We Scale. We Operate. We Put People First.
We're not your typical acquisition firm.
Our approach is built on relationships, operational excellence, and protecting what you've worked so hard to build.
Our team is local to Arizona — built by entrepreneurs and integrators who’ve been in the trenches growing real businesses, not behind spreadsheets in a high-rise
Book A Discovery Call
People First
We care deeply about the people who make your business what it is. When we acquire a company, our first priority is your employees, your customers, and your reputation. We protect your culture and legacy, not replace it.
Speed & Clarity
We’ve been in your shoes and know how frustrating slow deals can be. That’s why we evaluate, structure, and close quickly — with clear communication and mutual respect every step of the way.
Proven Systems
We’ve built, scaled, and operated multiple 7- and 8-figure businesses using the same systems we bring into every acquisition — EOS, strong leadership structures, and world-class operations.
Not Brokers. Not PE.
We don’t list businesses on the open market or run bidding wars. We’re direct buyers and operators who care about your team and legacy. Our process is private, transparent, and built on trust.
Founded by Arizona entrepreneur Cody Barton, Scale With Pros was built by operators, not financiers.
Cody started his first company at 17 and scaled it to $3 million a year by 21. By 25, he had built another 7-figure business, all through grit, long hours, and a passion for building teams.
Today, Cody and his team actively own and operate multiple service-based companies across the Valley — from trades and home services to professional firms — with a shared mission to grow strong businesses that support strong people.
Who We Are
Every member of our leadership team has built and led real businesses — the kind that serve customers, employ great people, and make an impact in their communities. Together, we bring decades of experience in scaling, operations, finance, and growth.
Cody Barton
Founder & CEO
Cody is a lifelong entrepreneur who built his first company from the ground up at 17 and scaled it to $3M by age 21.
Over the past decade, he’s built and led multiple 7- and 8-figure companies, with more than $55M in combined revenue across his portfolio.
A real estate investor with a $10M+ property portfolio, Cody is passionate about building businesses that put people and performance first.
Adam Coffey
Strategic Advisor
Adam brings 20+ years of leadership in industrial service and buy-and-build growth strategies.
He has successfully led 50+ acquisitions as a three-time CEO and now advises founders and operators on how to scale and exit strategically.
He’s also the bestselling author of Empire Builder, The Private Equity Playbook, and The Exit Strategy Playbook and a trusted voice in business leadership.
Dr. Ben Blakeney, CPA, MBA, PhD
Chief Financial Officer
With 18+ years of financial leadership, Dr. Ben oversees financial strategy and performance across multiple holding companies.
A corporate CFO turned educator, he’s also a Professor of Accounting at Black Hills State University — known for blending academic precision with real-world financial strategy.
Adriana Lane
Head of Operations
Adriana has 10+ years of experience leading operations, HR, finance, marketing, and technology functions for high-growth companies such as Uber, Yelp and Indeed.com.
She’s the architect behind the systems and processes that keep the Scale With Pros portfolio running smoothly, helping businesses grow sustainably and profitably.
What We're Looking For
We specialize in acquiring businesses that align with our operational expertise and growth strategy. Our ideal partners share our commitment to excellence and sustainable growth.
Business Model
Have recurring revenue models such as bookkeeping, payroll, tax services, and other financial services
Target Market
Serve small business clients in growth industries including contractors, trades, service providers, and professional services
Leadership Transition
Led by owners ready to transition, retire, or partner with experienced operators who can take the business to the next level
Top Owner Concerns
1
I'm afraid you'll gut my firm or offshore everything and ruin client relationships.
We grow accounting firms by protecting client trust, not destroying it. Our goal is continuity and quality. Existing teams stay in place, client relationships are respected, and any added support (including offshore help, if used) is layered in behind the scenes — not shoved in front of your clients. We improve systems without breaking what already works.
2
I don't want my firm name or reputation wiped out.
Your firm's name and reputation matter — they're part of what you built. Some partners keep their brand long-term, others choose to roll into a larger platform over time. There's no forced rebrand. We decide together what protects your legacy, your clients, and your team best. This is tailored — not a cookie-cutter roll-up.
3
I'm not ready to retire — I still enjoy the accounting work.
That's actually ideal. Many owners stay on doing what they enjoy most client work, advisory, or leading a small team while we take over hiring, HR, payroll, tech, management, and growth. You keep doing the work you like, without carrying the weight of running the entire business.
4
I don't want to sell too early or get taken advantage of.
We don't play valuation games. Offers are based on real financials, realistic multiples, and current market conditions. We walk through the numbers together so you understand exactly how value is calculated. If it doesn't make sense for you financially, we won't push it. This only works if it's a win-win.
5
I'm worried about what happens to my clients during a transition.
Client continuity is one of our top priorities. We plan transitions carefully, communicate clearly, and make sure service quality stays strong, often improving with better systems and support. Your clients should feel more taken care of, not disrupted.
6
I honestly don't know what partnering or selling would even look like.
That's exactly why the first conversation exists. We'll walk through real examples, explain different deal structures (partial sale, full sale, rollover, earn-out, continued involvement), and map options based on your goals. No pressure just clarity.
What This Means for You
If you're considering your next chapter, we can be a trusted exit partner. Our approach ensures a smooth transition that honors your legacy while positioning your business for continued growth.
01
Straightforward Process
A fair, transparent process with no endless negotiations or hidden surprises, just an honest conversation.
02
Team & Customer Protection
Confidence that your team and customers are in experienced, caring hands. We want to keep the people that have worked so hard for so long.
03
Flexible Exit Options
Flexibility to cash out completely or roll equity depending on your personal goals. Let's make a plan for your future goals and let our plan for working together reflect that.
Our Proven 60-90 Day Process
1
Discovery Call
Initial discussion and fit assessment
2
Letter of Intent
Outline of mutual agreement
3
Review Phase
Financial and operations analysis
4
Negotiation
Offer presentation and terms
5
Due Diligence
Legal review and documentation
6
Integration
Seamless transition begins
Next Steps
Let's start with a confidential conversation. We'll learn more about your business, share our acquisition process, and explore whether it's a mutual fit. If it's not, that's okay too.
Our goal is not just to acquire your business, but to become the trusted caretaker of everything you've built — your team, your customers, and your legacy.