The Knowledge Hub
Blogs
Case Study #95: Gravity Payments and their $70,000 Minimum Annual Salary
It’s encouraging to see companies like Gravity building a positive universe of work and contribution.
The Apex Guide for First-Time Business Sellers
We recently did a guide for first-time buyers, so we naturally wanted to cover the other side of the transaction: first-time sellers.
ETA: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: That fancy ETA label might get people so excited they miss important caution flags.
The Apex Business Advisors Podcast
Episode 206 – Who Runs the Business When You’re Gone? The 4 D’s Every Owner Must Plan For
Andy and Doug talk about the “four D’s” of emergency business sales — death, disability, divorce and disagreement. Through real client stories (widows left to sort businesses, remote children stepping in, and tangled estate access issues) they explore how sudden events can upend companies and families.
Key takeaways include creating an emergency “break-glass” folder with logins and trusted contacts, appointing authorized signers for payroll and bills, setting transfer-on-death for accounts and real estate, and using wills, trusts and life insurance as practical exit-plan tools to protect employees, family and business continuity.
Episode 205 – Know Your Number: Using Business Valuation to Maximize Exit Value
Andy and Doug are joined once again by Friend of the Show Valerie Vaughn to break down why understanding business valuation is essential to successful exit planning. They cover the Exit Planning Institute framework (Discover, Prepare, Decide), the value of getting a ballpark valuation early, and how to use valuations as an annual measuring stick to guide growth and transition decisions.
Listeners will learn practical next steps: assemble a team of advisors (attorney, CPA, financial planner, M&A/broker), run 90-day sprints to clean up issues, and focus on levers that improve profitability and multiples. The hosts also share a case study illustrating how to close a retirement funding gap and make a business more marketable.
Episode 204 – Lost by 5%: How Offer Structure and Motivation Win Deals
Andy and Doug welcome returning guest Valerie Vaughn to discuss recent closings and the realities of a competitive buyer market. They walk through a repeat buyer’s journey, from selling a business in 2024 to searching and finally winning the right acquisition.
The episode breaks down real deal comparisons: how a 5% price gap, down payment size, financing structure, and the overall capital stack influence seller decisions. They emphasize speed, certainty, and the seller’s emotional priorities—employees, customers, and legacy—when choosing between multiple offers.
Practical takeaways include writing clear, bankable LOIs, presenting a strong capital stack, and adjusting the tone to build rapport with sellers.
Videos
How Much is My Business Worth?
Knowing the Value of Your Company
FAQs
For Sellers
How far ahead of a desired exit should I be speaking with an advisor?
It’s never too early to plan, but if you want to increase value, improve your company’s marketability, and ensure a quick transition, you should start now.
Are buyers truly qualified?
Yes, all prospective buyers are carefully vetted for financial capability and required to sign confidentiality agreements.
FAQs
For Buyers
Do financial statements match tax returns?
Tax returns and financial statements often differ due to accounting methods and year-end adjustments like depreciation and amortization. We help you understand these details clearly.
How much upfront investment will I need?
Banks typically require a 10%-20% equity injection.