From the Desk of Bryant Hoover
Practical guidance for LA business owners navigating valuations, buyer conversations, and the path to a successful exit.
Sold-comp data says half of HVAC businesses trade between 1.99x and 3.33x SDE, and plumbing between 2.21x and 3.97x. What decides where in that range you land, what an SBA lender checks first, and why 2026 timelines run longer than owners expect.
Real closed-transaction data, not asking prices: 83% of $5M+ sales drew three or more competing offers, Main Street multiples ticked up, and buyer demand in home services, manufacturing, and healthcare is the strongest of this cycle. What it means for LA and OC owners 1–3 years from an exit.
The 7(a) vs 504 comparison, current rates (Prime 6.75%, 7(a) at ~9.75%, 504 at ~5.72%), what lenders actually want to see, DSCR requirements, down payment math, realistic timelines, and the 7 mistakes that kill SBA-financed deals.
The Four Proofs Audit (tax returns, bank statements, merchant statements, POS), DSCR stress testing, working capital pegs, what “add-backs” really mean, common seller tricks, and the complete due diligence checklist for business buyers.
Timing a business sale is one of the most consequential decisions an owner will make. Here are the market signals, personal readiness indicators, and financial benchmarks that tell you whether now is the right window — or whether you should wait.
The owners who get the best outcomes don't just decide to sell and list the next week. They prepare — systematically and well in advance. This guide covers financial cleanup, reducing owner dependency, legal prep, and assembling your advisory team.
SDE, clean books, transferable systems, growth potential, customer concentration, lease terms, and workforce stability — here's what buyers are really evaluating when they consider acquiring your business, from someone who works with buyers daily.
The LA aesthetics market is booming and buyers are actively looking for well-run practices. But selling a med spa involves California CPOM compliance, MSO deal structures, and staffing sensitivities that make it unlike any other business sale. Here's what to know before you list.
California is the largest manufacturing state in the country — and there's an active buyer market for well-run manufacturers. This guide covers SDE and EBITDA valuation methods, current multiples by subsector, and the factors that move your number up or down.
The quality gap between LA business brokers is wide. Picking the wrong one costs you more than just commission — it can damage confidentiality, attract unqualified buyers, and kill deals. Here's what to look for, what to ask, and the red flags that should send you walking.
Every LA business owner asks this question at some point — and the answer is more nuanced than a quick Google search will tell you. This guide breaks down the three main valuation methods, industry-specific multiples in the LA market, and the factors that move your number up or down.
Home services businesses in Southern California are commanding premium valuations — HVAC companies are trading at 2.0–3.5x SDE, and PE-backed roll-ups are paying even more. This guide covers multiples by sub-industry, what buyers look for, and the biggest mistakes owners make when selling.
Selling a dental practice requires special care around confidentiality — staff, patients, and competitors can't find out prematurely. This guide covers DSO valuations, confidentiality protocols, and why LA is one of the hottest markets for dental acquisitions right now.
Timing a business sale is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make as an owner. In LA's fast-moving acquisition market, knowing when to act — before the window closes — can be the difference between a generational outcome and leaving value on the table.
It takes 60 seconds. No strings attached.
Get My Free Valuation →