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Insights from
God Bless Retirement
Our mission is to strengthen families for generations to come.


When to Sell: Timing Isn’t Just About Revenue
Selling a business requires careful timing, aligning market conditions, business readiness, and personal goals for a successful transition.
Brandon Chicotsky
Sep 315 min read


The Hidden Costs of Not Preparing Financials
Effective financial preparation is crucial when selling a business, as poor records can lead to lower valuations and lost buyer trust.
Brandon Chicotsky
Sep 210 min read


Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the ‘Perfect Buyer’
Waiting for the perfect buyer can diminish your business's value. Learn why readiness and realistic expectations are key to a successful sale.
Brandon Chicotsky
Sep 114 min read


The Real Meaning of ‘Market Value’ in SMB M&A
Explore the complexities of market value in SMB M&A, including valuation methods, key drivers, and the importance of professional guidance.
Brandon Chicotsky
Sep 114 min read


Why Listing Too High Hurts Your Sale
Setting a business's asking price too high can lead to fewer buyers, longer sale times, and ultimately lower sale prices. Understand the risks.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 3110 min read


What Sellers Wish They Knew Before Selling Their Business
Learn essential strategies for selling your business, including valuation methods, setting goals, and preparing for a smooth transition.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1817 min read


What Bankers Look for in Qualified Buyers
Learn what bankers assess in buyers, from financial readiness to industry expertise, and how to align with seller goals for successful acquisitions.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1711 min read


Searchers: How to Know You’re Ready to Lead
Evaluate your readiness to lead in the lower mid-market with essential skills and practical tools for success.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1615 min read


Are You Buying the Seller’s Lifestyle or the Business?
Evaluate whether you're buying a profitable business or just inheriting the seller's lifestyle, and learn to spot the key differences.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1513 min read


Strategic Fit > Financial Fit: What That Really Means
Strategic fit in M&A often outweighs financial metrics, driving long-term growth through synergies and alignment between buyer and seller.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1413 min read


Why Your Lawyer Might Kill the Deal (And When That’s a Good Thing)
When lawyers advise against a deal, it's a protective measure against hidden risks that could threaten your business's future.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 139 min read


The Transition Plan: Your Hidden Deal Risk
A solid transition plan is critical when selling a business, helping to avoid hidden risks and maximizing value during the sale process.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1210 min read


Why Culture Kills More Deals Than Numbers
Cultural alignment is crucial in M&A success; misalignment can derail even financially sound deals. Learn why workplace dynamics matter.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1115 min read


How to Keep Staff After the Deal Closes
Retaining key staff after a merger requires clear communication, targeted incentives, strong leadership, and cultural integration to ensure long-term success.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 1117 min read


Are You Buying a Job or a Company?
Understand the crucial difference between buying a job versus a company, and how it impacts your workload, financial outcomes, and future goals.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 913 min read


Questions a Smart Buyer Asks Before Signing the LOI
Asking the right questions before signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) can safeguard your investment and streamline the acquisition process.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 914 min read


Red Flags in Employee Retention Clauses
Learn how to identify and fix red flags in employee retention clauses to safeguard business transactions and minimize turnover risks.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 712 min read


How to Interview a Seller Without Losing Leverage
Learn effective strategies to maintain leverage and control during seller interviews in business acquisitions, ensuring favorable deal terms.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 613 min read


What Diligence Can’t Catch - But Still Kills Deals
Uncover the hidden risks in M&A deals that go beyond numbers, affecting leadership alignment, culture, and stakeholder expectations.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 511 min read


Why the Real Valuation Isn’t Always on the CIM
A CIM may misrepresent a business's true value; independent valuations and expert analysis reveal hidden assets and align market expectations.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 410 min read


The Dangers of Trusting Broker-Prepared Financials
Relying on broker-prepared financials can lead to costly mistakes; uncover hidden risks with thorough due diligence and independent verification.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 39 min read


Add-Backs vs. Red Flags: Know the Difference
Understand the crucial differences between add-backs and red flags in business transactions to protect your investment and ensure successful deals.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 211 min read


When Debt Kills a Deal: Buyer Financing Risks
Explore the financing risks in lower mid-market deals, including debt mismanagement and alternatives like seller financing and private equity.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 113 min read


SDE Isn’t Profit – Here's What It Actually Tells You
Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) reveals the true financial benefits of a business, offering insights crucial for buyers and sellers in transactions.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 3113 min read
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