From Marines to Maverick Exteriors - How this Vet Seller Financed His First Deal

American Builders - Presented by TradeGuard

American Builders - Presented by TradeGuard
From Marines to Maverick Exteriors - How this Vet Seller Financed His First Deal
Feb 10, 2026 Season 1 Episode 5
Garrett Amundsen

This episode, I sit down with Michael Blake, former Marine and Co-Owner of Maverick Exteriors, a roofing and exterior remodeling company. Michael went from military service to entrepreneurship, applying the same discipline and leadership principles he learned in the Marines to building and running a trades business.

In our conversation, we talk about what the Marines taught him about leadership, accountability, and mastering the basics—then how those lessons translated into managing crews, delivering quality work, and operating a real company. We also break down how Michael seller-financed his way into ownership, what he looked for in the deal, and the realities of buying a business without the traditional “big cash down” path.

Presented by TradeGuard, Insurance Built for the Trades: https://www.tradeguardins.com/