What kinds of buyers will contact you when you list your business?
Most buyer inquiries go nowhere. Here's who actually shows up when you list a trades business, and how to tell the real ones from the tire-kickers.
June 17, 2026
Future Options
What selling looks like, how to prepare, and what to expect
What owners are really afraid of when they think about selling
Seller's remorse is real: 76% regret selling within a year. Here are the 5 fears that stop trades owners from selling, and what the data says about each.
June 15, 2026
Selling an HVAC, plumbing, roofing, construction, or trades business
Selling a trades or construction business is different. Here's what HVAC, plumbing, roofing, civil engineering, and other trade owners need to know.
June 13, 2026
Can I sell my business and still run it?
Yes, staying on after the sale is common and most buyers want it. Here's what it actually looks like, what to negotiate, and when to walk away.
May 25, 2026
How do I check out a buyer before agreeing to sell?
Buyers run due diligence on you. You should run it on them. Here's how to check a buyer's track record, financing, and intentions before you sign anything.
May 25, 2026
How do I know if a buyer is the right fit for my business?
The highest offer isn't always the right buyer. Here's how to evaluate a buyer's track record, behavior, and intentions before you sign anything.
May 25, 2026
What should I ask before signing a letter of intent?
Before you sign an LOI, ask these questions. The terms set here are very hard to change later, and exclusivity locks you in the moment you sign.
May 25, 2026
What does private equity actually do to a trades business?
PE bought nearly 800 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses since 2022. Here's what actually happens to yours if you say yes.
May 25, 2026
What is a recapitalization and how does it work?
A recap lets you sell 51-80% of your business, take cash now, and keep running it with a stake in the upside. Here's how it works and who it's right for.
May 25, 2026
What is rollover equity and should I take it?
Rollover equity lets you keep a stake in your business after a PE sale, with a potential second payday. Here's how it works and when to say no.
May 25, 2026
You don't have to sell to need a plan for what's next
49% of owners want to step back within 5 years. Only 22% have done any prep. Here's why every owner needs a plan, whatever path they choose.
May 22, 2026
What a good business broker actually does for you
A good broker doesn't just list your business. They create competition, protect your price, and defend you when buyers push back. Here's how that works.
May 21, 2026
Why stepping back pays off whether you sell or keep the business
Reducing owner dependency and documenting your business pays off on every path: a sale, passing it to your kids, a management buyout, or keeping it forever.
May 19, 2026
Business Broker, M&A Advisor, or Solo: Which Is Right for You?
For most trades businesses worth $500K+, a broker produces better outcomes than going solo. Here's how deal size, buyer type, and PE interest change the answer.
May 17, 2026
What 20, 25, or 30 years in business means for what comes next
After 20 or 30 years, most owners have more tied up in the business than they realize. Here's how to think about what that means for your future.
May 17, 2026
Why owners who sell well started preparing 3 years early
Most owners start thinking about selling too late to act. Here's what the 3-to-5-year preparation window actually means and what it costs to skip it.
May 14, 2026
How to reduce owner dependency before you sell
Owner-dependent businesses sell for 2-3x earnings. Businesses that run without the owner sell for 7-8x. Here's how to close that gap.
May 13, 2026
The 5 D's that force owners to sell before they're ready
About half of all business sales are unplanned. Here are the five events that force owners to sell before they're ready, and why a forced sale costs you.
May 12, 2026
How do you know when it's time to think about selling?
There's no single right moment, but there are clear signals. Most owners recognize them years before they act. Here's how to read them honestly.
May 10, 2026
What happens during due diligence when you sell?
Due diligence is when the buyer verifies everything. Most deals that fall apart do so here. Here's what to expect and how to survive it.
May 8, 2026
9 questions to ask a business broker before you hire one
Not all brokers are equal. These questions separate the ones who close deals from the ones who collect upfront fees and disappear.
May 2, 2026
How to prepare your business for sale (and when to start)
A strong business needs 2 to 3 years of preparation before going to market. Here's what that work looks like and why starting early changes everything.
April 28, 2026
What is a Letter of Intent when selling a business?
A Letter of Intent locks in the deal before contracts are written. Learn what it includes, which parts bind you, and what to negotiate before you sign.
April 27, 2026
Why most businesses listed for sale never actually sell
Only 20 to 30% of listed businesses actually close. Here are the six most common deal-killers and what the sellers who do close have in common.
April 22, 2026
What is an earnout and how does it affect your sale price?
An earnout pays you more after closing if the business hits targets. Learn how they're structured, when they make sense, and the real risks sellers often miss.
April 19, 2026
How do I know when it's time to sell my business?
Most owners ask too late. The real question is whether you have enough runway left to sell on your terms. Here's how to read the signals honestly.
April 16, 2026
What is a Quality of Earnings report and why does it matter?
A QoE report is the buyer's independent check on your financials. Learn what it covers, what it costs, and how a bad one can cut your price by six figures.
April 2, 2026
What does a business broker do and what do they charge?
A business broker finds buyers, manages the process, and guides you to a closed sale. Here's what they handle, what it costs, and what to watch for.
March 21, 2026