Trades exit tools

Trades Exit-Readiness Scorecard

How ready is the business for buyer diligence—and what should you fix first?

Someone other than you sells and estimates most jobs. 12 points

You are out of the field most days. 10 points

A GM or ops manager runs day-to-day operations. 10 points

Books are accrual-basis, closed monthly, and reviewed by a CPA. 12 points

Every job has a job-cost report. 8 points

Service / maintenance agreements are at least 30% of revenue. 9 points

No customer is more than 20% of revenue. 7 points

Techs average 2+ years tenure and none produces over 25% of revenue. 8 points

Licenses and permits are held by the company or transferable. 8 points

Vehicles and equipment are company-titled with maintenance logs. 5 points

Real estate is separate, with a market-rate lease. 5 points

No open claims, liens, OSHA issues, or unpaid payroll taxes. 6 points

Turn the estimate into an operating plan

A calculator can flag the question. A CFO model can account for the timing, risks, and decisions unique to your business.