The Apex Business Advisors Podcast

Andy is a Grizzled Old Vet?

Andy has moved into a different drop down box on the IBBA experience category. In this episode, he is here to share the wisdom of a grizzled old vet. 
Key topics include managing multiple deals (he describes having six deals under contract), teaming up versus representing both buyer and seller, handling client emotions and conflict, building systems and teams to scale, and the “thousand day” advice for new brokers.
Practical takeaways cover attending conferences, joining professional organizations like the Exit Planning Institute, staying credible by treating advisory work as a business, and leaning on colleagues to share stress. The episode blends real-world tips with light-hearted moments and personal anecdotes.

60-Day Close to Bank Rule Blues

Today, we recap two recent closings that included returning buyers who chose Apex to re-sell their companies, how seller financing accelerated one transaction to about 60 days, and how bank/SBA rule changes stretched another closing past the typical 90-day target.
Key takeaways: deals rarely follow a linear Gantt chart, seller financing can speed closings, bank rules can cause unexpected delays, and persistence pays off — Apex handles roughly 35–50 closings a year and keeps a culture of celebrating wins (yes, tacos included).

Good Seller Financing vs Bad Seller Financing — What Separates Them?

In this episode of the Apex Business Advisors podcast, Andy and Doug discuss the difference between good and bad seller financing, why bank scrutiny and rising interest rates make seller financing more relevant, and how creative deal structures can help transactions close.
 
Topics covered: unbankable businesses, dirty books and ad-backs, the impact of interest-rate changes on debt service and buyer affordability, structuring seller carry (partial financing, balloons, amortization), and how sellers can earn attractive returns by financing deals.

Best Of: How a Son Bought the Multi-Million Business

Episode featuring returning guest Valerie Vaughn, premier and award-winning business broker, discussing a seven-year succession plan where parents prepared to sell their established business to their son. Topics include team-based planning with a wealth manager, accountant, and attorney; preparing the company for sale; SBA lending and financing hurdles; and the son’s transition from top salesperson to owner (including getting a contractor’s license).Key points: the value of long-term planning and objective valuation, operational changes that doubled company value, family dynamics and intermediaries’ roles, lender interactions and timing challenges, and the successful closing and lessons for business owners considering internal or third-party exits.

Seller Limbo

Today, we're talking "seller limbo"—the anxious stretch after an offer when financing, appraisals, and bank underwriting seem to stall a business sale. We discuss real examples, SBA rule impacts, equipment appraisal problems, banks’ increased scrutiny, and the growing role of seller financing and higher buyer down payments.

Success Is Not Accidental

On this episode of the Apex Business Advisors Podcast we discuss one of Apex’s core value—"success is not accidental." Andy and Doug walk listeners through the practical and psychological challenges that arise in buying and selling businesses. 
Topics covered include common transaction roadblocks, lender expectations (EIN, operating agreements, closing checklists), timelines and typical delays, and the importance of buyer readiness and organization. The hosts explain how advisors help remove obstacles while requiring buyers and sellers to take responsibility for key tasks.
Key points emphasize mindset—staying positive, collaborating as a team, knowledge transfer from seller to buyer—and real examples of process hiccups (appraisers, underwriting timelines). Listeners will learn what to expect, what to prepare before financing, and how to keep deals moving toward a successful close.

From Adversaries to Allies: Making Buyer-Seller Transitions Work

Today we explore how buyers and sellers can move from constant negotiation to a collaborative team during due diligence, closing and the post-close transition. Topics include ride-alongs to build rapport, prepping buyers for lender interviews, common attorney roadblocks, and why engagement and transition planning matter.
Key takeaways: foster trust through joint communication and shared goals, coach buyers before lender interviews, vet attorneys early to avoid delays, and create a clear training/employee-transition plan to ensure day-one success.

The New Lending Rules

Today we're talking about the evolving world of business lending resulting from the recent SOP changes by the SBA. Effective since June 1st, the banks are trying to re-define their lending criteria, particularly in the wake of economic uncertainty. The conversation covers how debt coverage ratios are pivotal in lending decisions and how banks are now scrutinizing buyer backgrounds and financial strength more than ever.
Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this episode provides essential tips on navigating the lending landscape, understanding the role of SBA lenders, and finding the right partners to secure business acquisitions. Don't miss expert advice on improving your lending prospects in this challenging economic climate.