August 27, 2018
Getting the Owner Out of the Way
I posted recently about seeing a rash of mangled financial statements. I wrote it’s my top item owners should fix to increase value, and just…
August 24, 2018
Wanted: Accurate Financial Statements
Once again I’m in the middle of a deal where the seller treats accounting like a weak little step-sister. Garbage in-garbage out syndrome, co-mingling businesses,…
August 21, 2018
Moving a Deal Along with Empathy
When working with business buyers and sellers I’ve found those who demonstrate empathy to those on the others side get things moving faster (than those…
August 6, 2018
Fool Me Once Or Fool Me All The Time
On June 2, 2018 Jason Zweig’s article in the Wall Street Journal was titled, “The Fanciful Alphabet Soup Companies Use to Fool You.” The premise…
July 25, 2018
When It’s Your Own Money….
A few months ago the Wall Street Journal’s Business section’s headline was, “China Conglomerate Gets Lifeline.” The sub-headline was, “Government is helping HNA Group right…
July 11, 2018
Opioids Aren’t The Only Addiction
This memo was co-written by Jessica and John based on Jessica’s observations at a recent event. 150 attendees, great presentations, and numerous breakout sessions made…
June 15, 2018
From the “You can’t make this up” files
Conversation between business buyer and business broker: Buyer – “I have a few questions about the financial statements, especially the few items related to the…
May 23, 2018
It wasn’t even a full moon
It was mid-month, not even close to a full moon, when I had three weird and similar situations occur with business owners. An owner told…
May 4, 2018
Flip the Switch
Recently I got an e-newsletter from my friend Allan VanderHamm with Berntson Porter. Allan is their valuation and exit planning expert and the newsletter was…
May 2, 2018
The Magic Question – What Does the Owner Do?
Often simple is the best course of action. In fact, Ockam’s Razor, from William of Ockam in the 14th century, states one should solve problems…
