Valerie Vaughn at APEX Business Advisors

09/09/2026

If you could only remember one lesson from your college or MBA days, what would it be?

For me, it was from an investments class at Rockhurst University: “You cannot time the market."

While my professor was discussing the stock market, this article perfectly illustrates how that same rule applies to selling a business. It’s easy for founders to delay an exit—waiting for interest rates to drop, the economy to boom, or the next election to pass. But waiting for perfect conditions often means missing the best opportunities.
Two standout takeaways from the article:

💡 Buyers invest in the future of a strong business, not the panic of today’s headlines.

💡 Most entrepreneurs unknowingly bet their entire net worth on a single asset. Having their business serve as their primary financial reserve is an incredible milestone, but it leaves them dramatically overexposed to risk.

A highly recommended read for any founder thinking about their long-term exit strategy:

Every year, I speak to business owners who tell me they are going to wait. I often get asked the question… | North East | Economy | National | Business Growth | Mergers & Acquisitions | SMEs | Professional Services |

09/03/2026

"When I put my key in the door and dread walking in, I'll know it's time."

Years ago, a local entrepreneur shared that benchmark with me. She built a one-of-a-kind concept into a beloved local institution—and a few years later, I helped her execute that very exit.

Her comment always stuck with me because business owners so often view selling as stepping down.

As this Inc. Magazine piece points out, choosing to sell isn't giving up—it might just be the ultimate entrepreneurial pivot. It's a refreshing read for any founder thinking about what it really takes to write their next chapter.

After two decades of running a fast-growing agency, I realized staying put was less risky than starting over.

09/01/2026

Popping balloons is loud, messy, and surprisingly joyful — just like letting go of a business can be.

Yesterday I helped my niece, Molly Balloons, take down a massive balloon installation she created for a local fundraising event — more than 15,000 balloons. She turned the teardown into a party, and honestly, the adults had just as much fun as the kids. Good thing we wore earplugs; 10+ helpers popping balloons at once gets loud fast.

Watching this beautiful installation come down reminded me of something I see often in mergers and acquisitions. From the outside, selling a business looks like the big, glamorous event — the listing, the offers, the closing. But the real work (and the real value) comes from the preparation and the thoughtful “teardown” behind the scenes.

Just like Molly’s installation, a successful exit requires planning, structure, and a team. When owners prepare early, understand what buyers value, and have the right guidance, even the noisy parts of the process become manageable — sometimes even enjoyable.

Exiting a business is a celebration of what was built and what comes next. And with the right support, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can feel a lot like yesterday: meaningful, collaborative, and surprisingly fun.

Huge shoutout to Molly for the incredible installation (and for providing the hearing protection).

How are you preparing your business for its eventual exit? [email protected] | (913) 433-2315

08/29/2026

From the outside, some decisions inside family-owned businesses can look, frankly, crazy.

Whether it’s overpaying a relative for a specific role or limping along with a family member in an executive seat rather than hiring top-tier outside talent, it can be hard to understand from a purely financial perspective.

But here is the secret: decisions in a family enterprise don't always make traditional “business sense” because their primary bottom line is serving what’s best for the family.

As an M&A advisor, I see this delicate balance between business logic and family dynamics take center stage when a family starts considering a sale. This recent piece does a great job outlining a practical process for families weighing whether to keep or sell.

I'd love to hear from my network: what do you think is the hardest part for a family navigating this decision? [email protected] | (913) 433-2315

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Sponsor content from Northern Trust.

08/28/2026

Sharpening the Saw in Como, Italy.

It was truly an unforgettable experience exploring the beautiful shores of Como. Beyond the stunning views, this trip was a powerful reminder of a key professional and life principle: Work is not just about the money; it’s about the life and the experiences that income allows us to build.

Taking dedicated time off is not a luxury, but a critical part of professional sustainability. It is the ultimate "sharpen the saw" moment.

A vacation is an investment in your well-being that pays dividends in your professional performance when you return. Remember to schedule that restorative time and truly disconnect. The return on investment is always worth it.

08/28/2026

"Doesn't every business owner prepare for a sale years in advance?"

A business owner asked me that exact question last night after telling me that he was working with a CFO advisory firm to scale enterprise value before an exit.

My response? "You are a unicorn."

The hard truth is that most business owners don't prepare. They decide it's time to transition, list the business, and face a harsh reality check on their valuation.

Procrastinating on your largest asset is a costly mistake, but it's also a massive opportunity for the entire advisory ecosystem.

Through my work with the Kansas City chapter of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI), I’m focused on building a stronger network of advisors who help owners prepare long before the transaction. When we collaborate early, we help owners:

-- Build a turn-key enterprise that is easier to run today

-- Maximize transferable value for tomorrow

-- Achieve a smooth, confidential transition on their terms

When we ask the right questions early, our mutual clients get the outcomes they actually deserve.

Want to connect with other local advisors to tackle this challenge? Join me at our EPI Kansas City Chapter meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, 7:30–9:00 AM.

Click here to learn more about EPI KC: https://tinyurl.com/3v7vd9jb

08/27/2026

Buying a business means inheriting its culture. Learn why Netflix's "No Rules Rules" playbook offers key lessons for evaluating and preserving it.

08/25/2026

Your AI says premium. The buyer’s AI says discount. Who is right? Usually, neither.

I just read a great piece on how business buyers and sellers are trying to use AI to determine valuations. The reality is that AI tends to tell you what you want to hear—overvaluing if you're the owner, and undervaluing if you're the buyer.

But here is the hard truth:

❌ AI does not fund an acquisition.
❌ AI does not get investment committee approval.
❌ AI does not survive a quality-of-earnings review.
❌ AI does not negotiate a purchase agreement.
❌ AI does not show up at closing with the wire transfer.

The article doesn’t bash AI or tell us to avoid it. In fact, it explores some practical ways to prompt AI to get more grounded, accurate information. It’s a great tool, but it's just that—a tool.

Because when it comes down to it, all the algorithms in the world cannot change the ultimate valuation decision-maker: the market.

If you want to read the full article, the link is posted in the comments.

Send a message to learn more

08/17/2026

Are you building a business that can run without you? I completely agree with the advice in this article. It focuses on 4 basics that make a huge difference when it comes time to exit.

I’m currently working with a client whose accountant gave him brilliant advice when he first started: "build a company that doesn't rely on you." He listened, put in the work, and today? It’s making a massive difference in what buyers are willing to pay.

Don't wait until you're ready to sell to start making yourself replaceable!


[email protected] | (913) 433-2315

When they’re ready to sell, founders sometimes realize that they’ve forgotten to prioritize the business asset that matters most to many buyers.

08/03/2026

Selling your business for financial gain is the easy part. Finding purpose after the sale? That's the real challenge founders overlook.