Most business owners pour their heart, soul, and every available dollar into building something meaningful, but few are thinking about how they'll eventually step away. In this episode, Bill West, Founder & CEO of ESOPable, shares a clear, grounded roadmap for building a business that is truly transferable.

Listen in as Bill breaks down the real differences between internal and external sales, how ESOPs work, why forecasting increases value, and the operational habits that make buyers lean in instead of walk away. You’ll learn how businesses are valued, what buyers pay attention to long before negotiations begin, and the structures that can maximize both liquidity and legacy.

Don’t miss this practical, candid conversation for business owners who want to ensure their company is strong, stable, and ready for whatever comes next.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why every business owner should “begin with the end in mind” from day one.
• The two primary exit paths and how to know which fits your situation.
• How buyers evaluate businesses and which red flags most commonly turn them away.
• Why forecasting (even just 90 days ahead) creates clarity, stability, and long-term value.
• The difference between asset sales and stock sales, and why the trend is shifting.
• How financing structures (SBA loans, seller notes, ESOPs) influence business value and deal terms.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “Begin with the end in mind… If you're thinking about your business with the end in mind, you're going to do the right things from the beginning. The things that you do to make your business valuable are the right things to do for business.” - Bill West
• “The best thing somebody can do is get the business to operate without them… If you can very comfortably go on a couple of vacations a year, and you know your team's got it, you've really created a lot of value with that.” - Bill West
• "Listen to your counselors… Find somebody, get referred to somebody you can trust… If it's a business valuation, listen to it... Make sure you listen to that advice and follow it.” - Bill West

Resources:

• Bill West: LinkedIn | Phone: (772) 812–5530
• Genevieve George: Website | LinkedIn
• Acquisition Experts LLC
• ESOPable
• Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You by John Warrillow

Connect with Us:

If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together.

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