News

The idea of owning a business can sound somewhat glamorous. People often equate it with freedom, flexibility, and financial gain. Behind that polished image is a reality many don’t see until they’re in the thick of it. Being your own boss is not just a career move; it is a lifestyle shift that demands a specific mindset. Owning and running a business demands discipline, stamina, and an appetite for risk. Before you take the plunge,...

Buying a business is exciting, but it can also feel like taking a leap into the unknown. That’s where due diligence comes in: it’s the flashlight buyers use to shine into all the corners before they commit. But like with any tool, its value depends on how it’s used: Too little light leaves shadows; too much creates glare that makes it harder to see. What Due Diligence Is Meant to Do Due diligence is a buyer’s opportunity...

Sam Goldenberg & Associates is pleased to announce the successful sale of Inside Santa Fe, the well-regarded luxury travel guide founded by Rob Ettenson. For years, the guide has served as a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s tourism industry. When Rob engaged SGA earlier this year, we were impressed by the publication’s resilient distribution model and strong performance in a shifting media landscape. Once brought to market, Inside Santa Fe attracted interest from qualified buyers around the...

When it comes to passing on or selling a family business, the process can be emotionally and financially complex. Whether it’s a long-established automotive repair center in Albuquerque or a custom cabinetry shop in Santa Fe, your business represents years of sweat equity and shared decisions — when to expand, when to pull back, how to adapt. It’s a legacy you’ve built together. Whether you’re planning to keep the business in the family or transition it...

When buying or selling a business, the question of price is often the most contentious point. Sellers typically aim for all-cash transactions, hoping to receive the full value upfront. However, in middle-market business deals, it’s common for partial seller financing to be a necessary element. Interestingly, sellers who insist on an all-cash offer may end up with a lower price than they would if they were open to other deal structures. Even buyers with the ability...

While couples are the most common business buyers we work with, it’s not unusual for two friends or colleagues to join forces to buy or start a business. No matter how much goodwill exists, when money and decision-making are involved, even the strongest relationships can be tested. Addressing roles, ownership, profit sharing, and decision-making — along with exit and wind-down strategies — gives you the advantage of clarity and foresight. It also sets you up...

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions (M&A), there are several common misconceptions that can impact the success of a deal. These misunderstandings often stem from oversimplified assumptions about the process. However, navigating the complexities of a deal requires careful attention to detail. Below are five important considerations to keep in mind during a mergers and acquisitions transaction to help avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth transition. Negotiations Don’t End After the Letter of Intent...

Selling a business, whether in New Mexico or anywhere else for that matter, is rarely a simple transaction. It is a long, often emotional process that includes uncertainty, negotiation, and periods of stress or silence. Even the most successful deals we've worked on have run into rough patches. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. Here are a few common signs that a buyer may not be the...

If you’re planning to sell your business, the best preparation starts with understanding how qualified buyers will evaluate it. In markets like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or Las Cruces, buyers aren’t just looking for a good deal. They want stability, opportunity, and long-term value. Your role as a seller is to make sure those qualities are visible and well documented. Presenting Your Business the Right Way Unlike real estate, selling a business isn’t about hosting an open house...

With remote work continuing to be an important part of the landscape in 2025, accountability remains one of the top challenges for businesses. Increasingly, business buyers are considering New Mexico businesses when they can be managed remotely. When teams are spread out across different locations, or the top boss isn't on site, it can be difficult to monitor progress, ensure that work is completed on time, and maintain a high level of engagement. Can businesses foster...

The sale of a business is often described as the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. In theory, it sounds tidy. In practice, it’s rarely that simple. Most deals encounter friction somewhere along the way. There’s an old saying in our industry: “Every deal dies three times before it makes it to the closing table.” The reasons vary. Some are structural — complex legalities, due diligence surprises, or underwriters who misread the business...

When you first meet a seller—whether over Zoom or across a conference table—it’s your chance to understand the woof and warp of the business. By now, you’ve reviewed the Confidential Information Memorandum and know the highlights. But spreadsheets, summaries, and market snapshots don’t reveal a company’s texture – its culture, legacy, informal power structures, and relationships in the community. Those intangibles don’t appear on a balance sheet, but they often provide valuable insight into a business and...

Thinking about whether you’re ready to exit your business is an important question — and one that every New Mexico business owner will eventually have to face. Whether you’re running a boutique in downtown Santa Fe, a café in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill, or a contracting firm in Las Cruces, you don’t want to wait until the 11th hour to prepare for a sale. There are far too many moving parts in this process to leave...

As remote work continues to evolve, businesses must adapt to this new way of working. What was once a temporary solution during the global pandemic has now become a permanent part of the modern workforce. While the flexibility of remote work offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges. This can be particularly true when it comes to maintaining accountability. Let’s take a look at how businesses can set their remote teams up for success, ensuring productivity...

Your employees are more than just part of your team. Employees are the driving force behind your business’s success. If you want your company to thrive, the happiness and satisfaction of your employees should be a top priority. An unhappy workforce can lead to negative energy that makes its way into customer interactions. Ultimately, your bottom line may begin to suffer. Investing time and effort into creating a positive workplace environment will pay off in...