Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1249: Is Your Business Ready to Sell? This M&A Expert Reveals All... w/ Brad Bostic
Ever dream of selling your business for a life-changing sum or acquiring another company to fast-track your growth? This episode demystifies the intimidating world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We're joined by Brad Bostic, an M&A expert who went from a corporate career to launching his own firm, Bostic Advisory, after an unexpected layoff. Brad breaks down the complex process of buying and selling companies into actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage. You'll learn what truly drives a business's value, how to prepare for a future sale years in advance, and the critical difference between focusing on revenue versus profitability in today's market. This isn't just for big corporations—it's a masterclass for any founder who wants to build a valuable, sellable asset.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- 💰 How to get a higher valuation multiple by making your business more "tech-enabled," even in traditional industries.
- 🤝 The art of buy-side due diligence and why audited financials are your best friend when acquiring a business.
- 🔍 How to find off-market businesses to acquire by networking with accountants, attorneys, and investment bankers.
- 🚀 The sell-side readiness playbook: What you need to start doing NOW if you plan to sell your business in the next 3-5 years.
- 🧠 The key strategic reasons for acquisitions, from buying out competitors to acquiring critical technology and talent.
📝 About Brad Bostic
Brad Bostic is the founder of Bostic Advisory, a firm dedicated to serving founder-owned businesses and private equity portfolio companies with M&A expertise. His journey began in a unique training program at NAPA Auto Parts, where he learned business from the ground up before moving into M&A analysis. After completing his MBA, Brad worked in investment banking, focusing on sell-side M&A for founder-owned businesses. When a layoff suddenly changed his path, he seized the opportunity to launch his own advisory firm, turning his deep experience into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. Brad's unique perspective combines corporate M&A rigor with a genuine understanding of the founder's journey.
🎯 Brad’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Every business is going to go through a transition at some point. So if you are not an entrepreneur yet and you want to be or you are, I'd say just be thinking about that and what that looks like, how you want to position yourself and your family."
📢 Memorable Quotes
- “A lot of times people will try and go it alone and that oftentimes doesn't work. You need partners or people that can complement you and complement your strengths and your weaknesses.”
- “I would say in this cycle that we're in… lending standards are tougher and profitability matters a lot more.”
💡 Actionable Takeaways
- ✅ If you ever plan to sell your business, start getting annual audited financials at least three years in advance to build credibility and uncover any hidden issues.
- ✅ Identify your ideal buyer persona (e.g., private equity, strategic competitor, individual) and begin positioning your company's story and metrics to appeal to them.
- ✅ Shift your focus from "growth at all costs" to sustainable profitability, as this is what sophisticated buyers and lenders are prioritizing in the current market.
🔗 Links & Resources