Selling Your Business the Right Way to Protect Your Legacy and Maximize Profit with John Bartlett | Part 2

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with John Bartlett Founder and CEO of Brentwood Growth , a sell-side M&A advisory and consulting firm specializing in skilled trades businesses such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Part 2 delves deeper into the critical steps involved in preparing a business for sale, exploring various buyer types and transaction structures. Brentwood Growth provides expert guidance to business owners across residential, industrial, and commercial sectors, working with service providers and contractors in industries including Boilers & Generators, Cleaning & Janitorial, Electrical, Elevator & Escalator, Fencing, Fire & Safety, Flooring, Foundation Repairs, Garage Door, Heat Pump, Home Appliance Service & Repair, Home Inspections, Industrial Equipment Service & Repair, Irrigation, Lawn Care, Mosquito & Pest, Painting, Paving, Plumbing, Pool Services, Property Management, Refrigeration, Restoration & Remediation, Roofing, Security, Solar Installation, Tank Removal, Waste Removal & Recycling, and Windows & Doors. Brentwood Growth primarily assists two types of clients: Sell: Business owners planning to sell in the near future, seeking insights into valuation, potential buyers, and transaction timelines. Scale: Business owners focused on growing their companies with the goal of increasing value for a future sale or smoother self-management. In this episode, John discusses effective ways to enhance business value by improving financial performance and mitigating risks. He provides valuable insights on strengthening management teams and shifting focus from project-based work to recurring service and maintenance models. Contractors will gain practical strategies to prepare their businesses for a successful transition. Expect to Learn: The step-by-step process of getting a business ready for sale. Insights into different types of buyers and their acquisition strategies. Effective financial planning and operational improvements to boost value. How to identify and select the right buyer for your business. The impact of various transaction structures on business sales. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to Part 2 with John Bartlett from Brentwood Growth. [01:30] - Why business owners often stay involved after a sale [03:10] - Preparing a business for sale and steps for retiring owners [12:12] - Three buyer types: private equity, strategic buyers, and owner-operators. [15:53] - Message to private equity buyers emphasizing the need for skilled, properly trained technicians [18:40] - Closing discussion on the importance of selling to the right buyer to maintain client trust This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Master: https:// www.master.ca Cintas: https:// www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Supply House: https:// www.supplyhouse.com Cool Air Products: https:// www.coolairproducts.net Lambert Insurance Services: https:// www.lambert-ins.com Follow the Guest John Bartlett on: LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/in/johnlbartlett/ John Bartlett's Bio : https://www.brentwood-growth.com/our-team/john-bartlett/ Brentwood Growth: https:// www.linkedin.com/company/brentwood-growth/ Phone: 908-377-7807 Email: jbartlett@brentwoodgrowth.com Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https:// www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/ Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/