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.

From Assessment to Action: Your Strategic Exit Planning Roadmap

You’ve completed your exit planning assessment. Now what?

Many business owners stop at understanding their current value. The truly strategic ones use that assessment as a blueprint for systematic preparation.

The Assessment-to-Action Transformation

Understanding Your Starting Point

Your recent assessment revealed more than just a number. It provided a comprehensive snapshot of your business’s current state, including:

Precise market valuation
Operational readiness
Potential value enhancement areas
Strategic exit timeline options

This isn’t just data. It’s your strategic preparation roadmap.

The 90-Day Preparation Sprint

Phase 1: Financial Clarity (Days 1-30)

Objective: Transform your financial documentation from “acceptable” to “exceptional”

Key Actions:

Conduct a comprehensive financial audit
Eliminate personal expenses from business financials
Create clear, buyer-ready financial reporting
Work with CPA to optimize tax positioning
Develop 3-year financial projection model

Metrics to Track:

Cleaned financial records
Reduced tax liability
Improved profit margin visibility

Phase 2: Operational Independence (Days 31-60)

Objective: Reduce owner dependency and create scalable systems

Key Actions:

Document all critical business processes
Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Cross-train key team members
Create management succession plan
Implement performance management systems

Metrics to Track:

Percentage of processes documented
Number of cross-trained employees
Management team performance indicators

Phase 3: Strategic Positioning (Days 61-90)

Objective: Enhance business value and market attractiveness

Key Actions:

Analyze customer concentration risks
Develop strategies to diversify revenue streams
Identify and mitigate potential buyer concerns
Build competitive intelligence report
Create growth narrative for potential buyers

Metrics to Track:

Customer diversity ratio
Revenue stream diversification
Competitive positioning score

Building Your Advisory Dream Team

Strategic exit preparation requires a coordinated team:

1. CPA/Tax Strategist

Optimize financial reporting
Develop tax-efficient exit strategies
Identify potential tax liabilities

2. M&A Advisor

Market valuation insights
Buyer network access
Transaction structure guidance

3. Attorney

Legal structure optimization
Contract and liability protection
Transaction document preparation

4. Wealth Manager

Post-sale financial planning
Investment strategy development
Tax-efficient wealth preservation

5. Business Coach/Strategist

Operational improvement guidance
Leadership development
Change management support

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Pitfall 1: Waiting for Perfection

Preparation isn’t about creating a flawless business. It’s about systematic, meaningful improvements.

Pitfall 2: Inconsistent Effort

Strategic preparation requires consistent, focused action. Sporadic efforts yield minimal results.

Pitfall 3: Isolation

Don’t try to navigate this journey alone. Leverage your advisory team’s collective expertise.

Tracking Your Progress

Recommended Tracking Tools:

Quarterly assessment updates
Monthly advisory team meetings
Detailed preparation dashboard
Objective, measurable milestones

The Psychological Dimension

Exit preparation isn’t just a technical process. It’s an emotional journey.

Emotional Milestones to Expect:

Initial excitement
Moments of doubt
Increased confidence
Strategic empowerment

Your Continued Learning Path

Recommended Resources:

Monthly exit planning webinars
Peer networking groups
Continuous assessment updates
Industry-specific transition workshops

Investment vs. Return

The businesses that invest in strategic preparation typically see:

15-25% higher valuations
Faster transaction processes
More favorable deal terms
Reduced transaction stress

Decision Season Continues

October isn’t just about understanding your current position. It’s about taking strategic action.

The business owners who achieve their ideal exits don’t wait for opportunities—they create them.

Are you ready to transform your assessment into action?

From Assessment to Action: Your Strategic Exit Planning Roadmap

The Assessment-to-Action Transformation

Understanding Your Starting Point

The 90-Day Preparation Sprint

Phase 1: Financial Clarity (Days 1-30)

Phase 2: Operational Independence (Days 31-60)

Phase 3: Strategic Positioning (Days 61-90)

Building Your Advisory Dream Team

1. CPA/Tax Strategist

2. M&A Advisor

3. Attorney

4. Wealth Manager

5. Business Coach/Strategist

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Pitfall 1: Waiting for Perfection

Pitfall 2: Inconsistent Effort

Pitfall 3: Isolation

Tracking Your Progress

The Psychological Dimension

Your Continued Learning Path

Investment vs. Return

Decision Season Continues

Categories

Advisors