Buying Local Podcast · August 28, 2026 · 58 min
Stephen Tomb: Surviving the Arctic & Selling a Business | Buying Local #88
Stephen Tomb, business broker and consultant with Transworld Business Advisors of Albany, joins Buying Local to discuss business valuations, exit strategies, selling a small business, and why owners should plan their exit before they are ready to close the doors. Stephen also shares stories from his recent expedition to Baffin Island, including polar bear precautions, extreme weather, Arctic wildlife, fishing, and his experience connecting with Inuit and First Nations communities. Learn more about Stephen and Transworld Business Advisors at tworld.com . 0:00 Meet Stephen Tomb & what Transworld Business Advisors does 3:00 Why business owners shouldn't simply close their doors 6:00 Business valuations, buyers & the importance of planning 9:00 Stephen's Arctic dream: Why Baffin Island? 12:00 Flying into the wilderness & racing the weather 15:00 Two-person tents, extreme wind & wilderness teamwork 18:00 Polar bear preparation & electric bear fences 21:00 What to do if a polar bear charges 24:00 Camping behind an electric fence in bear country 27:00 When 100+ pounds of gear gets blown away 30:00 Arctic fishing, caribou & brutal mosquitoes 33:00 Northern Lights, dog sledding & the Arctic winter 36:00 Inuit culture, elders & experiencing local traditions 39:00 Wilderness medicine & managing risk far from help 42:00* Why Stephen came back to the Adirondacks 45:00 Local businesses currently looking for buyers 48:00 Business valuations, seller discretionary earnings & add-backs 51:00 Skilled trades, business succession & keeping local businesses alive 54:00 Family history, Adirondack guides & lessons from previous generations 57:00 How to contact Stephen & why business owners need an exit strategy Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny X/Twitter: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #BuyingLocal #BusinessBroker #SmallBusiness #BusinessForSale #Adirondacks