Get insights into Cliff’s thoughts and process
Learn what one of our founders has to say about the current state of the M & A industry, and understand what to look out for
Learn what one of our founders has to say about the current state of the M & A industry, and understand what to look out for
Get a deep understanding of the M&A process through these series of TV interviews by Cliff
"Most business owners wait too long to sell their company… and when they finally decide? They choose the wrong person to represent them."
In this episode, Cliff reveals why hiring a business broker might be the most expensive mistake of your life — and what to do instead.Whether you're burnt out, planning a succession, or just wondering what your business is worth — this is the exit strategy masterclass you didn’t know you needed.
"You only get one shot to sell your business — and the fastest way to blow the deal? Lack of transparency."
Cliff highlights the warning signs that can deter potential buyers, strategies to prevent damaging cultural shifts, and the importance of recurring revenue in making your business more attractive. This is the essential guide every founder needs before entering negotiations.
"Here’s the harsh truth: Most business owners aren’t ready to sell — even when they think they are."
In this episode Cliff Gardner joins Linda Hamilton to walk you through what it takes to sell your business —
If the idea of exiting your business makes you feel uneasy, this discussion will provide the reassurance you need.
"If someone tells you selling your business is easy — Cliff says run. Fast."
In this video Cliff breaks down the biggest lies business owners are told during exit planning, and what a real M&A advisor actually does differently.
"How do you sell your business… without losing your soul?"
From aligning with your faith to protecting your team and legacy, this conversation reframes the idea of “selling” as a mission-driven transition — not just a transaction.
Learn what one of our founders has to say about the current state of the M & A industry, and understand what to look out for
Learn what one of our founders has to say about the current state of the M & A industry, and understand what to look out for
Our insights are the result of over 50 years of financial experience and a deep understanding of market dynamics
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On Unscrupulous Brokers:
"It was a real shock when we realized how many brokers in the Lower Middle Market exploit business owners by flipping their companies for quick fees and selling far below market value."
"It was a real shock when we realized how many brokers in the Lower Middle Market exploit business owners by flipping their companies for quick fees and selling far below market value."
On ECP Ventures' Mission:
"We don’t just represent our clients; we protect them. We’re here to shield business owners from unethical brokers and unsolicited LOI's to ensure they get the best possible deal for their company."
"We don’t just represent our clients; we protect them. We’re here to shield business owners from unethical brokers and unsolicited LOI's to ensure they get the best possible deal for their company."
On Legacy Preservation:
"A successful deal isn’t always about getting the highest price. Many of our clients care deeply about finding buyers who will take care of their employees and preserve their company culture."
"A successful deal isn’t always about getting the highest price. Many of our clients care deeply about finding buyers who will take care of their employees and preserve their company culture."
On Christian Values:
"We are a Christian firm, and we operate with a servant heart. Our focus is to serve business owners, not just collect fees."
"We are a Christian firm, and we operate with a servant heart. Our focus is to serve business owners, not just collect fees."
On Technology and Efficiency:
"Caplinked is our go-to digital data room. It keeps transactions secure, organized, and efficient from start to finish. Files should never be shared by email."
"Caplinked is our go-to digital data room. It keeps transactions secure, organized, and efficient from start to finish. Files should never be shared by email."
On Preparing for Sale:
"Sellers need to clean up their financials, understand their balance sheets, and never pay upfront fees to brokers. Trustworthy advisors are essential in this process."
"Sellers need to clean up their financials, understand their balance sheets, and never pay upfront fees to brokers. Trustworthy advisors are essential in this process."
On the M&A Market:
"This is a seller’s market, and there has never been a better time to sell a high-quality company. Buyers are aggressively seeking high value businesses."
"This is a seller’s market, and there has never been a better time to sell a high-quality company. Buyers are aggressively seeking high value businesses."
