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Owner Academy Series

Series: M&A 101 Bootcamp

This series is an introduction to what business owners need to know about selling their businesses.

By Jon Polenz, Managing Partner

August 22, 2025

10 Articles in Series

01

Preparing to Sell: Key Steps and the M&A Terms That Matter

Before you try to sell your business, make sure you’re speaking the buyer’s language. This guide walks you through the must-have documents and M&A terms every seller should know.

02

Is Your Business Actually Ready to Sell?

Discover what drives business valuations in M&A: buyers seek predictable revenue, stable financials, growth potential, and teams—while avoiding key risks.

03

Thinking About Selling Your Business? Start Here.

Thinking about selling your business? This no-fluff guide breaks down the real reason owners sell, and how your "why" could make or break your exit.

04

How to Win (or Lose) a Buyer in Your First Meeting

The first meeting with a buyer can set the tone for your sale. Discover how to tell your story, highlight what matters, and avoid common pitfalls to build trust and keep buyers interested.

05

Who Buys Businesses — and What Are They Looking For?

Not all buyers are alike. We'll break down the five key types of business buyers, what each one values most, and how to position your company to attract the right fit.

06

Assembling the Deal Team You'll Need to Maximize Your Sale

A successful business sale depends on the team behind you. This guide breaks down who to hire, what they do, and how they help you close a stronger, safer deal.

07

Your Business Has Offers—Now What? A Guide to Evaluating and Negotiating the Right Deal

Not all offers are created equal. Learn how to read between the lines, avoid common traps, and choose the offer that gives you more than just the biggest number.

08

Due Diligence: the Toughest (but Most Important) Part of Selling Your Business

Due diligence is where buyers dig deep. Here's how to stay in control, protect your leverage, and keep the deal moving throughout the process. You've built the business. Now prove it's worth buying.

09

What Kills Deals — and What Gets Them to the Finish Line

Even great deals can fall apart in the final stretch. Learn the most common reasons buyers walk away, and what you can do to keep your sale on track and moving forward.

10

Closing Day: Announcing the Deal and What Comes Next

Closing day is the final step in selling your business, but how you handle the announcement and transition can continue to shape what comes next for you and your team.

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About the Author Jon Polenz, Managing Partner

Jon built and sold a commercial service business to PestCo, then helped scale PestCo to over $120M in revenue through strategic acquisitions in just 18 months. His passion for the business owner journey drives everything we do at OwnerCo.

Click here to learn more about Jon →

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