At some point every owner asks the same question: “Do I spend the next 12–24 months cleaning this up… or just sell as‑is and move on?” There’s a right and wrong way to answer that. The wrong way is emotion: “I’m tired, I just want out.” “I need  X to retire.” “It should  be worth more.” The right way is math plus honesty: What would my business likely sell for today? What could it realistically sell for after improvements? Is the difference worth the time, stress, and risk to

When everything runs through you, buyers don’t see “hard‑working founder.”They see risk. Risk turns into: Lower multiples More earn‑outs and seller notes You getting stuck in the business long after you thought you’d be out Owner‑dependence is just “key person risk” with your name on it. If the revenue walks when you walk, you’re not selling a business. You’re selling a job with a logo. Here are the 7 red flags buyers and lenders look for, how each one quietly kills your exit