Selling to someone who will keep what you built.
You've spent years building something your customers and employees count on. Here is how a sale to me works, what stays the same, and plain answers to the questions owners ask first.
Six steps, at a pace you set.
Every business is different, but the path is usually the same. You can stop at any step.
-
A private first conversation
You call or email, and we talk. About the business, what matters to you for your people and customers, and when you might want to step back. No documents, no commitment, and nobody else needs to know.
-
A confidential first look
If it seems like a fit, I sign a confidentiality agreement before you share anything. Then you send a few years of financials and tax returns, and we meet in person, after hours or away from the shop if you prefer.
-
A written offer in plain language
I put a letter of intent in writing: the price, how it's paid, how long you'd like to stay involved, and a timeline. No surprises later, and you can review it with your CPA, attorney or broker.
-
Diligence and financing
With my accountant and attorney, I review the books, contracts and operations, and my SBA lender does its own review. We keep it quiet and work around your schedule, so the business doesn't miss a beat.
-
Closing
We sign the purchase agreement and close with the bank. The name on the trucks, the phone number and the people answering it all stay the same.
-
A real transition
You introduce me to your team and key customers when you're ready, and I learn the business beside you for the period we agreed. After that, you're welcome to stay in touch. I'll be right here.
The business keeps running the way you built it.
Your name
The company keeps its name, trucks and phone number.
Your team
Your people keep their jobs. Nobody relocates.
Your timeline
We set the pace together, with a real transition period.
Confidentiality
Employees, customers and competitors hear nothing until you say so.
Financing
My own capital plus an SBA bank loan.
One decision-maker
You deal with me. No committee, no investment board.
Plain answers.
The questions owners ask me most. If yours isn't here, call and ask.
What happens to my employees?
They keep their jobs, and nobody relocates. A team in place is one of the things I look for, because your people are what make the business work.
They hear about a sale when you decide they should. If you'd like, we tell them together.
Will the company keep its name?
Yes. The company keeps its name, trucks and phone number. Customers keep calling the same number and seeing the same faces.
How long does a sale take, and how long do I stay?
We set the pace together. Timing depends on the business and on the bank, so I'll give you a realistic schedule up front rather than a sales pitch.
How long you stay involved after closing is something we agree in writing, in the offer. It's a real transition period, built around what you want and what the business needs.
How will you pay for it?
With my own capital plus an SBA bank loan. SBA loans are a common, well-established way to finance the purchase of a small business, and the lender reviews the business alongside me.
Who will know we're talking?
Nobody, until you say so. Employees, customers and competitors hear nothing. I sign a confidentiality agreement before you share any numbers, and we can meet wherever you're comfortable.
Do I need a business broker?
That's your choice. If you already work with a broker, I'm glad to go through their process. If you'd rather call me directly, that's fine too, and you're welcome to bring in your CPA or attorney at any point.
Who makes the decisions on your side?
I do. You deal with me, start to finish. There's no committee and no investment board.
What if my business isn't a perfect fit?
Call anyway. What I look for is a guide, not a rulebook. If it isn't a fit, I'll tell you quickly and honestly.
Thinking about what's next for your business?
Call or email me. A first conversation is private and commits you to nothing. Employees, customers and competitors hear nothing until you say so.