Businesses for sale

Way back in the last millennium – I think it was 1988 – a fellow tenant named Sam owned a Subway® sandwich shop on the ground floor of the two-story walkup office building I was in. He did great business, since everyone knew the Subway® brand of sandwich franchise, and the parking lot was overflowing on weekends. I got to know him since he sublet office space at night from me to do his accounting, as he had no room in the back of his shop for a desk.

I don’t know what kind of margins a retail sandwich business makes – I’m sure they’re excellent plus you get a delicious free lunch – but I do know that Sam was there early opening the store, taking orders, making sandwiches, closing the register, and cleaning up at night. He either kept extremely tight reins on his expenses or wasn’t ready to let go personally of some duties of the business.

As you search for businesses for sale on Acquireo, keep in mind the longer-term picture of being able to delegate some of the business duties to others, either to employees or to third-party suppliers and service providers. That can free up your time, which can lead to expanded locations for your business or even adding an entirely new business. And it will keep you from burning out on an important part of your life.

Many of you may be like Sam: formerly of the corporate world, seeking independence in a new world. And like Sam, many of you already have excellent managerial skills; just remember to put them to use in the businesses you buy.