---
title: Quoted in Forbes: Millennials Are Buying Blue Collar Small Businesses To AI-Proof Their Future
description: Learn why AI-resistant businesses like HVAC, construction, and government contractors are attracting today's small business buyers.
image: https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hubfs/Forbes%20patrick%20v2.png
---

 Jul 8, 2026

# Quoted in Forbes: Millennials Are Buying Blue Collar Small Businesses To AI-Proof Their Future

![Picture of Patrick OConnell](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile%20Pic.jpeg?width=50&name=Profile%20Pic.jpeg) [ Patrick OConnell ](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/author/patrick-oconnell)

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[![Forbes patrick v2](https://44231531.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/44231531/hubfs/Azul%20y%20Violeta%20Informal%20Corporativo%20Desarrollo%20de%20Aplicaci%C3%B3n%20Emprendimiento%20Empresa%20Presentaci%C3%B3n%20(300%20x%20175%20px)%20(Presentaci%C3%B3n)%20(5).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Azul%20y%20Violeta%20Informal%20Corporativo%20Desarrollo%20de%20Aplicaci%C3%B3n%20Emprendimiento%20Empresa%20Presentaci%C3%B3n%20(300%20x%20175%20px)%20(Presentaci%C3%B3n)%20(5).png) ](https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnschroyer/2026/07/02/millennials-are-buying-blue-collar-small-businesses-to-ai-proof-their-future/)

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I was quoted this week in a Forbes feature on lower middle market M&A and the effect artificial intelligence is having on buyer demand.

"Patrick O’Connell, founder of O’Connell Advisory Group, says he’s seeing small firms with government contracts, blue collar recruiting companies, construction companies, HVAC businesses and anything that seems to be more insulated from the rise of artificial intelligence becoming more attractive to younger would-be business owners".

**[John Schroyer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-schroyer-a8917727/)****, Small Business Reporter at Forbes** 

The article's central finding: a growing number of buyers, particularly millennials, are actively pursuing acquisitions in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, construction, and other skilled trades. The appeal isn't sentimental. These businesses require a licensed professional on site, which makes them structurally resistant to the kind of disruption reshaping knowledge work.

In my comments for the piece, I pointed to what I'm seeing directly in my own deal flow: rising buyer interest in small firms with government contracts, blue collar staffing and recruiting companies, construction firms, and HVAC operators in particular.

For owners evaluating an exit, or buyers assessing where to focus, this is a trend worth understanding in more depth. The full article is linked below, and I'm glad to discuss how it applies to your situation.

**[Read the full Forbes article →](https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnschroyer/2026/07/02/millennials-are-buying-blue-collar-small-businesses-to-ai-proof-their-future/)**

 

| ### ![profile](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/profile.jpeg?width=150&height=150&name=profile.jpeg) | ### Contributors [Patrick O'Connell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-o-connell-3b235177/) ### Transaction Advisory Services ### Managing Director ### O'Connell Advisory Group LLC |
| --- | --- |

[ Connect with us ](https://oconnelladvisorygroup.com/)

 

[SMB Acquisitions](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/smb-acquisitions), [M&A Deal Terms](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/ma-deal-terms), [Financial Due Diligence](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/financial-due-diligence), [Small Business](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/small-business)

## Related posts

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[SMB Acquisitions](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/smb-acquisitions), [M&A Deal Terms](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/ma-deal-terms), [Financial Due Diligence](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/financial-due-diligence), [Small Business](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/small-business)

## [Winning Deals as a First-Time Buyer: The Seller Confidence Framework](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/winning-deals-as-a-first-time-buyer-the-seller-confidence-framework)

![Picture of Patrick OConnell](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile%20Pic.jpeg?width=50&name=Profile%20Pic.jpeg) [Patrick OConnell](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/author/patrick-oconnell) 

 Mar 13, 2026

Buyers Who Remove Doubt Win Deals Buyers who remove doubt win deals.

[ Read more ](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/winning-deals-as-a-first-time-buyer-the-seller-confidence-framework)

[![](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Government%20Shutdown:%20Action%20Steps%20for%20Small%20Business%20Owners..png?height=200&name=2025%20Government%20Shutdown:%20Action%20Steps%20for%20Small%20Business%20Owners..png) ](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/how-government-shutdowns-impact-small-business-operations)

[Government Shutdown](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/government-shutdown), [Small Business](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/tag/small-business)

## [2025 Government Shutdown: Action Steps for Small Business Owners.](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/how-government-shutdowns-impact-small-business-operations)

![Picture of Patrick OConnell](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile%20Pic.jpeg?width=50&name=Profile%20Pic.jpeg) [Patrick OConnell](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/author/patrick-oconnell) 

 Oct 17, 2025

Discover how government shutdowns create uncertainty and disrupt the financial stability of small...

[ Read more ](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/how-government-shutdowns-impact-small-business-operations)

[![](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Azul%20y%20Violeta%20Informal%20Corporativo%20Desarrollo%20de%20Aplicaci%C3%B3n%20Emprendimiento%20Empresa%20Presentaci%C3%B3n.jpg?height=200&name=Azul%20y%20Violeta%20Informal%20Corporativo%20Desarrollo%20de%20Aplicaci%C3%B3n%20Emprendimiento%20Empresa%20Presentaci%C3%B3n.jpg) ](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/cash-conversion-cycle-101-a-first-time-buyers-guide)

## [Cash Conversion Cycle 101: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/cash-conversion-cycle-101-a-first-time-buyers-guide)

![Picture of Patrick OConnell](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile%20Pic.jpeg?width=50&name=Profile%20Pic.jpeg) [Patrick OConnell](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/author/patrick-oconnell) 

 Sep 22, 2025

[ Read more ](https://blog.oconnelladvisorygroup.com/blog/cash-conversion-cycle-101-a-first-time-buyers-guide)

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