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Business Valuations

Business Valuations: More Than Just a Number

In my 25+ years across banking, consulting, and business brokerage, I’ve seen one recurring truth: A business is worth exactly what the market is willing to pay and a bank is willing to lend. A valuation shouldn't be a 50-page document that sits on a shelf. It should be a strategic tool used to unlock wealth, secure capital, or prepare for your next chapter. My approach combines the rigor of my banking background with the "real world" transaction data I see every day as a broker at SVN North Star.

Why Get a Valuation Now?

Whether you are looking to exit in six months or scale for the next six years, understanding your "Baseline Value" is the first step in strategic planning.

Are You Considering an Exit from Your Business?

If your business represents 40% to 80% of your total wealth, you cannot afford to guess its value. Most owners leave money on the table—or fail to sell at all—because they don't understand how a buyer views their "Owner Benefit."

Recasting Earnings: I help you "add back" personal expenses and one-time costs to show the true earning power of your business.

Market Multiples: Using local and national data, I show you what similar businesses in the Midwest are actually selling for today.

Deal Structure: I’ll explain how the "Value" changes based on how you structure the deal. Knowledge and planning give you flexibility. Flexibility gives you more ways to achieve your exit objective.

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Are You Considering Growing Your Business?

To grow, you need capital. Whether you are seeking an SBA 7(a) loan or private investment, lenders care about one thing: Debt Service Coverage.

Lender Perspective: Having been a bank loan executive, I look at your business through the eyes of a credit committee.

Identifying Value Drivers: We identify which parts of your business (recurring revenue, proprietary systems, team depth) are driving value and which are "drags" on your multiple.

Strategic Roadmap: A valuation provides the "X" on the map so you can chart a course toward a higher valuation in 3–5 years.

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My Process: The "Market-Informed" Approach

  • I do not provide "desktop appraisals" based solely on software. My valuations are built on:

  • Direct Market Evidence: Actual transaction data from the SVN network and proprietary databases.

  • Lender Feasibility: Ensuring the valuation aligns with current interest rates and bank lending criteria.

  • Operational Insights: As an MBA instructor and consultant, I look past the P&L to see the operational strengths that a buyer will value.

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Ready to find out what your hard work is worth?

A confidential conversation is the first step toward a successful strategy.

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