I’m an award-winning business broker. I hold many certifications. And represent less than 10% of brokers worldwide that have elite designations.. I’m also a trailblazer from my industry by being one of the first female brokers and paving the way to make the industry, more inclusive, and representative of small business America. I believe every person that wants to own a business can be successful if they have grit, determination and guidance. My goal is to transform 1 million lives through business ownership.. I empower the underdog to build wealth and freedom for their families.. also helps small business owners to be more profitable and sell for maximum value. And help investors identify business opportunities to grow their portfolio.. and have helped thousands of entrepreneur find their purpose or fine tune their business. Book and Podcast in progress. Wrapping up my website then the book will be next. I have appeared in a theologies and as a guest on other Podcasts. I’m so focused on building others up now that I’m shifting gears to put myself out front so I can make a bigger impact.
Company: Meridian
Could you share the journey that led you to where you are today, and what originally sparked your passion for this field?
Heather Valeri: I had entrepreneurship in my DNA since my childhood. Well, girls are playing with Barbies. I was starting businesses. And recruiting my friends.
I’ve been an entrepreneur serial business owner for over 20 years. My first business was founded out of a do or die mentality. I left my corporate job to stay home with my sick newborn. I’ve given up all my benefits and my husband’s new employer went belly up. I kicked it into fast gear and started my first company.
I have been a small business broker for over 10 years and I’ve also worked in mergers and acquisitions, consulted for Fortune 500 companies. I am trying to make a ripple effect and change the business brokerage industry to add more integrity and inclusivity by serving on the board of directors and other committees. Unfortunately, most business owners don’t know that they can sell their business and over 70% of business close. I love working with business owners to help them scale and create wealth and ultimately sell it for the maximum value..
Was there a specific turning point or ‘aha’ moment that shaped your approach or fueled the creation of your product/strategy?
Heather Valeri: I quickly I identify that there was a need to add more integrity, transparency, and excellence to my industry. I left the world’s largest brokerage company to start my own and to do it better..
It’s important to put people before profits. It’s important for leaders to empower others to succeed.
What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced in establishing your authority, and how did you navigate those challenges?
Heather Valeri: I’m in a male dominated field where are less than 10% of business brokers or females. Plus, the business community is not necessarily aware of the existence of business brokers so it’s constantly educating business professionals and business owners that business brokers are as valuable as your CPA, Lawyer or cardiologist.. I can scale a business 3 to 10 times. Or help someone change the trajectory of their life by finding the right business for them and helping them get the funding for it.. I have a lot of authority credibility but however, lacking in the digital marketing space. And accepted the fact that I need to be more present online so I can make a ripple effect and meet my goal of transforming 1000,000 lives through business ownership.. small businesses are the backbone of America and fund scholarships, youth programs, fund nonprofit organizations, etc..
What is the core problem your solution addresses, and why do you believe your approach is uniquely effective?
Heather Valeri: I help people unlock the equity in their businesses and sell it for maximum value. I can take a person that is not reaching their annual revenue and fix those problems quickly. Or I can help a business owner scale through acquisition or sell for maximum value.. sometimes business owners deal with tragic events and need somebody that will guide them through the process to sell their business smoothly and confidentially. I provide excellence and discretion to help through selling their business through turbulent times.: divorce, cancer, partnership issues, mental health issues or burnout, death.
Could you share a compelling example or case study that illustrates how your product/strategy delivers results?
Heather Valeri: I helped a divorced woman scale her business through acquisition. She tried on her own and was being told no by several banks.. I advocated for her because I know business and I know Lender’s. I helped her acquire a business, doubled her. Retail space, cut her daily commute by 2hrs, give her more time with her family, taught her how to scale and now we are selling her business for 3x her investment.
What sets you apart from others in your industry, and how do you maintain a competitive edge?
Heather Valeri: My commitment to excellence, white glove service and discretion. I have a lot of awards and certifications.. however transferred me the lives of business owners and every day underdog is the biggest reward.
My superpower is marketing and branding and seeing the potential in people. I can help business owners reach their potential. And I will always do the right thing by my client, which is not a very common thing of my industry. 99% of brokers are transactional where I take a holistic approach. And I’ve grown my business with 90% of referrals because I do a darn good job..
Where do you see your industry heading in the next few years, and what emerging trends should our audience pay attention to?
Heather Valeri: There will be a lot of growth in five key industries, and this presents an opportunity for businesses to scale through acquisition. More millionaires and billionaires are created in economic shifts. Business brokerage is not for the faint of heart.. There is a trend for realtors or commercial brokers to try to get into the industry, but they don’t have the knowledge or training or the grit to succeed.. I believe there will be more public awareness of our industry in the next five years, which will increase the number of business cell selling, and hopefully more trained professionals entering the industry. There is a silver tsunami of corporate executives, leaving their jobs to start their own businesses. People are living longer and want to earn what they are worth. Plus, millennials are starting businesses because they demand a better lifestyle and work life harmony. In real estate investors are also getting more involved in passively investing in businesses like car washes, Laundromat’s storage facilities, etc.. but there’s more to value of business than looking at Capex.
Are there any must-have tools, resources, or habits that have significantly contributed to your success?
Heather Valeri: More digital engagement. Podcasts. Sharing my knowledge with others and providing more digital assets.
In your experience, which metrics or indicators best reflect meaningful progress and success in your line of work?
Heather Valeri: The national average for business is going to market and actually selling is 50%. My success rate is 90%.. business owners that try to sell their business by themselves only have a 20% access rate.
My industry performance, awards and recognition for service excellence speaks volumes.
What upcoming projects, initiatives, or developments are you most excited about, and how do they tie into your long-term vision?
Heather Valeri: Launch my new website next week. One of the top web developers agreed to take me on which I’m flattered because they work with realtors only.
I’m also the chair the Podcast committee for my business Broker association and chair the women’s committee. Both of these groups will be launching more podcast and webinars to educate the public and business community.. plus I’m very involved in my international Association so that’s giving me more visibility too. And I have a couple of books that I’ll be coming out with.
If you could leave our audience with one final piece of advice, what would it be? And where can they learn more about you or connect further?
Heather Valeri: I would encourage people to reach out to my new website, which will have resources for investors or business owners on how they can scale their businesses through acquisition,
My piece of advice would be for business owners to have at least 3 to 5 revenue streams, have clean books, document your processes, have your employee sign NDA’s and have clean title on intellectual property.
Do you have any professional certifications? How are you different than other brokers?
Heather Valeri: Several certifications:
Certified business intermediary – less than 10% worldwide have this distinction and I’m one of seven in my state.
Certified business valuator.
Certified franchise consultant
Certified franchise developer
Licensed real estate professional specializing in commercial, investment and luxury vacation properties.
I’m a trailblazer for my industry. One of the first women’s brokers and helping redefine the industry by changing it from the inside. I serve on the board of directors for my regional association. Chair podcast committee and doubling production to educate business community. I also founded a women’s brokers committee to help empower female brokers and help them feel more welcomed in the industry and give them tools to succeed and shine. I also serve on the international association and making ripple effects by writing business articles, speaking on webinars and in person events and shaping events. Plus trying to raise the bar of integrity and transparency in our industry.
Do you have any additional comments, things we should know, or ideas on how we can collaborate to get you more exposure?
Heather Valeri: I work a lot with military veterans, female, entrepreneurs, and family owned business owners. I’m also very involved in the community and served behind the scenes.. I truly care about people and believe that business is personal. As a serial business owner, I understand that people put their blood sweat and tears into building a business and they need somebody that understands that to scale and sell their business. Plus, I advocate for my clients and will walk-through fire to help them succeed. No matter what a person’s background is or trajectory they can change it. Hi X I’ve overcome extreme adversity, oppression, and difficult, life circumstances, and very successful.. and I just wanna help others also have freedom and to build wealth and legacies for their families.
I’m all for co- Marketing, collaboration on in person or virtual events. I’ve some really good connections and a good network.. I’m hosting a business summit in Charleston and they’ll end of July.. It will be an exclusive event and we’re gonna be discussing the state of the economy and encouraging people that it’s a great time to scale their businesses. More millionaires and billionaires are created in this time period.
