Thinking about selling your business? Whether it’s years down the road or sooner than you think, smart planning now can mean a smoother, more profitable exit later. In a recent episode of the Stride 2 Freedom podcast, Russell Benaroya chats with Tod Fiscus of Transition360 and uncovers how business owners can get exit-ready—focusing less on mere preparation and more on strategic value optimization.
Why “Exit Awareness” Should Be Part of Your Business Strategy Today
Tod’s biggest piece of wisdom: “If you start or own a business, you should be thinking about selling it, whether you ever sell it or not.” This mindset shift can transform your business operations into something stronger, more profitable, and easier to manage—whether or not you ever sell it.
By incorporating exit planning as a strategic line item in your annual review—just like taxes or hiring—you’re better poised for any future transitions. Businesses that plan at least two years ahead tend to sell for more than those that don’t.
How to Make Your Business Buyer-Ready (and Value-Ready)
Transition360 takes a “big-firm approach” to smaller businesses helping you stand out in a crowded market filled with main-street brokers .
- Think like a buyer. Tod encourages owners to step outside and view their company from a buyer’s lens—what risks will stand out? Equipment, customer concentration, management team? Addressing these can improve valuation multipliers dramatically.
- Prep your financials strategically. Ask what should be “expensed” versus what should push your bottom line higher. Small increases in EBITDA can yield outsized returns when buyers apply multiples.
- Document systems and reduce dependency. Businesses where operations run smoothly—systems, paperless workflows, strong teams—have much more value than owner-dependent firms.
Spotlight: A Real-Life Example
Tod shared a great case: an engineering firm with cutting-edge tech (thin-film furnaces, nanotech pedestals, test spheres) whose value tripled in three years through targeted preparation—making it not only sellable but highly attractive to a buyer looking for scalable innovation.
The Power of SBA Loans in Business Sales
One of Tod’s standout strategies: leveraging Small Business Administration (SBA) financing to make deals more viable for both parties. In many cases, the SBA covers up to 75% of a business purchase, meaning buyers can put down just ~10–15%, while sellers get 85–90% in cash at closing. That liquidity is powerful—and a strong selling point.
Start With a Valuation—Then Work Backward
Transition360 begins with a valuation—charging $5,000 upfront, credited against your final commission. This helps you set realistic expectations early and align the team (CPA, attorney, wealth advisor) with the same roadmap toward increasing value and preparing for a sale.
It’s a genuine “fee-for-success” model: compensation only comes at closing, so every step before is built around success.
Emotional Readiness: The Often-Overlooked Plan
Beyond the numbers, selling is an emotional transition—especially if you’ve poured decades into your business. Tod often helps clients process the identity shift of handing over the reins, reassuring them that legacy continues even after they step back. Supporting that emotional transition is as essential as financial preparation.
Action Steps to Start Your Exit-Ready Strategy Now
- Add Exit Strategy to Your Annual Planning. Keep the conversation alive with your advisors—CPAs, attorneys, advisors.
- Think Like a Buyer. Where are the risks in your business? Make those fixes now.
- Improve Your Financial Presentation. Abide by clean, sale-oriented tax positioning—working through at least two tax cycles is ideal.
- Aim for Transparency. Build detailed documentation, systems, and an executive team buyers trust.
- Consider How You Might Finance the Sale. Explore SBA options and financial partners early.
- Plan for the Life After. Think through your next chapter—identity, legacy, and what makes you excited.
Conclusion
Whether you plan to sell your business tomorrow or years from now, adopting an exit-minded approach today brings clarity, value, and momentum. As Tod puts it, the process “makes you more profitable no matter whether you sell it or not.” If you’d like help with financial systems to get things clean, transparent, and buyer-ready, reach out to Stride Services—we’re experts in laying the groundwork for value and freedom.
Let’s make your business stronger now—and ready for whatever comes next.
In this Freedom Speaker Series episode with Tod, you will learn:
- How sellers can best prepare their business for an acquisition
- The power of the SBA as a source of financing
- How good advisors play an important role well before a transaction
We are fortunate to have Tod available to spend time with us on this edition of Stride 2 Freedom. If there is a speaker you’d like us to interview, let us know. Stay well. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
This Stride Live Webinar is hosted by Stride Services. Stride is a comprehensive financial solutions provider, specializing in outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and advisory services for Managed Service Providers.
If you’re interested in being a featured guest on our Live Webinars or if there’s a subject matter expert you’d like us to interview, please let us know!
Show Notes + Transcript:
Transition360 website
Tod Fiscus Linkedin
Tod Fiscus email
Webinar Transcript:
Guiding Business Owners to Maximize the Sale of their Business
