What happens after you call
First, I pick up.
When you call 615 555 0142, you get me. Not an assistant, not a call center, not a junior associate. Here’s what comes after that, step by step, so nothing is a surprise.
The first call
Twenty minutes or so. You tell me about your company and how you built it. I tell you about me. You can ask me anything, and you should.
I won’t ask for financial statements on the first call. I won’t ask you to sign anything. If it turns out we’re not a fit, I’ll say so, and that’s the end of it.
Coffee in your town
If the first call goes well, I’d like to come see you. I’ll drive to you, at a time that suits you. Your office after hours, a diner, your kitchen table, wherever you’re comfortable. You get to look me in the eye and decide whether I’m someone you’d hand your company to.
Getting to know the business
If we both want to keep going, I’ll ask to learn how the company really works: the numbers, the customers, the trucks, the people. We go at your pace and keep it quiet. You decide what I see and when.
A fair offer, explained
When I understand the company, I’ll make you an offer in writing. I’ll walk you through how I got to every number, in plain English. I’ll encourage you to have your own accountant and your own lawyer read it. If you have questions, I’ll answer them. If you want to say no, you can.
Closing, and the first day after
If we agree, there is paperwork, a bank, and lawyers for both sides. It takes a few months. Then I move to your town and show up for work.
On the first day, nothing changes on the trucks or on the door. I spend the early months learning from you and your people, not rearranging things.
How long does all of this take?
As long as it needs to. Some owners want to move in a few months. Some want to talk now and sell in two years. Both are fine with me. I’d rather wait for the right company than rush anybody.
What if I call and decide I’m not ready?
Then you’re not ready. Tell me so and I’ll leave you be. If you’d like me to check back in a year, I will. If you’d rather I didn’t, I won’t.