

Defenders of Business Value
Ed Mysogland
The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines over 30 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 43min
EP 124: Inside the Broker’s Engine Room: George Wellmer on the Future of Business Sales
Most people think selling a business is just like selling a house. That’s where they’re wrong. George Wellmer, founder of Tupelo, clarifies the misconceptions sellers have about brokers and the deal process. George explains how technology and AI are simplifying administrative tasks, allowing brokers to focus on guiding clients through the most important transaction of their lives. He also shares what sellers and owners need to understand about valuation and finding the right buyer before listing their company for sale. In this episode, you will: Learn the difference between good and bad brokers Understand how deal acceleration and buyer targeting really work Hear how AI and automation are changing the way businesses are marketed and sold Highlights: (00:00) Meet George Wellmer (05:20) How business brokers help close deals (09:43) Vetting the quality of potential buyers (11:45) Keeping up with the different aspects of a brokerage (15:53) Buy-side brokers vs sell-side brokers (22:22) How AI enables brokers to be more efficient (26:36) Questions to ask to avoid bad brokers (32:36) Why hiring a broker is worth it (38:20) George’s advice for buyers, sellers, and advisors Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow George: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgewellmer/ Website: https://www.tupelosmb.com/ E-Mail: george@tupelosmb.com Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Sep 10, 2025 • 35min
EP 123: Beyond Selling: The Case for Half-Retirement with Jim Muehlhausen
Selling your business doesn’t always deliver the financial security or fulfillment you expect. So what if there was another option? Jim Muehlhausen, founder of Half-Retire, has worked with thousands of owners facing this exact dilemma. In this episode, he shares how business owners can step back from day-to-day operations without giving up income, legacy, or control—and why it’s a viable exit option. In this episode, you will: Learn the core principles of half-retirement Understand how to design systems that reduce owner dependency Learn simple steps to de-risk your business for the future Highlights: (00:00) Meet Jim Muehlhausen (03:30) Why most owners don’t sell their business (05:43) Financial fears that keep owners from retiring (10:20) Why quality of earnings matters more than valuation (14:12) The 44% rule of selling your business (16:20) Delegating versus designing yourself out of work (21:32) The six-step process for half-retirement (28:13) The buyer’s perspective of risk Resources: Take the Half-Retire Master Class: https://halfretire.com/free/ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Jim: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmuehlhausen/ E-Mail: jimmue@halfretire.com Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Sep 3, 2025 • 17min
EP 122: Will the Silver Tsunami Ever Come?
For years, we’ve been told that retiring business owners would flood the market with companies for sale. The truth is that most of them are holding on longer and for good reason. In this episode, Ed Mysogland shares market data that explains why owners are staying put. He explains the investment math influencing their choices and the costly mistakes made when they stop reinvesting in their business. Ed has advice for buyers, sellers, and advisors who are keen to preserve business value in a slow-moving market. In this episode, you will: Understand why business owners are no longer retiring at 65 Learn a realistic timeline for selling a business Maintain reinvestment to protect business value Highlights: (00:00) Meet Ed Mysogland (02:32) What is the silver tsunami? (04:43) Why business owners are reluctant to sell (08:54) Reinvesting in the business to keep its value (12:41) Advice for buyers, advisors, and owners Resources: Rethinking the "Silver Tsunami”: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rethinking-silver-tsunami-ed-mysogland-hxbwe/ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

May 15, 2024 • 20min
EP 121: Q2 2024 Deal Stats Report
In this episode, Ed Mysogland shares key insights from the latest quarterly Deal Stats report on business valuation trends. He discusses how EBITDA multiples have returned to typical levels after fluctuating during the pandemic. Ed also analyzes sector performance and highlights contradictory trends in private company sales multiples. Learn about typical discount levels, officers' compensation benchmarks, and the lengthy process of selling a business. Ed is available to discuss specific industries and answer questions from business owners. Tune in to get the latest market data and strategies for increasing your company's value. ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-of-business-value Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellabizpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

May 8, 2024 • 26min
EP 120: Business Valuation Calculator Reviews
Join Ed Mysogland in a deep dive into the world of online business valuation calculators. Unravel the complexities and limitations of these tools as Mysogland discusses the challenges of applying market data to private companies and highlights the drawbacks of relying solely on digital solutions. Discover the pros and cons of each, alongside insights into their accuracy and lead generation potential. Don't miss Mysogland's expert advice on business valuation methods and structure, and learn how to navigate the intricate world of business deals. Plus, gain exclusive access to valuable insights and articles through his newsletter, Defenders of Business Valuation. Tune in now for a comprehensive overview of online business valuation tools and their limitations. ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-of-business-value Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellabizpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Mar 27, 2024 • 38min
EP 119: How to Sell when the Business Owner is the #1 Sales Person
One of the primary reasons businesses don't sell is that the business owner is the person with all of the sales relationships. Most buyers have to reduce the value or offer a risk-mitigated structure to get comfortable with the existing owner's role post-acquisition. I often lament about how, as dealmakers, we can address this sooner in the exit planning process. Enter Hunt Big Sales' President Carajane Moore. I had been introduced to her practice by several people who raved about work she had done. I asked her if we could visit about exits and I was taken aback that she was regularly addressing this exact challenge with some of her clients...with success! The podcast was excellent. Carajane shared tips for both sides of the transaction. For the exiting owner, she talked about when to start preparing, how to do it, and what success looks like. For the buyer, she laid out the due diligence strategy to determine the level of owner risk in the sale process. Lastly, we uncovered invaluable tips for both buyers and sellers in the realm of business transactions. From presenting oneself in a disarming manner to defining clear objectives, the key lies in establishing genuine connections and articulating unique value propositions. Reach out to Carajane Moore: Email: carajane@huntbigsales.com Website: https://www.huntbigsales.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carajanesearcymoore/ ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-of-business-value Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellabizpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Mar 20, 2024 • 21min
EP 118: Improvement Tips to Help Make Your Business More Saleable in 2024
I regularly get asked about how best to prepare a company for sale. The first challenge is time. Most business owners understate how long it takes to get out. The second is what this episode is about - what little things can you do to make your business ready for sale. It takes time, but it is worth it when you enter the marketplace. If listening isn't your thing, the notes I worked on the show are on the website's blog. ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-of-business-value Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellabizpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Feb 28, 2024 • 22min
EP 117: Planning Your Sale in 2024
Exiting a business is a pivotal moment filled with complex emotional and financial decisions. This podcast episode dives into a structured 5-step plan to ensure a successful and fulfilling exit. We explore the significance of understanding your motivations, aligning your exit strategy with your goals, determining your financial needs, deciding on your post-exit involvement, and utilizing an Exit Matrix to balance financial returns with your desired level of engagement. Whether you're contemplating an exit or already planning one, this guide offers invaluable insights to navigate the transition smoothly, ensuring you achieve both your personal and financial objectives. Join us as we outline the keys to a strategic and rewarding business departure. ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-of-business-value Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellabizpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders -

Feb 21, 2024 • 13min
EP 116: Evaluating Company-Specific Risk: Telescopic Observation
The "Telescopic Observation" provides an insightful overview of a strategic framework designed to enhance the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis by offering a more structured approach to examining an organization's internal and external environments. It emphasizes the need for a more focused, inclusive, and systematic methodology to better understand business environments and strategically plan for success. The framework, developed in mid-1999, has been tested across various organizational settings, proving its utility in bringing distant or complex aspects into closer, more analyzable view, akin to a telescope. This process involves a dual-matrix system that functions like a funnel, gathering and filtering information for effective analysis and strategy formulation, highlighting its innovative approach to strategic planning. ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-of-business-value Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellabizpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Feb 14, 2024 • 18min
EP 115: Business Valuation Multiples Update
In this fresh episode, we explore the Q4 2023 DealStats Value Index, providing a detailed analysis of current business valuation trends. Notably, we've spotted a significant shift: EBITDA multiples are moving towards a normalized figure, landing at 3.4x in Q3 2023, indicating a stabilizing market. Additionally, net sales multiples have slightly risen to 0.49x. A standout observation is the higher valuations public buyers are assigning to private entities, underscoring the strategic value these acquisitions hold. We also spotlight the sustained interest in the technology and healthcare sectors, which continue to attract premium valuations. This episode is brimming with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone keen on understanding the nuances of business valuations in the current economic scenario. ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed Mysogland has a mission and vision to help business owners understand the value of their business and make it a salable asset. Most of the small business owner's net worth is locked in the company, and to unlock it, a business owner has to sell it. Unfortunately, the odds are against business owners that they won't be able to sell their companies because they don't know what creates a saleable asset. Ed interviews experts who help business owners prepare, build, preserve, and one-day transfer value with the sale of the business. ************ For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-of-business-value Twitter: https://twitter.com/sellabizpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders