Ep 355. Build It to Sell: What Private Equity Really Wants with Dennis Hering!

Jul 28, 2026

If you plan to exit your business one day, this episode is a must-listen.

Mike sits down with Dennis Hering of Advisory Investment Bank, a firm that specializes in helping home service business owners successfully sell their companies. Acting as the bridge between business owners and private equity firms, Dennis shares what separates businesses that command premium valuations from those that struggle to attract buyers.

In this conversation, we cover:

• What private equity firms are actually looking for when evaluating a business
• Why recurring revenue dramatically increases company value
• The importance of documented systems, processes, and automation
• How to reduce owner dependency and build a business that can thrive without you
• Common mistakes owners make before going to market
• How to start preparing for a successful exit years before you’re ready to sell

Whether you’re planning to sell in two years or twenty, this episode will change the way you think about building your company. The goal isn’t just to build a great business—it’s to build one that’s valuable, transferable, and ready for the next chapter.

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