THE BEGINNING OF A TRANSFORMATION
Courtney Tarrant and Jennifer Spivak, the co-founders of The Ad Girls, were at a crossroads.
Their advertising agency had stabilized at a comfortable annual revenue of $2-3 million, but they realized they needed to expand their business model if they wanted to elevate their operations.
They were wary of growing too large and losing the personalized touch that defined their company.
Courtney articulated their fears of morphing into an overgrown agency plagued by chaos.
Instead, they dreamed of acquiring a business that complemented The Ad Girls, enabling them to diversify their income while safeguarding their core mission.
Enter Jordan King, the founder of Easy Scaling.
As a new mother of three juggling family and career, Jordan decided it was time to sell her business sooner than planned.
With her focus shifting to family, she envisioned creating a sellable venture that could thrive on its own.
This convergence of aspirations was not just about financial transactions; it was a meeting of minds and shared values.
VALUATION IN ACTION: FINDING THE BALANCE
Assessing a business’s worth combines insight and analysis.
For Jordan, her swift decision to sell required adjustments to her expectations.
She recognized that moving quickly could compromise her negotiating power.
To ensure an equitable deal, Courtney and Jennifer worked hand in hand with Jordan to accurately assess Easy Scaling’s value, all while being mindful of her need for an expedited sale.
The business’s intricate operational systems and valuable intellectual property significantly enhanced its worth, but Jordan’s decision to reduce operations prior to sale did influence the final price.
Fortunately, all parties approached the agreement with fairness and a desire for a smooth transition.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE ACQUISITION
- Aligning mission and values is crucial
- Build a business that’s easy to sell
- Fast sales require flexibility
- A strong operating framework is key
- Acquisitions can enhance reach
With Jennifer and Courtney at the helm, Easy Scaling is on a promising path.
They aim to grow the business to seven figures while still holding onto its original principles and integrity.
Courtney emphasized the importance of supporting women who are navigating the scaling of their businesses, ensuring they can focus on their passions while the operational challenges are managed by her and Jennifer.
Meanwhile, Jordan is enjoying a new chapter in life, cherishing time spent with her family.
She feels pleased with her decision to sell, affirming it was right for both her and the future success of Easy Scaling.
This acquisition transcends a mere business transaction; it embodies a mutual commitment among all parties to shared values and goals.
It showcases how two organizations can merge in a way that reflects their foundational principles, illustrating that emotional resonance can be as vital as financial considerations.
For Jordan, it signifies a new beginning, while for Jennifer and Courtney, it creates an opportunity to broaden their impact and forge a lasting legacy.
Their journey reinforces the importance of alignment, thorough preparation, and purpose-driven initiatives, affirming that prioritizing shared values leads to mutual success.
Source: Forbes