Case Study: Preserving a 40-Year Small Business and a Legacy

A husband-and-wife team operated a custom framing and retail home-goods business in Colorado for 40 years. After decades of building relationships, reputation, and a loyal customer base, they reluctantly decided it was time to consider selling. They initially listed with another broker but saw zero results and began to believe their only option was to close the doors — a heartbreaking prospect after a lifetime of work.

They were understandably hesitant to try again, but after meeting with me, Patrick Bombardiere of Transworld Business Advisors of Colorado, things changed quickly. We re-evaluated the business’s strengths and positioned it for the right buyers. Within a short time we generated immediate interest from qualified buyers — not tire-kickers, but people who saw the value and future potential in what the owners had built.

The result: we successfully sold the business to a young woman who was eager to take over the legacy and grow it. My role went beyond simply finding a buyer — I negotiated terms, built the structure of the deal, helped secure SBA financing, and assisted in negotiating a new lease for the buyer to ensure a smooth transition. The sellers were able to leave knowing the business and its employees were in good hands, and the buyer was excited to carry the business forward. Everyone involved was very happy and excited for their next chapters.