“Approximately nine years ago I moved from the east coast to Seattle, WA. I approached five different business brokers to help seek out a business I might enjoy. Mr. Sterling came through as the most knowledgeable broker. We worked together until I purchased The Little Red Hen which is a bar, restaurant and nightclub. Over the next eight years Mr. Sterling stayed in contact with me, and when I was ready to sell my business he helped me with the pricing and preparation needed for the sale. Within one week he brought me two acceptable offers. I accepted one offer and throughout the entire process of the new buyer getting his liquor, gaming and other licenses, Mr. Sterling kept me completely informed, and made sure the sale went smoothly. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Sterling and the services he offers to any person wishing to buy or sell a business.”
Ronald Shmerelson
Little Red Hen
“We are writing to thank you for assisting us with the sale of the printery. Dee, thank you for staying in such close contact with us throughout the process. Jay, we are very grateful that you introduced our business to Chuck, as a qualified purchaser, he was and is fantastic…The process was made so much simpler because of all the information you had gathered together for the valuation…Thank you both for structuring the transaction in a manner that we ended up paying so much less in income taxes. Your assistance with this aspect of the transfer was invaluable! And, Jay, we greatly appreciated your referral to a CPA, who was so familiar with tax structure in terms of selling a C Corporation…Truthfully, we were very nervous throughout the entire process, as we had never sold a business before and this one was our ‘baby’ for so many years. There couldn’t have been a better match for the business…If we have an opportunity to advise anyone who may be considering the sale of their business or looking into purchasing one, we will surely refer them to you – Jay and Dee.”
Wayne and Debbie Pladsen
The Alderwood Printery, Inc.
“We enthusiastically recommend Noordin Rayani in consideration as your business intermediary. Mr. Rayani is a consummate professional who will make himself available to you at all times, and will sequentially walk you through the sometimes overwhelming prospect of selling your business. It was our experience that Mr. Rayani went beyond the demands of his position to insure that we were counseled and prepared for each meeting and negotiation…We sold a high profile business that had a community reputation for thirty-six years. It was important to us that the new owners would meet not only our expectations but also those of our staff and customers. The new owners are experienced in the industry and exceptionally qualified…On the personal side of this, we felt we could trust Mr. Rayani completely. He is a man of his word who is diligent in his work and will conduct himself with absolute integrity. He counseled us and evaluated our goals so that we would benefit most. There is a sense of overwhelming gratitude towards him for helping us arrive at this successful completion. Please contact us as a reference should you have additional questions about the process and specifically concerning Mr. Rayani.”
Steve and Debbie Trott
Trotter’s Restaurant
“It’s difficult to express all that we are feeling at this moment, but we must try. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for all that you did on our behalf in the selling of our family business…We knew you could be trusted in a way that many in your industry can’t. We trusted you to protect us, and you did. We trusted you to advise us, and you unselfishly evaluated what was best for us, but not necessarily for yourself. You counseled us to move forward on a path that we had no experience in; one that we were vulnerable in. We are so thankful…You are a man of your word, who is honest, diligent and lives with integrity. It is an honor to have gone on this journey with you beside us. You will always hold a very special part in the last chapter of Trotter’s Restaurant and we will always count you as our friend. Our thought and prayers are with you in the coming days ahead.”
Steve and Debbie Trott
Trotter’s Restaurant
“Thank you so much for all the help and support in selling our business, California Burger Company. Selling the business was an emotional event for both Judy and me, and we were extremely pleased with the professional way that you both handled the sale…Ron, I feel we have come full circle with this sale, since you were the one that sold us the business 13 years ago. We appreciate all of your up front work in helping us understand the marketplace for our business and helping us set a realistic sales price. Dee, we appreciate you finding a buyer so quickly that fit well with the California Burger concept. In summary, Judy and I felt that we were well represented by VR and would recommend both of you in the future to anyone buying or selling a business.”
Jerry Prosio & Judy Swearengin
California Burger Company
“I want to thank you for and compliment you on your professionalism in handling the sale of my business to the Corey’s. You made the whole process quite painless, from beginning to end. I am delighted with the quality of the buyers you found, and I am sure they will be successful.”
Jim Henderson
HW Energy Services
“Dear Dee…We believe the expertise you and your company displayed from start to finish was instrumental in the quick and smooth sale of the business. The frequent updates were very much appreciated…We would recommend you and your company very highly to anyone trying to purchase or sell a business.”
Mike and Sandy Howard
Sunset Body Works, Inc.
“Dee and Steve…Having the business appraised by an independent third party was a lot of help incoming up with a price that was acceptable to both the buyer and the seller. As you are aware, we tried to sell the business on our own for several years with no success. You stated that you would have it sold within a year and it was sold in less than 9 months…I want to thank the both of you for your guidance and help.”
Gerry Honemann
Stanfield Company, Inc.
“Dear Ron Sterling…You made the whole process very easy from the appraisal process thru the final closing. I wish I would have had your help when I went for a S.B.A. Loan. You made that so easy for the buyer. The screening you did of potential buyers brought out 3 people to look at the company and I got two offers the same day…There was no dickering over price due to the appraisal process. I got exactly the price that the appraisal said the company was worth. Once again, I want to thank you for the terrific job you did for us.”
Larry and Jackie Holien
Iron Gate Shoppe
“This letter is to express my appreciation for a job well done by Ron Sterling and Muriele Rainwater. My business was quite unique and its records were complex, because of multiple business divisions in one corporation. It was fortunate that I listened to Ron’s advice and had a third party appraisal done on my business. It forced me to have David Rumsey, my C.P.A., separate my income and expenses for the different business offices. I am glad Ron worked hand-in-hand with David, to determine the cash flow and to insure I got an accurate appraisal and the best price for my business…I then met Muriele Rainwater, who introduced me to Shirley and Les Allen. They were interested in my business and immediately wrote an offer that same day. Their offer was for the appraised price of my business and was also for all cash. I don’t think I could have gotten all cash without that appraisal! The Allen’s had to borrow money from a bank and the bank made them get a second opinion on the appraisal. They hired a local appraiser who was impressed with the accuracy and detail of the appraisal and confirmed the value. I heard he charged them more than I had to pay. The Allen’s hired their own accountant and attorney to help them with due diligence and the purchase and sale agreement. Ron and Muriele had to coordinate this entire process not only with me, but also with two purchasers, two accountants, three attorneys, a banker, the landlord, and a state agency to help me get through it…I would like to thank Ron Sterling, Muriele Rainwater, and everyone at VR Business Sales/Mergers & Acquisitions for all of their sincere effort in achieving the sale of my company.”
Mungid Gafar Saleh
Mercy Transportation (Everett)
“About two years ago, I received a letter from VR Business Sales/Mergers & Acquisitions in Lynnwood, Washington asking if we were ready to sell our business. Buzz and I were at the point where we thought it might be time for us to retire, so we responded. Doug and Muriele Rainwater came to our place of business in Anacortes and visited with us. They explained the process of selling a business and made some basic recommendations, as far as good record keeping, etc. A year later, we called them. We were ready!…We met Dee Hammer when she was contacted by some of her previous sellers, Lee and Cherl Bailey, who were now looking to purchase another business. They wanted a life style change…we are now going through the assistance and training phase with Lee and Cherl. They are fast learners. The employees are happy. The customers are happy. And, we feel as if we have passed on the stewardship of our own business to worthy people, so we couldn’t be more satisfied. We are writing to tell you about our experience with your company and to let you know we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Rainwaters, Dee Hammer, and VR Tveidt & Associates to anyone wishing to sell or buy a business.”
Buzz and Judy Hole
The Canvasman
“Noordin, I wanted to write you a quick note in appreciation for your professional services in facilitating the sale of our business…As 18 year business owners the sale proved to be a major life event…I also appreciated your approach to fairness to all parties while helping us maintain our objectives as sellers. Your initial work in finding the qualified and able buyer made the transaction sound from the beginning…after this experience I would certainly recommend to business owners as ourselves the use of VR Business Brokers to facilitate such an important event. Good luck to you in the future, I will think fondly of you during my temporary retirement”
Phil Doerflein
Bothell Ski & Bike
“Dee and Muriele, I want to thank you and Muriele for your assistance in the sale of my Company, Au Gavroche, a manufacturer of European desserts. I had originally met Dee eighteen years ago when I was looking for a business…I purchased the wholesale portion of Au Gavroche. After pursuing that endeavor for the past 18 years, I decided on making another life change. I contacted and met with Dee regarding the sale of Au Gavroche. We had an independent third party appraisal of my business performed to establish the Company value in the market place. Muriele met the purchasers in November of 2004…Because of their business background and marketing skills, Au Gavroche was a perfect match…A lot of thought and consideration on both sides went into putting this transaction together. Even though a period of time transpired from offering to closing date, all of the parties worked well together to endure that the momentum remained intact. Thanks again, Dee and Muriele, for a very professional job.”
Chuck Jenkins
Au Gavroche
"At last, I have the opportunity to thank you for helping me buy the Grafco Electric business. Your attention to detail and the effort you expended during the negotiation phases of the sale contributed greatly to our success. Grafco Electric is doing well today under my stewardship. You helped me realize a personal dream of business ownership..."
Jack Harvey
New Owner of Grafco Electric
"I can't imagine how this transaction could have gone any better. You prepared me for the reality of this process taking a year; but you were able to find, not only a qualified buyer for my business, but a genuinely good hearted person. There couldn't have been a better match!"
Lyle Brekke
Grafco Electric
"...it was only last year that we met and discussed doing the appraisal on my business. You explained that an appraisal, in my case, would be imperative to calculating the full value of this franchise with one owner/operator and minimum assets. I'm certainly glad I took your advice and was very pleased when the appraised price was revealed to me. It exceeded my expectations. In October 2002, you agreed to represent my business and market it...I understood when you told me that it takes about a year to sell a business. Creating a complete profile to present to interested parties, locating and qualifying the purchasers, and coordinating the entire purchase and sale process is not always a quick task. But, here we are in March and my business is sold!"
Michael Seefeldt
World Inspection Network of Bellevue
"This letter is to thank your organization for our most satisfying experience with the purchase of PK Electric. We are specifically appreciative of the professional acumen of your staff and the meticulous attention to detail they gave every aspect of the transaction...We have now owned the business for more than three months and the operation is exactly as it was represented to us throughout the sales process. Again, thanks for a job well done!"
Michelle and Andy Toth
PK Electric
"We're here! It's ours!...You, two, really motivated us toward some creative financing that really did the trick. This "unusual offer" was actually acceptable and, now, we are the owners! Within two weeks of our first contact...we were writing an offer on this business. Now, that we are through the nerve wracking and strenuous aspect of this achievement, it is obvious that it never would have happened without your extensive knowledge and support. It's a done deal and we would like to thank you very much for the adventure."
Kathryn Ellis & Queta Giron Schaefer
New Owners of Florist in the Park
"...Input from your office advising us to get an appraisal from an independent third party was very beneficial...When you brought an interested party with prior bakery experience by the store on a tour, we were delighted. And after several meetings with this couple and with 2 months of our first meeting with them, we finalized the sale!...We know our business will be taken care of, which is very important to us."
Greg and Cornelia Cordova
George's Bakery & Deli
"...We can't thank you enough, for the sale of our Dry Cleaning Business. We were very surprised that it took you just over a month to sell. We couldn't of asked for anything better..."
K. Messina & C. S. Kim, ex-owners
Dry Cleaning Plant
"We originally purchased K & K Concrete through VR Business Sales/Mergers & Acquisitions in Lynnwood, Washington, so we pretty much knew how the process worked. Even with this experience selling our business and leaving the customers that we have gotten to know in the last few years is very emotional...We started out by having an independent third party appraisal done...A total recast of the financial statement...was completed along with answers to many questions for a lengthy profile of the business...We understood that finding the right person for the business was very important and could take time...Pete was in the construction business for many years and had a daughter that lived just a few blocks from our business. So by owning the business he could see her more often!...After five (5) months of tough work on everyone's part the sale was finally consummated. We would be happy to recommend either one of you to a future owner that wants to sell his/her business or to a prospective purchaser that would be interested in acquiring a business."
Gary Williams
K & K Concrete Products
"...Since you have put together many transactions over the years, you have the knowledge to solve almost any problem that can arise. I have other businesses that I am running full time and part time so time is very valuable to me. Thanks again for being so thorough in all of your paperwork and solving the problems that did arise so quickly..."
Travis Scheff
The Mailbox
"When we first came to you, we were calling on an ad for a completely different type of business than the one we bought. After our first meeting, you understood how our lifestyle and business plan worked together. We probably would not have even looked at the other kinds of businesses that you had suggested. That is the kind of representation we really cannot say enough good things about and will definitely be looking for when we decide to sell any business in the future. Although you were the sellers representatives, we felt that you were working extra hard to make this deal happen for us too."
Dan and Liz Penhollow
New Owners of The MailBox
"We had some major problems with copy machine leases and MBD interference etc, and there were times when I was ready to throw in the towel so to speak, but God bless ..., she just stepped in where Angels fear to tread and got the problems solved. I never thought the day would come when we would all go into escrow, BUT that day has come and gone, and I am no longer the owner...Please consider yourself very fortunate to employ such a caring person, who not only enjoys what she does, but does it so well...Thank you."
Jayne Cox
MailBoxes, Etc.
"...We have put many long hours into the establishing of a high quality service business to all of our customers...It is very important to turn over the business to someone who will maintain this good reputation and give the same quality of service to our customers. We feel that Sean Huntley will do his best in continuing this high quality of service...We know there were many obstacles to overcome with financing and over all negotiations to name a few. Everything worked out to everyone's best interest in the end - thanks to all the effort and perseverance."
Brad & Mary Lee White
Rhino Linings, Lynnwood
"I would like to thank you for your help in selling my business. I know it took a lot of hard work and long hours...When I placed my business on the market with you, you were very specific of what your expectations were of me as your client, I feel this helped expedite the sale of my business."
Lawrence Buck
Wireless Expressions
"...You have no idea how much I appreciate the countless hours (and more, that I am not even aware of) you have helped me negotiate with the Department of Revenue - saving me $7,000 and with the landlord...Giving me hope to stick with the day to day business operations until the sale could somehow be completed...I will finally have time with my son and family before going on to my next venture...You were a true advocate all of the way for me."
Khin Mo McCarthy
Owner of Muffin Break
"I feel that selling a service business takes a little more tenacity than most because you are dealing with a lot of 'good will' and very little assets...Since the sale I have been in touch periodically, with the new owner, and she is doing very well. I am happy that not only was Student Cleaning sold for a very competitive price, but that the business continues to thrive, and that the new owner, the customers and the employees are well taken care of."
Renée O'Brien
Student Cleaning
"When we first started the process, there were many obstacles to overcome. Some days were very stressful - trying to straighten out the financial end of the business that former partners had left for me and trying to run the day to day operations of the business to keep income coming in the door...thank you for all of your help and guidance in the process of selling our business. I would be happy to recommend you and your company to either a business owner or someone who would like to own their own business."
Darren Neubauer
Overlake Sheet Metal Company
"Marcus and Katja were very specific in what they were looking for and the criteria that they had to meet in order to buy a business and immigrate to the United States. ALL of this seemed to us overwhelming...you did your homework and found out what all was needed so that it went very smoothly...I also might add that this is the 3rd time that I have done business with this company...I couldn't be more pleased with the way everything has been taken care of."
JoAnna Pomerville and Mary Gilroy, ex-owners
Finalés Gourmet Desserts, Inc.
"After fifty years as owners of Johnny's Flowers we decided that we wanted to sell it...You helped us establish a price range that we were comfortable with...When the final offer came, you steered us through the negotiations that resulted in a successful sales agreement. You then helped both us and the buyer through the complicated process of completing the sale...Never having sold a business before, we cannot imagine doing so without the help you and your company gave us."
Elaine Cohn, ex-owner
Johnny's Flowers
"...While many people in your industry are trying to figure out what's going on, it is clear VR has designed systems and processes to guide the entire deal from start to finish. It's no surprise to us that your office sells more businesses in Washington than anyone else..."
F. and R. Johnson, ex-owners
Manufacturer of Novelty Promotional Items
"...Listing the business for sale is almost the easy part. Making the sale is the hard part...The team...made the difference between sale and not sale...Eleven years ago we were the buyers of this business and now we are the sellers. VR were our brokers of choice both times. No wonder..."
P. M. Boland, ex-owner
Concrete Products Manufacturer
"...I now understand that finding the right purchaser for my company was not an easy task because many qualified prospects appeared to be intimidated by the size and scope of my business. I appreciate the extraordinary effort your sales staff extended to find the right person..."
K. Pierce, ex-owner
Large Auto Collision Repair Company
"...At its best, relinquishing ownership in a company we have headed for the past fifteen years is stressful and we experienced many emotions during the course of this transaction...We feel the new ownership...is going to be very strong and the "matchmaking"... was excellent..."
L. Codomo, ex-owner
Large Graphics Printing
"...My business really consisted of a patent for a new security product, molds, blueprints, and about 8000 units in inventory...I would especially like to thank you...for your quite brilliant idea of presenting my product idea...to a company in the security products business and international in scope...It just goes to show that creative thinking and able negotiating skills are two tools that your firm definitely brings to the table. Thanks again..."
G. Jansen, ex-owner
Security Product Manufacturer
"...We were excited to work with a local company that specializes in selling Main Street businesses...that knows the marketplace. The tax strategies you recommended to our accountant saved us thousands of dollars. We feel any business owner could benefit from the knowledge and experience that VR Business Sales /Mergers & Acquisitions can offer when selling a business..."
R. M. Matt, ex-owner
Foreign Auto Repair Company
"...I learned a lot from you and couldn't have completed this transaction without your help. After talking to 6 brokers before you, it was a pleasure to encounter your honesty and professionalism. Thanks again for all you did to secure this opportunity for me..."
D. Warden, new owner
Building Maintenance Company
"...We were impressed with your company's ability to market our business, assist us in determining a reasonable market value and then find a qualified buyer within a matter of a few months who had the money, skill and ability to buy our business. We were told up front that it may be difficult to find a trained French chef to purchase a restaurant such as our own, but you did it!..."
G. and S. Parrat, ex-owners
Well Known Seattle Area French Restaurant
"...We were initially concerned about confidentiality, since we are a very specialized company with only one other like us in the state. VR Tveidt & Associates proved that confidentiality can be maintained and it was never breached. The whole process was painless and your expertise proved to be a valuable asset in the transaction, which let us breath easier..."
D. & L. Eldridge, ex-owners
Aircraft Refurbishing Company
"...During my years of business practice in the greater Seattle area, I have dealt with many business brokers. However, never before have I dealt with a company whose integrity impressed me to the extent that yours did. In addition, you have an excellent grasp of the tax and legal ramification of the sale of a business and that was of great assistance to me and to our client. I would be happy to recommend you to anyone..."
D. L. Thoreson, attorney for owner of
Truck Aftermarket Company
"...Your firm's ability to take all parties step by step through the process was very valuable both in terms of money, and more importantly stabilizing the emotional roller coaster involved in a transaction of this nature..."
J. Bogensberger, ex-owner
Cleaning and Restoration Company
"...The business was on the market a little over two months, but I knew about the buyer after less than two weeks. I received what I feel was a fair price for my business. Better yet, I really like the new owners and look forward to working with them to teach them the business... I believe we all came out winners on this transaction. You deserve another plaque for your wall..."
B. Stephens, ex-owner
Award & Novelty Manufacturer
"...I had my company for sale with another company for several months with no results. I was told by you up front that it may be difficult to find a purchaser able to get a loan to purchase my business in a reasonable period of time, but you did it in record time!..."
M.. Gurvich, ex-owner
Seattle Restaurant