Beyond traditional passive investments like stocks and real estate, starting or acquiring a business presents an active investment opportunity with unique prospects for financial growth and personal fulfillment. Unlike passive investments, which are subject to market fluctuations and external factors outside the investor’s control, buying and running a business puts the owner in the driver’s seat. It offers a level of control and direct influence over the success of the investment that stocks or ETFs do not have. Though a business owner may face uncertainties, often surpassing the risks associated with more conventional investments, the risk is offset by greater autonomy and a sense of fulfillment.
Over the next decade, an extraordinary wave of more than 12 million businesses, collectively worth nearly 12 trillion USD, is expected to hit the market as retiring baby boomers will be aiming to capitalize on the value of their life’s work. However, a significant challenge looms: many business owners are ill-prepared for this transition, lacking the essential exit or succession planning strategy. Surprisingly, many in the younger generation are opting to pursue their own paths or make money on social media and are forgoing the chance to take over their parents’ businesses.
Unfortunately, this leaves aging business owners in a precarious situation. To this point, statistics indicate that only 20% to 30% of listed businesses find buyers. This shortfall is made even worse by a need for proper valuation and strategic preparation, leading to a market flooded with firms that fail to attract buyers searching for viable investments. At the same time, many business owners, relying on outdated valuation methods, risk either scaring potential buyers away with unrealistic prices or leaving money on the table through short selling. However, reality calls for professional guidance from people who actually know what they are doing. Business sellers and buyers will be better off turning to seasoned advisors who can determine the true value of their business through accurate financial analysis rather than speculative projections or wishful thinking.
Hedgestone Business Advisors, founded by Michael Steinberg in New York, has emerged as a significant player in this market. In addition to being an online marketplace for various businesses, Hedgestone provides comprehensive consultancy services for both buying and selling businesses. Their expertise in marketing, negotiation, due diligence, and transaction finalization is invaluable. The team has ample experience determining the value of businesses, handling the purchase of LLCs, guiding sales through a divorce, assisting in buying a business with minimal down payments, and more.
Boasting a database with real-time information on over 30,000 businesses for sale nationwide, Hedgestone equips investors with the necessary tools to expand their portfolios. This network transforms Hedgestone from an advisory firm into a portal of endless possibilities for sellers and buyers.
Choosing Hedgestone as a business advisor can be a game-changer. With a collective experience of over 150 years and a track record of facilitating over $4 billion in transactions across various industries, the Steinberg and the Hedgestone team are not just advisors but educators providing essential hands-on assistance in business sales and acquisitions. During this epochal wealth transition, Hedgestone’s unique blend of experience and commitment to client success positions them as an unparalleled choice.
Greg Grzesiak is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Columnist at Grit Daily. As CEO of Grzesiak Growth LLC, Greg dedicates his time to helping CEOs influencers and entrepreneurs make the appearances that will grow their following in their reach globally. Over the years he has built strong partnerships with high profile educators and influencers in Youtube and traditional finance space. Greg is a University of Florida graduate with years of experience in marketing and journalism.
