-JOSEPH TEMPLETON-
Marine Construction Strategist
Business Growth & Exit Advisor
Co-Founder, XLR8 Group
With over 26 years in the marine construction industry, Joseph Templeton has built, scaled, and exited multiple businesses giving him a rare, inside-out perspective on what it takes to grow and sell a company in one of the toughest sectors around.
As co-founder of XLR8 Group, LLC and Tidal Capital Strategies, Joseph now works with business owners and private equity firms to unlock real, lasting value through strategic growth, operational excellence, and exit readiness.
Over the past four years, he has worked closely with PE-backed acquisition teams, led his own proprietary search, and evaluated dozens of companies only to find most weren’t ready for prime time. That’s what led him to develop a proven framework for building businesses investors actually want to buy.
Whether he’s advising a founder on how to double valuation before a sale, or guiding a capital partner through the nuances of the marine space, Joseph brings unmatched experience, clarity, and no-BS insight to every conversation.
Specialties:
M&A Strategy & Exit Planning
Growth & Operational Consulting
Marine Construction Industry Expertise
Strategic Positioning for PE/VC Acquisition
Owner Transition & Leadership Development
Let’s build a business worth buying — or find one that is.
About Me
I’ve spent the last 26 years in marine construction, not just working in it, but building companies from the ground up, scaling them, and successfully exiting them. I know what it’s like to operate with your boots on the ground… and what it takes to build something that can run without you.
Today, I work with two kinds of people:
Business owners who want to grow, scale, or eventually sell, but aren’t sure how to build real, transferable value
&
Private equity and investment groups looking to enter the marine construction space, who need an inside perspective on what’s worth acquiring, and what’s not.
Over the past few years, I’ve co-founded XLR8 Group and launched a search firm, Tidal Capital Strategies, partnering with PE groups to find viable targets in this space.
And here’s the truth: I didn’t buy a single business in the space.
Why? Because most of them weren’t built to be bought.
That experience shaped everything I do now - helping owners get out of the weeds, build systems that scale, and create businesses that are actually
worth something to investors.
Whether you're looking to exit, expand, or just stop being the bottleneck in your own company, I’m here to help you do it right.
Let’s build something worth buying.
25+
Due Diligence Assists
50+
Happy Clients
5000+
PE Contacts
10+
Successful Exits
About Me
I’ve spent the last 26 years in marine construction not just working in it, but building companies from the ground up, scaling them, and successfully exiting them. I know what it’s like to operate with your boots on the ground…and what it takes to build something that can run without you.
Today, I work with two kinds of people:
Business owners who want to grow, scale, or eventually sell but aren’t sure how to build real, transferable value
&
Private equity and investment groups looking to enter the marine construction space, who need an inside perspective on what’s worth acquiring — and what’s not.
Over the past few years, I’ve co-founded XLR8 Group and launched a search firm, Tidal Capital Strategies, partnering with PE groups to find viable acquisitions in this space.
And here’s the truth: I didn’t buy a single business.
Why? Because most of them weren’t built to be bought.
That experience shaped everything I do now - helping owners get out of the weeds, build systems that scale, and create businesses that are actually
worth something to investors.
Whether you're looking to exit, expand, or just stop being the bottleneck in your own company, I’m here to help you do it right.
Joseph Templeton, Business Advisor - IBA United
Services
With over two decades of hands-on experience in marine construction, from startup to scale to successful exits, I help business owners and investors unlock real value. Whether you're building a company you want to keep, preparing one you want to sell, or evaluating one you want to buy, I bring strategic clarity, industry insight, and operational know-how to the table. Here are three key ways we can work together to move your business forward.
Strategic Business Consulting
Build a Business That Scales — Without Breaking You
Whether you're looking to grow revenue, streamline operations, or get out of day-to-day chaos, I help marine construction business owners turn their companies into scalable, system-driven operations. From leadership structure to financial clarity to market positioning, we'll align every piece of your business toward sustainable, high-margin growth.
Exit Planning
Prepare Your Business to Sell — On Your Terms
Most business owners wait too long to plan their exit and leave millions on the table. I help you reverse-engineer your ideal outcome, improve valuation drivers, clean up red flags, and get your business truly buyer-ready. Whether you're 1 year or 5 years away from selling, we’ll make sure your company is positioned like a premium asset.
Private Equity & Acquisitions Advisory
Insider Insight for Marine Construction Investments
Marine construction is a niche industry and without the right guidance, it’s easy to misread the market. I work directly with PE and VC firms to evaluate targets, uncover risk, and identify opportunities others miss. Whether you’re sourcing your first deal or integrating a new acquisition, I bring 26+ years of operational and strategic insight to every phase.
Joseph has founded or co-founded several companies including....
FAQS
What does it look like to work with you?
It starts with a strategy call. From there, we decide together what you need whether it’s a deep-dive consulting engagement, exit planning roadmap, or fractional advisory support. Every engagement is tailored to your goals.
How is your consulting different from a typical business coach or advisor?
I’ve been in the trenches — founding, operating, scaling, and exiting multiple companies in marine construction. I don’t offer theory, I bring real-world insight, industry experience, and strategic execution. This isn’t a course or playbook, it’s hands-on, customized guidance.
Can I speak with past clients or see testimonials?
Many of the clients I work with are business owners preparing for exit or private equity groups making strategic acquisitions, and discretion is key. Because of the sensitive nature of these engagements, I don’t publish public testimonials. That said, if we’re a potential fit, I’m happy to walk you through case examples or, in some cases, arrange a private reference with permission.
Bottom line: I take client privacy seriously and apply the same level of discretion to your business if we work together.
What kinds of companies do you work with?
I work primarily with trades and construction businesses,especially in the marine construction space. If you’re in docks, seawalls, dredging, or related fields, I speak your language. But I’ve also helped companies in other industries scale and prepare for exit using proven business fundamentals.
I’m not planning to sell my business right now. Should I still work on an exit plan?
Absolutely. Exit planning isn’t just about selling, it’s about building a business that can run without you and is worth more whether you sell or not. A strong exit plan is simply a smart business strategy.
What services do you provide for investors or PE firms?
I offer industry insight, market evaluation, due diligence support, and post-acquisition strategy for firms interested in the marine construction space. I can serve as an advisor or fractional operator to help ensure portfolio success.
Can you help us identify acquisition targets?
Yes. My network includes many marine construction owners across the U.S. and beyond. Through time in the industry, consulting and mastermind programs, I have direct relationships with companies that may be strong acquisition candidates.
Are you open to partnership roles post-acquisition?
Depending on the deal and structure, yes. I’ve stepped in as an advisor, board member, and operational strategist post-close. I’m most effective where strategy and execution need to align fast.
A private group for founders who want to grow, scale, and exit smarter — together.
This mastermind is for marine construction business owners who are serious about improving their operations, increasing valuation, and building a business that doesn’t depend on them.