In this conversation built for business owners looking to the future, Sharon and Colleen dive into the often-overlooked world of business brokering and exit planning. Colleen, who started her first company at 21 and built a thriving commercial cleaning business, shares her journey to becoming a business broker with Sunbelt Canada. She now helps fellow entrepreneurs plan for and navigate the process of selling their businesses.
They cover everything from how long it takes to sell a business to why confidentiality is crucial and what makes a business attractive to buyers. Colleen explains the importance of profitability, solid bookkeeping, documented systems, and being hands-off in your operations. She also breaks down the differences between asset and share sales, outlines seller financing (including vendor take-backs), and stresses the value of having an exit strategy well in advance of a sale.
Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting your business, this episode is packed with practical tips on how to build your company with the end in mind.
About Colleen Pushor
Colleen Pushor is a business broker with Sunbelt Canada, bringing firsthand entrepreneurial experience and deep insight into the process of buying and selling businesses. After growing her own successful commercial cleaning company, Caprice Cleaning, she transitioned into business brokering to help other entrepreneurs through one of the biggest transitions of their careers. Colleen is passionate about educating business owners on how to build sellable businesses and create smoother exits with greater returns.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It’s Time Promotions:
- Website: itpromo.ca
- LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
- Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
- Google: It’s Time Promotions
Contact Colleen Pushor | Sunbelt Canada:
