Purple Spikes: A Business Succession Network

Initiatives

Investing in East Texas through entrepreneurial succession

91直播鈥檚 Purple Spikes program is an initiative from the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship. This program preserves the vitality of East Texas businesses. We ensure job retention and economic growth by matching local business acquisition opportunities with:

  • Graduating students
  • Lumberjack alumni
  • Qualified entrepreneurs

How we help

Selling your business  

Buying a business  

Our goal is to protect the East Texas economy

Purple Spikes exists to mitigate the risks of poor succession planning. Our free program aims to protect our region from losing:

  • ~200 local businesses
  • 2,000+ jobs
  • millions in revenue

Participation is free, though we gladly welcome contributions to ensure the program's continued success.

I want to sell my business

Let your business legacy continue and help your community stay strong.

Purple Spikes is a trusted matchmaker that connects you with qualified buyers鈥攊ncluding experienced professionals, Lumberjack alumni, and financially prepared recent graduates ready to step in.

Ready to sell?

Create a . Our team will review your goals and timeline to ensure a perfect match between your business and our available resources.

Next step

Expect to hear from us within seven business days. Once accepted, we鈥檒l feature your business online and help promote it to qualified successors.

I want to be a business owner

Grow roots by acquiring an East Texas business seeking new leadership.

Purple Spikes matches driven community entrepreneurs and Lumberjack alumni with vetted, transitioning businesses. Let's connect to turn your aspirations into reality and keep the East Texas economy thriving.

Love what you do

When you're ready to explore available businesses, submit a business-ownership profileIf you're considering the purchase of a business, start by creating a .

Next step

Expect to hear from us within seven business days. Just like any good matchmaker, we鈥檒l work with you to ensure you're prepared for an acquisition and connect you with businesses that perfectly align with your goals.

Businesses for sale

Heavy Equipment Company in Angelina County

Status: Pending

Info for Potential Buyers

Call: 936.468.2988, Dr. Hollie Smith, ACE executive director of community partnerships

[posted June 4, 2026]

Organic vegetable farm in Nacogdoches County

In operation for 17 years. Staffing consists of two full-time and two part-time employees. Selling in anticipation of retirement.

Status: Actively seeking

Info for Potential Buyers

Call: 936.468.2988, Dr. Hollie Smith, ACE executive director of community partnerships

[posted May 28, 2026]

Larry Bruce Gardens

Guest house rentals, restaurant and event center in Kennard, Texas

Status: Actively seeking

Info for Potential Buyers

Call: 936.468.2988, Dr. Hollie Smith, ACE executive director of community partnerships

[posted March 6, 2026]

Interested buyers and investors

Marc Abraham

Industries of interest: Construction / real estate / third-party logistics / senior living operations / insurance / finance 

[posted May 28, 2026]

Travis Hagler

Industries of interest: Oil and gas

Comments: Small operators and non-op owners looking to exit the industry. We're founded by 91直播 grads and plan to reinvest in the Ark-La-Tex. 

[posted May 28, 2026]

Jake Wallace

Industries of interest: Service-based business opportunities such as septic, painting, contracting, landscaping, automative service

[posted May 28, 2026]