Acquiring and Operating Great Businesses in Maryland, DC, & Virginia
Sandy Spring Capital is a locally focused owner-operator acquiring and operating exceptional small businesses in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia region — with patient capital, a long-term orientation, and a commitment to the community we call home.
Start a ConversationAbout Sandy Spring Capital
Sandy Spring Capital is a locally focused owner-operator dedicated to the Maryland, DC, and Virginia region. We exist to acquire and operate great small businesses for the long term.
We are not a private equity fund. There are no arbitrary timelines, no pressure to flip, and no portfolio strategy driving our decisions. We acquire businesses with patient capital and a long-term ownership mindset.
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 Maryland, DC, and Virginia because we live here, we know the market, and we believe in building within our community.
Meet the Founder
John P. Kelly
Founder & Principal
John founded Sandy Spring Capital to acquire and operate 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.
Patient, Long-Term Capital
No fund timeline. No pressure to exit. We think in decades, not quarters — and we structure our capital to match. Your business won't be flipped or folded into a portfolio.
Operational Discipline
We bring structured financial visibility, KPI tracking, and decision-making systems that bring clarity and enable data-driven decisions. 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 build on the foundation you've created and enhance what's already working.
Continuity for Your Team
Your employees are what make the business work — they're not line items, they're the foundation. We prioritize retention and stability, and we take seriously the responsibility of providing a place where people can build meaningful careers.
Flexible Transition Options
Whether you want a clean exit, a transition period, or ongoing involvement in the business, we'll structure something together 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. If we're interested in your business, it's because you've built something great.
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. We expect you to evaluate us just as thoroughly — the right partnership matters to both sides.
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 Maryland, DC, or Virginia. We want to be close to the business and embedded in the community it serves.
Size
$500K–$1.5M in SDE / EBITDA. Established, profitable 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
We're industry-flexible. B2B services, distribution, and essential trades are areas of particular interest — but we evaluate every opportunity on its own merits. We tend to gravitate toward businesses with recurring revenue or long-standing customer relationships.
Team
Established employees or management who can continue with the business. The people inside a company understand it better than any outside buyer ever could — that institutional knowledge is irreplaceable, and retaining it is a priority from day one.
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
The terms we propose in a Letter of Intent are the terms we intend to close on. We don't renegotiate at the eleventh hour or use due diligence as leverage to retrade.
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. Providing a place where people can work, grow, and build careers they're proud of is something we take seriously — and it's one of the things that excites us most about ownership.
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 P. Kelly
Founder & Principal