Buying Local Podcast · Episode 41 · September 4, 2025 · 45 min
Selling Your Business with Transworld | Buying Local S3E41
In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Shawn Pepe and Stephen Tomb of Transworld Business Advisors of Albany. Tune in as they talk about how they help small business owners plan exits, protect legacies, and maximize value. They also dive into the “silver tsunami” of retiring owners, the importance of proper planning, and why confidentiality is critical in business sales. Find the Buying Local Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Rumble. Connect with Shawn and Stephen at tworld.com/albany or search Transworld Business Advisors Albany on Facebook and Google. 0:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions 0:22 Stephen’s Background and Joining Transworld 1:42 Shawn’s Corporate Career and Shift into Brokerage 2:44 Respect for Small Business Owners and Exit Challenges 5:00 Why They Chose the Transworld Franchise 7:32 Advice for Owners Preparing to Exit 9:56 Mike’s Experience Selling a Business 11:31 The Reality of Running a Service Business 14:31 Benefits of the Franchise Model and Network Support 18:28 Signs It Might Be Time to Sell 20:00 Exit Strategy and Planning Ahead 22:34 Business Valuations and Seller Discretionary Earnings 25:00 Industry Averages and Valuation Methods 29:03 Broker Value vs. CPA Valuations 30:00 Handling Larger Businesses and Referrals 31:39 Industries in High Demand Right Now 34:13 Key Steps for Owners Preparing to Sell 36:42 Can You Sell a Business That’s Not Profitable? 38:49 Stephen’s Mount Rainier Expedition with His Sons 44:21 Where to Find Transworld Business Advisors Albany 45:00 Closing Remarks and Call for Reviews