21 Real Questions Business Owners Ask — Answered Honestly
Getting Started
I research industries and communities where strong, long-standing businesses thrive. Your business stood out — whether for its reputation, niche, or years of service. I'm not mass-emailing; I reach out to owners I genuinely want to learn more about.
Nope. I'm a direct buyer. There's no broker fee, commission, or obligation. If we move forward, it's because both of us believe it's the right fit.
Yes, absolutely. I take confidentiality very seriously. Anything you share will remain private and will only be reviewed by me and, if needed, members of my trusted deal team — such as my accountant, attorney, or financial advisor — to help evaluate the opportunity. I'm also happy to sign a mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before reviewing anything sensitive so that you're fully protected from the beginning.
I'm not private equity or corporate. I'm an individual operator looking to acquire and run small businesses. I take a long-term approach and care deeply about preserving what works.
That's completely okay. Many owners start conversations early. Whether you're planning for a future exit, testing the waters, or just curious about valuation, I'm happy to stay in touch and support your timeline.
Your Business & Your Team
I look for businesses that are already working well — not ones that need to be overhauled. My philosophy is to protect the values, processes, and relationships that made your business successful, while gradually improving where it makes sense.
Your team is essential. My goal is to keep your people in place and create stability for them. I don't believe in layoffs or dramatic changes — I want to support the team you've built.
I always begin with a learning phase. I take time to understand the business from the inside out, including the team, the systems, and the customer experience. Once I’ve evaluated everything, I identify areas where we can improve efficiency, scale operations, or reduce unnecessary costs. I always approach change thoughtfully, with a plan in place, and with respect for the culture you’ve built.
I do prefer a transition period to help me get up and running smoothly. That knowledge transfer is critical to the business's continued success and to my ability to lead well from day one. That said, the structure and timing are flexible. Some sellers stay on for a few months, and others continue in a consultative capacity. We'll shape the transition around what you're comfortable with and what the business needs.
The Process
It starts with a simple conversation. If we both want to explore further, I’ll send an NDA and ask for light financials like a few years of P&Ls and a balance sheet. If there's a good fit, I'll provide a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI), then we move into due diligence, finalize the agreement, and close. I keep you in the loop at every step.
Most deals take around 60–90 days from NDA to close. The exact timing can vary depending on the type of financing involved and how quickly documents and information are shared during due diligence. I work quickly but respectfully and communicate clearly so you're never left guessing.
To start, I only need light financials to evaluate fit — usually your most recent Profit & Loss statements, a balance sheet, and optionally tax returns. If we move forward into due diligence after signing an LOI, I will request a more detailed set of documents including bank statements, payroll reports, customer and vendor data, lease agreements, and other supporting materials. I’ll always explain what’s needed and why, so you’re never caught off guard.
An LOI is a non-binding document that outlines key terms of the deal like purchase price, timeline, and structure. It's a way for me to demonstrate I'm a serious buyer and us to get aligned before we both invest more time and resources in due diligence.
I’ll review documents like bank statements, payroll reports, lease agreements, and vendor/customer contracts to confirm what we’ve discussed. My goal is transparency, not disruption. I make this process smooth and respectful of your time.
Seller Flexibility & Support
While a broker is entirely optional, I strongly recommend that sellers have a trusted attorney review any legal agreements before signing. Selling your business is a significant decision, and having the right legal guidance helps protect your interests. Some sellers do proceed without legal representation, but having someone on your side ensures you fully understand the terms and implications of the deal.
You're in control throughout the process, and even after signing an LOI, you're not legally obligated to sell until the final agreement is signed. That said, moving through a business sale takes meaningful time and effort on both sides, so I try to focus on working with owners who are seriously considering a sale. If you're still in the early stages of exploring, I completely understand — we can take it slow and keep things informal until you're more certain that this is something you want to pursue.
I’ve worked across a variety of industries — from startups to more traditional businesses — and have deep family roots in small business ownership. I’ve helped companies scale, streamline, and grow while staying true to their core. That experience gives me the flexibility and insight to step into different kinds of businesses thoughtfully and effectively. More importantly, I care deeply about the legacy you’ve built. I'm not here to flip or dismantle what you've worked so hard to create — I'm here to protect it, build on it, and ensure its success continues for years to come.
An LOI is a non-binding document that outlines key terms of the deal like purchase price, timeline, and structure. It's a way for me to demonstrate I'm a serious buyer and us to get aligned before we both invest more time and resources in due diligence.
I’ll review documents like bank statements, payroll reports, lease agreements, and vendor/customer contracts to confirm what we’ve discussed. My goal is transparency, not disruption. I make this process smooth and respectful of your time.