We recently shared with you how owners can control their exit and not let their exit control them. We highlighted the foreword to the book Poised for Exit by Julie Keyes, which was written by Sunbelt Business Advisors and True North Mergers and Acquisitions CEO Chris Jones. If that sparked your interest, here is the...
Most business owners don’t want to think about exit planning. You spend years focused on growth, not on selling. It feels distant, uncomfortable, or even unnecessary, and you’ll get to it “someday.” But as Chris Jones, CEO of Sunbelt Business Advisors and True North Mergers and Acquisitions, writes in his foreword to Poised for Exit...
You may have seen the recent news: Minnesota Rusco, as their well-known jingle states, has been a strong and respected company in our community since 1955. Without warning, it was shut down after recently being acquired by an out-of-state private equity group. What Went Wrong? In full disclosure, we were not a part of this...
You’ve poured years into your business, and you’ve built something valuable. Getting something for all your hard work sounds great, but maybe you’re not ready to walk away. You still love the work, the people, the impact, but maybe you just don’t want all your wealth tied up in your business anymore, or you feel...
Every business owner knows the feeling: “Let’s go one more year. Just one more good year before I sell.” It sounds reasonable. Finish strong, boost value, leave on a high note. But here’s what often happens instead: That “one more year” turns into two or three.Energy starts to dip.Growth slows, and reinvestment stalls.Market conditions shift.And...
Running a business is hard. Even the most successful owners eventually hit a wall. Maybe you’re showing up out of obligation and not inspiration, tired, stuck, or just not excited anymore. If that sounds familiar, it’s not a failure. It’s a sign. But here’s the thing: burnout isn’t a business plan. And boredom isn’t a...
Selling your business is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. For most owners, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. There are no do-overs, so getting it right that one time can make a huge impact for you going forward. The difference between a good deal and a great one can shape the next...
The Right Advisor Changes Everything Selling your business is a big decision. Who’s guiding you through it matters, not just as a dealmaker, but as someone who understands your world. At Sunbelt, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. With over 40 experienced advisors in our office, our team brings a wide range of professional...
Most owners focus on the financial side of the sale: valuation, deal terms, taxes. And that’s important. But one of the most common things we hear after the sale? “I wish I’d thought more about what comes next.” Exiting your business is not just a financial transaction, it’s a personal transition. And when that part...
