Our Process
A flexible framework designed around your business.
1. Application & Discovery Call
What It Is:
The first step is a short application and discovery call designed to ensure we’re the right fit. We work only with owners who are serious about preparing their business for sale, typically within the next 1–5 years.
Why It Matters:
This step protects your time and ours. Too many business owners wait until the last minute, leaving value on the table. By applying early, you’ll gain clarity on what’s realistic and start building a trusted relationship with an advisor who understands exit strategy.
What You Receive:
Application review and qualification
30-minute discovery call to discuss your goals, timeline, and challenges
Clear next steps if you’re accepted into the Exit Readiness Program
2. Exit Readiness Review
What It Is:
A comprehensive business assessment and valuation designed to uncover the true market value of your company today. We look at financial statements, operations, and owner dependence to identify how buyers will view your business.
Why It Matters:
Most owners overestimate value or ignore the weaknesses buyers see immediately. This review highlights the exact factors that increase or decrease purchase offers, helping you make informed decisions.
What You Receive:
Professional business valuation (based on market comparables and financial performance)
Exit readiness scorecard highlighting strengths and weaknesses
Actionable insights on where your business is most vulnerable from a buyer’s perspective
3. Optimization Plan
What It Is:
A tailored roadmap that outlines the specific operational and financial improvements needed to maximize your exit value. Rather than generic advice, this plan is customized to your business and your retirement goals.
Why It Matters:
Buyers pay more for businesses that run smoothly without the owner, have clean financials, and demonstrate predictable performance. Without an optimization plan, you risk leaving hundreds of thousands – or potentially millions – on the table.
What You Receive:
Customized exit optimization report
Recommendations for operational improvements (processes, systems, delegation)
Financial cleanup strategy (profitability improvements, reporting clarity, expense management)
Prioritized timeline so you know what to tackle first
4. Implementation & Support
What It Is:
We don’t just hand over a report – we walk alongside you to help implement the changes that will move the needle. This includes project management, accountability check-ins, and introductions to specialists if needed (legal, tax, or wealth advisors).
Why It Matters:
Most owners never execute on advice because they’re busy running the business. Implementation support ensures the plan becomes reality, giving buyers confidence that your company is truly sale-ready.
What You Receive:
Ongoing support sessions to track progress against the optimization plan
Templates, tools, and resources to streamline implementation
Access to our network of trusted partners for specialized needs
Progress reporting showing measurable improvements in readiness and value
5. Profitable Sale Packaging
What It Is:
The final step is preparing your business to go to market. This includes creating buyer-ready materials, answering the tough questions in advance, and packaging your company so it stands out as a high-value acquisition.
Why It Matters:
Even profitable businesses fail to sell because they aren’t positioned correctly. By packaging your company the right way, you reduce buyer risk, increase trust, and command stronger offers.
What You Get:
Exit readiness binder with all financial, operational, and compliance documents organized
Buyer presentation materials highlighting your company’s strengths and growth potential
Coaching on how to answer buyer questions confidently
A sale-ready business positioned to achieve maximum value
A Tailored Process - No Wasted Steps
Above is the full process, but in actuality your situation sets the pace. Our process is fully customized to meet you where your business is today. Meaning we won’t run you through steps you don’t need – if you’re ready to package for sale, we’ll start there. If operations or financials need tightening first, we’ll focus on that. Every step is tailored to your goals and timeline, so you get meaningful results without wasted time, effort, or investment.