ironshield financial
The Power of Working on, Not in, Your Business
Have you ever considered that knowing too much about your company’s product or service could be a disadvantage? Sometimes, not being a technical expert can help you avoid a common trap many founders fall into. Carrie Kelsch, who founded A Plus Garage Doors in 2005, had no experience in garage door repair. Instead of seeing…
From Reseller to Brand Builder: Luke Peters’ $80M Success
A lot of companies are tempted to resell other people’s products and services as a quick path to hitting their next revenue milestone. While this approach might boost your top line, it often comes at the cost of your company’s long-term value. Acquirers aren’t just looking for companies that generate revenue—they usually want businesses that…
Listening & Leveling: How Customer Feedback Turned a $50 Idea into a 7-Figure Business
In the early days of Airbnb, co-founder Brian Chesky went to surprising lengths to gather customer feedback. He would stay with Airbnb hosts to experience the platform as they did, asking detailed questions about their needs and frustrations. Chesky’s commitment to listening wasn’t just about making improvements—it was about truly understanding the customer experience in…
Why a Strong Moat Made Boondockers Welcome an Acquisition Target
What Makes You Tough to Compete With? It’s that thing customers value but competitors can’t seem to match. For Apple, it’s their integrated ecosystem of devices and services. Apple’s ecosystem binds together iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and services like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Pay into a seamless experience. Once you own one Apple…
From Gretzky to Popovich: What Sports Legends Teach Us About Business Value
Have you ever wondered why some athletes struggle to transition from player to coach? This challenge isn’t just limited to sports; it’s a critical shift that many business owners need to make to build a valuable business. Take Wayne Gretzky, for example. Despite being arguably, the best hockey player of all time, he failed to…
How First Impressions Can Impact Your Company’s Value
When potential acquirers first evaluate your business, most will quickly categorize it into a specific industry. This initial classification can significantly impact the value they place on your business. Some industries are inherently perceived as more valuable than others, and if your business is placed in a less favorable category, it can be challenging to…
3 Ways to Get Your Employees to Sell More
Who does the selling inside your business? If you’re involved, your business will be less valuable than if you weren’t. Investors and acquirers are reluctant to invest in a business where the owner is the rainmaker of the company. The team at the Value Builder System™ analyzed more than 70,000 businesses, and the data revealed…
Big vs. Valuable
Most founders aim to boost sales, but prioritizing top-line growth can attract low-quality revenue, potentially reducing your company’s value. To an acquirer, revenue quality varies. They prioritize future revenue predictability, valuing recurring income from contracts and subscriptions higher than one-off sales. Consequently, firms with recurring revenue often command a revenue-based valuation, whereas businesses reliant on…