On Business Refocused, Lindsay and Carey talk with Matt Porter, former owner of a family-run oil and propane company in mid-coast Maine who started his business at the dining room table, grew it over 16+ years, and sold it in December 2022 through Tounge Associates. Today, Matt has come full circle and now serves as a Senior Advisor at Tounge Associates, helping other business owners navigate acquisitions and ownership transitions.
Matt shares what led him to sell, including rapid COVID-era growth, labor challenges in the trades, and the personal toll of running a seven-day-a-week service business. He walks through the decision not to pass the company to the next generation, even with multiple family members working inside the business, and why timing and pressure matter as much as valuation.
The conversation breaks down what it’s really like to work with an M&A advisor, from valuation and buyer outreach to negotiating offers while still running the business. Matt also reflects on communicating the sale to employees, staying on through a critical transition period, and planning life after the sale.
What you’ll learn
- How to know when growth is creating pressure instead of opportunity
- What buyers value most in service-based businesses
- Why working with an M&A advisor can protect value and reduce stress
- How to communicate a sale to employees and customers
- Why planning your post-sale chapter matters
Sponsored by AgencyPoint
This episode is brought to you by AgencyPoint, your full-service partner for Accounting, Tax, Legal, and HR solutions built specifically for insurance agencies. AgencyPoint helps independent agencies streamline operations, stay compliant, and make confident financial decisions. Learn more at https://www.myagencypoint.com/partners/insurancerefocused
Connect with us:
Follow AgencyFocus for more conversations that help agency owners build clarity, confidence, and long-term value. Learn more at https://agency-focus.com/
Show previously named Insurance Refocused
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