More specifically, the pool service market in California. Any company offering pool maintenance services in excess of $500 require a C-31 D35 contracting license to be held which requires 4 years "journeyman" experience in the industry. My background is M&A, not pool service.

Almost every company (worth buying) does repairs over this threshold and are often contracted out to 1099s who specialize in repairs if there isn't a repair tech on payroll. This is generally pretty simple stuff - replacing pool pumps, cleaning filters, replacing pool light bulbs, etc. Not looking to build and install pools here.

Curious to know if anyone else has experienced this hurdle in acquiring service based/manual labor businesses in CA.

Any input is always appreciated!