Understand What Your Business Is Really Worth

A business valuation is an objective assessment of what your business would likely sell for in today’s market.
It takes into account financial performance, assets, industry trends, and intangible value — like your brand reputation or loyal customer base.

Whether you’re preparing to sell, planning for retirement, or just curious, an accurate valuation gives you clarity and leverage.

I use a combination of financial, market, and asset-based approaches to determine fair market value.

Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE)

For small to mid-sized businesses, value is usually based on SDE — your total owner benefit.
That includes:

• Net profit 
• Owner salary 
• Perks and add-backs (car, phone, insurance, etc.) 
• Interest, depreciation, and one-time expenses
   

Example:
If your business shows $150,000 in SDE and your industry average multiple is 2.5x, the estimated value would be around $375,000.

Market Comparables

I analyze recent sales of similar businesses across Florida and the Southeast to benchmark your company’s value.
Comparable sales give us insight into what buyers are actually paying — not just asking prices.

Asset & Industry Factors

Every business is unique. Asset-heavy operations (like auto repair or manufacturing) are valued differently than service-based models (like salons or HVAC companies).
We factor in:

• Equipment and inventory 
• Lease terms and location 
• Customer diversity 
• Growth trends and recurring revenue

Several factors can move your value up or down:

Increases Value

• Consistent financial performance 
• Clean, organized books 
• Trained staff and stable operations 
• Strong online reviews and reputation 
• Documented systems and processes 

Reduces Value

• Owner dependency (no management depth) 
• Declining sales or profitability 
• Incomplete financial records 
• Customer concentration (one client = most of the revenue)

SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings): Used for small businesses where the owner is actively involved. It represents the total financial benefit to one working owner.
EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): Used for larger businesses with management teams in place. It reflects the company’s operating profit independent of owner involvement.

• You’re thinking about selling in the next 6–24 months. 
• You want to plan for retirement or succession. 
• You’re applying for financing or considering an SBA loan. 
• You’re buying out a partner or restructuring ownership.

Request a Valuation Now 

Small improvements can make a big difference in market price.

• Improve documentation and recordkeeping. 
• Delegate responsibilities — reduce owner dependency. 
• Add recurring or contract revenue streams. 
• Update branding, marketing, and web presence. 
• Lock in lease renewals or key staff contracts.

• SBA.gov – Small business valuation and lending guidelines. 
• Business Brokers of Florida MLS – See recent business sale data. 
• SCORE Northeast Florida – Mentoring and business planning. 
• Florida SBDC at UNF – Local business advisory resources.

Ready to find out what your business is worth?
I’ll prepare a clear, data-backed report — no pressure, no obligation.

Request a Free Valuation
Contact Timothy Levandowski