5 Ways to Avoid Business Collapse Using Quality of Earnings (QoE) with Justin Willess
***NOTE: Justin's video did not work. So only my video is shown. The audio for both of us is very clear. Justin is BRAVE. He has opened up about his business failure in excruciating detail for OUR benefit. Summary: Justin Lost a $9M Construction Company & He Talks About the Experience & His Thoughts on Skipping QoE A $20,000 Investment in a QoE could have saved $9 million & Tremendous Financial Pain What Happened?: Imagine purchasing a $9 million construction company only to lose it—and all personal assets tied to it—within 18 months. For one family, the decision to forego a Quality of Earnings (QoE) analysis on their $9 million acquisition ended in financial upheaval. This story represents a hard-earned lesson in why conducting thorough due diligence through a QoE is a non-negotiable step for any serious business buyer. This story was first brought to our attention through the Acquiring Minds podcast. Listen to that interview here. Key Takeaways: 1) Conduct a thorough QoE analysis. Skipping QoE leaves buyers exposed to hidden liabilities and cash flow risks. 2) Confession of Judgement: An easy to miss term in seller notes. Do not agree to this under any circumstances 3) Examine seller financing terms carefully. Avoid high-risk clauses like confession of judgment, which can jeopardize assets. 4) Buy based on past performance, not projections. Relying on growth potential alone can strain cash flow and lead to overvaluation. 5) Set clear boundaries with sellers. Anticipate potential conflicts with sellers who may struggle to let go, and establish boundaries early.