Selling our business – contemplating what’s next

So, we have signed the contracts. We have advised all our staff. We are talking to our customers every day about the sale, about the new owners and how it will be “business as usual”, how they can expect the same service that they have been used to.

We have already received lots of really positive and quite humbling feedback from our customers. Even those that could be challenging at times have been really generous in their praise and thanks.

Any many comment – “You must be happy!?” And I think…..”I’m not sure how I feel.”

When we decided to sell the business, it was primarily driven by my co-owner Dad  reaching 77. With each year his stamina reduces a little more. Despite having really good overall health for his age, he is able to do less, so I have to do more. This has also drained my energy reserves. At the moment we both enjoy the business, but feel very worn out. So a sale at the time felt right (and still does). It’s financially in good shape, perhaps the best it’s been for the last 9 years. Our staff have been with us for a while, they know what they’re doing and are well placed to help the new owners.

But my Dad and I are both in a weird “twilight zone”. Our aim has been to sell our business. We have a buyer that seems really well suited to the business and is very enthusiastic. On paper, we should be over the moon, overjoyed at our situation. But I think both of us are pondering ….. what comes next? For my Dad, he tried to retire at 68, and it didn’t work out. He really needed to continue with the engagement and activity that comes with working, particularly running a small business. He knows that retirement is coming at the right time, but I don’t think he can imagine what a normal Tuesday will look like. How does he keep both body and mind stimulated, but also give himself more time to rest? I’m sure the answer is there, but he really doesn’t know yet.

For me, it’s a great opportunity to try out something new. At 51 I feel young and energetic enough to do something new and different. But I have no idea what that might be? My total focus for the next 3 weeks is to provide a really good handover to the new owners, so I’m not putting any effort into my next phase. But soon I’ll have to work out what that might be, and that’s a confronting proposition.

To make this business a success, we have had “heart and soul” invested daily. We have gone home cold, wet, dirty, frustrated and worn out. And we don’t regret any of it. But when you’re so committed to something, the thought of that not being there is pretty odd.

I imagine that this feeling is what a lot of HD readers have felt before retirement, leaving behind a life that they knew so well, entering a new unknown. We will both find a new path in life and I’m sure it will be positive for both of us. But right now, the next step feels confronting ……… and a little scary.