Jan. 7, 2026

EP 138: Inside the Mind of a Buyer: What Makes or Breaks a Deal with Ted Leverette

Show Notes

A successful corporate executive leaves his high-paying job to buy a business, only to face a disaster leading to lawsuits and financial turmoil. That painful experience taught Ted Leverette valuable lessons and set him on the path to becoming the Business Buyer Advocate.

In this episode, Ted shares his decades of experience, revealing what buyers really look for in a deal. He explains how buyers evaluate businesses, the importance of mastering the marketplace, and the critical role of due diligence in making smart acquisitions. Ted also discusses the emotional side of buying a business and how understanding the psychology of both buyers and sellers can make or break a deal.

Tune in to learn how to think like a buyer and maximize the value of your business in today’s competitive market.

In this episode, you will:

Discover how buyers assess risk and why many businesses fail to impress serious acquirers
Learn the importance of systems, documentation, and reducing owner dependency before selling
Understand the mindset of buyers and sellers and how they affect negotiations

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Ted Leverette

(04:00) What buyers want and what sellers must prepare

(10:35) Building credibility through online presence and proof of funds

(16:08) Avoiding common acquisition mistakes

(19:53) The hidden market of business deals

(22:02) Red flags and deal breakers for buyers

(24:05) The psyche of buyers and sellers

(30:15) Myths and misconceptions about buying a business

Follow Ted:

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedleverette/

Website: https://partneroncall.com/