Author: Kristopher Jones
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Aligning Product Roadmaps with Exit Strategy
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In my years working on both sides of the table — as an operator, acquirer, and now as cohost of the Legacy Advisors Podcast — one pattern has stood out: companies that integrate their product strategy with their exit strategy consistently outperform those that don’t. Too often, product development is…
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The Role of Brand Equity in Exit Strategy Planning
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When it comes to exit strategy planning, many founders obsess over revenue, margins, and growth rates. While those metrics are undeniably important, there’s another intangible that often punches well above its weight in M&A negotiations: brand equity. As a serial entrepreneur who built and sold multiple companies — including Pepperjam,…
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Thinking Like a Buyer: The Ultimate Advantage for Sellers
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When most founders think about what makes their business attractive to buyers, they default to the obvious: revenue, profit, and growth. And yes—those matter. But there’s a fourth lever that too many sellers overlook: operational scalability. In my 27 years as a founder, investor, and M&A advisor—across exits like Pepperjam…
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Key Metrics That Make Your Business Attractive to Buyers
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Let me start with something I’ve said often on the Legacy Advisors Podcast and in rooms filled with founders: buyers don’t buy potential—they buy proof. You can have a world-class product, an inspiring origin story, and a bright future. But if the metrics don’t back it up, your company will…
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Creating Predictable Revenue Streams Before an Exit
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If you’re a founder thinking about selling your business in the next few years, let me share something that most owners learn too late: Predictable revenue isn’t just nice to have—it’s one of the single biggest drivers of valuation in M&A. Why? Because predictability equals reduced risk. And reduced risk…
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Strategic Positioning in a Crowded Market: Stand Out to Exit
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In today’s M&A landscape, being great isn’t enough. There are thousands of profitable, well-run businesses out there—and many of them are for sale. But only a handful are positioned in a way that makes buyers stop, lean in, and say, “We want that one.” I’ve seen it firsthand in my…
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Building a Business That Buyers Actually Want
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Let’s cut through the noise. If you’re a founder thinking about exiting your company, you’ve probably heard the standard advice: grow revenue, boost profit, keep your books clean. Important? Absolutely. But here’s the truth I’ve learned after nearly three decades as a founder, operator, and dealmaker: Buyers don’t just want…
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Creating a Unique Value Proposition for Potential Acquirers
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When it comes to selling a business, the cold truth is this: most companies look the same on paper. Buyers see spreadsheets, forecasts, KPIs, and EBITDA margins—and most businesses blend into the noise. The companies that stand out, the ones that get competitive bids, strategic suitors, and above-market multiples? Those…
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Exit Planning: First-Time vs. Serial Entrepreneurs
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If you’re a founder, you will exit—whether by design or by default. The only question is how. At Legacy Advisors, we work with two types of founders all the time: first-time founders and serial entrepreneurs. On the surface, both build businesses. But the way they think about exit planning is…
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Cash Flow vs. Profit: Critical Differences for Running and Selling Your Business
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Understanding the distinction between cash flow and profit is fundamental for any business owner, both for effective day-to-day management and for maximizing value when it comes time to sell. While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, these two financial metrics tell very different stories about your company’s health and prospects.…