With so many business brokers operating in the industry, you can find it challenging to choose one.
However, one name that has stood out among the hundreds of options is Earned Exits.
In this following Earned Exits review, I’ll help you figure out whether they are worth your money or not:
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About Earned Exits
EarnedExits.com is a specialized business brokerage and M&A advisory firm that focuses on helping small to mid-sized businesses, particularly those with revenues ranging from $1 million to $40 million. With over 30 years of experience and more than $2 billion in transactions, the firm stands out in the industry by offering a tailored, hands-on approach to selling businesses.
Services Offered
Earned Exits goes beyond just securing the highest sale price—they aim to achieve what they call the “most meaningful value” for their clients. This includes finding buyers that align with the seller’s values, ensuring a smooth transition for employees, and maintaining the business’s legacy. Their 10-step selling process is designed to guide sellers from initial valuation all the way through to closing, with expert support at every stage.
Their services include:
- Business Valuation: They provide a thorough and free initial valuation to help business owners understand their company’s market position.
- Comprehensive Marketing: Earned Exits leverages its proprietary technology and vast buyer network to target potential buyers across various channels, ensuring maximum exposure for each business.
- Negotiations and Due Diligence: The firm handles the heavy lifting in negotiations and the due diligence process, aiming to minimize the stress on the business owner.
- Closing and Transition: They coordinate the closing process, ensuring all paperwork, financial transfers, and legal requirements are met smoothly.
Resources and Case Studies
Earned Exits provides valuable resources, such as templates for due diligence and free business appraisals, to help business owners prepare for the sale process. Their website features detailed case studies that showcase their successful transactions across various industries, highlighting how they have helped businesses secure above-market offers and ensured smooth transitions for their clients.
For example, Earned Exits managed the sale of a legal process server company at 60% over the market rate by attracting a strategic buyer. They also facilitated the sale of two Dairy Queen franchises, securing a price above the asking value by leveraging their network of buyers.
Client Reviews and Testimonials
While specific customer reviews are not widely available, the case studies on their website provide a glimpse into the high level of satisfaction their clients experience. The firm’s focus on achieving meaningful value, rather than just maximum price, resonates with business owners looking to sell with peace of mind, knowing their legacy and employees will be well taken care of.
Also read: Best Business Brokers in Colorado
People Behind Earned Exits
The leadership team at Earned Exits is driven by a combination of experience, expertise, and a focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for business owners. The company is led by Britt Clas, a key figure in the business brokerage industry who plays a prominent role in the management and strategic direction of the firm.
Experienced and Diverse Team
With over 30 years of combined experience in the business brokerage space, the Earned Exits team brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. They specialize in helping business owners with annual revenues between $1 million and $40 million navigate the complex process of selling their businesses. The team’s broad expertise spans across more than 17 industries, making them well-versed in addressing the unique challenges that come with selling companies in various sectors.
Majority Woman-Owned and Led
A standout feature of Earned Exits is its commitment to diversity, being a majority woman-owned and led organization. This leadership structure not only brings a unique perspective to the business brokerage field but also showcases the company’s dedication to promoting women in leadership roles within the industry.
Tailored Approach and Valuation Expertise
The Earned Exits team is known for its proprietary 10-step selling process, which they developed to ensure that each client’s sale is tailored to their specific needs. Their approach includes pre-due diligence, marketing strategies, and expert negotiations to maximize the meaningful value of each transaction. Additionally, the team provides free business appraisals, showcasing their deep understanding of business valuation and helping owners assess the potential worth of their companies before starting the sale process.
While Britt Clas is highlighted as a key figure, the broader team remains focused on delivering a personalized, detail-oriented experience to every client, making Earned Exits a standout in the business brokerage industry.
For more information on the leadership and team at Earned Exits, visit their website EarnedExits.com.
Earned Exits Reviews: Sharing a Few Customer Success Stories:
Customer Success Stories of Earned Exits
Earned Exits has built a reputation for successfully guiding businesses through the sale process, securing not only the best price but also ensuring a smooth transition. Below are a few success stories that highlight the firm’s expertise and commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for their clients.
1. WaterHauler – Sold for Over Asking Price
A state-licensed water service provider in West Texas, WaterHauler, had been in business for over 25 years, supplying potable water to residential and commercial customers. Earned Exits attracted over 175 buyers, creating a competitive bidding environment. They received seven qualified offers, all within 89% of the asking price. By fostering deal tension, Earned Exits was able to drive up the final offers, resulting in the sale of the business for over the asking price. The seller walked away with significant cash at closing and a seller note with a favorable 9% interest rate.
2. Dairy Queen Franchises – Sold for Above Asking
After owning two Dairy Queen franchises in Kansas for 17 years, the owners were ready to transition into the next phase of their lives. Earned Exits marketed the opportunity to over 95 buyers and facilitated multiple offers. Their attention to detail, particularly in working with Dairy Queen’s corporate franchise transition team, led to the franchises being sold for more than the asking price. This case underscores Earned Exits’ ability to attract serious buyers and find the right fit, ensuring a smooth ownership transition.
Also read: Scott Weavil Review
3. Legal Process Server – Sold 60% Over Market Value
A legal process serving company built on efficiency and professionalism was facing challenges, particularly with client concentration, as over 40% of its revenue came from one client. Despite these obstacles, Earned Exits attracted 50 buyers, generating offers at 2.5x adjusted EBITDA. However, they secured a strategic buyer from within the industry, resulting in a final sale at 4.0x adjusted EBITDA, a 60% premium over the market rate.
4. Manufacturer of Safety Barriers – Exceeded Expectations
A niche manufacturer of safety barriers serving industries such as aerospace and oil and gas turned to Earned Exits for help selling the business. With over 125 interested buyers, the company was sold for far more than other brokers had estimated. The sellers also benefited from a tax-optimized structure, with the majority of the proceeds in cash at closing, allowing them to retire comfortably in Costa Rica.
5. Luxury Optical Retailer – Above Market Offer from International Buyer
A luxury optical retailer with two stores in a metro area faced challenges when most buyers were local and did not share the owner’s vision for the business’s future. Earned Exits provided strategic advice, helping to overhaul the financials and present them as buyer-ready. This strategy led to interest from an international strategic buyer who made an offer significantly higher than what local buyers were willing to pay, meeting the seller’s expectations.
Earned Exits’ success stories demonstrate their ability to go beyond financial gains by ensuring clients receive meaningful value. Their tailored approach, experienced team, and deep industry connections allow them to consistently deliver results that exceed expectations, making them a trusted partner for business owners ready to sell.
What Makes Earned Exits Stand Out
Earned Exits differentiates itself from traditional business brokers by offering a comprehensive, client-centric approach that goes beyond just maximizing financial returns. Here are the key factors that set Earned Exits apart:
1. Focus on “Meaningful Value”
Earned Exits doesn’t just aim for the highest sale price; they emphasize achieving what they call “meaningful value”. This approach takes into account various factors beyond just financials, including the future of the company, the employees, and the legacy the business owner leaves behind. By focusing on this holistic approach, Earned Exits ensures that their clients not only walk away with a great deal but also feel confident about the future of their business after the sale.
2. Experienced Team
With over 30 years of experience in advising on business purchases and sales, Earned Exits brings a depth of knowledge that few firms can match. Their extensive background allows them to navigate the complexities of business sales with ease, providing clients with expert guidance throughout the entire process.
3. Tailored 10-Step Selling Process
Earned Exits has developed a proprietary 10-step process designed to optimize business value and ensure a smooth transition to new ownership. This process includes a pre-due diligence phase, tailored marketing strategies, and comprehensive buyer vetting. By following this structured approach, Earned Exits ensures that every detail is covered and that the business is sold to the right buyer, not just the highest bidder.
4. Comprehensive Industry Coverage
The company works with businesses across 17+ industries, making them true national experts with a broad understanding of various market sectors. Their extensive industry knowledge positions them as a go-to firm for businesses in diverse sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing.
5. Free Business Appraisals
Earned Exits offers free business appraisals, giving business owners the opportunity to understand their company’s potential worth before deciding to move forward with a sale. This transparent and no-obligation approach helps owners make informed decisions early in the process .
6. Majority Woman-Owned and Led
As a majority woman-owned and led organization, Earned Exits brings a unique and often underrepresented perspective to the business brokerage field. This leadership offers diversity in decision-making and strategy, benefiting clients who appreciate varied insights during their business transactions.
7. Pre-Due Diligence Assistance
Before bringing a business to market, Earned Exits conducts pre-due diligence to identify and fix any weak spots in the business. This proactive approach strengthens the company’s position and ensures that it is buyer-ready, increasing the chances of a smooth sale .
8. Negotiation Expertise
Earned Exits excels in handling complex negotiations, including earn-out structures and transition periods, to ensure that their clients get the best possible terms. Their extensive experience allows them to navigate common challenges in the M&A process, providing clients with confidence during every stage of the sale .
By combining these unique elements—focus on meaningful value, extensive experience, a proprietary selling process, and tailored pre-due diligence—Earned Exits delivers a personalized, comprehensive approach to business sales that sets them apart from other brokers.
Earned Exits Review: Conclusion
EarnedExits.com offers a comprehensive and strategic approach to business sales, focusing not just on maximizing price, but also on ensuring a smooth, meaningful transition for business owners. Their proven process, extensive buyer network, and personalized service make them a strong choice for small and mid-sized business owners looking to sell. Whether you’re seeking a free business appraisal or ready to start the sale process, Earned Exits provides the expertise and support needed to achieve success.
