Messaging from the Owner was consistent: the company was built on dedication to quality materials and workmanship. Also, documented SOPs, incentive-based compensation, cross-trained employees, back-up vendors, clean financials and equipment, and a strong reputation proved this company was built to grow. Given its smaller size, we knew it would still require an “all of the above” marketing approach to deliver the best outcome for our client.

National listing sites generated some interest—a few individual Buyers looking for an opportunity to grow a small business. One of them proceeded to the next step in meeting the Owner virtually after our screening, helping create early momentum.

Our direct outreach to complementary companies interested in adding aluminum gutter services to their existing home services generated two more interested Buyers. Both met with the Owner virtually and discussed submitting a Letter of Intent.

At the same time, we scoured our database of registered Buyers, many local, and shared this opportunity with appropriate prospects. One of them was not only interested but willing and able to act quickly. Ultimately, after their meeting with the Owner, both parties provided positive feedback, indicating a meeting of the minds. In fact, this Buyer communicated their ability to send a full-time Operations Director on-site after closing to immerse themselves in the business, learn everything about it from the Seller, and begin growing immediately.

Now, Buyers do not typically lead with their highest and best offer. But when we generate multiple serious, qualified potential Buyers, it does create a sense of urgency. We informed the three leading candidates of interest in this business and encouraged a full-price Letter of Intent. Because of this competition and urgency, the Buyer from our database offered full price with no seller financing. With the Owner’s organizational preparation for eventual ownership transfer, and with the trust built between the parties during the process, finalizing the binding agreement and closing went smoothly.

After touching base with the Buyer after closing, they were excited for the growth prospects and appreciative of all our Seller client had done to prepare the company, its employees, vendors, and customers for this transition. In the meeting with the Seller a couple months after closing, they had that familiar, permanent smile of a client happy to be retired and at the same time proud to see the new Owner taking what they built to the next level.

We were honored to put it together and help them harvest the equity from all they had built.