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About Stan Cortland

Stan Cortland

DRE# 02079242

A Trusted Advisor for California’s Business Owners and Contractors

Stan Cortland specializes in helping California contractors, entrepreneurs, and investors navigate the complex process of buying or selling a business. With decades of experience spanning sales leadership, business ownership, and strategic consulting, he brings a rare combination of insight, discipline, and real-world perspective to every engagement.

Professional Background

Over 37 years in sales, management, and business ownership.
Deep understanding of business operations, valuation, and scalable service models.
Known for his client-first philosophy, emphasizing communication, trust, and stress-free transactions.

Operator-Level Insight

Not just a broker — a former business owner who’s built and exited multi-million-dollar operations.
Provides clients with a peer-level understanding of operational complexity and value creation.

Specialization in Contractor Services

Deep niche expertise in trades and construction service businesses.
Technical knowledge of RMO/RME licensing, operational logistics, and field-service management.

Stress-Free Transaction Philosophy

Client-centered approach: makes buying or selling “exciting, easy, and stress-free.”
Transparent, success-based commission model — no fees unless a sale closes.

Deep Buyer & Seller Network

Access to a proprietary pool of pre-qualified buyers seeking stable, profitable service businesses.
Ideal intermediary for owner-operators looking for confidential, efficient exits.

Our Client Philosophy: Trust, Expertise, and a Stress-Free Exit

Stan’s priority is to listen to his clients' needs and ensure the buying or selling process is rendered "stress-free". For him, success is measured not just by the closing price but by the certainty, ease, and timing of the deal.

Anecdotal testimonials support the efficacy of this client experience mandate. Clients describe their buying experiences as "smooth and stress-free. This dedication to process management, combined with Stan's background as a successful entrepreneur, ensures that communication and coordination meet the expectations of experienced business principals.

Stan Cortland’s concentrated focus on the Contractor Services Vertical is a strategic decision that drives efficiency and attracts targeted capital. Recent closed transactions handled include glass supplier/glazing contractor, plumbing contractor, solar contractor, and roofing contractor businesses. While active acquisition opportunities consistently reflect this niche, encompass established businesses in HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and solar sectors.

The depth of his specialization is evidenced by the specific transactional details revealed in his listings https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-broker/stan-cortland/curb/36930/

This concentrated market engagement allows for the cultivation of deep proprietary networks, enhancing efficiency in deal sourcing and buyer placement.

Market Specialization: Contractor Services Vertical

Stan Cortland’s philosophy regarding valuation and negotiation is highly pragmatic, reflecting a deep understanding of the behavioral economics inherent in lower middle market M&A. He asserts that while many treat valuation as "objective math," the reality is that it is "pure negotiation," where the asking "Price is just ONE lever". This approach prioritizes optimizing the entire deal structure—focusing on terms, timing, and the narrative or "story" to achieve mutual satisfaction and certainty of closing.

This perspective acknowledges that, particularly for founder-owners, deal failure often stems from emotional factors, misalignment on timing (e.g., tax planning or retirement schedule), or rigidity in non-monetary terms. By optimizing non-monetary levers (such as ensuring a smooth transition or protecting the seller's legacy), the broker aims to maximize the certainty and ease of the transaction, aligning directly with his "stress-free" client mandate. This nuanced approach is often more effective than simply pushing for the highest possible initial financial multiple. To initiate this process, the practice offers a No-Cost Valuation service, enabling potential sellers to explore an exit strategy with low initial commitment.