Sarah Petersen

Acquisition Thesis

I'm acquiring a business that can afford to take genuinely good care of the people associated with it (e.g., employees, customers, and investors), one that I can immerse myself in the fabric of and grow for years to come, one that is a meaningful part of the local community.

About Me

I'm a military spouse, 20 years in, now enjoying my husband's retirement, a mom to a kid studying nuclear engineering at UTK and to three dogs who keep me active and covered in fur whether I want to be or not. I'm also a licensed clinical counselor (LCMHC) with an MBA and an avid learner full of curiosity who loves to jump in and get things done.

Most of my adult life has been shaped by frequent moves. Every new town meant starting over — building community, friendship, and the infrastructure of daily life from the ground up. Foundations and relationships have to be cultivated, and being a military spouse taught me to do that quickly. It also taught me to value and appreciate the people and world around me. Having been settled here in WNC for a little over five years — the longest I've ever spent anywhere — I am excited to call this my forever home.

On the professional side, I've spent years inside high-stakes, emotionally complex operations, where small frontline actions and big strategic decisions come together to form a customer's experience and a company's reputation. My work across a spectrum of roles — clinical, operational, and as a small business owner — means I'm not afraid of stepping into difficult situations and being in that work day-to-day, regardless of the industry.

I start by spending time in each function, learning what's working well (and what's not) and why. With that foundation in place, I solve for the problems with the biggest impact on outcomes first, looking at how each fix lands on employees, customers, and the business itself — so one group doesn't benefit at another's expense. I fix problems and optimize operations at the systemic level, rather than on the surface.

For greater detail on my background, see my LinkedIn profile — or better yet, send me a note.

Tendwell HoldCo, LLC — Name & Purpose

I formed Tendwell as the foundation for a long-term vision of stewarding what already exists — ensuring that good businesses continue to take good care of the people who count on them, in ways big and small.

The name itself is a literal interpretation: an intention to acquire, tend to, and grow a business in my own backyard, starting with a singular acquisition and my full, focused attention. In time, I hope to grow Tendwell to include more small businesses, carrying that same care further.

How to Work With Me