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About Stan Cortland: The Operator-Broker Advantage

Stan Cortland

DRE# 02079242

In the Lower Middle Market, a business sale or acquisition is deeply personal. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, not just a line item on a spreadsheet. That's why Stan Cortland doesn’t approach M&A as a typical intermediary; he approaches it as a peer who has been in your shoes.

Stan Cortland presents an expert profile rooted in extensive professional history, characterized by over 37 years of demonstrable success in the area of Sales. This foundation is coupled with verifiable regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions and a specialized focus on contractor business acquisitions. He holds a current and licensed status for his CA DRE Salesperson License and carries no record of disciplinary action. Furthermore, his operational scope is significantly expanded by licensing in six Western states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Idaho.

The core value proposition of Stan Cortland is distinctly defined by his history as a principal operator, positioning him uniquely as an "Operator-Broker." This status is substantiated by his background, which includes successfully operating the 3rd largest Xerox dealer in the nation, a business that required managing complex logistics, high-volume sales, and significant operational challenges, the exact issues faced by contractor services owners. When you work with Stan Cortland, you get an advisor who understands the true operational value of your business.

M&A Advisor Who Has Successfully Owned A Business Like Yours

"I've been an entrepreneur most of my life, owning and operating multiple businesses, such as the 3rd largest Xerox dealer in the nation. I've been in the field, managed the payroll, and signed the service contracts. I don't just see cash flow; I see the operational assets that truly drive a premium sale. My job is to give the business owner's perspective to the M&A process, ensuring you get paid for the efficiency and value you actually built."

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.