Steps to Sold: The Ultimate Business Sale Podcast
Steps to Sold Podcast is your go-to resource for expert insights on buying and selling businesses. Hosted by experienced business brokers Chris Sater and Brandon Bourgeois of Sunbelt Business Brokers of Louisiana, this podcast provides actionable advice, industry trends, and behind-the-scenes strategies to help business owners successfully navigate the sales process.
Each episode will cover essential topics such as business valuation, preparing for a sale, finding the right buyer, deal structuring, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a business owner looking to sell, an entrepreneur seeking opportunities, or just curious about the world of business transactions, Steps to Sold will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Tune in for real-world experiences, expert guidance, and valuable tips to maximize your business's value and ensure a smooth transition to the next chapter.
Episodes
51 episodes
Steps to Sold Episode 54: How to Handle Bad News in a Deal
The deal does not die when bad news hits—it gets won or lost by how you respond. Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater break down the real-life moments that can shake a transaction, and how experienced brokers keep buyers and sellers from turning a...
Steps to Sold Episode 53: SBA Changes Coming Soon
In this episode of the Steps To Sold podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater break down the major SBA rule changes taking effect on October 1, 2026, and what they mean for business buyers, sellers, and lenders.They explain why gettin...
Steps to Sold Episode 52: Not All Information Is Good Information
In this episode, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater discuss the pitfalls of bad information in business buying and selling, the myths around deal structures, and how to navigate the complex landscape of business acquisitions with real expertise....
Steps to Sold Episode 51: Screening Buyers
In this episode, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater discuss the critical aspects of finding qualified buyers for your business, including screening processes, valuation, and avoiding common pitfalls. Learn how to navigate the sale process effect...
Steps to Sold Episode 50: Potential Vs Scalability
In this episode, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater explore the nuances of business potential versus scalability, how these concepts influence valuation, and practical advice for owners and buyers to navigate the sale process effectively.
Steps to Sold Episode 49: Post-Sale Liabilities
In this episode, Brandon and Chris delve into the critical post-sale liabilities that owners and buyers must understand. They cover warranties, indemnification, environmental issues, and the importance of transparency and due diligence in busin...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 48: Saving Money When Selling and Maximizing Value
This episode reveals counterintuitive truths about selling your business, emphasizing the importance of early preparation, proper structuring, and strategic financial reporting to maximize value and ensure a smooth sale process.
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 47: The First 30 Minutes
This episode explores the critical first 30 minutes of reviewing a business deal, emphasizing how to present key information to buyers to facilitate quick decisions and accelerate the sale process. Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater share expert...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 46: Evaluating Offers
In this episode, Brandon Bourgeois and Christopher Sater delve into the intricacies of evaluating and responding to business sale offers. They discuss how initial reactions, offer presentation, deal structure, and strategic responses can signif...
Steps to Sold Episode 45: Post-Sale Liabilities
In this episode, Brandon and Chris delve into the critical post-sale liabilities that owners and buyers must understand. They cover warranties, indemnification, environmental issues, and the importance of transparency and due diligence in busin...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 44: Saving Money When Selling and Maximizing Value
This episode reveals counterintuitive truths about selling your business, emphasizing the importance of early preparation, proper structuring, and strategic financial reporting to maximize value and ensure a smooth sale process.
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 38: Product Vs Service Based Businesses
In this episode, Brandon Bourgeois and Christopher Sater delve into the ongoing debate between service-based and product-based businesses, exploring the pros and cons of each model. They discuss the impact of AI and market changes on these busi...
Bonus: How Buyers Differ
Hosts Brandon and Chris discuss how not all buyers are equal .. specifically the lower middle market buyers!
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 43: The First 30 Minutes
This episode explores the critical first 30 minutes of reviewing a business deal, emphasizing how to present key information to buyers to facilitate quick decisions and accelerate the sale process. Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater share expert...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 42: Value Gap Between Buyers and Sellers
In this episode of the Steps To Sold Podcast hosts Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater explore the critical factors influencing the sale of a business, focusing on the value gap between owners and buyers, pricing strategies, and how to align expe...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 41: Why Hire a Broker?
In this episode of the Steps To Sold Podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater emphasize the i...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 40: When to Walk Away
In this episode of the Steps To Sold Podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater discuss the critical topic of knowing when to walk away from a business deal, even if the price seems right. They explore various red flags that buyers and sellers ...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 39: Before the LOI
In this episode of the Steps to Solve podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Christopher Sater discuss the critical aspects of preparing a Letter of Intent (LOI) in business acquisitions. They emphasize the importance of asking the right questions befo...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 36: Misguided Advice
In this episode of the Steps To Sells Podcast, hosts Brandon Bourgeois and Christopher Sater delve into the often misguided advice that can hinder business transactions. They discuss how well-meaning suggestions from friends and family can lead...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 35: Looking Back on 2025, Looking Ahead to 2026
In this episode, Brandon and Chris recap the business brokerage industry in 2025, discussing the top five best and worst trends. They highlight the strong demand for quality businesses, improved seller education, and the increasing use of creat...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 34: All Things Trade Businesses (HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical)
In this episode of the Steps to Sold podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater delve into the intricacies of trade businesses, focusing on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. They discuss the growing market appeal of these businesses, the...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 33: Mastering Business Acquisition and Analysis
Join Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater as they delve into the intricacies of analyzing a business for sale. This episode provides a comprehensive guide for buyers and sellers, covering everything from initial inquiries to the LOI phase. Learn h...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 32: Sellers - Think Like A Buyer
In this episode of the Steps To Sold Podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Christopher Sater discuss the evolving landscape of business acquisitions, focusing on what buyers are truly looking for in today's market. They explore the importance of predi...
Steps To Sold Podcast Episode 31: GOLDEN TICKET
In this episode of the Steps to Sold Podcast, hosts Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater delve into the complexities of business offers, exploring the often fantasized 'golden ticket' offer that sellers dream of. They discuss the realities of what...
Seller Involvement After the Sale: Why Signing the APA Isn’t the End
In this episode of the Steps To Sells podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater discuss the critical importance of seller involvement after the sale of a business. They emphasize that signing the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) is not the end o...