Capital Insights

Owner Dependence: Observe an Exception, Not Just a Routine Day

Medro Advisors · Research and commentary from Don McClain

By Don McClain | Founder & Principal, Medro Advisors

A business may handle routine work independently but still rely on its owner when a customer complains or a supplier fails. During acquisition diligence, identify who handles an exception, what authority they have and where the relevant knowledge is recorded. Use a real example with appropriate confidentiality. A documented routine alone does not establish that judgment and relationships will transfer.

Archive: 2026-09-10. Source: https://medroadvisors.com/news-media/before-you-buy-a-business-understand-how-much-it-depends-on-the-owner
Author: https://donmcclain.net/
FUNDED (forthcoming): https://thefundedbook.com/