Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory

A Neumann & Associates, LLC

May 12, 2015

A Salute to the Small Business Owner

By Joseph Eneldas

There are countless stories about small business start-ups. As the author notes, “my father is a small business owner.  He came to the United States in 1967 – learned a new language, forged some key relationships, invested the little money he had and started his own graphics firm in 1972.  That business served clients, employees, community and family very well for almost 40 years.”

Achim Neumann, President, President, A Neumann & Associates, LLC, a New Jersey based M&A advisor and business brokerage firm, states, “we speak with entrepreneurs on a daily basis and each story is different from beginning to end.”

The small business owner is a unique individual that deserves every praise possible.  Relatively speaking, there are a precious few that have the combination of qualities needed to build and grow a company from scratch.  Those who do actually possess these attributes are the backbone of our society and are the powerful engine driving the greatest economy the world has ever known.

As Frank Arcoleo, Managing Director, Pennsylvania, notes, “according to a Forbes 2014 study, over 75% of US businesses are small employer-based companies and employ over 50% of current workers.  That same study shows that small businesses have created over 65% of new jobs since 1996.”

“Starting a business is a lot like jumping out of an airplane and assembling the parachute on the way down.” – Unknown Quote

The unique entrepreneurial characteristics of a small business owner are endless, but include many traits:

  • Imagination – that creative spark combined with a specific talent that makes dreams come true. The entrepreneurial vision required to start a company is a powerful prerequisite to any success
  • Motivation – that endless drive that moves one to ultimately succeed. Early mornings, late nights, endless battles, countless fires, client deadlines – without motivation, a business would never get off the ground
  • Courage – that ability to take a risk and put everything on the line. Putting personal money into the account to cover payroll, taking out a home equity loan to invest in a piece of equipment for future revenue that is not guaranteed, delaying owner salary in order to pay suppliers– just a few examples of guts that few possess
  • Determination – failure is not an option and “taking no for an answer” is not in the vocabulary. A strong focus and conviction of beliefs (aided by good input from those around them) will drive a business forward
  • Resilience – that fortitude to rebound from the many setbacks that are part of everyday business life. The constant search for “a better way”, creative decision making and endless problem solving must be utilized every day
  • Loyalty – that dedication to clients, employees, suppliers, friends and family that is at the heart of all organizations. Sacrifice of time and money is a daily fact of life, but hopefully it is rewarded in the end.
  • Honor – that special desire to serve and make a community better than when you started. What would a community be without its’ small businesses?  What more honorable endeavor than to employ and serve?

To be a small business owner is one of the most admirable distinctions one could have.  For anyone to take them for granted is to ignore the endless innovations and contributions made to communities large and small.  Products have been invented, systems have been developed, millions have been employed, an economy that is the envy of the world has blossomed, charitable endeavors have been served and prosperity has been delivered to families throughout the land.  This is due in great part to those who call themselves small business owners.

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. Never, never, never give up!” – Winston Churchill

Here is to every man and woman that fits this description – you should always be honored and cherished by your community.

About A Neumann & Associates, LLC

A Neumann & Associates, LLC is a professional mergers & acquisitions and business brokerage firm having assisted business owners and buyers in the business valuation and business transfer process through its affiliations for the past 30 years. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the company has senior trusted professionals with a deep knowledge based in multiple field offices along the East Coast and has performed hundreds of business valuations in its history. The firm’s competitive transaction fees are based on successfully completing transactions. For more information, please contact A Neumann & Associates at 732-872-6777 or info@neumannassociates.com

Comments are closed.

Any questions? Please contact us at 732-872-6777
Call Now

Client Testimonials

“I've always had great respect for those who are excellent in their fields of endeavor. Gary certainly lived up to that standard. He was knowledgeable, persuasive, determined and ultimately the main driving force that culminated in the very successful sale of my business. Well done Gary!”

Stuart Zeiff, Seller

“ I appreciate your diligent approach to screening buyers and sellers as well as the high quality CIM that you produce.”

Andrey O, Investor

“Finally enjoying retirement after recently selling my business using the services of A Neumann & Associates. Joe Oddo provided the conduit to a successful transaction. Joe knew when to inject input and when to simply listen and allow the buyers to vent, step back and regroup. The outcome met our expectations and got us to the finish line, which included my staying with the company six months in order for the buyers to get their footing and keep our workforce in the loop. He helped at every step by providing his expert guidance & resources. Thank you!”

Emily Parker Myers, Co-Owner - Myers McRae

“I had been in touch with Karin and Gary from A Neumann & Associates regarding some opportunities and was looking forward to meeting with them. Hence, when they organized a seminar in Princeton, NJ, I was quick to sign up. The seminar was very informative as the team walked the attendees through various scenarios and referenced real life buying/selling situations they had been through. The sessions by Gary, Karin and Achim were crisp and focused and brought clarity to potential seller and buyers. I strongly recommend the team and look forward to continue working with them.”

Gaurav Tyagi

“Thank you for your Event on "How to value, Sell, and Buy A Business for Maximum Profit" and the insight into ANA’s approach on what is involved in the Business Exit for sellers. Garys Hervieiou's "Business Valuation", Achim's "Deal structure" presentation and Karin’s "Preparing the Package" are real street knowledge shared. They answered attendees questions which makes it more interesting for learning from others. Great for small businesses like us. The presentations were totally worth our time and travel for the event to Princeton, NJ from Rockville MD. Ravi Bhutani, President, CIPS”

Ravi Bhutani

“Gary, this is to thank you for an excellent job done in selling our business. We could never have done it without your professional expertise, dedication and time put in without reservation to make it happen. We will gladly and highly recommend you to anybody in our position.  It was a pleasure to work with you.”

Pat Iammatteo, Owner

“Your vetting is simply outstanding, among the best I've seen from a broker.”

Eric H., Investor

“I recently contacted A. Neumann and Associates about getting a valuation of my business done. I spoke with Marc, who explained the process in detail. After meeting with Marc in order to get a clear understanding of my business, and what I was hoping to accomplish. His patience in answering all my questions and his knowledge of the proper way to market my business gave me great confidence that this is the firm I will be using to sell my business for max value. Working with Marc at A Neumann & Associates was very easy and professional. I did not know all that was going to be involved in selling my business but they helped me through the process. What I thought was going to be a just another one of those pushy sales companies was just the opposite. Polite, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to and deal with. I highly recommend this firm to anybody who wants to sell now or down the road. Marc not only knows his stuff, but actually is a real nice guy.”

Double Diamond

“Used A Neumann & Associates to sale my business. could not imagine having done it with out the patience and experience Gary provided. Thanks Gary,”

Dennis Frazier

“Working with Marc and his company was a pleasure. What I thought was going to be a just another one of those pushy sales companies was just the opposite. Polite, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to and deal with. Marc handled most of the interaction and he has one of the greatest demeanors. Again, it was a pleasure working with him and his firm.”

Douglas DiCeglio
view all testimonials

Contact A Neumann & Associates, LLC

If you are considering selling your business, please contact us to learn more about our comprehensive service spectrum. Our experienced professionals will answer all your questions about selling a privately held business in complete confidentiality. Please fill out our contact form, or call us at 732-872-6777. We will contact you directly and will never identify ourselves to your employees.

call us now
Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation

Experienced M&A Advisors available

Full Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Message