What we hope owners bring to the first conversation

Owners often ask what they should prepare before they talk to Creek Equity. The honest answer is less than they expect. We do not need a data room, a banker, or audited statements to have a useful first conversation.

What helps most is an owner who has thought through a few plain questions. I wrote them out in full on scottzack.net in Five Questions to Answer Before You Call a Buyer. Here is why each one matters to us.

What you want to happen

Some owners want to step away at closing. Others want to stay for a few years, keep a stake, or see their managers become owners. Because Creek Equity invests its own capital and holds for the long term, we can say yes to more of these than a buyer with a fund to return. Knowing the goal early tells us quickly whether we are the right fit.

Who runs the business without you

We buy companies to keep them running, not to rebuild them. The people who already make the daily decisions are a large part of what we are investing in, so we want to meet them early.

Your numbers, your worries, your people

A rough picture of revenue, margins, and the largest customers is enough to start. A short list of what a buyer might worry about saves everyone time. And a clear view of what you want for your employees tells us how to structure a deal you will be glad you made.

If you own a founder-led or family-owned Michigan business and you have started thinking about what comes next, send me a note. The first conversation is with me directly.