Owner dependency
Can the company operate successfully without you handling every important relationship or decision?
EXIT READINESS REVIEW
Know what your
business is worth—
and what could be
holding it back.
A practical review of your company’s current value range, potential risks, and opportunities to strengthen the business—whether you’re preparing for a sale, planning a succession, or considering an investment partner.
Start with 14 quick questions See What’s IncludedConfidential • No obligation to sell • Designed for privately held businesses
Business broker & M&A advisor since 2012Former business ownerHome services & manufacturing experienceCalifornia-licensed broker
WHY PREPARE EARLY?
A profitable business is not always a
transferable business.
Buyers and investment partners want to understand how a business performs and what supports its future growth. Identifying their likely questions early gives you time to strengthen the company—and preserve the value you worked years to build.
Financial presentation
Will a buyer or investment partner understand the earnings, add-backs, working capital needs, and true cash flow?
Concentration and risk
Would the loss of one customer, employee, vendor, or license materially affect the business?
SUCCESSION & YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Is the business ready—and are you?
A business can be ready for new ownership while its owner still has questions about stepping back. What would you want your days to look like? What would you miss, and what would you welcome the chance to change?
Make room for the people involved.
Your children may have different plans than you expect. A business partner may want to leave sooner, or a key employee may need more preparation before taking charge. BTB helps you identify the questions to discuss, including timing, responsibilities, and what each person hopes to see happen.
Connect the business decision to your needs.
The company’s value is one part of the picture. Your income needs, preferred level of involvement, and plans outside the business matter too. We can identify questions for your financial and tax advisers to help you understand whether a possible transition supports those needs.
Consider the path that fits.
You might pass the business to family, explore an employee purchase, sell to an outside buyer, or bring in an investment partner while keeping an ownership stake. You can also use the review to strengthen the business while you continue to run it.
Preparing for an investment partner.
BTB helps identify areas to strengthen—financial reporting, leadership depth, repeatable operations, and reduced dependence on you—so the business is better prepared for conversations with a private equity group or other investment partner. We can also discuss what supports your growth plans and where additional resources may be needed.
Turn priorities into work you can track.
We’ll discuss which improvements deserve attention first, who could take responsibility, and a sensible order for the work. If you choose ongoing support, we’ll agree on how often to review progress and what help is included.
With your permission, BTB can help organize the business questions and agreed next steps with your existing advisers. Your attorney, accountant, and financial adviser bring their own expertise. If family or partner disagreements need specialized help, we can discuss the kind of support to look for.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
A clear view of where you stand today.
Your review is grounded in your company’s financials, operations, market position, and the questions a buyer or investment partner may ask.
An indicative value range.
A discussion of your company’s current value range, the assumptions behind it, and the factors that may influence a buyer’s offer.
A buyer’s or investor’s view.
Identify questions about earnings, owner dependency, customer concentration, leadership depth, and the systems supporting the company’s growth.
Practical next steps.
Identify improvements and information gaps, discuss who could handle each next step, and set priorities around your business and personal goals.
The goal: understand what matters most to a buyer.
See what a buyer or investment partner will evaluate, identify where your business needs preparation, and decide what to work on in light of your own goals.
A SIMPLE WAY TO START
A conversation first.
A practical review next.
Tell me a little about your business.
Start with 14 short questions. Most have a choice of answers, and “not sure” is always welcome where you may not have the numbers handy.
Have a free conversation.
We’ll talk through your answers, your goals, and where I may be able to help. There’s no obligation to move forward.
Choose the support that fits.
If you like what you hear, we’ll agree on a scope and price that fits your business—a one-time review or ongoing support through a modest retainer.
MEET DAVID CHAVEZ
I’ve been on the
owner’s side, too.
Deciding what comes next for your business is personal. It helps to work with someone who understands what went into building it.
I’ve worked in business brokerage and M&A since 2012. I have owned and operated multiple businesses in the manufacturing and service sectors. That experience shapes how I work with owners: ask useful questions, speak plainly, and focus on what matters.
BTB brings that perspective to an earlier stage—helping you prepare for a future sale, succession, or investment partnership before you’re in the middle of a transaction.
David ChavezBusiness Broker & M&A Advisor
COMMON QUESTIONS
You don’t need
all the answers
to get started.
Why do this now?
It’s easy to put this off when you’re busy running a business. I know how much attention the day-to-day demands. Starting the conversation now gives you time to think through your options, make changes at your own pace, and prepare someone else to take the reins. You don’t need a firm decision or a sale date to begin.
Why work with you?
I’ve owned and operated businesses myself, and I’ve worked in business brokerage and M&A since 2012. I understand that stepping back involves more than the numbers. I won’t pretend to have every answer, but I can listen, ask practical questions, and share what I’ve learned. If you need help outside my experience, I’ll say so. The free conversation is a chance for us both to see whether working together makes sense.
Do I need to be ready to sell now?
No. The review can help you prepare for a sale, a family or employee transition, or an investment partner to support growth. You can begin while you’re still planning to stay involved in the business.
Can this help me prepare for a private equity partner?
Yes. You may want capital and experience to help the business grow while retaining an ownership stake and staying involved. The review helps identify gaps in financial reporting, management depth, operations, and growth planning before you speak with a private equity group or other investment partner. Each group has its own criteria; preparation does not guarantee investment or particular terms.
Is this a business valuation?
The review includes an indicative value range, together with questions a buyer may ask and areas to prepare. It is not a formal appraisal or a guarantee of sale price. The range depends on the information provided and the assumptions discussed.
Can you work with the advisers I already use?
Yes. With your permission, we can discuss the business findings and next steps with your existing advisers. BTB focuses on business preparation; your legal, tax, accounting, and financial advisers remain responsible for their areas. If a family or partner disagreement needs specialized attention, we can discuss what additional help may be appropriate.
What information will you need?
We’ll agree on a document list after discussing your business. Financial statements, revenue information, and a description of your role are common starting points. Please wait until we agree on a sharing method before sending sensitive documents.
How much does the review cost?
The initial conversation is free. If you like what you hear, we’ll tailor the scope and price to your business’s size and the time and support you need. That could be a one-time fee or a modest ongoing retainer—whatever makes the most sense. We’ll agree on the cost before any paid work begins.
Does the review mean I’m listing my business?
No. Listing and selling your business is a separate service, based entirely on your succession plans and how you choose to act on them.
START WITH A FREE CONVERSATION
You don’t need to know what to ask.
Answer 14 short questions about your business. They’ll give us a useful starting point for our conversation.
Estimates are fine. No financial documents needed.
YOUR CONVERSATION STARTING POINT
Review your answers
After sending your answers, choose a time for your free call. If you already booked, there’s no need to book again.
Choose a time for my free call