Thinking About Selling Your Business? Here’s What Actually Happened When I Did
So there I was—halfway through a cold brew and a mild existential crisis—staring at a spreadsheet that looked more like a ransom note than a financial statement.
I’d built this company from scratch. No silver spoon. No magic funding. Just late nights, strong coffee, and a borderline-unhealthy obsession with making it work. But after 9 years of grinding, I was tired. Like, deep-soul-weary tired.
I wanted out. I wanted time. I wanted to surf more and stress less. But here’s the kicker:
I had no idea how to sell a business.
I thought I did—until I realized I was in way over my head.
The DIY Delusion: “How Hard Could It Be?”
Spoiler: Harder than you think.
At first, I figured I’d just list it online. You know, toss it on one of those business-for-sale sites like it was a used lawnmower and wait for the offers to roll in. “It’s a cash-flowing business with a great team and loyal clients,” I told myself. “Who wouldn’t want that?”
Turns out… a lot of people. Or rather, the wrong people.
The first guy who contacted me? He wanted to know if I’d finance all of it. Like, 100%. The next was a self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” who ghosted after asking for a full download of our client list. (Nice try, Chad.)
After three months of that circus, my confidence was shot. My team was getting nervous. And I was starting to feel like the business I’d built was turning into an albatross around my neck.
That’s when I finally admitted what I’d been avoiding:
I needed help.
Enter: The Business Broker (aka My Exit Sherpa)
I’ll be honest—I was skeptical. The idea of handing over control (and a cut of the deal) to a stranger felt like inviting a raccoon to manage my pantry.
But I interviewed a few brokers anyway. I asked hard questions. I checked references. I treated it like hiring a top-level employee, not a Craigslist gig.
And finally, I found the one. Let’s call him Mike. Mike had this calm, “I’ve done this 100 times” energy that made me feel instantly less like I was drowning and more like I was sailing toward a shore I couldn’t see yet.
Here’s what changed when Mike stepped in:
1. He Valued My Business More Accurately Than I Ever Could
Turns out, my idea of “what it’s worth” was more emotional than logical. I priced it based on sweat and sentiment. Mike brought comps, cash flow multiples, and cold-hard objectivity.
He ran a real valuation. Not a back-of-the-napkin guess, but a legit breakdown based on EBITDA, market trends, and buyer psychology.
Guess what? His number was higher than mine. Go figure.
2. He Found Serious Buyers While I Slept (Literally)
Within two weeks of listing with Mike’s network, we had a shortlist of vetted, motivated buyers. These weren’t tire-kickers or dreamers—they had capital, experience, and actual plans.
Mike screened them like a protective dad meeting prom dates. I didn’t have to deal with flaky time-wasters anymore.
And the best part? I didn’t have to pitch myself. Mike knew how to tell the story of my business in a way that made it sound… cooler than I ever could. Like Shark Tank meets a TED Talk.
3. He Handled the Drama So I Didn’t Have To
Selling a business is weirdly emotional. There are egos involved. Surprises. Legal landmines. Negotiations that feel more like poker than logic.
There was a moment during due diligence when one buyer asked for a clause that would’ve basically let him fire my entire team post-sale. Old me might’ve panicked.
Mike? He shut it down in two sentences and pivoted the conversation like a pro.
I realized then: This is what I was paying for.
4. He Made Me More Money Than I Would’ve Alone
I know, it sounds cliché. But it’s true.
Mike negotiated like it was his business on the line. He fought for fair terms, earn-outs, non-compete timelines, and tax-advantaged structuring I wouldn’t have thought of in a million years.
By the time we closed, I had not only a better deal—but peace of mind. I could actually enjoy the beach instead of wondering if I got fleeced.
What I Wish I Knew Before Selling
If I could hop in a time machine and give myself three pieces of advice before selling, it’d be this:
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Don’t try to DIY your exit unless you’ve sold multiple companies before. It’s not like selling a car. It’s like selling a car with a franchise and loyal customer base and a reputation on the line.
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Start earlier than you think. Getting your books clean, team stable, and processes documented makes the sale way smoother—and more valuable.
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Choose your broker like you’d choose a surgeon. Interview a few. Ask about their track record in your industry. Trust your gut.
So… Should You Hire a Business Broker?
Look, I’m not here to sell you on it. (Well, kind of—but only because I lived it.)
If you’re thinking of selling your company, I’d say this:
Hiring a business broker doesn’t make you weak or lazy. It makes you smart. It shows you respect what you’ve built enough to exit the right way.
There’s no prize for struggling through it alone. No trophy for grinding through deal terms on your own at midnight.
What there is, though, is a better way to walk away with more money, less stress, and your legacy intact.
And maybe—just maybe—a few extra surf days, too. 🌊
Final Thoughts: Your Business Deserves a Clean Exit
You wouldn’t wing your business launch. Don’t wing the exit either.
Get someone in your corner who knows the terrain. Someone who’s walked this path dozens of times. Someone who can spot the potholes before you fall into them.
That was the biggest unlock for me.
And now? I’m officially out, sipping espresso in Portugal, tinkering with my next big idea—with zero regrets and one heck of a story.
You could be next.
✌️