If you’re a business owner in Oregon, Washington, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest and you’ve started to think about selling your company — whether soon or “someday” — you’re not alone.

Many founders we speak with have built incredible businesses but aren’t sure what a sale could look like, when to start planning, or how to make sure their legacy is protected in the process.

At The Rossman Company, we specialize in acquiring founder-led businesses and growing them with care. We’ve put together this list to help guide you through some of the key things every PNW founder should consider before selling their business.

1. Timing is Everything — But It’s Not Always About Age

Many owners wait until they’re burned out to explore selling. But the best exits usually happen when the business is still healthy and growing — and when you, the founder, have the energy to help with a thoughtful transition (even if short-term).

💡 Tip: If you think a sale might be 6–36 months away, that’s the perfect time to start preparing — not when you’re ready to be out tomorrow.

2. You Don’t Need to Be Ready to Walk Away Tomorrow

One of the biggest misconceptions is that selling your company means handing over the keys and disappearing. Not true.

We work with founders in all stages — some stay on for years, others phase out over time. The key is creating a structure that works for you and honors what you’ve built.

3. Your Company is Worth More Than Just the Numbers

Yes, revenue and profit matter. But so do your team, your client relationships, your brand reputation, and your systems. Especially in people-first businesses, we care deeply about what makes your company special — and how we can help it scale.

💡 We don’t just look at your EBITDA — we look at your entire story.

4. Local Legacy Still Matters (A Lot)

Founders in the Pacific Northwest tend to care deeply about their people, their customers, and their communities. So do we.

When you sell to The Rossman Company, we prioritize continuity — keeping your name, your values, and your team intact whenever possible. You're not selling out — you're partnering up.



5. There’s a Community of PNW Founders Just Like You

You're not the only one navigating these questions. That’s why we’ve built a Pacific Northwest Business Owner Community — a network of like-minded founders sharing insight, resources, and support. Whether you’re months away or years from an exit, you’re welcome to join us.

💬 Want to connect with other local founders? Just reach out — we’d love to invite you in.

🛠️ Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're exploring options, need help growing before an exit, or just want to get clarity on what your business might be worth — we're here to help.

📩 Contact us for a no-pressure, confidential conversation.

🌲 Join our local founder community to connect with others building and exiting in the PNW.