How much is your business actually worth? Eric Wiklendt has helped over 100 business owners sell, scale, and structure exits that don’t just look good on paper—but actually close. In this episode, Eric breaks down the biggest misconceptions owners have about valuations, how buyers really think, and why most sellers screw up the story behind their numbers.
This is required listening for any founder who thinks “I’ll just sell when I’m ready.” Eric walks through real-world deals, unpacks the math behind multiples, and reveals what every buyer looks for—and what makes them walk away.
TAKEAWAYS
- Why the multiple you want might not matter
- The difference between price and value in a buyer’s eyes
- How to prep your financials for serious exit conversations
- Real examples of valuation mistakes owners make
- The exit story every buyer wants to hear
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Connect with Eric Wiklendt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwiklendt/
FOLLOWS
Oak IQ Investments – https://www.instagram.com/oakiq/
Own The Exit – https://www.instagram.com/owntheexit/
Aaron Investing – https://www.instagram.com/aaroninvesting/
Caleb Investing – https://www.instagram.com/calebinvesting/
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction & background
02:11 – Eric’s Backstory: Coaching 100+ Exits
05:34 – Why Multiples Are Misunderstood
08:19 – “Five Times What?”
11:27 – What Buyers Are Really Buying
14:02 – When EBITDA Isn’t the Whole Story
18:45 – Real Deal Breakdown: Why It Failed
21:10 – Numbers vs. Narrative in an Exit
24:39 – The One Question to Ask Every Seller
KEYWORDS
business valuation, how to value your business, sell your company, multiples, EBITDA, business exit, private equity, business acquisition, M&A strategy, how buyers think, business storytelling, financial due diligence, exit planning, business broker tips, company valuation, business for sale prep, founder strategy, sell-side advisor, selling a company, what buyers want
EPISODE 128
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
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Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH7347JpawfpdY4LgmpZM7A/
Explore our website: http://www.oakiq.com/
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