E9: Q&A with Ben Wagner on When Should You Start Preparing to Sell Your Business

Most business owners don’t wake up one day and decide to sell their company. The decision is usually years in the making. In this episode of Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef talks to Ben Wagner, Senior Director at Benchmark International, for a special Q&A focused on the questions business owners ask most often before going to market.  Ben brings forward topics that frequently shape exit decisions: Should I sell now, or wait? What if my EBITDA improves in two or three years? How do I know if private equity is the right fit? What will happen to employees after the deal? And how can I prepare before I am ready to sell? Drawing from his conversations with business owners every day, Ben shares practical insights on market preparation, buyer interest, private equity, business durability, unsolicited offers, and the factors that can influence a successful outcome.Whether you’re considering a sale in the near future or simply want to build a stronger, more valuable business, this episode provides actionable guidance to help you prepare for whatever comes next.What You’ll LearnWhy waiting to sell isn’t always the safest or most profitable strategyThe key factors buyers evaluate when assessing a businessHow to determine whether your company is ready for the marketWhat private equity firms are looking for in today’s environmentHow market conditions can impact timing, valuation, and buyer interestWays to increase business value The role of management teams, recurring revenue, and customer diversification in buyer demandWhy unsolicited offers do not represent the full value of your businessHow preparation can protect your team, legacy, and future optionsHow to prepare emotionally and strategically for an exitWhy building a durable business creates more options, whether you sell or not