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.

The Holiday Pause: Why December Planning Sets Up Your 2026 Success

Holiday Planning for Business Owners | 2026 Exit Strategy Guide

December is here. And I get it, most business owners are either completely checked out or frantically trying to hit year-end numbers. Both are understandable. But both miss an opportunity.

December is actually the BEST time to pause, reflect, and plan for 2026. Not in a stressful way. Not in a “I have to get everything done” way. But in a thoughtful, strategic way that sets you up for success.

Here’s why: You’ve lived through 12 months of your business. You’ve seen what worked. You’ve seen what didn’t. You’ve learned what matters and what doesn’t. That’s valuable data. And most business owners waste it by not taking time to reflect.

When you DO take that time, something shifts. You see patterns you couldn’t see in the middle of the year. You get honest about reality instead of telling yourself stories. You make better decisions. And if you’re thinking about selling in 2026, you understand your baseline—which is everything.

So here’s what I want you to do this week: Take 3-4 hours and work through this simple reflection.

Start by celebrating your wins. What did you accomplish this year? What exceeded your expectations? What are you proud of? Most business owners focus on what went wrong, but understanding what went RIGHT is just as important. It shows you what to replicate. Spend 30 minutes on this. Really sit with it.
Then learn from your challenges. What was your biggest challenge? What fell short? What would you do differently? This isn’t about blame or regret. It’s about learning. The owners who grow are the ones who learn from their mistakes, not the ones who repeat them.
Now get honest about where you stand. If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, this is critical. Pull your financials. What’s your EBITDA? What’s your revenue trend? How concentrated is your customer base? How dependent is the business on you? Can it run without you? These aren’t fun questions, but they’re the ones buyers will ask. Understanding your current state is the foundation for everything else.
Then define your 2026 vision. Not vague goals like “grow the business.” Real, specific goals. When do you want to sell? How much do you need to net? What’s your biggest priority? Is it reducing owner dependency? Growing revenue? Diversifying customers? Pick ONE primary goal. Everything else is secondary.
Finally, create a 90-day action plan. You don’t need to plan the whole year. Just the first 90 days. That’s enough to create momentum. What needs to happen in January? February? March? What specific actions will move the needle? Who needs to be involved? What resources do you need?

Here’s the thing: The owners who start 2026 with clarity are the ones who win. They know where they stand. They know where they’re going. They know what needs to happen to get there. And they have a plan.

The owners who don’t? They start 2026 the same way they ended 2025—reactive, stressed, and hoping for the best.

If you’re serious about selling in 2026, this planning is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between a $3.8M exit and a $13M exit. Same business. Different preparation.

So this week, while you’re wrapping presents and enjoying time with family, take a few hours to give your business a gift: clarity. Write down your 2026 goal. Make it real. Make it specific. Then create a plan to get there.

That’s worth more than any software subscription or consultant.

Next Steps

Ready to close out 2025 strong and start 2026 positioned for success?

Block 3-4 hours on your calendar – Do this planning when you’re fresh, not rushed
Gather your data – Pull your financials and performance metrics
Work through the reflection – Use the framework above to create your plan
Share with your team – Get input and build buy-in

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, let’s talk about your exit strategy. Understanding your current state and creating a plan to improve it is the foundation for a successful exit.

Schedule Your 2026 Planning Session

About Lion Business Advisors

We help business owners close out their year strong and prepare for successful exits. Whether you’re selling in 2026 or building for long-term growth, we can help you understand your current state and create a plan to get where you want to go.

The Holiday Pause: Why December Planning Sets Up Your 2026 Success

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