Selling your business is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make — yet many founders go into the process without a clear understanding of what truly drives value or how buyers evaluate a company.
In this episode of The Founder’s Journey to Exit, Hannah Huke is joined by Roy Yewah, Managing Director at Evergreen M&A, to discuss how founders can protect what they’ve built, avoid common mistakes, and position their business for a successful exit at maximum value. You can listen to the full conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Buzzsprout.
Roy brings over a decade of experience across commercial banking, investment banking, restructuring, and sell-side M&A, having worked on transactions ranging from small founder-owned businesses to multi-billion-dollar deals. What ultimately led him to Evergreen, however, was the opportunity to work directly with founders — helping them exit on their own terms, with clarity and confidence.
Throughout the conversation, Roy explains that many founders struggle with three core challenges when considering a sale:
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Timing — knowing when the market, the business, and personal goals align
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Valuation — understanding what the business is truly worth today
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Buyer selection — finding a partner who aligns strategically and culturally
Too often, owners wait too long to explore their options, rely on guesswork when pricing their business, or pursue the wrong buyer — decisions that can quietly erode value.
A critical first step, Roy notes, is understanding why you want to sell and what outcome you actually need from the transaction. Without that clarity, founders risk either undervaluing their business or holding unrealistic expectations that stall the process entirely. In many cases, a few months of focused preparation can materially change valuation and deal structure.
Roy also walks through what the sale process really looks like behind the scenes. Long before a business goes to market, preparation is key — including:
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Clean, up-to-date financials
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Reduced owner dependence
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A business that can operate without the founder involved in every decision
From there, Evergreen works closely with founders to craft a compelling narrative, identify qualified buyers, and manage diligence and negotiations through closing.
One of the most common mistakes Roy sees is underestimating how demanding the process can be. Buyers expect timely, accurate financial information, and delays can quickly raise concerns. Founder dependency can also complicate diligence, especially when owners have limited availability. And while signing a letter of intent is an exciting milestone, it is only the beginning — time kills all deals, and momentum matters.
Roy emphasizes that founders must continue running and growing the business throughout the transaction. A slowdown after going to market or post-LOI can lead to retrades, reduced leverage, or failed deals altogether.
The episode closes with a clear takeaway: founders who plan early have more control, more leverage, and better outcomes. Many business owners begin working with Evergreen six months to a year before going to market, allowing time to establish baseline EBITDA, understand current valuation, and take strategic steps toward their desired exit goals.
Selling your business isn’t just about price — it’s about preparation, structure, and partnering with the right advisors. When done correctly, it allows founders to exit with confidence, clarity, and the full value they deserve.
Contact Us
If you’re thinking about selling your business — or simply want to understand your options — Evergreen M&A is always happy to have a conversation. Contact Senior M&A Advisor, Hannah Huke, at hannah@evergreenforfounders.com or 617.470.3462.