We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace Lohn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.
Grace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever gave to a client involved a business owner selling a niche manufacturing company in the industrial sector. The owner had built a highly successful operation, but the business wasn’t initially positioned in a way that maximized its appeal to buyers.
After reviewing their operation, I advised them to emphasize the scalability of their business, particularly its potential for automation. Additionally, I suggested reorganizing their financials to present a clearer picture of their profitability. This meant breaking out one-time expenses and creating projections to demonstrate how a new owner could increase revenue with minimal additional investment.
We also made the decision to highlight the unique value of their equipment and inventory in the listing, along with the team’s willingness to stay on for training, which helped reduce perceived risk for potential buyers.
The result, not only did the business sell faster than the average timeframe for its industry, but the final sale price exceeded the owner’s expectations by over 15%. The buyer, seeing the potential and clear financial picture, was able to secure favorable financing. Meanwhile, the seller was able to retire earlier than planned, feeling confident they had left their business in good hands.
This experience taught me that helping clients position their property or business with a clear value proposition and a future-focused narrative is often just as important as finding the right buyer.
Grace, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve always been drawn to the dynamics of entrepreneurship and real estate, which naturally led me to specialize in helping business owners sell their businesses and properties. My journey began in the commercial real estate sector, where I quickly realized the unique challenges business owners face when selling their assets—not just their property, but their hard-earned legacy.
Today, I focus on facilitating seamless transitions for clients who are ready to move on to their next chapter, whether that’s retirement, a new venture, or simply cashing in on years of hard work. My services include everything from valuing businesses and commercial properties, to marketing them effectively, negotiating deals, and guiding both buyers and sellers through the complexities of the sale process.
What sets me apart is my ability to see the bigger picture. I don’t just sell properties or businesses—I help my clients tell their story. Whether it’s highlighting a business’s potential for growth, emphasizing the strategic location of a property, or showcasing the tangible and intangible assets of a sale, my approach is highly customized. I go beyond the transaction, focusing on achieving outcomes that align with my clients’ goals.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Selling a business or property is often an emotional and high-stakes process, and I take pride in being a reliable partner during these pivotal moments. I’ve had the privilege of helping clients retire comfortably, reinvest in exciting new ventures, and preserve the legacy of businesses they’ve built over decades.
For potential clients, I’d like them to know that my work is rooted in understanding. I take the time to learn about your goals and priorities because I believe that every sale is as unique as the person behind it. Whether it’s finding the perfect buyer or ensuring you get the maximum value for your asset, my focus is always on creating a smooth and rewarding experience.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help clients confidently take the next step in their journey while ensuring their hard work and investments pay off in the best way possible.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has always been personal relationships. I believe in building connections that last far beyond a single transaction, and nothing is more fulfilling than seeing those relationships span generations. In some cases, I’ve had the privilege of selling real estate to three generations within the same family. Moments like that fill my heart and remind me why I love what I do.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation within the market has been built on my openness and the way I work closely with my clients throughout the entire process. I ensure they’re informed and involved every step of the way, making it clear that we’re working together toward a well-defined plan, strategy, and goal. I approach each transaction as a partnership, positioning myself as their trusted real estate advisor—not just a sales representative. This collaborative and transparent approach helps my clients feel confident and supported, which has been key to earning their trust and referrals.
