Built to Sell: Transitioning Your Business with Purpose

Welcome back to The Entrepreneur’s Journey. In this episode, Jason sits down with Michael Roth, Managing Partner of V&R Capital, to explore how business owners can thoughtfully prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives—selling their business. From his personal journey through entrepreneurship and tragedy to founding a firm focused on family-owned businesses, Michael shares the unique challenges and critical steps involved in planning a sale. Whether you’re retiring, or just want to ensure your legacy, this episode offers valuable direction.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• Why building a business “to sell” benefits you—even if you never sell.
• The major pitfalls business owners face when preparing for a transition.
• What private equity and family offices really mean for sellers.
• How VNR Capital invests alongside their clients to align long-term success.

What we discussed

[00:01:00] Jason introduces Michael Roth and the mission of V&R Capital.

[00:02:15] Why V&R focuses on family-owned businesses and their unique needs.

[00:03:29] Michael’s career journey from Anheuser-Busch to tech entrepreneur.

[00:05:09] How personal tragedy shaped his transition into business advisory.

[00:07:33] Founding V&R Capital with a mission to support underserved founders.

[00:09:31] The mindset shift: building a company for market value, not just personal preference.

[00:11:09] How early market feedback creates smarter business decisions.

[00:12:41] The truth about valuations—and why they often fall short.

[00:14:20] Why V&R invests their own capital alongside clients.

[00:16:11] Understanding private equity and family office dynamics.

[00:17:37] Common missteps in scaling or prepping a business for sale.

[00:19:25] The urgency of early planning—why 5 years from retirement means action today.

[00:21:02] How a good sale can benefit both your team and your legacy.

[00:23:25] Picking the right advisors for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

[00:24:43] What sellers often do next—and why many get back into business.

3 Things To Remember

1. A business built to sell is often a better-run business—even if you never plan to sell it.
2. Engaging a trusted advisor early gives you time to plan intentionally, not reactively.
3. Understanding your buyer’s perspective helps you make smarter growth and exit decisions.

Memorable moments: 

(00:05:09) “We can’t plan our tragedies… and that certainly changed my life.”

(00:14:36) “Now the seller’s family knows we’re completely committed to them until they’re out.”

(00:23:52) “You need to have great advisors. And they have to work together well, or it just doesn’t work.”

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongabrieli

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HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.