Brianna Johnson

For many business owners, the question “What is my business worth?” isn’t just about numbers, it’s about years of effort, risk, and identity tied to what they’ve built. But business valuation isn’t a guess, and it’s not based on what you feel your business is worth. It’s a structured, market-driven process that reflects how buyers evaluate opportunity, risk, and future earnings.

When business owners think about selling, the focus is often on one question: “What is my business worth?” But buyers are asking a different question:  “Is this a business worth buying?” Understanding what buyers look for is one of the most important steps in preparing for a successful exit, and maximizing value.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) St. Louis Chapter hosted an engaging and highly practical discussion on what it truly means to be exit ready, from the seller’s perspective. Led by Chapter President Jared and featuring guest speaker Kevin M. Short, Managing Partner and CEO of Clayton Capital Partners, the session combined real-world experience, advisor insight, and active audience participation to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in exit planning.