ACGSD | No Leaks Allowed: Inside a Plumbing M&A Deal

Program Description: 

 Plumbing has quickly emerged as one of the most active and competitive sectors in today's lower middle-market M&A landscape. With fragmented ownership and strong demand fundamentals, plumbing businesses are attracting strategic buyers and investor-backed platforms alike. Successfully executing these transactions, however, requires deep coordination across financing, legal, tax, diligence, and operational advisors.

Join us on Tuesday, April 21, for an inside look at a recent plumbing acquisition led by ACG members. Our panel will walk through how the deal came together and highlight the advisor collaboration that made it possible — from deal sourcing and financing strategy to transaction structuring, diligence execution, and post-closing transition. Attendees will gain practical insight into how ACG relationships drive successful outcomes in one of the hottest sectors in M&A today.

Key Takeaways:

1. Key operational and growth challenges facing plumbing business owners
2. How financing structures and lender requirements shape plumbing transactions
3. Where ACG advisors add the most value across the deal lifecycle
4. Who is investing in the plumbing sector and what they are looking for

Panelists:

Brian Gates, MHP (Mark Harris Plumbing, Inc.), President & Owner

Carlos Martinez, CPA, CM3 Advisory, President

 Moderator:

Josh Donnelly, Stone Canyon Advisors, Managing Partner

BIOS/PHOTOS:

Brian Gates, MHP (Mark Harris Plumbing Co., Inc.), President & Owner

As Owner and President of Mark Harris Plumbing Co., Inc., Brian Gates leads one of Southern California's most respected commercial plumbing contractors specializing in multifamily and hospitality construction projects. In 2025, Brian acquired the company from Mark Harris through a leveraged acquisition backed by private investors and has since focused on strengthening operations, developing leadership, and leveraging relationships to support disciplined growth and scalability.

Prior to acquiring the company, Brian built his career in the commercial construction industry, with experience in project delivery, operations, and organizational growth. He is deeply engaged in the San Diego business community and is particularly interested in small business acquisitions, operational value creation, and growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, and enjoys working with investors, operators, and advisors across the lower middle market M&A community. Brian holds a master's degree in real estate development (MSRE) from the University of San Diego.

Carlos Martinez, CPA, CM3 Advisory, President

As President of CM3 Advisory, Carlos Martinez, CPA, is a trusted advisor to growth-oriented middle market companies, bringing deep expertise in accounting, audit, and business advisory services. With more than a decade of experience working with private companies, sponsors, and portfolio businesses, Carlos helps clients navigate complex financial reporting, compliance, and M&A-related accounting challenges.

Carlos is actively engaged in the San Diego business community and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), where he has played leadership roles, including serving on the Programs Committee and Board of Directors. His career includes significant public accounting experience with major regional firms, advising clients across industries on financial reporting, internal controls, and transaction readiness. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an accounting emphasis from San Diego State University and is a member of the AICPA and CalCPA.

Josh Donnelly, Stone Canyon Advisors, Managing Partner

As Managing Partner of Stone Canyon Advisors, Josh Donnelly brings extensive experience advising middle-market companies on strategic growth, capital solutions, and transactional execution. Based in San Diego, Josh partners with business owners, CEOs, and financial sponsors to navigate financing alternatives, deal structuring, and performance optimization — all with a focus on long-term value creation.

As current President of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) San Diego, Josh has played key roles in peer advisory programs, CEO circles, and community-building initiatives that connect dealmakers, operators, and advisors across the region. He holds a degree from the University of California, Davis and is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to elevating the middle-market business ecosystem.

REGISTRATION OPEN NOW 

• ACG Members: $55
• Non-Members & Guests: $105

AGENDA

• 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Registration and Networking
• 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm: Panel Discussion
• 5:15pm – 5:30 pm: Q&A
• 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Happy Hour Reception

Gold Sponsors:  (Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP)