A competitor can be a very logical buyer. They understand your industry. They may know your market. They may see value in your customers, employees, contracts, location, and reputation. That can create strong strategic value. It can also create exposure. A competitor may want access to: That does not mean… Read More »Competitor Buyers: Value, Risk, and Confidentiality
Loren Yaskin kicked us off with five creative shifts that make communication notable and a great reminder that communication is not just about what you say, but how you make people feel. One of the biggest takeaways: show, do not just explain. Use visuals, examples, and a little creativity to… Read More »Women Rising
Search funders are becoming more common in the lower middle market. A search funder is typically an individual or small team looking to acquire and operate a privately held business. Some are backed by investors.Some are self-funded.Some are experienced operators.Some are still learning what ownership really means. For the right… Read More »What Business Owners Should Know Before Engaging with a Search Funder
Search funders are contacting a lot of owners. Some are serious.Some are well-funded.Some are still learning.Some may not be able to close. This Thursday, I’ll cover what business owners should know before sharing information or getting too far down the road. If search funders are reaching out, get clear on… Read More »Search Funders Are Calling Business Owners
Wow — what a great way to start a Wednesday morning. Our bi-annual WATT meeting had a little bit of everything: business, leadership, gratitude, celebration, and the kind of real support that makes this group so special. We started by thanking Dorie Morales for leading us over the past six months and Dyan… Read More »Shared Strength
Strategic buyers are often attractive because they already understand your industry. They may be a competitor, supplier, customer, regional operator, or larger company looking to expand into Arizona. For a business owner with $2M–$15M in revenue and 10+ years of ownership, this can be appealing. A strategic buyer may see… Read More »What Arizona Business Owners Should Know About Strategic Buyers
Another fun, thought-provoking WATT morning. Laura Piel got us talking about AI — including what it can do, what it cannot do, and where it falls short. One of the best takeaways: AI is a tool, not the worker. Human judgment, experience, and connection still matter most, and that is not changing anytime… Read More »WATT Works
A strategic buyer may pay for more than your cash flow. They may want your customers, your employees, your market, your reputation, your contracts, or your location. That can create a strong opportunity. It can also create real risk. A strategic buyer may be the right buyer — or simply… Read More »Is a Strategic Buyer Your Best Buyer?
If you own a strong Arizona business, there is a good chance someone has called, emailed, or “casually reached out” about buying it. Maybe it was a strategic buyer.Maybe private equity.Maybe a search funder.Maybe a competitor.Maybe a broker who says they “have a buyer.”Maybe someone using the words “family office.”… Read More »Buyer Calls Are Not an Exit Strategy
What a wonderful and energizing WATT meeting. Kay McDonald kicked us off with beautiful items from Seeds for Autism and their wonderful thrift store, along with a great conversation about new box ideas and ways to continue supporting their meaningful work. Barbara Kaplan followed with a thoughtful “call a friend” moment, bringing Michell Brown with… Read More »Energizing Mornings
