The Tabak Business Sales Podcast

🎙️ What is a buyer actually paying for? Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry get into what machinery, the stock and the building, all mean for you selling your business. Key takeaways: 🔹 A business that runs well without you is the real asset. Build that and the value follows. 🔹 The right buyer is out there. Finding them is worth the wait. 🔹 Strong systems, sticky clients and a happy team all push your multiple up. Every one of them is within your control. 🎧 Tabak has sold close to 150 professional services businesses at an average value just under $800,000. Whether you're preparing to sell, advising clients or looking to buy, this episode shows what buyers really value.

🎙️ Season 3 kicks off with Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry breaking down what manufacturing and engineering businesses are really worth, and what holds them back at sale. Quick insights: 🔹 The most valuable thing in your business might be trapped in your own head. Damien and Sam explain why that costs you months, and sometimes the deal. 🔹 Buyers walk in and look straight at your oldest machine. What they do with that number will surprise most owners. 🔹 Ask ChatGPT what your business is worth and it will flatter you. Sam explains why the real Christchurch number looks nothing like it. 🎧 With over 100 manufacturing and engineering businesses sold and an average value around $1.25 million, this episode gives owners a clear read on what buyers actually pay for, and what quietly costs you at the negotiating table.

🎙️ In the Season 2 finale, Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry lay out a practical, no-nonsense roadmap for selling your business. Quick insights: 🔹 Start early — the ideal prep window can range from three months to three years. The earlier you begin planning, the more time you have to tidy up your numbers, build systems, and lift your valuation. 🔹 Commit and stay responsive — once you decide to sell, stay engaged with your broker and advisors. Responsiveness keeps momentum high and signals to buyers that you’re serious. 🔹 Keep trading strong — don’t take your foot off the gas once you’ve decided to list. Buyers value growth and consistency, not businesses that stall before market. 🔹 Systemise and document — build processes and structures so the business can run without you. The less dependent it is on the owner, the lower the risk — and the higher the multiple. 🎧 Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply preparing for the future, this episode gives you a clear, actionable plan to maximise value and minimise stress.

🎙️ Ever wondered what a business sale actually looks like behind the scenes? In this episode, Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry share real stories from business transactions — where things ran smoothly, where they didn’t, and how deals still made it across the line. They unpack the reality of selling a business: preparation that pays off, buyers who back out, emotions that run high, and the broker’s role in keeping it all stitched together. 🎧 Whether you’re preparing to sell, advising clients, or exploring a purchase, this one gives you the inside view of what really sells businesses. Listen now and follow for more.

🎙️ Should you name your business when you sell — or keep it under wraps? Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry unpack confidentiality, legacy, and when an open sale makes sense. Key takeaways: 🔹 Most Tabak sales are confidential — handled via anonymous listings, NDAs, and carefully screened buyers. 🔹 Why stay confidential? Protect staff morale, reduce competitor pressure, and maintain stability during the sale. Broker “matchmaking” with prequalified buyers often moves faster and closer to asking price. 🔹 Why go public? If staff are aware of the plans, and the business has a strong brand then going public may increase the buyer pool. 🎧 Whether you’re preparing to sell, advising clients, or exploring a purchase, this episode helps you choose the right path. Listen now and follow for more. Listen now and follow for more.

🎙️ Selling soon? In this episode, Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry share the biggest pitfalls they see from business owners — and what to do instead. Key takeaways: 🔹 Timing — there’s never a perfect moment, but hesitation can cost you. 🔹 Momentum — keep driving your business right through the sale process. 🔹 Valuation — beware of inflated numbers and promises that don’t stack up. 🔹 Transparency — open communication with your broker keeps deals on track. 🎧 Whether you’re preparing to sell, advising clients, or exploring a purchase, this episode helps you protect your value and avoid common missteps. Listen now and follow for more!

In this episode Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry bust the biggest misconceptions they hear from business owners — drawing on decades of real business sales experience. Myths busted: 🔹 Multiples are straightforward – anyone can calculate them. 🔹 Brokers make easy money. 🔹 Multi-offers are the norm. 🔹 Market averages tell the full story. Real stories, straight talk, and practical takeaways to help you avoid costly mistakes. 🎧 Whether you’re preparing to sell, advising clients, or exploring a purchase, this episode cuts through the noise. Listen now and follow for more.

🎙️ Season 2 of the Tabak Business Sales Podcast is here – and it’s bigger than ever. Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry are back, joined by two new brokers, Will Ross and Sami Chesterton. In this short 3-minute kickoff episode, Will and Sami introduce themselves and share what they’re bringing to the table this season. 🎧 Whether you’re preparing to sell, advising clients, or just curious about the art of business sales — this podcast is for you. Listen now on your favourite platform and follow along!

In the final episode of Season One, Damien and Sam answer a big question: “Why choose Tabak over other business brokers?” They reflect on what makes Tabak different — from their specialist, boutique approach to their nationwide network of experienced brokers — and share real stories that highlight their values, credibility, and commitment to doing things right. They cover: What makes Tabak a boutique specialist brokerage — and why that matters The value of experience across industries, accounting, importing, retail, and more How their size enables personal service without internal competition The importance of empathy and responsiveness during one of the biggest transactions in a business owner's life Why so many referrals come from accountants, bankers, and former clients A few real-world case studies of successful, smooth sales — and one where a delay resulted in a $600K gain How Tabak handles tricky buyers, uncertain sellers, and drawn-out negotiations with honesty and clarity Why they never take on a business they don’t believe they can sell Whether you're looking to sell, referring a client, or just curious about the people behind the process, this episode is a transparent, experience-backed look at what Tabak stands for — and why people trust them. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and follow us to stay updated.  If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a client or colleague, and leaving a review to help others discover the show. 

In this episode of the Tabak Business Sales Podcast, Damien and Sam unpack the often-overlooked side of business sales: the buyers. From ambitious tradies to experienced investors, they explore the wide range of motivations, expectations, and readiness levels they encounter in the market — and what it takes to match the right buyer with the right business. You’ll hear: The four main buyer types Tabak works with — from first-timers to bolt-on buyers How buyer experience levels change the sales process What most new buyers underestimate (hint: it’s not just the money) The importance of hands-on involvement — even in a “managed” business Why “passive income” is often a myth in business ownership Real stories of buyer-vendor fit: when it works and when it doesn’t The critical role of buyer aptitude, attitude, and realistic expectations Whether you’re thinking of buying a business or just want insight into how deals actually get done, this episode offers practical, unfiltered advice from two experts who’ve seen it all. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and follow us to stay updated.  If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a client or colleague, and leaving a review to help others discover the show. 

When selling a business, first impressions matter — and that starts with the Information Memorandum (IM). In this episode, Damien and Sam unpack the purpose, structure, and strategy behind a compelling IM — the 25+ page document that can make or break buyer interest. From crafting credible financial stories to sharing realistic growth opportunities, this is a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most critical tools in a business broker’s arsenal. You’ll hear: What an IM is and why it matters What buyers, bankers, and accountants expect from it Why oversharing (strategically) helps speed up the sale How Tabak’s IMs stand apart — and why some vendors say, “I should buy it myself!” How your IM is like the open home for your business Whether you're thinking about selling soon or simply want to understand how professional business marketing really works, this episode is packed with practical insight. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and follow us to stay updated.  If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a client or colleague, and leaving a review to help others discover the show. 

Confidentiality isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the backbone of most business sales. In this short but insightful episode, Damien and Sam unpack the real-world impact of confidentiality during the sale process. They share why most Tabak listings remain anonymous, how leaks can affect staff and buyer confidence, and what systems they’ve built to protect vendors every step of the way. They cover: Why businesses are marketed anonymously What “goodwill” really means The risk of leaks and how to handle them Real examples (including one involving a beauty clinic, an NDA… and a loose-lipped spouse) Off-market sales and when they’re the right fit How Tabak vets buyers to protect your business If you’re thinking about selling — now or in the future — this episode will give you a clearer understanding of why discretion matters and how to keep control of the process. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and follow us to stay updated. If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a client or colleague, and leaving a review to help others discover the show.

In this episode of the Tabak Business Sales Podcast, Damien and Sam lift the curtain on appraisals of value — what they are, how they differ from formal valuations, and why getting them right matters so much. Packed with real-world stories and examples, they explore: The difference between a valuation and an appraisal of value How Tabak builds financial models and identifies valid add-backs Why risk is the number one driver of a business’s multiple The role of tangible vs intangible assets in valuation What happens when goodwill expectations are out of step with reality The dangers of unrealistic advice from well-meaning neighbours or accountants Why experience and data matter more than generic “2.5x profit” rules The importance of the owner’s role (and how it affects handover periods) Whether you're a business owner, an accountant, or just valuation-curious, this episode provides a detailed and practical overview of what really goes into valuing a business — and where people get it wrong. If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a client or colleague, and leaving a review to help others discover the show.

In this episode of The Tabak Business Sales Podcast, Sam Cherry and Damien Fahey dive into the practical side of selling a business—what signals it might be time to sell, how to prepare, and the most common mistakes business owners make along the way. From spotting early indicators like burnout or shifting market conditions, to understanding the impact of performance trends and reliance on the owner, Sam and Damien unpack what makes a business truly ready for sale. They cover key areas including: 🔹 When is the right time to sell—and why waiting too long can backfire 🔹 Preparing the business: financials, systems, and stock management 🔹 The importance of reducing owner reliance and creating a transferable operation 🔹 What buyers (and their advisors) are really looking for 🔹 Common myths around valuation multiples (and why “three times profit” doesn’t always stack up) 🔹 Why responsiveness and clear documentation are essential to a successful sale 🔹 Real-world stories that show how deals are shaped and decisions are made Whether you're a business owner thinking about your next move, an accountant advising clients, or a buyer exploring opportunities, this episode is full of practical tips, honest insights, and expert commentary from two brokers who’ve seen it all. 🎧 Tune in now and if you're finding these episodes valuable, please follow and share with someone who’d benefit.

In the very first episode of The Tabak Business Sales Podcast, Damien Fahey and Sam Cherry introduce themselves, share their professional backgrounds, and talk about the journey of Tabak Business Sales. With over 27 years’ combined experience in business sales—and extensive backgrounds in accounting, banking, manufacturing, IT, and distribution—Damien and Sam explain how they each found their way into business broking and what continues to drive their work today. In this episode, they cover: The origins and nationwide reach of Tabak; Why business sales fall under real estate law; What sets Tabak apart from traditional brokerages; The importance of transparency and fit when taking on listings; How their national network supports smarter business sales; and A step-by-step overview of the sales process—from initial meeting through to settlement. They also share real-world success stories, including: A complex share sale completed remotely while recovering from a broken leg A business rescued and sold after the sudden passing of its owner Whether you’re a business owner thinking about your next move, an advisor supporting clients through succession, or a buyer looking to understand the process better—this episode lays a strong foundation for the series ahead. 🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and follow to stay updated. If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a client or colleague, and leaving a review to help others discover the show.