Mainshares is now 'American Operator'

Become an owner of
a local small business

American Operator partners with best-in-class operators to acquire and grow America’s best small businesses, creating a clear path from operator to majority owner.

Become an owner of
a local small business

American Operator partners with best-in-class operators to acquire and grow America’s best small businesses, creating a clear path from operator to majority owner.

We’ve partnered with retiring owners and new operators on more than 97 small business transitions
We’ve partnered with retiring owners and new operators on more than 97 small business transitions
We’ve partnered with retiring owners and new operators
on more than 70 small business transitions

A new opportunity for ownership

American Operator backs experienced, high-capacity Americans with the opportunity for day-one ownership in a business that fits their strengths, real operational support, and a clear path to majority ownership as they build their piece of the American Dream.

1

1

1

We find american Businesses looking for a successor
We find american Businesses looking for a successor
We find american Businesses looking for a successor

We identify great small businesses ready for transition to a new owner that would make a great fit for your qualifications and experience.

2

2

2

American Operator funds the acquisition, you lead as CEO
American Operator funds the acquisition, you lead as CEO
American Operator funds the acquisition, you lead as CEO

We handle the financing and deal structuring while you prepare to lead day-to-day operations with meaningful Day 1 ownership and full salary and benefits package.

3

3

3

We Support you as you become the majority owner over time
We Support you as you become the majority owner over time
We Support you as you become the majority owner over time

Backed by American Operator’s team and a seasoned industry advisor, we provide hands-on support and governance as you earn majority ownership.

Our "Operate-to-own" Model

At close
7-10 years after close
You Own
10

%

American Operator Owns
90

%

Our operators receive meaningful ownership on day-one, while ensuring the business has the resources and structure from American Operator needed to grow responsibly.

Our
"Operate-to-own" Model

At close
7-10 years after close
You Own
10

%

American
Operator Owns
90

%

Our operators receive meaningful ownership on day-one, while ensuring the business has the resources and structure from American Operator needed to grow responsibly.

Our "Operate-to-own" Model

At close
7-10 years after close
You Own
10

%

American Operator Owns
90

%

Our operators receive meaningful ownership on day-one, while ensuring the business has the resources and structure from American Operator needed to grow responsibly.

Autonomy to lead,
partnership to support

Our operators lead day-to-day operations as CEO, drive financial performance, and steward a strong transition using the skills they’ve built over their careers, backed by hands-on support from our team and a trusted industry advisor.

Industry AdvisorS

Dedicated advisors help operators through diligence, mentorship, and serve on the board to set them and the business up for long-term success.

owner-operator

Our operators have full autonomy to lead day-to-day operations and drive the company’s next stage of success through strong execution.

american operator

American Operator’s Owner Success team guides operators through deal structuring, operational strategy, and provides hands-on support.

Industry AdvisorS

Dedicated advisors help operators through diligence, mentorship, and serve on the board to set them and the business up for long-term success.

owner-operator

Our operators have full autonomy to lead day-to-day operations and drive the company’s next stage of success through strong execution.

american operator

American Operator’s Owner Success team guides operators through deal structuring, operational strategy, and provides hands-on support.

Industry AdvisorS

Dedicated advisors help operators through diligence, mentorship, and serve on the board to set them and the business up for long-term success.

owner-operator

Our operators have full autonomy to lead day-to-day operations and drive the company’s next stage of success through strong execution.

american operator

American Operator’s Owner Success team guides operators through deal structuring, operational strategy, and provides hands-on support.

Who we're looking for

Who we're
looking for

We partner with proven leaders across a variety of industries who bring humility, grit, and a deep sense of responsibility for their teams, customers, and communities.

We partner with proven leaders across a variety of industries who bring humility, grit, and a deep sense of responsibility for their teams, customers, and communities.

requirements

5+ years of hands-on industry experience

5+ years of P&L and budget ownership

Track record proving leadership scaling teams and driving growth

Desire long-term wealth through ownership accountability and heightened responsibility

What sets great operators apart

Strong “Why” for ownership

Military veterans

Relevant certifications or licensure

Past ownership or equity stake in a business

Community leadership

We partner with operators across a variety of SMB industries…

Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical

Manufacturing, Glazing, and Metal Fabrication

Accounting, Marketing, IT services

Distribution, Logistics

Engineering, General Contractors

…and many more

fellow operators on the path to ownerhsip

Answer the call,
Build a new future

You’ve built your career running teams, building industry expertise, and driving results, for someone else. American Operator gives you the opportunity build a business you own and a new future for you and your family.

We believe in giving operators real equity and majority ownership because there is no greater opportunity for American dream than business ownership. Local ownership protects families livelihoods, preserves quality service people depend on, and strengthens the communities we call home.

You’ve built your career running teams, building industry expertise, and driving results, for someone else. American Operator gives you the opportunity build a business you own and a new future for you and your family.

We believe in giving operators real equity and majority ownership because there is no greater opportunity for American dream than business ownership. Local ownership protects families livelihoods, preserves quality service people depend on, and strengthens the communities we call home.

American Operator Team

American Operator Team

American Operator Team

Become An owner!

Whether you’re a retiring owner, an operator ready to own, or a supporter of keeping Main Street locally owned, please share a bit about yourself and how you'd like to get involved.

Become An owner!

Whether you’re a retiring owner, an operator ready to own, or a supporter of keeping Main Street locally owned, please share a bit about yourself and how you'd like to get involved.

Become An owner!

Whether you’re a retiring owner, an operator ready to own, or a supporter of keeping Main Street locally owned, please share a bit about yourself and how you'd like to get involved.

FAQ's

What is the long-term strategy? Will the business be sold after a certain number of years?

American Operator takes a long-term hold approach. Our goal is to build durable, locally owned businesses that last. Over time, operators gain majority ownership and can decide what is best for the company, whether that means continuing to operate, recapitalizing, or pursuing an exit.

What is the long-term strategy? Will the business be sold after a certain number of years?

American Operator takes a long-term hold approach. Our goal is to build durable, locally owned businesses that last. Over time, operators gain majority ownership and can decide what is best for the company, whether that means continuing to operate, recapitalizing, or pursuing an exit.

What does the governance structure look like, and how often does the board meet?
What does the governance structure look like, and how often does the board meet?
Who does the operator report to?
Who does the operator report to?
How does my ownership grow over time?
How does my ownership grow over time?
Is an upfront investment required?
Is an upfront investment required?

Still have some questions?

Call American Operator and speak to someone on our team!
+1 (512) 881-1544

Get the latesT in your inbox

Follow along for launch updates, stories and insights from our mission to keep businesses in the hands of local owner-operators — for the benefit of employees, communities, and customers alike.

american operator is

an all-american movement

Based in the heart of USA

Proudly based in the USA

Proudly based in the USA

COPYRIGHT 2025, american operator