Deal Story: 150 Inquiries. One Right Fit.

After 15 years of owning and operating Inside Edge Golf, Rick Emerson was ready to retire, travel and spend time with his grandchildren. But he also wanted to place the business in good hands with an owner who shared his vision and could keep customers happy.

Inside Edge Golf had plenty to offer a potential buyer, including 11 private golf simulator bays, state-of-the-art technology and an impressive space. But the business also came with some challenges. Sales had been trending downward, the space carried significant rent, and the business was highly seasonal with nearly 90% of sales happening between November and the end of May. Still, it was a great opportunity for someone with enough experience to take advantage of it.

Finding interested buyers turned out to be easy. More than 150 people inquired about the business. Finding the right buyer was another story.

“A lot of people were looking for a passive investment or didn't have the experience needed to run the business successfully,” explains Calhoun Companies agent, Robert Warrick. “For Rick, it wasn’t enough to just sell the business. He wanted to set it up to thrive. That required something unique.”

Ultimately, Robert Warrick connected Rick with a buyer relocating from California who combined previous business experience, strong marketing and social media skills, and ideas for growing the business during its slower summer months.

There were still a few obstacles to navigate though. Traditional lender financing wasn't an option, so the deal was structured with cash and seller financing. The lease also presented a significant hurdle, and the team worked through legal agreements and food and beverage licensing to get everything in place. 

The deal ultimately closed in time for Inside Edge Golf's busy season, allowing Rick to step away knowing the business had a new owner ready to move it forward, and giving him more time to enjoy everything he’d been looking forward to after 15 years in business.

Sometimes finding a buyer is easy. Finding the right one is where experience matters.