Client Background
A first-time business buyer came to us during the purchase of a company. She was handling the entire process on her own, without a CPA, relying on a broker who represented the seller, and working with an attorney who had some business purchase experience but not specialized in mergers and acquisitions. She felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the steps she was taking, with no trusted advisory team truly working in her best interest.
The Challenge
Purchasing a business is one of the most significant financial and personal commitments an entrepreneur can make. Without the right advisors in place, buyers risk:
- Overpaying for the business
- Missing critical tax and financial details
- Lacking proper HR infrastructure for employees
- Being unsupported in negotiations with the seller’s team
Our client needed not only financial clarity but also a support system of experts dedicated to her success.
The Solution
When The Small Business Advisor entered the picture, our priority was to assemble the right team around her:
- Exit Planning Expertise: We introduced a Certified Exit Planning Advisor whose skills also benefit buyers by uncovering risks and ensuring long-term success.
- CPA Selection: We curated a list of experienced CPAs for her to interview, helping her find one who aligned with her goals and the size of the business.
- HR Support: Since the firm she was acquiring was large enough to require an HR structure, we connected her with several outsourced HR companies to evaluate the best fit.
We also walked her through the front-end planning process, what to have in place before the purchase, so she could feel confident moving forward into ownership.
The Results
With the right professionals at the table, the client felt an immediate sense of relief. Instead of facing the purchase alone, she had a trusted team supporting her at every step. This allowed her to:
- Negotiate from a stronger position
- Gain clarity on financial and HR responsibilities
- Enter the purchase confident in her decision
Most importantly, she felt supported and empowered, knowing she wasn’t navigating this complex process alone.
Key Takeaway
At The Small Business Advisor, we don’t just manage numbers; we build teams and strategies that protect our clients’ investments. Whether buying, selling, or growing a business, we ensure our clients have the right advisors in place so they can focus on building the future they envision.