“I am making great money, and I love what I’m doing. But with this economy, lord knows where it's going after the election. Maybe I should just sell now.” Randy (not his real name) called me on the advice of his Raymond James wealth advisor. Randy is getting weekly calls and emails from private equity buyers asking about his interest in selling. “I really hadn’t planned to sell until my youngest son finishes college Read More
When is the Bird in the Hand Worth It?
“Do you think we will ever get this deal done? Maybe I should pull back and wait another year or two to sell the company. I could sell it for more, right?” Rhonda (not her real name) is frustrated, and for good reason. The buyer had scheduled closing for April 30, and things were moving along nicely until the pandemic hit. The buyer’s due diligence team flew back to their home office on March 12, and nothing has Read More
Turnaround Investing in a Crisis
“I wasn’t happy about my company being sold, but as CEO, it was my job to see that our shareholders got the best deal possible. We did that, so it was time to find a new career. It appears my timing was impeccable.” Dave (not his real name) is a close friend from business school. We were in each other’s weddings, and although we live in different states, we stay in touch via Facebook (a great way to share pictures Read More
Walking a Tightrope Blindfolded
"We were on track for our best Q1 ever, but two weeks ago, it came to a screeching halt. Do you think we should continue with our plan to sell the business this year?” Vince (not his real name) retained me six weeks ago to sell his company. He wanted to have the deal done by the end of the year so he and his wife could relocate to Arkansas to be closer to their children and grandchildren. For the first time in my Read More
Left With Nothing But an Empty Bag
“After 15 years of work, I just wanted to leave something for my kids and grandkids. But it sounds like all I have is an empty bag.” Sandra (not her real name) was not in good health. We met at her house because getting to the office was difficult for her. But what she lacked in physical mobility, she more than made up for with mental mobility and attitude. Sandra had a big smile on her face when I walked in, and Read More
Is Your Business Your Dialysis Machine?
Cindy (not her real name) has a good thing going. Her business is growing at a steady pace, and she’s been able to pocket around $500,000 a year the past several years. We sat down recently to discuss her interest in selling. “I just became a grandmother. My daughter and her husband are going to need more of my time than I can give if I’m still running the company. I’d like to sell it now and live off the Read More
What You Don’t Learn Investing in Real Estate
“You know what they say, you make money as long as you can buy right. No way I’m paying more than five times earnings for that business.” Sean (not his real name) is a real estate investor who has done exceedingly well the past decade. We recently had lunch to discuss his interest in redeploying some of his investment dollars into an operating business. “I still love opportunities in real estate, but I want to be Read More
The Buyer’s Stretch Marks
“We were told if our revenue was greater than $5 million, we’d be an attractive acquisition target. We got there, but we’ve had to sacrifice profitability.” I met Charlie (not his real name) at the office of his wealth planner. They were developing a retirement plan for Charlie and his wife. They asked me to help them determine his company’s market value and discuss timing to sell it for maximum value. Charlie was Read More
The Hocus Pocus of Business Valuation
“All this talk about multiples makes me dizzy. Multiples of revenue, multiples of EBITDA, multiples of net earnings. Which multiple should I focus on to know my business value?” Rod (not his real name) owns a profitable healthcare services business. Though just 37 years old, he has assembled an organization and methodology that no longer requires his active involvement in the business. He called me for advice after Read More
The Thin Line Between Warm & Fuzzy and Hot & Messy
“My partner and I have grown apart. He isn’t the same fantastic guy he was when I offered him a full partnership in 2007. He plays favorites with the employees, he comes and goes as he pleases. His arrogance is creating a toxic environment. If we don’t separate soon, it will kill our business. Can you help?” Archie (not his real name) asked me to meet him and his wife at their home to assure full confidence in the Read More
