“Ever wonder why 95% of business sales happen with buyers you’ve never heard of? Welcome to the wild world of M&A, where timing kills deals and ego can cost you millions.”
On today’s podcast, we interview Jacob Koenig, a former Goldman Sachs exec who’s flipping the script on how businesses are bought and sold. Fresh from spending 15 years in Asia’s financial trenches, he’s now dropping truth bombs about what really happens when entrepreneurs try to cash out their life’s work.
Here’s the reality check you didn’t know you needed: If you’re waiting to sell at your peak, you’ve already f’d up. If you think you’re irreplaceable in your business, you’re probably unsellable. And if you’re trying to sell your business alone? You’re likely leaving millions on the table.
But here’s where it gets interesting – Koenig’s not just talking theory. He’s sharing real war stories about companies that got retraded into oblivion and others that sparked 100-bid bidding wars. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty of what makes businesses actually sellable, and spoiler alert: it’s probably not what you think.
This episode is a masterclass in M&A strategy, packed with insights about:
Why your ego might be your biggest obstacle to a successful exit
The truth about timing your sale (and why most people get it dead wrong)
How to create an auction environment that puts millions more in your pocket
The real reason most solo-attempted sales crash and burn
Whether you’re building to sell, thinking about buying, or just want to understand how the big money moves, this episode’s got your name all over it.
Want to dive deeper into the world of M&A? Check out Jacob and @WoodbridgeInternational
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/
Website: https://woodbridgegrp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WoodbridgeInternational
Don’t just listen – engage. Hit us up with your questions about selling your business, deal structures, or anything M&A related. Let’s build a community of entrepreneurs who know how to play the long game and exit on their terms.
Time kills deals, but knowledge builds empires. Let’s get you educated and ready for the biggest deal of your life.
00:00 Introduction to Selling Your Business
00:46 Meet Jacob Koenig: From Goldman to Woodbridge
02:11 Understanding Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As)
02:17 Common Misconceptions in M&As
03:02 The Cost and Value of Hiring a Broker
04:11 Preparing Your Business for Sale
05:36 When is the Right Time to Sell?
08:01 Woodbridge’s Unique M&A Process
14:43 Current Trends and Hot Industries
16:20 Advice for Buyers and Sellers
19:49 Impact of Interest Rates and Elections on M&As
22:09 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
24:00 Disclaimer and Legal Information