Common Questions from Business Sellers

How the Acquisition Process Works

• What does the acquisition process look like from start to finish?

  The process typically follows four stages: an initial confidential conversation, a preliminary financial review, a Letter of Intent (LOI), and due diligence leading to close. I aim to move efficiently — most deals close within 60–90 days of a signed LOI. Throughout the process, I prioritize clear communication and respect for your timeline.

• How long does it take to close a deal?

  From first conversation to close, the timeline varies depending on the complexity of the business and how quickly both parties can move. A typical deal takes 3–6 months. Once an LOI is signed, I target 60–90 days to close. I don't drag my feet — if I'm interested, I move with purpose.

• Do I need a broker to sell my business to you?

  No, you don't need a broker. I'm happy to work directly with business owners. That said, if you already have a broker or M&A advisor, I'm equally comfortable working through them. My goal is to make the process as smooth as possible for you, regardless of how you're represented.

• What happens during due diligence?

  Due diligence is a thorough review of the business's financials, operations, customer relationships, contracts, and legal standing. I work with experienced advisors and aim to make this process as non-disruptive as possible. I'll request documents in an organized way and communicate clearly about what I need and why.

  Confidentiality is paramount during due diligence. I sign NDAs before reviewing any sensitive information.

What I'm Looking For

• What size businesses are you looking to acquire?

  I'm targeting businesses with $500,000 to $2,000,000 in Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). Revenue typically ranges from $1M to $8M depending on the industry and margins. If your business is slightly outside this range, I'm still happy to have a conversation — the right fit matters more than hitting exact numbers.

• What industries are you focused on?

  My primary focus areas are e-commerce, technology/SaaS, sports and events businesses, and home services. That said, I evaluate each opportunity on its merits. If you have a business outside these sectors that you think could be a good fit, reach out — I'm open to compelling opportunities.

• Do you only buy businesses in certain geographic areas?

  I'm open to acquisitions across the continental United States. I don't restrict myself to a specific region. That said, I do have a preference for businesses with strong local community ties — businesses that are genuinely embedded in their markets and valued by their customers.

• Will you consider a business that needs some work?

  I'm not looking for turnarounds or distressed businesses. I'm looking for businesses that are already working well — profitable, with good customer relationships and a solid team. I want to build on what you've created, not fix fundamental problems. If your business has some operational inefficiencies that I can improve, that's fine — but the core business needs to be healthy.

What Sellers Need to Know

• How do you value a business?

  I use a multiple of Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) as the primary valuation method, adjusted for factors like growth trajectory, customer concentration, recurring revenue, and the strength of the team and systems. I aim to offer fair value that reflects what the business is actually worth — not a lowball offer designed to be negotiated up.

  I'm transparent about how I arrive at my valuation and happy to walk you through my thinking.

• What deal structures do you consider?

  I'm flexible on deal structure. I'm open to SBA loans, seller financing, equity rollovers, and earnouts where appropriate. I don't have a one-size-fits-all approach — the right structure depends on your goals, the business's financials, and what makes sense for both parties. If seller financing is part of the deal, I'll structure it in a way that's fair and realistic.

• Will you keep my employees?

  Yes — retaining the existing team is a priority for me. The people who built the business are often its most valuable asset. I'm not coming in to restructure or downsize. My goal is to preserve the culture and team the owner has built, while providing the leadership and resources to help the business grow.

• How involved will you want me to be after the sale?

  I ask for a transition period — typically 3 to 6 months — where you help me understand the business, introduce me to key customers and employees, and transfer institutional knowledge. After that, the level of involvement is up to you. Some sellers want a clean break; others want to stay involved in an advisory capacity. I'm flexible and will work with whatever arrangement makes sense for you.

• Is my information kept confidential?

  Absolutely. Confidentiality is foundational to how I operate. I sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before reviewing any sensitive business information. I understand that your employees, customers, and competitors don't need to know you're considering a sale — and I take that seriously.

  Our initial conversation requires no NDA and no commitment. It's just a conversation.

About Jessica & LEAP Acquisitions

• What is your background in business?

  I spent over a decade managing Chili Discount Liquor, a family-owned retail business in Rochester, NY. I also hold a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Buffalo State College and currently work as a Financial Advisor at New York Life Securities LLC. I've also coached youth sports for over a decade. This combination of hands-on business ownership, financial expertise, and leadership experience shapes how I approach acquisitions.

• Are you a first-time buyer?

  I'm an entrepreneurial buyer — meaning I'm acquiring a business to operate and grow it myself, not as part of a private equity fund. I've been deeply involved in running a business for over a decade, and I've spent the past several years specifically preparing to acquire a business. I've studied deal structures, worked with advisors, and built the financial and operational knowledge to be a credible, capable buyer.

• What does LEAP Acquisitions stand for?

  LEAP reflects my belief that acquiring the right business is a leap of faith — for both the buyer and the seller. It takes trust, courage, and a shared vision for what the business can become. The name also reflects my personal commitment to helping businesses take their next leap forward.

Don't see your question here? I'm happy to answer anything directly — just reach out.