Hot Seat with David Shavzin, Exit and M&A Advisor

David Shavzin is a certified management consultant who helps business owners maximize their company’s value during a sale or merger. In this episode of Hot Seat with Anna, David shares practical strategies for business owners and advisors to:

💡 Plan early for business exits to maximize value
📈 Increase transferable value of your business
🤝 Navigate complex buyer negotiations
⚖️ Address tax, wealth, and family considerations
💬 Avoid common mistakes that reduce sale price

Whether you’re preparing to sell your business or advising clients through exits, David’s insights will help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.

Learn More About David:

🔗 LinkedIn:   / davidshavzin  
🔗 Website: https://getonthevaluetrack.com/

Interview Outline:

00:34 – “What is the biggest mistake business owners make when they decide to sell without prior planning?”
01:53 – “How early should a business owner start prepping if they want the highest possible valuation?”
03:35 – “What factors increase the real, transferable value of a business from a buyer’s point of view?”
05:34 – “What internal issues signal that a company is not ready for a sale or merger yet?”
07:22 – “If a sale needs to happen quickly, what improvements create the fastest lift in valuation?”
08:46 – “How do you match the right type of buyer to a specific business?”
10:54 – “How do you help owners deal with family members or business partners who resist selling?”
12:14 – “What deal terms hurt owners the most when they rush into negotiations?”
14:56 – “What tax issues or tax traps do you see at closings that owners should avoid?”
18:09 – “What is the one critical question every business owner must answer before talking to a buyer?”
19:27 – “What are the top reasons a business sale falls through?”
21:55 – “What are you passionate about outside of work?”
23:05 – “Do you have a favorite country you’d like to go back to?”
23:14 – “What are three countries on your bucket list?”
24:07 – “What’s your favorite animal and why?”
26:04 – “Are there any particular industries or verticals you specialize in?”