Prepare Years Ahead: Practical Steps to Maximize Exit Value

Founder and banker Ilya Zogovic joins host Eric Strongquist to walk owners through the endgame: how to drive valuation up and avoid deal‑killing diligence surprises. Ilya explains why New York still sets market multiples, why selling starts years before your LOI, and how to build a seller‑friendly process that creates competition. He covers the value of culture and data, how to treat unsolicited offers, and the importance of early advisor relationships and clean financials. Practical takeaways include when to engage bankers, accountants, and lawyers, and how to turn one inbound offer into a competitive auction.