I
n almost every book, the author thanks individuals who were most instrumental in helping him or her develop and complete the book. There are a few folks who must be thanked due to their direct or indirect contributions. This book is no different in that regard.
I would like to thank a young English major who motivated me to learn to write a long time ago, and two early mentors who taught me that the best way to address bureaucratic friction is to focus on the underlying truth and facts. I am constantly assisted from hearing many great management consultants and investment banking advisors in my ear. They taught me and many others how to get things done in the right way for the right reasons. This book, which in this manner is similar to both my international best-selling book, When Is the Right Time to Sell My Business?,
and the follow-up book titled How Can I Increase the Value of My Business?
reflects that fundamental action-oriented approach.
My editor, whom I could not write without, knows more about written communications than most English professors. She has made the difference in getting this book into your hands. I want to thank her for doing the best she could with an engineer-turned-author to improve this book for your benefit.
There are many, many other people to thank who have helped me over my varied career. This list varies from the sponsors of the many valuation seminars I have been privileged to present, to the founders of the Institute of Business Appraisers and other professional organizations. What is offered for consideration in this book was learned from these valuation and transaction advisors as well as from many clients who successfully worked through challenging times.