A Short Guide to Selling Your Business and Retiring

At some point, every business owner is faced with the decision of selling their business and retiring. Countless factors can influence this decision, including savings milestones, health reasons, partner disagreements, and even boredom. But, no matter the reason, you owe it to yourself to financially prepare yourself – and your family – for the future.

When taking your first steps toward selling your business and retiring, it’s important to ask a few simple questions. And, more importantly, it’s essential that you work with an experienced business broker to ensure that you get top dollar for the business that you’ve built. In today’s post, we’re going to help you navigate the early stages of selling your business.

Is selling your business and retiring the right choice?

First and foremost, is now the best time to sell your business? A number of factors can influence the answer to this question, including the health of the business market, the amount of savings that you’ve set aside, and your ongoing expenses. Before you make any rash decisions, it may be best to speak to your financial advisor. Discuss your monthly costs, your dependents’ needs, and your lifestyle. If you’re not able to make the numbers work, now may not be the best time to retire.

However, if you’ve done your research and know that you’re in an excellent position, you’ll want to reach out to an experienced business broker to request a business valuation.

While you likely have a good idea of what your business is worth, a broker will be able to provide a third-party assessment that will hold more weight in the eyes of potential buyers. Even better, they can give you tips on how to quickly – and cost-effectively – increase your business’ selling price.

After you’ve decided to sell, what are your plans?

In the past, we’ve talked about planning an exit strategy. Understanding your future and your preferred level of involvement is a crucial element when it comes to selling your business. Do you plan to stay on as an advisor? Will you have a position on the board of directors? Or do you want to cut ties entirely?

A broker can help you navigate these questions and, better yet, they can help you adjust your expectations regarding your business’ value. An owner willing to be patient, educate buyers and remain involved commands a higher price than one who wants out immediately.

Need help selling your business and retiring?

If you’re considering retiring and want to sell your business, the team at Advanced Business Brokers is here to help. Our experienced team can work with you to establish a valuation, find qualified buyers, and ensure a smooth transition. So, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Work With An Experienced Business Broker

If you’re thinking about selling your business and don’t know where to start, consider speaking with our team here at Advanced Business Brokers. We specialize in brokering and advising exit plan strategies for various sizes/sectors of businesses.

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Dr. Mark Hagar

A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dr. Mark Hagar brings decades of hands-on experience in small business ownership, acquisitions, and turnarounds to his role as a business broker. Over his distinguished career, he has acquired and operated more than 20 companies and engineered over 50 successful turnarounds, giving him a uniquely practical understanding of what makes businesses succeed, and sell. His portfolio spans manufacturing, distribution, and service firms in industries including printing, education, military contracting, aerospace, and orthopedics. This diverse background enables him to identify value, anticipate buyer needs, and structure complex deals with confidence and precision.


Mark holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Cranfield University’s School of Management in Bedford, England—one of Europe’s leading business schools. His research on small business resilience and operational excellence has been recognized by the Small Business Institute (SBI), the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), and the International Council for Small Business (ICSB).


In addition to his business career, Dr. Hagar has served as a member of faculty at several institutions of higher education, including Holy Cross College (Notre Dame), Trine University, and the University of Saint Francis. He also hosted Your Business Matters, a small business–focused radio show and podcast for more than a decade and is the author of Small Fortunes – the Acquisition Entrepreneur’s Guide to Buying a Profitable Small Business.


A passionate advocate for entrepreneurs, Mark previously chaired the Indiana Leadership Council for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), representing small business owners before state and federal legislators. He currently serves as President of the Allen County, Indiana Economic Development
Commission.


As a broker, Mark specializes in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution firms, with particular expertise in special situations, distressed assets, and complex transitions where experience, creativity and discretion are central to success.