Your "No-Cost Business Valuation" Beyond the Multiples

The "Generalist Broker" Trap

The Acquisitions That Prove Our Valuation Expertise

Stan Cortland has a proven track record of maximizing value for contractors, confirming the current high demand in the market. Since 2024, Stan Cortland has facilitated the successful acquisitions of seven (7) contractor businesses:

• Three (3) plumbing contractor businesses

• Two (2) roofing contractor businesses

• One (1) swimming pool contractor business

• One (1) solar contractor business

Many business owners believe the first step is to "get their multiple." They reach out to a generalist broker who looks at their tax returns, applies a "generic multiple," and gives them a number. That one-size-fits-all approach is easy, fast, and, frankly, "leaves a lot of your money on the table". It fails to capture the real value you have built.

The "Operator-Broker" Difference: Finding the Hidden Value

With over 37 years of experience in sales, management, and business ownership, Stan Cortland's process is different. His valuation is not a simple calculation; it's a deep-dive search for the "operational value" that doesn't show up on a spreadsheet. He finds the hidden value in your operational logistics, your team's tenure, your customer relationships, and your competitive positioning in the market. Stan understands:

• How to value recurring service contracts and maintenance agreements

• The real worth of your dispatch efficiency and field service systems

• What makes customer acquisition costs sustainable or problematic

• How supply chain relationships and vendor terms impact value

• Why certain operational metrics matter more than others to buyers

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No Cost. No Pressure. No Obligation to Sell.

Valuation and Negotiation Philosophy: Beyond the Multiples

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.