Here's Your Fortune: 2025 Gold Rush, HVAC Service Biz, and Candle Making Riches

Tomorrow’s Fortune

Welcome to the action-packed newsletter designed to help you navigate the world of business, investing, and technology. You owe it to yourself to stay informed! If you missed last week’s post, check it out here. 😎 

Today’s post is 2,000 words (~3 minutes). Reading this just might make you rich!

Today’s Digest: 

1. NEW VIDEO 👉🏼 This Simple Money System Made Me a Automatic Millionaire

2. Gold’s Record Run: Market is still tanking so investors are flocking to GOLD

3. Wanna Buy a Business? We found a high-profit HVAC services company. ($500K of Cash Flow). Click HERE for the listing

4. Searching for a Side Hustle? Try making custom candles at home

NEW KENNY FINANCE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE!

TOP STORY

Gold’s Record Run: Is $3,000 Just the Beginning?

For the first time in history, gold has smashed through the $3,000 per ounce mark. The metal—long viewed as a hedge against uncertainty—has surged 14% since the start of 2025, propelled by geopolitical tensions, central bank demand, and a deteriorating macroeconomic outlook.

What’s Driving the Surge? Gold’s rally isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s a direct response to a confluence of risks that have investors reassessing traditional asset allocations:

• Trump’s Tariff Gambit – The latest escalation in the global trade war has stoked fears of stagflation, as tariffs drive up costs across supply chains. The U.S. president’s proposed 200% tariff on EU alcohol imports is just the latest salvo in a broader trade conflict that has already seen Chinese import duties raised to at least 20%. Markets are now pricing in the real possibility of prolonged economic disruption.

• Central Bank Accumulation – Sovereign wealth funds and central banks have been aggressively stockpiling gold, with over 1,000 tonnes added to reserves annually for the past three years. The underlying motive? A growing desire to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar in foreign reserves, particularly among economies wary of financial weaponization in global conflicts.

• Monetary Policy Crossroads – While the Federal Reserve has maintained a hawkish stance, persistent inflationary pressures could force an eventual pivot. If rate cuts come sooner than expected, the dollar’s decline would further amplify gold’s appeal.

Are We Entering a New Gold Regime? Gold’s historical price surges have often coincided with structural shifts in the global economy. The 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now a global trade war have each reshaped how investors think about risk. Some analysts suggest that we may be witnessing a longer-term re-rating of gold’s role in the financial system—not just as a hedge, but as a strategic reserve asset in a world of shifting economic power.

Yet, one critical question remains: If gold’s surge is a symptom, what is the real disease? Are we simply in a cycle of heightened volatility, or is this a sign of a deeper loss of faith in fiat currencies, monetary policy, and global financial stability?

As markets digest the latest developments, one thing is clear—gold’s momentum isn’t just about inflation hedging anymore. It’s about trust.

BITS OF GOLD

• Delta and Walmart Signal Consumer Spending Slowdown Amid Tariffs and Inflation - Major corporations like Delta Air Lines and Walmart are expressing concerns over a potential slowdown in consumer spending, attributing this to escalating tariffs and persistent inflation. Walmart's CEO highlighted that while consumer spending has remained stable over the past year, there are growing apprehensions that ongoing trade tensions and rising costs could dampen consumer demand in the near future. Similarly, Delta has adjusted its economic outlook, reflecting reduced consumer confidence and spending

• Dollar General's CEO Warns of Strain on Lower-Income Consumers - Dollar General's CEO has raised alarms about the increasing financial strain on lower-income consumers, who are finding it challenging to afford basic necessities. Despite the company's revenue exceeding expectations, indicating a shift of budget-conscious shoppers toward discount retailers, there has been a noticeable decline in sales of non-essential items. This trend underscores the broader economic pressures faced by consumers amid rising inflation and tariff-induced price hikes.

• Washington D.C. Housing Market Exhibits Weakness Amid Federal Layoffs - The Washington D.C. housing market is showing signs of vulnerability, coinciding with significant federal layoffs. Recent data indicates a sharp increase in active listings, with inventory levels up 56% compared to the same period last year. This surge suggests that job insecurity among federal employees is leading to a slowdown in home purchases, potentially exerting downward pressure on property values in the region.

• Implications of Department of Education Budget Cuts on AI Integration in Schools - The recent substantial budget cuts to the Department of Education have raised concerns about the future integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. These funding reductions could hinder the development and implementation of AI-driven learning tools, potentially widening the educational gap and slowing the modernization of teaching methodologies. Educators and policymakers are now grappling with the challenge of advancing technological integration in schools amidst constrained resources.

SO YOU WANT TO BUY A BUSINESS… 🏦

Deal of the Week: HVAC Contractor (Wisconsin) - Asking $1,100,000

Opportunity Overview:

This Western Wisconsin-based HVAC contractor has operated for over three decades, establishing itself as a regional leader in energy-efficient and geothermal heating and cooling solutions. The business serves both residential and commercial customers, benefitting from increasing consumer demand and regulatory tailwinds favoring sustainable HVAC systems. With a fully staffed team, a leased 2,600-square-foot facility, and strong brand recognition in its market, the company represents an attractive acquisition target. The current owner is seeking retirement, presenting a transition opportunity for a buyer to step in and drive growth.

Cash Flow and Profitability:

The company generates $2.59 million in revenue with $534,449 in cash flow, implying a 21% cash flow margin, which is in line with industry benchmarks for well-run HVAC contractors. With an asking price of $1.1 million, the valuation is 2.1x cash flow, an attractive multiple given its profitability and financing availability. SBA financing with $121,000 down makes this deal accessible and enhances return potential. While HVAC businesses are subject to seasonality, this company’s focus on energy efficiency and geothermal solutions may help smooth out demand cycles.

What We Like:

• Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Tailwinds - HVAC regulations are tightening across the U.S., pushing both residential and commercial property owners toward higher-efficiency systems. Federal and state-level incentives for energy-efficient upgrades create a favorable macro backdrop that could accelerate customer adoption. The company’s positioning as a leader in this niche is a strategic advantage that should drive continued demand.

• Fragmented Market with Roll-Up Potential - The HVAC industry remains highly fragmented, with a large number of small, independent operators. This business could serve as a platform acquisition, with opportunities to consolidate smaller competitors, expand geographically, and leverage purchasing power to improve margins.

• Recurring Revenue Opportunities - While HVAC contractors typically rely on one-time installation projects, this business has an opportunity to expand service contracts and maintenance agreements, creating a more predictable and recurring revenue stream. Many HVAC private equity roll-ups have been successful in bundling maintenance with installation to reduce revenue volatility.

• Labor Force in Place - A key challenge in the HVAC sector is skilled labor availability. This business already has an experienced team in place, reducing the immediate hiring risk post-acquisition. Retaining this workforce will be critical, but the presence of a full staff is a meaningful advantage over firms struggling with labor shortages.

• Attractive Deal Structure with SBA Financing - With SBA financing available, a buyer could achieve high cash-on-cash returns with minimal equity investment, making this a compelling deal structure in the current interest rate environment.

What We Don't Like:

• Customer Concentration & Market Size - It’s unclear whether revenue is heavily concentrated among a few large clients or evenly distributed across residential and commercial customers. Additionally, while Wisconsin’s HVAC market is stable, the total addressable market size in the immediate geographic area could be a limiting factor for long-term scalability.

• Lease Dependency & Fixed Cost Structure - The business leases its 2,600-square-foot facility, but details on lease terms, renewal options, and future rent escalations are unclear. Given the fixed cost structure, an unfavorable lease renewal could impact margins, particularly if the real estate market tightens.

• Competitive Pressures & Pricing Sensitivity - HVAC installation is a price-sensitive, low-switching-cost industry, where customers often choose contractors based on price and availability rather than brand loyalty. Competitors could undercut pricing, especially on commercial bids, pressuring margins. Additionally, large national HVAC franchises could enter the market with aggressive customer acquisition tactics.

• Reliance on Key Personnel & Owner Transition Risk - With the owner retiring, there is a risk of losing institutional knowledge and key customer relationships. Understanding whether the management team is capable of running operations independently will be crucial. Additionally, any existing non-compete agreements should be examined to ensure the owner doesn’t re-enter the market post-sale.

• Cyclical & Seasonal Revenue Patterns - While energy efficiency incentives provide tailwinds, HVAC demand remains tied to new construction cycles and replacement cycles, which can be highly cyclical. Rising interest rates could slow new construction, impacting future installation revenue. Additionally, seasonality can create cash flow volatility, requiring careful working capital management..

Key Questions:

• Customer Breakdown: What percentage of revenue comes from residential vs. commercial clients, and how reliant is the business on a few key contracts?

• Lease Terms: How long is the lease agreement, and are there options for renewal or expansion?

• Employee Retention: What are the key personnel’s tenure, and will they stay on post-acquisition?

• Competitive Positioning: What differentiates the company from local competitors, and how defensible is its market share?

• Growth Strategy: Are there opportunities to expand geographically, introduce maintenance contracts, or offer additional services to increase revenue?

With solid financials, a strong industry position, and SBA financing available, this HVAC contractor presents a rare opportunity to acquire a profitable, recession-resistant business with growth upside.

WHAT ABOUT TODAY’S FORTUNE? SIDE HUSTLE OF THE WEEK 💸

Handmade Candle Empire

How to Start: Artisan candles with unique scents, eco-friendly materials, and aesthetic packaging have a dedicated customer base. To stand out, develop a signature scent or theme that resonates with a niche audience—whether it’s luxury spa-like aromas, nostalgic scents, or seasonal collections. Start small by testing your candles with friends, family, or local markets before scaling up production. Selling on Etsy, at craft fairs, and through social media can help build brand recognition. Partnering with boutique stores or subscription boxes can also provide steady demand.

Startup Cost: Moderate. You’ll need supplies like wax (soy, beeswax, or coconut for eco-conscious buyers), essential oils/fragrances, wicks, and containers. A small-scale operation can start with around $300–$700 in raw materials and basic equipment. Branding and packaging costs may add to your initial investment, but creative DIY solutions can keep expenses low.

Capital Intensity: Low to moderate. Most costs go into raw materials, and you can start with small batches to manage expenses. As you scale, you may need to invest in bulk purchasing, upgraded molds, or custom packaging. If demand grows, outsourcing production to a co-packer could allow you to focus on branding and marketing.

Growth Opportunities: There’s strong potential to scale by offering limited-edition collections, themed sets, or expanding into wholesale deals with boutique retailers. Subscription-based candle clubs, collaborations with influencers, or corporate gifting can also drive recurring revenue. Expanding into complementary products like wax melts, diffusers, or luxury gift sets can further increase margins and customer retention.

Earning Potential: Handmade candles typically sell for $10–$40 per unit, depending on size and branding. If you sell 200 candles a month at an average price of $25, that’s $5,000 in revenue. With premium packaging and niche positioning, some brands scale to six-figure earnings, especially with wholesale deals or a strong e-commerce presence.

For those who enjoy crafting and branding, a handmade candle business offers a creative and profitable side hustle. Start with small batches, refine your best-sellers, and build a loyal customer base through aesthetic marketing and quality craftsmanship.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The content is based on publicly available information, and the author makes no representations about its accuracy or completeness. Readers should conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.