Private Equity Exposed: What PE Buyers Actually Want — David Ingram (Ep:5)

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Most founders don’t realize how much of their personal net worth is trapped in a single, illiquid asset until it’s time to exit. We sit down with David Ingram of 5I Enterprises to break down how private equity really works, why the independent sponsor model gives sellers more flexibility, and what it takes to turn a job you own into a business someone else will pay a premium to acquire. From culture fit to capital structure, we get practical about the decisions that raise valuations and speed up timelines.

David explains why many firms won’t touch sub–$1M EBITDA companies—yet those same businesses can unlock scale and better terms through smart roll-ups. We explore real examples, like an ultra high net worth landscaping strategy and niche environmental services, where combining culturally aligned operators creates a platform buyers want. We also demystify rollover equity, the “second bite at the apple,” and how leverage makes post-closing ownership more accessible than most sellers expect.

Earnouts get a hard look. They’re often the source of disputes because targets can be vague or impossible to track after consolidation. We share why many seasoned operators avoid them, what investors actually value (recurring revenue, teams, stable margins), and how owners can prepare with clean TTM financials, accrual accounting, and a strong management bench. Deal fatigue is real, but with the right prep, timelines can compress from 12 months to closer to 120 days.

If you’re a founder considering growth capital or a future sale, this conversation will help you assess where you stand: lifestyle operator or value builder, project-heavy or recurring revenue, founder-dependent or transfer-ready. Subscribe, share with a fellow owner, and leave a review with your top question about preparing your business for a premium exit.

Remember: Every business is sellable with the right strategy, systems, and support. Stop leaving money on the table.

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