Thinking About Retirement?
Let's Talk About What Happens to Your Business.
I'm Robert Carnie, and I help business owners transition into retirement while preserving what they built. Whether you're ready now or planning for the future, I'd like to earn your trust through an honest conversation.
100% Confidential • No Obligation • No Pressure
What You're Really Worried About
After 20, 30, 40 years building your business, selling isn't just a transaction.
👥 "What happens to my employees?"
Your team is family. I get it. My commitment: I'll keep your people unless business fundamentals require changes. If adjustments are needed, I'll be transparent about why and fair to affected employees.
🏆 "Will my legacy survive?"
You didn't build this to see it dismantled. My approach: I preserve your brand name, customer relationships, and reputation in the community. Businesses evolve, but I won't destroy what you built.
💰 "Can I trust the buyer to pay me?"
With seller financing, your retirement depends on my payments. That's why I'm transparent about finances, my plan, and my commitment. We can structure protections: personal guarantees, life insurance, escrow arrangements.
Why Seller Financing Can Work Better for You
Most buyers want all-cash deals. I prefer seller financing because it benefits you in ways that might surprise you.
💵 Higher Sale Price
Businesses with seller financing sell for 20-30% more than all-cash deals. Why? Because I can afford to pay more when I'm not maxing out bank loans.
📊 Tax Advantages
Instead of one big tax bill, spread capital gains over 5-10 years. Your CPA will appreciate this. (Consult your tax advisor for specifics.)
💰 Ongoing Income
Earn interest on the note (typically 6-8%). This creates a retirement income stream beyond the sale price.
🤝 Shows My Commitment
If I'm making payments to you for years, I'm incentivized to run your business well. Our interests stay aligned.
🛡️ Risk Protection
We can structure seller notes with: personal guarantees, life insurance policies, escrow holdbacks, or performance triggers. You're protected.
✅ Win-Win Structure
You get security in the business assets. I get to preserve cash for operations and growth. Both of us have skin in the game.
Businesses I'm Seeking
I focus on profitable service businesses with recurring revenue and strong customer relationships.
Industries (Priority)
- 💻 Technology & IT Services (MSPs, software, cybersecurity)
- 🏛️ Government Contractors (we understand clearance requirements)
- 📊 Professional Services (accounting, medical, legal support)
- 🔧 Essential Services (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
- 💼 Other B2B service businesses with recurring revenue
Business Criteria
- Revenue: $500K - $10M annually
- Profitability: Positive cash flow (EBITDA)
- Location: Anywhere in the U.S. (primarily focused on Texas)
- Employees: 5-100 team members
- Owner: Ready to retire or transition
Honest Assessment
I'm building my portfolio. I may not be the highest bidder, but I will be honest, transparent, and committed to preserving what you built. I offer flexible deal structures: direct acquisition with seller financing, equity partner arrangements, or brokered transactions if I'm not the right buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to your most important questions
How long does the acquisition process take?
Typically 30-60 days from Letter of Intent to closing. I move quickly but thoroughly - no unnecessary delays, but we'll take the time needed for proper due diligence and documentation.
Will you keep my employees?
Yes, in most cases. Your team knows the business and has relationships with customers. I only make changes if the business fundamentals require it, and I'm always transparent about any necessary adjustments.
How do you value businesses?
I use industry-standard methods based on EBITDA multiples (typically 2-4x for service businesses), adjusted for growth potential, customer concentration, and recurring revenue. I'll always explain my valuation clearly.
What if I'm not ready to sell yet?
That's perfectly fine. Many of my best acquisitions started with conversations years before the sale. I'm happy to stay in touch, provide guidance on preparing your business for sale, and be ready when you are.
How much cash do I need to bring at closing?
None. I handle all closing costs. In fact, with seller financing, you'll receive a down payment at closing (typically 10-30%) and then monthly payments with interest over 5-10 years.
Is our conversation really confidential?
Absolutely. I'll sign an NDA before we discuss any sensitive information. I won't contact your employees, customers, or vendors without your explicit permission. Your business sale remains private until you're ready.
Let's Start a Conversation
Whether you're ready to sell today or just planning for the future, I'd welcome an honest, confidential conversation about your business and goals.
100% Confidential • No Obligation • No Pressure
Not ready yet? That's okay. Many of my best relationships started years before a transaction. I'm happy to stay in touch and provide guidance when helpful.