📘 Just released: Our Physicians & Medical Practice Valuation Checklist for SBA lenders Includes:✅ Owner replacement logic + credentialing considerations✅ Payer mix + revenue quality review✅ Billing + administrative support assessment✅ Goodwill transferability safeguards✅ SBA SOP alignment for licensed service providers 📩 Click here to grab your copy.
7a Business Valuation Field Notes
Welcome to 7(a) Business Valuation Field Notes — a running series of insights, strategies, and quick reads pulled directly from our content library. Designed for SBA lenders, brokers, and business buyers, these posts break down complex valuation topics into practical, bite-sized guidance you can actually use. Whether you’re navigating fair market value, tackling SOP compliance, or trying to make sense of goodwill and cash flow, this is your go-to resource for grounded valuation clarity — straight from the field.
⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: Paging Dr. Overvalued
A solo practice reported $285K in "cash flow" and sought a $975K purchase price. But: ❌ 100% of services delivered by the physician-owner❌ No owner compensation or payroll—only 1099 nurse, admin and billing help❌ Medicaid accounted for 45% of payer mix with reimbursement delays❌ Addbacks included personal vehicle, meals, and family insurance ✅ Adjusted FCF: … Continue reading ⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: Paging Dr. Overvalued
🧠 Valuation Insight: The Doctor Isn’t in the Deal
🩺 Medical practices often report strong earnings—but valuations derail when: The physician-owner is the business Payer mix (insurance vs. private pay) isn’t analyzed Billing staff and systems are underdeveloped Goodwill is personal, not enterprise-level 📌 If a buyer can’t bill, operate, or retain patients without the doctor—there’s no transferable value.
🎁 Resource Drop: Pet Boarding Valuation Checklist
📘 Just dropped: Our Pet Boarding & Grooming Valuation Checklist for SBA lenders Includes:✅ Owner vs. staff service delivery✅ Seasonality smoothing + recurring revenue tests✅ CapEx for kennels, HVAC, dryers, and grooming stations✅ Goodwill transferability checklist✅ SBA-compliant risk adjustments 📩 Click here to grab your copy.
⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: Sit, Stay… but Don’t Buy Yet
A grooming and boarding facility was listed for $675K based on $125K in cash flow. But: ❌ Owner did all grooming + customer intake❌ No staff on payroll—just 1099 contractors and family❌ Facility needed $60K in repairs and kennel upgrades❌ Holiday revenue inflated averages, no smoothing applied ✅ Adjusted FCF: ~$55K✅ Realistic valuation: ~$385K 📌 … Continue reading ⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: Sit, Stay… but Don’t Buy Yet
🧠 Valuation Insight: Pet Care ≠ Passive Income
🐶 Pet boarding businesses may seem easy to run—but they often depend on: Owner doing the grooming or customer service High seasonality (holidays, summer travel) Underpaid labor or family help Deferred maintenance on kennels, HVAC, and wash stations 📌 If the owner’s name is on every dog tag—there’s personal goodwill risk.
🎁 Resource Drop: Hair Salon Valuation Checklist
📘 Just dropped: Our Hair Salon Valuation Checklist for SBA lenders Covers:✅ Owner service vs. booth rental mix✅ Cash-based income verification✅ Equipment + CapEx review✅ Client retention & stylist transition risk✅ SBA guidance for small personal service businesses 📩 Click here to grab your copy.
⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: All Style, No Substance
A salon priced at $415K claimed $125K in cash flow. But: ❌ Owner provided 60% of all services and didn't take a salary❌ Booth rentals underreported + mostly cash❌ Addbacks included spa treatments, vacations, and “brand clothing”❌ No CapEx for 7+ years—chairs worn, mirrors cracked ✅ Adjusted FCF: ~$30K✅ Final valuation: ~$235K with a 6-month … Continue reading ⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: All Style, No Substance
🧠 Valuation Insight: Chairs Don’t Pay the Loan
💈 Salon valuations often look better on paper than they perform in reality: Owner does most of the services and keeps clients Booth rental income is inflated or cash-based No CapEx for salon upgrades, chairs, or equipment Addbacks include spa treatments, family discounts, and perks 📌 If the clients follow the stylist—not the brand—it’s not … Continue reading 🧠 Valuation Insight: Chairs Don’t Pay the Loan
🎁 Resource Drop: Plumbing Valuation Checklist
🧾 Just dropped: Our Plumbing Company Valuation Checklist for SBA lenders Covers:✅ Owner/operator labor vs. market replacement✅ Truck, van, and equipment CapEx review✅ Job-based vs. recurring revenue✅ Licensing, insurance, and customer retention risk✅ SBA-aligned normalization logic 📩 Click here to grab your copy.
