The Glue Factory, the Burro, and the Unicorn
Every business broker in the country will tell you the same thing when you ask how long it takes to sell a business: “Six to twelve months.”
That’s a polite answer. It’s also incomplete. Because the real question, the one nobody asks until it’s too late, isn’t how long. It’s whether.
Don’t Force It. Forcing Things Causes Hemorrhoids.
Most people think of leadership as a ladder. You get good at it, you climb, and eventually the best leaders end up at the top. Simple enough. Except that’s not how it works. That’s actually a description of the Peter Principle, the idea that people get promoted until they reach their level of incompetence. We’ve all seen it. The best salesperson becomes a mediocre sales manager. The brilliant engineer becomes a disorganized VP. The founder who built something from nothing slowly suffocates the company he created because he can’t let go of the controls.
Why You Should Use an Iowa Business Broker (a.k.a. Business Intermediary)
Thinking of selling your business? It’s a big decision financially, emotionally, and logistically. One of the most important choices you’ll make in this process is whether to work with an experienced Iowa business broker or try to go it alone. Many owners think they can handle the sale themselves. But the risks of a DIY […]
Why Owner-Operated Businesses Are Harder to Sell
I feel like a broken record. We have the same conversation over and over…
Owner operated businesses need to differentiate if they want to sell!
The Truth About Business Broker Sales Tactics (And How to Avoid Them)
As business brokers ourselves, we believe transparency builds trust. The best way to earn yours is by exposing the misleading tactics plaguing our industry—so you can spot them before they waste your time.
From Hustle to Harvest: Turning Your Owner-Operated Business into a Sale-Ready Asset
A shocking 75% of businesses fail to sell when owners are ready to exit. The reason? They built a job, not a business.
Running a Business Is a Lot Like Raising Kids—And That’s Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone
Feeling like you have to know everything as a business owner? You’re not alone. This article draws a powerful parallel between parenting and entrepreneurship—revealing why the smartest leaders ask for help, not hide from it. Discover how to build your support team, reduce overwhelm, and strengthen your business using the CLEAN™ framework.
Is Your Business Exit-Ready? Use the CLEAN Scorecard to Find Out.
Most business owners say they’ll sell when they’re ready. But the truth is, it’s not about when you’re ready—it’s about when your business is. That’s where the CLEAN Scorecard comes in. CLEAN stands for: Cash Flow Leadership Earnings Assets Next Steps. It’s a simple but powerful framework we use to help business owners assess how […]
The Financial Truth That Makes or Breaks Your Business Sale
Why “consistent or explainable” financials can add millions to your valuation Imagine walking into a buyer’s conference room where your financial statements are spread across the table. The first question they ask isn’t about your revenue growth—it’s about why your costs jumped 15% last quarter while sales only grew 8%. This moment can make or […]
💼 Are You Making the Million-Dollar Mistake?
Why Most Business Owners Leave Money on the Table — And How to Avoid It John had built a thriving business over 30 years. He assumed that when the time came to sell, he could name his price and walk away comfortably. But when the valuation report hit the table, the number was a punch […]