Business Deals and Real Talk with The Choes

In Episode 11 of Business Deals & Real Talk with The Choes (BDRT), Hollie and Johnathan sit down with Sophie Wong of Standard Escrow to break down everything business owners, buyers, and agents need to know about the California escrow process—for both business sales and real estate transactions.

Sophie brings years of hands-on experience and walks us through how escrow works in California, what documents are required, key timelines, and the biggest do’s and don’ts that can make or break a smooth closing.

She also explains how escrow acts as an impartial, neutral third party, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and accountability on both sides of the transaction.

Whether you’re selling a business with leased space, purchasing a property with an operating company, or handling both in one deal, this episode gives you a clear roadmap of what to expect.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the California escrow process works for business + real estate deals
• Required documents and timelines every buyer and seller must follow
• Why escrow neutrality protects both parties
• Common issues that delay closings (and how to avoid them)
• How business brokers, attorneys, lenders, and escrow work together
• Tips for ensuring a clean, stress-free transaction in California

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational and general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Every transaction is unique. Listeners should consult with their own qualified advisors—including attorneys, CPAs, escrow officers, and licensed professionals—before making decisions related to buying or selling a business or real estate in California.

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In Episode 10 of Business Deals & Real Talk with The Choes (BDRT), Hollie and Johnathan sit down with Yvonne Ward of Western Title & Escrow to unpack one of the most critical – and often misunderstood – parts of a business sale: title and escrow.

Yvonne shares what really happens behind the scenes once an offer is accepted, how escrow protects both buyers and sellers, common red flags that can delay closing, and practical tips to keep your transaction moving smoothly.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned seller, or a professional in the deal-making world, this episode gives you clear, real-world insight into the escrow process and why choosing the right team matters.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• The role of title and escrow in a business transaction
• Common issues that arise during escrow (and how to avoid them)
• How business owners can better prepare for a clean, stress-free closing

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational and general informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice. Every business sale is unique, and listeners should consult with their own qualified advisors—such as attorneys, CPAs, and licensed professionals—before making decisions related to buying or selling a business.

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Thinking about selling your business? Don’t let messy accounting or hidden liabilities tank your valuation. In this episode,  the Choes bring on Valerie Wilson of Eagle Eye Accounting to help business owners get exit‑ready. Valerie walks sellers through:

• How to get your books “deal‑proof” — clean, organized, and transparent
• Key financial statements and metrics buyers will scrutinize
• Common red flags that reduce buyer confidence (and how to fix them)
• Strategies to improve profitability and cash flow before listing
• What to prepare ahead of due diligence to avoid surprises

If you’re serious about maximizing your sale price, reducing negotiation risk, and entering the process with full confidence, this episode will give you the financial foundation you need to close with strength.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before making decisions regarding the sale or purchase of a business.

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In this episode of Business Deals & Real Talk with The Choes, Hollie and Johnathan sit down with Lance Noel, Senior Commercial Lender at United Midwest Savings Bank, to dig into the world of SBA lending and how entrepreneurs can leverage it to fuel business growth.

Lance brings over 15 years of experience and a reputation for blending technical expertise with a relational approach. 
 He shares:

• What lenders evaluate when reviewing SBA loan proposals
• The differences between SBA 7(a), 504, and Express programs
• How to structure your business and financials to improve approval odds
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Real-world success stories and cautionary tales
• How he approaches working with clients — combining detail orientation, accessibility, and supportiveness

Listeners will walk away with actionable insights and deeper clarity on whether SBA financing is right for their next acquisition, expansion, or capital investment.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before making decisions regarding the sale or purchase of a business.

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In this episode of Business Deals and Real Talk with the Choes, Hollie and Johnathan are joined by Rob Radanovich to dive deep into the world of selling service-based businesses.

They explore the unique challenges and opportunities service businesses face when preparing for sale, including valuation strategies, operational considerations, and how to attract the right buyers. Rob shares his expert perspective from years of guiding owners through successful exits, while the Choes break down actionable tips for business owners at any stage.

Whether you’re planning to sell now or in the future, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to maximize your business’s value and ensure a smooth transaction.

Real conversations. Real deals. Real talk.

 Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any business decisions.

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🎙️ Episode 6: Financing Your Business – Insights with Huy Tran from Byline Bank

In this episode of Business Deals and Real Talk with the Choes, Hollie and Johnathan are joined by Huy Tran from Byline Bank to discuss the financial side of business ownership.

They explore how to secure funding, navigate lending options, and make smart financial decisions when buying, growing, or expanding a business. Huy shares expert advice on what lenders look for, common challenges, and strategies to position your business for financial success.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode gives you the tools and knowledge to confidently approach financing and make informed decisions.

Real conversations. Real deals. Real talk.

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any business decisions.

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In this episode of Business Deals and Real Talk with the Choes, Hollie and Johnathan are joined by Rob Radanovich for an in-depth webinar-style discussion on preparing a business for a successful exit.

They walk through the full roadmap to readiness, including strategic planning, financial considerations, operational improvements, and key steps that maximize the value of a business before it hits the market. Rob shares expert insights from years of experience guiding owners through the exit process, while the Choes break down practical takeaways for listeners at any stage of business ownership.

Whether you’re thinking about selling now or planning for the future, this episode gives you the tools and knowledge to confidently navigate the path to a successful exit.

💬 Tagline: Real conversations. Real deals. Real talk.

⚖️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any business decisions.

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In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood aspects of selling a business: seller financing. What is it? Why do buyers ask for it? And how can it actually help sellers close deals faster—and often at better valuations?

Join us as we share real-world insights, examples, and best practices on how seller financing works, what risks to watch out for, and why being open to this option can significantly increase the marketability of your business.

Whether you're thinking about selling soon or just want to understand deal structures better, this episode is packed with practical advice and "real talk" from experienced business brokers.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• How seller financing bridges the gap for buyers
• Why it's not the same as giving your business away
• Ways to protect yourself and structure a win-win deal

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any business decisions.

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In this episode of Business Deals and Real Talk with the Choes, Hollie and Johnathan break down the buyer’s journey — from the first spark of entrepreneurial curiosity to signing on the dotted line.

They share insider insights on what every buyer should know before purchasing a business, how to avoid common pitfalls, and the key steps to navigating due diligence, financing, and negotiation with confidence.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for your next opportunity, this episode gives you a real-world roadmap to making smart, strategic moves in today’s market.

💬 Tagline: Real conversations. Real deals. Real talk.

⚖️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any business decisions.

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Episode 2: The Seller’s Journey – From Valuation to ClosingIn this episode of Business Deals and Real Talk with the Choes, we dive into the seller’s journey—what it really takes to prepare and sell your business the right way. From understanding valuation and protecting confidentiality to getting your operations sale-ready, we break down each step of the process. We also talk about the importance of having the right team by your side to guide you through one of the most important transitions of your life. Whether you're thinking about selling now or in a few years, this episode is packed with must-know insights.

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or business advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any business decisions.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show