top of page


What Valuation Method Is Best for a Small Service Business?
Not sure which valuation method fits your service business? This post breaks down SDE multiples, DCF, and revenue multiples with a worked example for a consulting firm — no jargon, just practical math you can actually use.

Peter Lopez
Jun 22


The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Business in 2026: Interest Rates, Market Timing, and Your Bottom Line
Thinking of selling your business in 2026? Discover how rising interest rates and changing market conditions can impact your business sale—and get practical tips to help you make the most of your exit. The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Business.

Peter Lopez
May 13
![[HERO] Small Business Exit Planning: A Practical Roadmap to Selling on Your Terms](https://cdn.marblism.com/0H7wEf-4xo9.webp)
![[HERO] Small Business Exit Planning: A Practical Roadmap to Selling on Your Terms](https://cdn.marblism.com/0H7wEf-4xo9.webp)
Small Business Exit Planning: A Practical Roadmap to Selling on Your Terms
Most business owners don’t have an exit strategy until they’re already burnt out. Don’t wait until you’re "done" to start planning. Discover how Julian and Elena navigated the transition from operator to seller, and how to build a business that is actually sellable.

Peter Lopez
May 7


What is the best way to value a small business for sale?
Don't fall for the "Magic Number Trap." Whether you're in HVAC or tech, discover the most accurate ways to value your business for sale and why revenue isn't the whole story.

Peter Lopez
May 6


How to Value a Small Business (Without Hiring a Broker)
Stop guessing what your company is worth. From SDE multiples to EBITDA, this guide breaks down how to value a small business using real-world data, helping you move from a "magic number" to total negotiation clarity.

Peter Lopez
May 4
![[HERO] The Los Angeles Multiplier: Is Your Business Worth More Just Because of Your Zip Code?](https://cdn.marblism.com/EvLxts2E_kN.webp)
![[HERO] The Los Angeles Multiplier: Is Your Business Worth More Just Because of Your Zip Code?](https://cdn.marblism.com/EvLxts2E_kN.webp)
The Los Angeles Multiplier: Is Your Business Worth More Just Because of Your Zip Code?
I get this question a lot. I’ll be sitting in a coffee shop in Santa Monica or a warehouse in Commerce, and an owner will lean in and ask: “Peter, I’m in LA. Doesn’t that mean my business is worth a premium compared to some guy in the Midwest?” After eight years as a business broker and performing over a hundred valuations, I’ve learned that the answer is a classic "yes and no." But mostly, it’s about understanding the "LA Multiplier", the invisible force that either pads you

Peter Lopez
Apr 24
![[HERO] 10 Things to Know for an SBA Backed Sale](https://cdn.marblism.com/H38PH-Vwsa5.webp)
![[HERO] 10 Things to Know for an SBA Backed Sale](https://cdn.marblism.com/H38PH-Vwsa5.webp)
10 Things to Know for an SBA Backed Sale
If you’re looking to sell your business, there’s a high probability that your buyer is going to walk through the door with an SBA 7(a) loan application in their hand. In my eight years as a business broker and after performing over 100 valuations, I’ve seen this play out in every industry from machine shops in the Valley to boutique retail in Santa Monica. The Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t actually lend the money; they guarantee a portion of the loan for the ban

Peter Lopez
Apr 22


M&A Monday: Average EBITDA Multiples for 10 Key Industries in 2026
Learn the actual 2025-2026 EBITDA multiples for small businesses. Find out how to de-risk your operations and close the "Public Gap" for a life-changing exit.

Peter Lopez
Apr 6


The Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Business Sales
Rising interest rates are changing the way buyers and sellers approach small business sales. Learn how rate hikes affect business values, deal flow, and what strategies can help you navigate today’s market.

Peter Lopez
Sep 25, 2025


The Role of Owners: Why You Need to Become Replaceable Before Selling
The Role of Owners: Why You Need to Become Replaceable Before Selling

Peter Lopez
Sep 20, 2025


How to Boost Your Multiple Before Selling (And Increase Your Business Value)
When business owners think about selling, they often focus on boosting revenue or cutting costs. But here's what really moves the needle: your valuation multiple. This single number — how many times your annual earnings a buyer will pay — can make the difference between a decent exit and a life-changing one. Multiples are how buyers translate confidence and risk into price. After working with over 100 business valuations, I've seen firsthand how the right moves can push a bus

Peter Lopez
Sep 7, 2025


Business Valuation as Part of Succession Planning
Discover why a clear business valuation is key for smooth succession planning—helping with fairness, tax planning, and setting expectations for small business owners.

Peter Lopez
Sep 4, 2025


7 Simple Ways to Boost Your Business Value Before You Even Think About Selling
"7 Simple Ways to Boost Your Business Value Before You Even Think About Selling"):
Simple, practical tips for small business owners to boost their business value—no sales talk, just straightforward advice anyone can use.

Peter Lopez
Sep 3, 2025


7 Signs Your Business Is Ready for Valuation (Even If You're Not Selling Yet)
7 signs your business is ready for valuation—explained simply. Practical tips for small business owners, even if you’re not planning to sell.

Peter Lopez
Sep 1, 2025


Valuation Mistakes Business Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Common business valuation mistakes—explained simply. Learn how small business owners can spot and avoid these pitfalls for a more accurate valuation.

Peter Lopez
Aug 31, 2025


How Industry Benchmarks Affect Your Business Value
Learn how industry benchmarks shape your business’s value. Discover practical ways small business owners can use benchmarks to gauge market position and risks.

Peter Lopez
Aug 30, 2025


What Documents Do You Need for a Business Valuation?
What documents do you need for a business valuation? Here’s a practical checklist for small business owners, making the process clear and stress-free.

Peter Lopez
Aug 29, 2025


What's the Difference Between Business Value and Sale Price?
Learn the difference between business value and sale price. Get practical insights for small business owners about what really determines your business’s worth.

Peter Lopez
Aug 27, 2025
bottom of page