Atlanta, Georgia

Built to operate.
Focused on results.

Harlan Operating Partners is an entrepreneur-led acquisition and operating firm seeking to acquire and operate a single strong, well-run business. We bring real P&L experience — not just a term sheet — and a long-term commitment to the people and legacy you've built.

Eric Citron
Eric Citron
$35M+
Revenue Scaled
500+
Employees Led
Multi-Site
Multi-Market
Operations
About

Operator-led. Long-term focused.

My name is Eric Citron. I've spent my career building operating systems, leading frontline teams, and owning P&L results in high-growth, multi-site services businesses.

At Oak Street Health — a private equity-backed, multi-site platform — I held full regional P&L responsibility across multiple states, led turnarounds, launched new markets, and built teams from the ground up. At Accompany Health, I serve as the board-facing Head of Operations, responsible for multi-market performance and scaling revenue across three states.

I have operated with full accountability for results. Now, I am pursuing full ownership.

The firm is named after my great-grandfather Harlan — and my son, who carries the same name. Harlan grew up one of nine children in Minnesota and spent his life doing what good entrepreneurs do: building trust, spotting opportunity, and backing himself.

He opened and sold a successful retail business, worked alongside family, and later built a thriving career in insurance — not through flash, but through relationships and reputation. He built things that lasted because people trusted him.

That spirit defines this firm. Not a fund. Not a roll-up. A long-term commitment to steward and grow a business with discipline, integrity, and accountability.

The Harlan Legacy
Harlan Harlan
S. Sapero & Sons
Harlan · S. Sapero & Sons, the family store · Minnesota
Investment Criteria

What we're looking for.

We are seeking to acquire a single, well-run business with durable demand, strong unit economics, and a founder ready for a thoughtful transition.

Our intention is simple: to operate and steward one business long term — building on what works and strengthening it over time.

EBITDA
$1–3M, with clean margins of 18%+
Geography
Southeast U.S., with a primary focus on Georgia and the broader Atlanta region
Revenue Type
50%+ recurring or regulatory-driven revenue; non-discretionary demand
Team
Multi-person technical bench; limited key-person fragility
Customer Concentration
No single customer exceeding 25–30% of revenue
Transition
Founder committed to a thoughtful transition; legacy and people matter
Acquisition Thesis

Southeast Infrastructure Inspection & Testing

We focus on asset-adjacent inspection, testing, and compliance services that support critical physical infrastructure — including energy systems, utilities, industrial facilities, and mission-critical environments such as data centers.

These businesses provide essential services that are often required by regulation, engineering standards, or risk management protocols. Demand is durable and non-discretionary, driven by ongoing inspection cycles, certification requirements, and the need to protect high-value infrastructure assets.

We seek founder-led companies with strong technical capabilities, respected customer relationships, and a track record of consistent performance.

Our objective is not to reinvent what works, but to build on it — strengthening systems, enhancing operational visibility, and investing thoughtfully to support long-term growth.

We operate with a long-term ownership mindset, preserving what has been built while steadily improving performance and positioning the business for sustainable expansion.

Areas of Focus
Industrial Testing & Inspection Electrical & Mechanical Testing Environmental & Emissions Testing Utility & Grid Inspection Asset Integrity & Certification Infrastructure Compliance Mission-Critical Facility Services
Also Considering
Infrastructure-adjacent service businesses with durable demand, strong unit economics, and clear pathways for operational improvement — Southeast-focused.
Process

How we work with sellers.

We move deliberately and respectfully. Every conversation is confidential.

I'm looking to acquire and operate one business — not a portfolio — and to steward it long term.

01
Introduction

An initial conversation to learn about your business, your goals, and whether there's a mutual fit. No pressure, no obligation.

02
Initial Evaluation

We review key financials and business fundamentals. If there's alignment, we share an LOI outlining price, structure, and transition terms.

03
Due Diligence

A thorough but efficient review of the business, conducted with legal and accounting advisors. We move quickly and keep you informed throughout.

04
Closing & Transition

We work closely with you to ensure a smooth ownership transition — protecting your employees, customers, and the reputation you've built.

A note on how I operate: I will be present in the business day-to-day, working alongside your team and taking full responsibility for performance. If you've spent decades building something and want it in capable, committed hands, I welcome that conversation.

Contact

Confidential conversation.

Business owners considering a transition, brokers with relevant opportunities, and aligned investors — I welcome the conversation. I personally review every inquiry.

Location Based in Atlanta, Georgia · Investing across the Southeast