So you are considering selling your business. Or maybe you had a call from someone offering to buy your company. How do you know what the best alternative is for your situation?

To start, you should know the differences between the different agents you could be speaking to and what they offer. In today's episode, Paul Curtiss from EBIT Associates will join us to help explain the differences and give you some idea what may be the best fit.

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One of the biggest obstacles to growth and long-term success isn’t a lack of strategy—it’s the lack of clarity. Too often, business owners assume their team understands expectations, but when roles and goals are unclear, confusion, duplication of effort, and costly mistakes follow.

In this episode, we dive into how unclear roles and undefined goals silently erode productivity, weaken accountability, and limit profitability. We’ll also explore why this becomes especially dangerous when it’s time to sell or transition a business. Buyers and successors don’t just look at financials—they look at systems, leadership, and how well the company can operate without the owner. Without clear structure and measurable goals, the value of your business can take a serious hit.

If you’re thinking about succession or planning for a future sale, this conversation will help you see where clarity creates confidence—not only for your team today but also for the future owner who’s evaluating whether your company is truly built to last.

The SBA released a notice on September 18th that could be a sign of help for small manufacturers.

In order to build our industrial base, the Trump administration is considering a one-year waiver incentives return that could reduce loan fees to zero when borrowing $950,000 or less. That could save a business owner thousands.

This episode will focus on the possible change and how we believe it may impact you. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe.

Success in business is offering a better produce or service than a competitor. The same applies when you look at succession. You need to be more attractive than another company to maximize your value.

Being prepared for the next move is critical. Today we will share some Books & The Biz experiences that show what happens when you fail to prepare your company for succession. This is especially important if you are counting on the business sale to fund your retirement.

Are you looking to sell your business?

Maybe you've had private equity come knocking on your door. Some industries are seeing PE firms flashing incredible numbers for valuations that can be quite attractive as a business owner. But what should you watch for?

As they say in business, "buyer beware". There are some great and reputable PE firms out there. Depending on your situation, selling to a PE may be the best thing for you to do, and can provide a great return. Others may turn out to be something else, and those sky high valuations fall far short when the deal finally ends.

Today's Books & The Biz shares our experience and what to watch for when crafting your exit through Private Equity. Join us for an informative episode that could save you millions!

A recent guest pointed out that about 70% of business owners looking to sell have no plan and want to get our as soon as possible. Now Books & The Biz shares a real world example of how complex a seemingly simple business sale can impact the overall transfer of wealth in the family.

Succession is a process and needs to be planned well in advance of the actual transfer of business. Other factors need to be brought forth and discussed that are often overlooked.

This episode digs deeper into how as simple transaction can become more complicated as the family gets involved. Please like, share, and subscribe.

So you sold your company for a huge multiple - Now what?

Private sales, PE, and VC money can leave business owners with a huge windfall, but it also can have serious tax implications that could take a lot of that money out of your pocket.

Today we bring in Will Sutherland, CEO and President of Three Pillars Wealth Management who believe in educating his clients on the critical importance of planning, especially when there could be a sudden inflow of cash that requires special handling to make sure as much as possible stays with you. Will shares his experience with owners who sell and what they need to do to set themselves up as they prepare to exit their company.

Today we talk about why being proactive in your succession planning can make the difference between retiring comfortably and falling short on your investment goals.

A 2024 article from The Economic Times highlights the importance of proper planning, and the fact that it is a detailed process to get the results you want.

Rich and I highlight what that lack of planning could cost you not only tomorrow, but today!

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You've probably heard us say that roughly 80% of all businesses will be sold at a discount if they are sold at all. For many owners who are counting on that sale to help fund their retirement, they are seeing a problem.

These are companies that may even have decent profits and show potential. So why is that the case?

This Books & The Biz will look at the hard truths many business owners have ignored as they built their enterprise. The good news is there's still time to change trajectory. Find out what could hold back your sale, and what you can do about it.

Matt Guse joins us as a special guest. Matt owns MRS Machining and shares his new book, "MRS Machining, A Manufacturing Story" which ties in well to our discussion today.

https://a.co/d/hVtncgZ

Being profitable in the trades doesn’t take an MBA. Both owners and employees need to understand how adding values can increase profits AND take-home pay for owners and employees alike. Leah Kallas from Great Lakes Skilled Trades will join us to share her observations as we compare what successful companies do to maximize revenue and retain talent.

About Leah: Leah Kallas is an industry professional and General Manager at Great Lakes Skilled Trades shares her insights into the economy, hiring, and what it takes to hiring new employees.

To contact Great Lakes Skilled Trades, go to: https://www.greatlakesskilledtrades.com/

Phone: 616-591-9300 Wisconsin: 262-573-5352