How much equity should you roll into the business that acquired you

Описание: When trade business owners think about selling their company, the conversation usually starts with one question:
“What multiple can I get for my business?”

But the most important decisions don’t happen around valuation — they happen around risk, control, liquidity, and what life looks like after the deal closes.

In this episode, Nick Bartolo and Justin White break down a critical (and often misunderstood) part of a private equity exit: how to think about rolling equity versus taking money off the table using the Essential Exit Framework.

This conversation is built specifically for owners of pest control, HVAC, roofing, lawn & landscape, and other home service businesses who want to sell one day and exit with clarity — not regret.

In this video, Nick and Justin discuss:
• Why focusing only on EBITDA and valuation is a mistake
• How rolling equity changes your risk profile overnight
• The tradeoff between upside potential and certainty
• What actually happens when you no longer control the business
• How private equity timelines affect your second exit
• Why your personal financial situation should drive exit decisions
• When rolling equity makes sense — and when it doesn’t
• How thoughtful liquidity planning protects your family and lifestyle
• How the Essential Exit Framework helps owners exit with confidence

This episode is part of the Essential Exit Framework, designed to help trade business owners understand their options, reduce unnecessary risk, and make informed decisions before signing a deal.

If you plan to sell your trade business — whether that’s in a few years or far down the road — this conversation will help you think more clearly about how much risk to keep, how much to remove, and how to exit on your terms.

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Connect with Nick → linkedin.com/in/nick-bartolo/
Work with Essential Partners → essentialp.com
Connect on Instagram → instagram.com/nickbartolo_ep/

⏱ Timestamps: ⏱
00:00 – Why valuation isn’t the most important exit decision
01:05 – The real question: risk vs. liquidity
02:20 – What it means to roll equity
03:45 – Losing control after a sale
05:15 – Private equity timelines and second exits
06:50 – Aligning the deal with your personal finances
08:15 – When rolling equity makes sense
09:40 – When taking money off the table is smarter
11:10 – Exiting with confidence using the Essential Exit Framework

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The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Essential Partners. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements. The exact facts and circumstances were changed to protect the privacy of clients and the exact scenarios could not be used. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Essential Partners.