I knew when it was time to sell, but it took 2 years to get it exit-ready!

I get asked this question A LOT from other business owners, “How did you know you were ready to sell?” Usually, they assume I was unhappy or not doing well, but it was the opposite! I had reached the pinnacle of my business life cycle and I knew taking it to the next level would require a special type of person that was a bit younger than me. Keep in mind, I had been growing my business for 28 years. It was time to let someone else take over. BUT there was a specific moment when I knew it was time and although that moment made me make the decision to sell, it took hard work and a lot of preparation to get my business exit ready.

✨ “I remember exactly where I was when I made the decision to sell my business.” ✨ - Kristi Brocato

My son and I were visiting my daughter in Oregon, enjoying breakfast, when a customer called to complain about something. Instead of being present with my family, I found myself frustrated, wondering why I was still the go-to person for complaints. I stayed on the phone to listen attentively, and I solved the customer’s issue with empathy, and I missed breakfast, essential conversations, and time with my kids I’ll never get back. (Not that it matters, but her complaint was that a gift delivery didn’t get made on time. The homeowner was out of town, therefore we couldn’t deliver it 💆‍♀️)

That moment changed everything. After I hung up the phone, I looked at them and said, “I have decided to sell my business.”

This event with my customer taught me a considerable business lesson. As business owners, we have the power to build strong teams and create systems that free us to live our lives outside of work, but most of us don’t do that. We allow our business to consume us.

I had amazing employees, but I didn’t have the systems in place so my customers didn’t know who to go to. They counted on me. While I loved being there for my customers, I also wanted and deserved to have a life with my kids. I wanted both! I knew this had to change for my company to be exit-ready! In that moment sitting in the breakfast place in Oregon with my kids, I decided to do things differently.

I needed a team-led company that could thrive and grow without me!

After a couple of years, good coaching and a specific strategy to prepare my business, I sold it to three outstanding businesswomen in April 2023. Today, I coach other business owners on how to grow and avoid the same mistakes I made. I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs reach their goals faster, easier, and with less stress without sacrificing family, freedom, or money.

You deserve to have a thriving business and a life you love. ❤️ KB