The Number

Most business owners can't name two numbers that shape their entire exit: what the business is worth today, and what it needs to be worth to fund the life they want after they sell. In this episode, Wendy and Kelsey break down why both matter, why rules of thumb like the 4% guideline don't tell the whole story, and how knowing your numbers turns a surprise offer into a clear yes or no. It's a practical look at planning the gap between where you are and where you need to be.

In This Episode
  • The two numbers every owner should know: what the business is worth, and what it needs to be worth to fund life after the sale
  • Why the 4% rule and other rules of thumb fall short when you're figuring out your real after-business income
  • What a "second bite of the apple" is, and how selling a stake now can pay off later at a higher valuation
  • Why the number in a letter of intent rarely matches the final closing number, and what sets apart the owners who get full value
  • How knowing your numbers turns an unsolicited offer into a decision you can make on the spot
  • What a roll-up is, and why being the most prepared business on the block changes your bargaining power

Featured Quote
"It gives you so much power in negotiations, because you're so sure of what your basement number is, and everything above it is gravy."
 — Wendy Brookhouse

About the Hosts
Wendy Brookhouse is the founder and chief strategist at Black Star Wealth and a Certified Financial Planner with over 20 years of independent advisory experience. She works with entrepreneurs and business owners to build financial clarity, business value, and wealth that lasts.
Kelsey MacAulay is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Relationship Officer at Black Star Wealth, and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor. He works with business owners on the operational and strategic side of building a business worth transitioning.

Resources & Links
  • The Value Builder e-book referenced in this episode is available by request. Send Wendy a note and she'll get you a copy.
  • Learn more about Black Star Wealth at blackstarwealth.com

Connect With Black Star Wealth
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Creators and Guests

Host
Kelsey MacAulay
When the Black Star team needs something done, they go to Kelsey! Wendy Brookhouse is his wife: when she has a new financial invention, Kelsey builds it and brings it to life - he does the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to!
Host
Wendy Brookhouse
The Financial Planner for ambitious growth oriented Entrepreneurs
Editor
Shaun Whynacht
I’m the founder of Blue Cow Marketing and father of an amazing little boy. helping other business owners overcome challenges is my passion.

What is The Number?

The Number is a business podcast about the numbers that actually run your business.

Each episode focuses on one number. Revenue, profit, cash flow, capacity, time, valuation, customer cost, risk, or exit readiness.

Hosted by Wendy Brookhouse, and often joined by Kelsey MacAulay, the show breaks down what that number means, why it matters, and how it should influence the decisions you make as an owner.

Some episodes feature guests. Some are honest conversations. Some are solo deep dives.

If you own a business and want better clarity, better decisions, and better outcomes, it starts with knowing your numbers.