Selling a business is often the most important financial decision an owner will ever make. After years of hard work, late nights, and personal investment, you want to ensure that when it’s time to exit, you walk away with the best possible outcome. That’s exactly what Exit Stage Left Advisors is built to deliver.
Real Experience From Founders Who’ve Been There
Many advisory firms approach deals like bankers crunching numbers—but at Exit Stage Left Advisors, we know firsthand what it’s like to sit in your chair. Our team has successfully built and sold eight businesses of our own, so we understand both the excitement and stress that come with preparing for an exit. Simply put: it takes one to know one.
That perspective shapes everything we do. We don’t just manage transactions—we guide you through one of the biggest transitions of your life with empathy, clarity, and strategy.
A Track Record That Speaks Volumes
In 2025 alone, Exit Stage Left Advisors has already closed over $210 million in transactions for clients across industries. Even more important, we consistently outperform the market:
An 80% close rate (well above industry averages)
Sellers receiving 38% more than their asking price on average
Billions of dollars in cumulative client exits
When you choose ESL, you’re choosing proven results, not empty promises.
A Process Designed To Maximize Value
Selling a business shouldn’t feel chaotic or confusing. That’s why we’ve built a proprietary 11-step process to ensure you know exactly where you stand at every stage. From valuation and preparation to buyer outreach and negotiation, we make the complex simple.
One of the cornerstones of our system is our auction-style process, which drives multiple qualified buyers to the table at the same time. This competitive dynamic is how we consistently secure offers well above initial expectations.
Access To Serious Buyers—Not Tire Kickers
Unlike mass-market business brokers who blast your listing to anyone with an email address, ESL maintains one of the most exclusive private buyer lists in the U.S. Our network consists of serious, pre-qualified buyers—private equity firms, strategic acquirers, and high-net-worth individuals—who have the capital and track record to get deals closed.
Aligned Incentives, Aligned Success
We also believe strongly in alignment. Unlike many advisory firms that charge expensive retainers, we only get paid if you succeed. Our success-fee-only model means that if your deal doesn’t close, we don’t make a penny. That ensures our priorities are always 100% aligned with yours.
Why ESL Stands Out
When you work with Exit Stage Left Advisors, you’re not just hiring an M&A firm—you’re choosing a partner committed to your legacy, your financial future, and your peace of mind.
We offer:
Founder-led experience you won’t find at traditional firms
Proven results with above-market valuations
A transparent, step-by-step process
Access to elite buyers across the country
Success-fee-only pricing that ensures true alignment
Conclusion
You only sell your business once. Choosing the right advisor can be the difference between leaving money on the table and walking away with the outcome you deserve.
At Exit Stage Left Advisors, we combine real-world founder experience with a battle-tested process and a proven record of success. If you’re thinking about your future exit, now is the time to plan—and we’d love to guide you every step of the way.
