Richard Appleton

Introduction

Richard Appleton is a seasoned entrepreneur, licensed commercial contractor, and operations director with over two decades of hands-on experience leading multi-million-dollar commercial, industrial, and institutional projects across the Southeast. With licenses in 13 states and a successful track record of managing large-scale contracts, Richard brings the strategic insight, negotiation skills, and regulatory knowledge necessary to navigate complex sales, mergers, and acquisitions—making him uniquely equipped as a business broker.
Throughout his career, Richard has excelled at aligning technical operations with business outcomes, often serving as the critical bridge between field execution and executive strategy. He has directed full project lifecycles—from initial site inspections and proposal development to contract administration, compliance oversight, and final delivery—consistently ensuring safety, profitability, and regulatory alignment.
His collaborative approach and reputation for precision have made him a trusted expert witness for attorneys and insurance carriers in high-stakes disputes involving electrocution, personal injury, fire, and equipment failure. He successfully managed the sale and full transfer of ownership of his electrical contracting business, giving him firsthand experience in the business transition process from both sides of the table.
• Directed and delivered commercial electrical projects for biotech, cleanroom, and institutional clients, consistently on time and within budget.
• Provided expert consultation in litigation for both plaintiff and defense in cases involving electrical safety and system design flaws.
• Spearheaded the successful sale and acquisition of his business, including valuation, negotiation, and transition support.
• Maintained a spotless safety and code compliance record across all project sites.