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Business Valuations​

Business Valuations: More Than Just a Number
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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.

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Why Get a Valuation Now?
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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.

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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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