In this episode, host Matt Jones sits down with Jeff Armstrong from Cultivate Advisors—a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in helping business owners unlock the true value of their companies. Building on conversations from previous episodes about buying and selling trade businesses, Matt and Jeff dig deep into what it really takes to prepare your business to be an attractive, saleable asset.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Trade Business Mergers & Sales Insights
05:04 Business Owners' Ownership Transfer Blind Spot
08:17 "Business Exit Strategy Insights"
12:05 Business Health Score Evaluation
15:11 "Evaluating Enterprise Value"
18:51 Owner Dependency in Business Operations
22:21 "Exit Planning Methodology Overview"
24:19 "Measuring Success Beyond Financial Metrics"
29:32 Transitioning to Paid Marketing Strategies
32:47 Business Evaluation and Future Planning
34:10 Customized Growth Strategy Blueprint
37:31 Discussing Business Exits and Value

Takeaways:

• Why 70% of trade businesses never sell—and how to avoid being one of them
• What “enterprise value” actually means for tradies, and why it matters
• The top blind spots that keep owners stuck as the main cog in the machine
• How to turn your business into a cash cow OR sale-ready asset

Jeff shares powerful insights into the concept of “enterprise value,” explaining why most business owners mistakenly view their companies as just income producers rather than valuable, transferable assets. The conversation explores common blind spots, key value drivers like owner dependency and financial clarity, and practical steps you can take—even if you’re not planning to sell right away—to build a business that runs without you and stands out to buyers or investors.

Your Next Step:

Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

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