Why 85% of Businesses NEVER Sell
From Happy Buyer, Happy Seller with Shaun Thornton by Shaun Thornton
May 25, 2026 · 54 min · Season 1 · Episode 15
About this episode
This episode discusses the challenges business owners face when trying to sell their companies and what factors contribute to many businesses never selling.
Most business owners think selling their company will be easy… until they actually try. In this episode of Happy Buyer, Happy Seller, Shaun Thornton sits down with top Orlando business broker Jim Parker, Chair of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), to break down why so many businesses never make it across the finish line. From messy financials and landlord problems to SBA lending headaches, franchise complications, unrealistic valuations, and buyers who aren’t actually prepared, this conversation reveals what really happens behind the scenes of business acquisitions. If you’re thinking about selling your business in the next few years, this episode could save you from leaving massive money on the table. And if you’re a buyer, you’ll learn exactly what separates serious operators from tire-kickers. This is a real-world conversation about exits, risk, negotiations, deal structure, buyer psychology, and what it actually takes to get a business sold. 📌Connect or follow Shaun Thornton 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunthorntonbusinessbroker/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunThorntonBusinessBroker/ 📌Connect or follow Jim Parker 👉 LinkedIn…
People in this episode
Host: Shaun Thornton
Guest: Jim Parker
Topics covered
- business sales
- business acquisitions
- financial mistakes
- buyer psychology
- negotiations
Keywords
- business selling
- financial issues
- SBA lending
- franchise complications
- business valuation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: International Business Brokers Association
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