The Big Question:
When do I Exit?
Countless owners of field service and trade companies ask themselves this and other questions every day.
- How long do I want my money and time tied up here?
- How much money can I get and when?
- What is next for me, my employees, my family, my customers?
Get What It’s Worth. Exit On Your Terms.
“I’ve sat across from founders who’ve poured everything into their business—late nights, missed birthdays, bets that nearly broke them. Selling isn’t just a transaction. It’s the closing chapter of a life’s work.” – Dale Eldridge, Founder
You’ve built something great. We make sure it ends up with someone who sees it the same way—and pays what it’s worth.
You’ve MORE than paid your dues
You’ve sacrificed, showed up, and stayed in the game when it would’ve been easier to quit. This isn’t just a business—it’s years of grit, growth, and everything in between. Now it’s your turn to cash in on what you’ve built.
- You’ve made the hard calls – and owned them.
- You’ve closed when no one else could.
- You’ve skipped paychecks to make payroll.
- You’ve stayed up all night, wondering if the account would clear.
- You’ve hired, fired, and carried the weight.
This goes beyond deal-making: it’s legacy-making. We bring process, precision, and principled guidance to help you navigate the most important transaction of your career.
your exit deserves more than a spreadsheet and a handshake
You didn’t build your business just to let it go for less than it’s worth. We get that. At Ironclad Exits, we treat your exit with the same care and intensity you brought to building your business in the first place.
We’re not chasing commissions. We’re operators who’ve been in the trenches with many businesses, helping owners make the right connection for life-changing deals with the clarity, confidence, and control you deserve.
We make it easy
Selling your business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We simplify the process, help you think through what comes next, and connect you with the right buyer, so that you can exit on your terms.
1
Define your Goal
We start by talking through what success looks like for you—financially, personally, and professionally—so we know what you’re aiming for.
2
Assess Readiness
We’ll look at your timing, goals, and business fit to help you decide if now’s the right time—or what needs to happen first.
3
Make the Introduction
We introduce you to the best-fit buyer from our network. No pressure. No noise. Just the connection you’ve been looking for.
Who We Are
Exit Partners for Trade Business Owners
We help business owners in the trades connect with serious buyers—strategically, selectively, and without the pressure of traditional M&A. We’re not brokers. We don’t negotiate deals or flood the market. Instead, we act as trusted finders—filtering the noise, vetting opportunities, and ensuring that when you’re ready to exit, you’re talking only to buyers who align with your goals and respect what you’ve built.
Our team brings real-world experience across entrepreneurship, investment, and operational leadership. We know what’s at stake when you consider stepping away from the business you’ve built—your wealth, your reputation, and your legacy. We’re relentless about protecting it.
We work exclusively with serious, successful owners who are ready to start the next chapter of their lives—and who deserve an exit process that’s as strong, clear, and confident as the business they’ve built.
testimonials
What our clients say about us
Our clients come to us when the stakes are high—when it’s time to think about legacy, protect what they’ve built, and exit on the strongest possible terms. Here’s what they have to say.
“Dale is a rare blend of strategist, operator, and dealmaker. He identifies value others miss, navigates complexity with clarity, and drives deals to the finish line. His advice is practical, market-aware, and built on real-world experience—making him indispensable to anyone planning a smart, successful exit.”
Gregg Dippold
Principal, Quoddam, LLC
“Dale has been my trusted advisor for over a decade—helping raise capital, lead deals, and even step in as interim CEO. He brings sharp strategy, tireless execution, and a deep focus on maximizing outcomes. If you’re planning an exit, you want Dale in your corner.”
Scott Stern
CEO, Royal Flush LLC
“Dale is one of the finest intermediaries I’ve worked with. He understands complex family dynamics in exits, brings deep experience in field services, and consistently delivers win-win outcomes for owners. His integrity and network make him an invaluable partner.”
Andrew J. Southwell, CFA
Managing Director, SSK Capital
Articles
Straight talk, expert insight, and real-world guidance for trade business owners thinking about what’s next. Whether you’re exploring a sale, wondering what your business is worth, or just trying to get your house in order, these articles are here to help you make informed, confident decisions.
Why Bigger Companies Want to Buy Trade Businesses Like Yours
A huge opportunity to sell If you own a trade business — like landscaping, roofing, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC — you might not realize just how valuable it is in today’s market. Even if you’re…
Struggling Trade Businesses Can Still Sell
Here’s why buyers are interested If your trade business isn’t doing as well as it used to, you might think now isn’t a good time to sell. But in 2025, that’s not always true. In…
Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Trade Business?
Here’s what to know about an exit in 2025 If you’ve been thinking about selling your trade business, whether roofing, landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, now could be a very good time. All reports show…
You’re ready to begin the journey
Every great transition starts with a clear conversation. If you’re ready to protect what you’ve built and set yourself up for a strong, confident exit, we’re ready to help. Fill out the form to schedule your free consultation. Together, we’ll assess where you stand, map out your next steps, and create the plan that gets you to the finish line—on your terms.