Hosted by Armando Roman

Thinking of Family, Finances, and Future Planning when Selling your Business with Richard Dickens

In Episode #33 of the Founder’s Guide Post Podcast, I sat down with Richard Dickens, founder of Dickens Quality Demolition, to explore his experience with selling his business.

Richard highlighted how personal life changes and the increasing demands of the business, along with his family’s influence guiding his decision to sell.

He emphasized the importance of separating personal and business finances, making the company attractive to buyers. Richard’s strategic selection of a broker was a key part of the process. 

He underscored the necessity of professional guidance in navigating the complex sale process and the emotional impacts on himself and his employees. Our discussion also covered the critical role of legal and financial planning, including philanthropy and tax considerations.

Richard shared insights on the importance of planning for post-sale life and keeping the family involved in philanthropic efforts. This episode provided a wide view of the multifaceted nature of selling a business, blending practical, emotional, and financial perspectives.

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What You’ll Learn:

1. It’s Okay for you to Sell Your Business because of the Demands from your Personal Life and other Businesses: Richard Dickens’ decision to sell his company, Dickens Quality Demolition, was significantly influenced by changes in his personal life, including his family’s evolving needs, particularly the role of his wife and the desire to slow down as his daughters started their own lives.
   
2. Professional Guidance and Strategic Planning is Critical: The process of selling the business involves strategic planning, including maintaining a ‘clean’ separation between personal and business finances and choosing the right broker with industry knowledge and alignment with business goals. The role of professional guidance in navigating the complex sale process was emphasized.
   
3. Post-Sale Planning and Family Involvement: Richard highlighted the importance of legal and financial planning in the context of the sale, including considerations for philanthropy and tax planning. The involvement of family in these decisions and planning for life after the sale, including philanthropic activities, was also discussed as crucial elements.

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About Richard Dickens

With over 30 years in the industry, Mr. Dickens has taken Dickens Quality Demolition to be the premier demolition contractor in the state. Mr. Dickens started in demolition as lead man trainee; working his way up from foreman to Vice President at a large, Phoenix based, demolition contractor. Mr. Dickens is a native Arizonan with strong business and personal ties to the community. In 1997, Mr. Dickens felt it time to establish himself in the industry. With 80 hour work weeks, and some sound investment planning, Dickens Quality Demolition was created. Now in our 24th year of operations, Dickens Quality Demolition averages over 150 employees.

Management – Extensive background in estimating, budgeting, operational supervision, and business operations throughout the demolition industry.

Revenue generation – Proven ability to recognize potential clientele and develop existing clientele. Gross revenues have grown from six figures to $15+ million a year on average for the company

Employee Development – Dedicated leader experienced in recruiting, hiring, and training highly qualified and diverse candidates.

Asbestos Recognition Course 1993/E.P.A. Hazardous Material Course 1997, MSHA Certifications, 30 Hour OSHA

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