operating Great Businesses in DC, Maryland & Virginia
Sandy Spring Capital is an independent owner-operator acquiring one exceptional small business in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region — with permanent capital, an indefinite holding period, and a commitment to the community we call home.
Start a ConversationAbout Sandy Spring Capital
Sandy Spring Capital is an independent owner-operator focused exclusively on the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. We exist to acquire and operate one great small business for the long term.
We are not a private equity fund. We have no outside investors to answer to and no arbitrary timelines to meet. We acquire businesses with permanent capital and the intention of holding indefinitely.
The firm is named for Sandy Spring, Maryland — where our founder grew up and one of the places that shaped his connection to this region. We focus on DC, Maryland, and Virginia because we live here, we know the market, and we believe in building within our community.
Meet the Founder
John Kelly
Founder & Principal
John founded Sandy Spring Capital to pursue a long-held goal: acquiring and operating a small business in the region where he grew up. He brings experience in investment banking and private equity, where he developed expertise in financial analysis, deal evaluation, and working directly with operating teams to improve financial visibility, systems, and performance. Most recently, he owned and operated a services business, giving him firsthand perspective on the challenges and rewards of small business ownership.
He is based in Maryland and is committed to finding the right business—one where he can contribute meaningfully as an owner-operator and steward the company's continued success.
Why Partner With Us
We know selling a business is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Here's what we bring to the table — and what makes us different from most buyers in the market.
Permanent, Patient Capital
We have no outside investors, no fund timeline, and no pressure to exit. We buy to hold — measured in decades, not years. Your business won't be flipped or folded into a portfolio.
Operational Discipline
We bring structured financial visibility, KPI tracking, and decision-making systems to the businesses we operate. Not to overhaul what's working — but to strengthen the foundation and unlock growth.
Your Legacy, Protected
We understand what it took to build your business. We're not looking to rebrand, gut staff, or start over. We want to continue what you've built and make it better.
Continuity for Your Team
Employees are often what make a small business work. We prioritize retention, stability, and treating your people with the respect they've earned.
Flexible Transition Options
Whether you want a clean exit, a transition period, or ongoing involvement in the business, we'll structure a deal that works for your timeline and goals — including retirement planning as part of the conversation.
We Don't Chase Turnarounds
We're looking for healthy, profitable businesses. We're not here to buy at a discount and restructure. We want businesses that work and owners who are proud of what they've built.
Our Process
We believe the acquisition process should be straightforward, transparent, and respectful of everyone's time.
Initial Conversation
We start with a confidential conversation to learn about your business, your goals, and what matters most to you in a transition. There's no pressure and no obligation.
Mutual Evaluation
If there's a potential fit, we'll share more about our background and approach while learning more about your operations, team, and financial performance. This is a two-way process—you should be evaluating us as much as we're evaluating the opportunity.
Letter of Intent
If we both want to move forward, we'll present a Letter of Intent outlining the proposed terms. We aim to be fair and straightforward—no games or last-minute renegotiations. Once terms are agreed, we aim to move efficiently.
Due Diligence
We conduct thorough but efficient due diligence, working to minimize disruption to your business and team. We're respectful of confidentiality throughout.
Closing & Transition
We work with you to ensure a smooth transition that honors your commitments to employees, customers, and vendors. If desired, we're open to transition arrangements that allow for continued involvement.
Acquisition Criteria
We're selective about the businesses we pursue. We're looking for the right fit—a company we can own and operate for the long term.
Location
Based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. We want to be close to the business and embedded in the community it serves.
Revenue
$1 million to $10 million in annual revenue. Established businesses with a proven track record.
Profitability
Consistent profitability with healthy margins. We are not looking for turnaround situations — we want businesses that are already working.
Industry
B2B services, light manufacturing, distribution, or specialty trades. We prefer businesses with recurring revenue or repeat customers.
Team
Established employees or management who can continue with the business. We value institutional knowledge.
Reason for Sale
Retirement, desire for liquidity, or readiness for a new chapter. We're looking for healthy businesses with motivated sellers.
Not a fit? If your business doesn't match these criteria exactly, we're still happy to have a conversation. Every business is unique, and we evaluate opportunities on a case-by-case basis.
Our Commitments to Sellers
When you partner with Sandy Spring Capital, you can expect:
Confidentiality
We treat every conversation with complete discretion. Your employees, customers, and competitors will not learn about a potential sale from us.
Transparency
We communicate openly about our process, timeline, and decision-making. No surprises.
Fair Dealing
We don't play games. The terms we propose in a Letter of Intent are the terms we intend to close on, absent significant undisclosed issues.
Respect for Your Legacy
We understand that your business represents years of hard work. We're committed to honoring what you've built and continuing your legacy.
Care for Your People
Your employees matter to us. We prioritize retention and treat team members with the respect they deserve.
Flexibility
Every situation is different. We're open to creative deal structures that meet your needs, whether that's a clean break, a transition period, or ongoing involvement.
Contact Us
Whether you're a business owner considering a sale or a broker with a relevant opportunity, we'd welcome the chance to connect.
All conversations are confidential. No obligation, no pressure.
John Kelly
Founder & Principal