How long does it take to sell a business in Texas?

Most confidential business sales take 7-9 months from listing to closing, though preparation can begin 1-3 years earlier depending on readiness. Lion Business Advisors achieves a 70-80% success rate compared to the industry average of 20-30%.

What is my business worth?

Business valuation depends on financial performance, market conditions, industry multiples, and growth potential. Our valuation process benchmarks your business against current market data to establish a defensible price range. We specialize in businesses valued between $1M and $50M with annual revenues of $2M-$50M.

How do you protect confidentiality during a business sale?

We use controlled data systems, require NDAs before sharing information, vet all buyers for financial qualification, and maintain anonymity until you approve disclosure. Confidentiality is the most important ingredient in the successful sale of your business.

What makes Lion Business Advisors different from other business brokers?

We combine experienced M&A advisory with advanced valuation tools, rigorous buyer qualification, and full-cycle deal support. Our advisors hold certifications including CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) and CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor). We achieve a 70-80% success rate and are recognized as M&A Advisors of the Year 2023 by Acquisitions International.

What types of businesses does Lion Business Advisors specialize in?

We specialize in owner-operated, founder-led trades and service businesses including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, construction, metal fabrication, landscaping, commercial cleaning, pest control, dental practices, medical practices, equipment rental, and staffing/recruiting firms. Our typical clients have revenues between $2M-$50M and enterprise values of $1M-$50M.

What is the 7-Step Lion Selling Process?

The 7-Step Lion Selling Process includes: (1) Valuation & Readiness Review using advanced models, (2) Preparation & Packaging with secure data rooms, (3) Buyer Targeting & Marketing with qualified prospects, (4) Negotiation & Due Diligence management, (5) Closing & Transition support. Every stage blends data-driven insights with hands-on advisory support to keep you informed and in control.

Do you work with buyers or just sellers?

While we primarily focus on seller representation (98% of our engagements), we also provide buyer representation services for qualified purchasers. We maintain an extensive buyer network reaching virtually 100% of business buyers through strategic marketing channels including BizBuySell, Axial, LoopNet, and direct outreach.

What are your fees for selling a business?

Our success fees follow the Modern Lehman formula structure, with an upfront administrative fee of $7,500-$20,000 covering valuation, preparation, and marketing. We compete on service quality and marketing expertise rather than fees, ensuring you receive comprehensive support throughout the entire transaction.

5 Hidden Exit Signals Every Business Owner Should Recognize

There’s a moment in every business owner’s journey when something shifts. It’s not a loud, dramatic change. It’s a subtle whisper—a signal that something needs to be different.

After working with hundreds of business owners across Texas, I’ve learned these signals aren’t about giving up. They’re invitations to get strategic, to understand your options, to create a plan that gives you more freedom and choice.

The Five Hidden Exit Signals

Signal 1: The Sunday Night Syndrome

When you start dreading Monday mornings more than you’re excited about your business, pay attention.

This isn’t just typical entrepreneurial fatigue. It’s a deeper signal that something fundamental has changed in your relationship with your business.

What It Really Means:

You’re losing passion for day-to-day operations
The business no longer aligns with your personal goals
You’re feeling more like a prisoner than an owner

Not a Signal to Quit, But to Explore:

What would make you excited about the business again?
Are there roles or responsibilities you could shift?
Is it time to consider a strategic transition?

Signal 2: Vacation Impossible

The most telling sign of a business’s health? The owner’s ability to truly disconnect.

If you can’t take a real vacation without the business falling apart, that’s more than an operational issue. It’s an exit signal.

What Buyers Look For:

Businesses that can run smoothly without constant owner intervention
Documented processes
Strong management team
Systems that create predictability

Preparation Steps:

Document your key processes
Train and empower your management team
Create operational playbooks
Build redundancy in critical roles

Signal 3: Family Conversations

When your family starts asking, “What’s next?” more frequently, listen carefully.

They’re often seeing something you might be missing—a need for change, a desire for a new chapter, potential burnout.

What Family Signals Reveal:

Concerns about your stress levels
Curiosity about your long-term plans
Potential support for a transition

Conversation Starters:

What are your personal and professional goals?
How does the business fit into your broader life plan?
Are you still finding fulfillment?

Signal 4: Industry Transformation

Pay attention to broader industry shifts:

Competitors selling their businesses
Increasing industry consolidation
Technological disruptions
Changing market dynamics

These aren’t just trends—they’re potential opportunities or warnings for your own business.

Strategic Considerations:

How are these shifts impacting your business model?
Are you positioned to adapt or become an acquisition target?
What makes your business uniquely valuable in changing times?

Signal 5: Value Uncertainty

If you can’t confidently answer, “What is my business actually worth right now?” that’s a clear signal to get clarity.

What Uncertainty Reveals:

Lack of financial tracking
Unclear value drivers
Missed optimization opportunities

Clarity Creates Options:

Understand your current market value
Identify value enhancement strategies
Prepare for potential future transactions

From Signals to Strategy

These signals aren’t stop signs. They’re navigation tools.

The business owners who catch these signals early are the ones who create successful, stress-free transitions. They don’t react—they prepare.

Your October Action Plan

Reflect on These Signals
- Which ones resonate with your current experience?
- What do they reveal about your business and personal goals?
Get Clarity
- Complete a comprehensive business assessment
- Understand your current value and readiness
- Identify strategic preparation priorities
Build Your Advisory Team
- CPA for financial clarity
- Attorney for legal strategy
- M&A advisor for market insights
- Wealth manager for post-transition planning

The October Advantage

October isn’t just another month. It’s Decision Season—a time for strategic reflection and preparation.

The businesses that thrive aren’t the ones with the highest revenues, but the ones with the clearest strategies.

Are you ready to turn these signals into your strategic advantage?

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