“I’m Thinking About Selling My Business… But Is It Ready?”

If you’re like many restoration business owners, the thought of selling crosses your mind long before you take action. Maybe you’re burned out, maybe you’re eyeing retirement, or maybe you just want to be ready if and when the opportunity arises.

Deciding you want to sell and being ready to sell are two very different things.

The truth is: more than half of the owners we speak to have businesses that are not sellable - or not ready to hit the market and capture a strong valuation.

The businesses that achieve premium exits almost always start planning well in advance.

Below are the top 5 actions for business owners who are starting to think about selling and want to create a pathway to a successful exit, but aren't sure their business is ready.

1. Define Your Sale Goal

Ask yourself: How much do I need to walk away with from my sale?

This isn’t just a random number you want, it should be tied to your personal financial goals, retirement plans, or the next venture you want to pursue. Having clarity here sets the direction for everything else.

2. Get a Valuation

A valuation shows you where your business stands today versus where it needs to be to hit your sale goal. Think of it as a reality check. It highlights the “value gap” between your current position and your desired exit.

3. Set Your Timeline

When do you want to sell?

• Some owners are ready to move on ASAP.

• Others are thinking 5-10 years ahead.

  
  

Your timeline dictates your strategy, how aggressively you’ll need to make changes, and how much time you have to implement improvements that impact value and sell-ability.

4. Develop a Strategy to Close the Gap

Here’s where the work happens. Implementing the changes needed to make your business “sellable” often requires a pivot from how you operate today. Buyers have specific criteria they look for, and your strategy should focus on aligning the business with those expectations, and be achievable within your timeline.

👉 Check out our other blogs for deeper dives on what buyers look for in a restoration business.

Most importantly, don’t go it alone. Work with a professional who has experience in positioning and planning for an exit. The right partner will:

• Keep you accountable

• Help design the strategy

• Support you in implementing the changes

  
  

That could be us, or one of our trusted partners we'd be happy to introduce you to.

5. Plan Your Transition

A smooth transition is critical. That means:

• Delegating yourself out of day-to-day operations

• Strengthening your management team

• Formalizing roles and responsibilities

• Putting infrastructure in place so a new owner can step in seamlessly

  
  

The less the business depends on you, the more sellable it becomes.

The Deal

Selling your restoration business is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Preparing early gives you the clarity, control, and confidence to achieve the exit you want.

If you’re thinking about selling or you're thinking “I’d sell for the right price” or “I’m not sure my business is ready”, the best move is to start preparing now.

Too many owners push this “thinking” down the road, only to find themselves ready to sell when their business isn’t, or worse, being unprepared to jump at an opportunity with a buyer who's making you an offer you can't refuse. That’s when value gets left on the table.

The right time to start thinking about your exit plan is today.

Confidence comes from preparation. Be prepared and you'll be confident in your business and your exit.