Business Transition Consulting

The same focus and commitment whether serving as consultants or as owners.

We’re business builders, not business buyers, so we treat each company like it’s our family business. Our only objective is to help organizations realize their full, long-term potential. We want the opportunity to earn and acquire an ownership position at the appropriate time, but we have no external constraints or artificial growth demands.

Businesses that were built over decades shouldn’t be auctioned off in months.

Replacing the skills and entrepreneurial motivation of a founder is complex and risky, particularly when the market demands of the future may differ from those of the past. We prefer to understand the whole organization and to create a transition plan over a realistic timeline rather than relying on big assumptions and quick fixes within a rigid sales process.

Collaborative win-win-win vs. adversarial buy/sell

Owner: Trusted partner and clear path through orderly transition

Business: Minimized disruption and benefit of outside resources

Woodlawn: Adding value while reducing risk of purchase

Collaborative win-win-win vs. adversarial buy/sell

Owner: Trusted partner and clear path through orderly transition

Business: Minimized disruption and benefit of outside resources

Woodlawn: Adding value while reducing risk of purchase

Case Study

Sporting goods manufacturer in the Southwest

Challenge

  • Owner desires a certain valuation to fund retirement and a 1-year transition out of daily involvement
  • Highly profitable business but too small to find buyers at desired valuation
  • Lacks team and systems to continue growing without daily owner involvement

Solution

  • Nominal monthly retainer to help grow into valuation over 12 to 18 months
  • Woodlawn acquires company after helping to establish information systems, augment team, and improve marketing efforts
  • Owner receives desired price and transition timing