Josh Gladtke
M&A Advisor to trades and contractor business owners thinking about what comes next — whether that's selling, taking on a partner, or simply understanding what their business is worth.
Recognized by Axial as a Top 25 M&A Advisor and Top 7 Industrials Advisor
WHAT I DO
Most conversations start the same way.
"I'm not sure I want to sell yet, but I want to understand my options."That's the right place to start. I help business owners think through what their company is worth, whether now is the right time to sell, what private equity interest really means, and how a process would work — before committing to anything. No pressure to run a process. Just clear, honest conversations so you can make a good decision.
ABOUT
I work directly with founders of contractor businesses on deal sourcing, positioning, and closing. At Good Hope Advisors, I build relationships, shape transactions, and guide owners from the first conversation through to close.Good Hope Advisors has been recognized by Axial as a Top 25 Lower Middle Market M&A Advisor and a Top 7 Industrials M&A Advisor.Before GHA, I spent eight years at Swavelle, a global textiles and furnishings company, where I led international sales. I operated inside a real business — managing supply chains, navigating margin pressure, and working directly with customers — which continues to shape how I work with founders today.Earlier in my career, I spent twelve years in London running trading desks after starting in New York. That experience, combined with my operating background, gives me a practical, grounded perspective on both sides of the table.I don't advise founders from a distance — I understand what building and running a business actually looks like. My focus is simple: clear positioning, honest conversations, and helping owners move forward with confidence.I'm a North Jersey native, graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and studied abroad at RMIT in Melbourne, Australia — which sparked a lifelong love of travel. After college I spent a year traveling across South America, Africa, the Middle East, India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia — an experience that continues to shape how I think about risk, people, and perspective.I live in Chatham, New Jersey, where I raise my son. Outside of work I'm usually at a hockey rink or lacrosse field, still play competitive men's league hockey, and spend summers at my lake house in Greenwood Lake. I also love skiing, water sports, live music, the Grateful Dead, and travel.
WHO I WORK WITH
Trades and contractor businesses.
Trades and contractor businesses — HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical, landscaping, and property services. Whether you're the original founder or a second-generation owner, if you're running a business doing $5M–$150M and thinking about what comes next, that's who I work with.
HOW I THINK ABOUT IT
Selling a business isn't just a financial decision.
Timing, structure, the type of buyer, and what happens after the deal all matter just as much as price. Most owners only go through this once. My job is to help you think through it clearly — before you make any decisions.
START HERE
Questions most owners start with.
What is my business worth? Should I sell now or wait? Why am I getting calls from private equity? What actually happens in a sale process?These are the right questions. I've written straightforward answers to each one — no banker talk, no pitch.
LET'S TALK
No process. No commitment.
If you're thinking about it — even loosely — I'm happy to have a conversation. Most owners just want to understand their options before making any decisions. That's exactly where I can help.