ATTENTION Manufacturing Business Owners!
80% of Businesses Never Sell—Will Yours Be One of Them?
Let’s Nail Your Exit. The Best Deals Are Made Before You Sell.
Why Most Business Sales Go Wrong:
Selling your business isn’t like running it—and one misstep could cost you everything.
Here’s what could be standing in your way:
"I’ll just hire a banker" – Big fees, no guarantees. Starting like that without preparation, you’ll pay more and pocket less.
Chasing the Highest Offer – Not all offers are equal. The wrong deal can blow up post-sale payouts.
Legacy on the Line – Will your employees, reputation, and business survive the new owner?
Who Can You Trust? – Brokers, bankers, buyers—everyone has an agenda. Where’s yours?
The Endowment Effect –Business owners assume buyers see it the way they do.
They Wait Too Long to Prepare - The best exits are built years in advance.
Give yourself an unfair advantage
Gain the insider edge that most business owners wish they had before selling. You’ll uncover the truths the M&A world doesn’t want you to know—because in this game, what you don’t know can cost you millions!
Get Your Business Sale-Ready & Avoid Costly Mistakes:
Learn how to spot and fix mistake so you can navigate your exit with confidence.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
Get a structured, step-by-step process to prepare your business for sale—covering everything from attracting the right buyers to helping build value and avoid costly mistakes.
Know what buyers want & position your business to attract the right buyers and increase valuation—reducing the risk.
Learn how to negotiate like a pro and avoid costly mistakes. Structure deals that protect your interests—because the highest offer isn’t always the best.
Gain clarity and confidence in the sale process—no more feeling in the dark.
Get real guidance from someone who's been there. Learn from a private equity principal who’s bought businesses like yours—cutting through the noise with advice that puts your interests first.
Join a private community of business owners, share insights, ask questions, and build valuable connections with peers on the same journey.
Get expert guidance through 1:1 and group coaching calls. Receive personalized advice and join group discussions to tackle challenges and gain clarity.
Here’s How We'll Make It Happen:
Step 1:
The Mindset & Expectations
Understand the emotional side of selling a business. It’s not just about numbers. Get clarity on what makes a “good deal” and why the highest offer isn’t always the best offer.
Step 2:
Understand the Buyer’s Perspective
Learn exactly what buyers are looking for (and what makes them run for the hills). You’ll be equipped to negotiate deals with confidence and a solid understanding of buyer psychology.
Step 3:
Foundation for a Sellable Business
Lay the foundation for a business that’s not just profitable, but highly attractive to buyers. The focus here is on key drivers of valuation and setting up systems and processes that boost your company’s overall worth.
Step 4:
Position for the Sale
I'll help you craft a business that buyers can’t resist. From streamlining operations to building relationships with potential buyers, this step is all about making your business irresistible.
Step 5:
The Deal Process, Step-By-Step
What should you expect during the sale process? We’ll guide you through every phase, from due diligence to final negotiations. Avoid deal-killing mistakes and learn how to protect your interests.
Step 6:
Post-Sale Transition
The deal’s done, but what happens next? We’ll show you how to handle the transition smoothly and confidently, so you can start your next chapter without any hangups.
Hey, I'm Nick!
Hi, I’m Nick McLean, co-founder and managing principal of Four Pillars Investors, a Kansas City-based private equity firm specializing in acquiring and operating businesses in the lower middle market.My journey started at Mizzou, where I was actively involved with the Alumni Association Student Board and Beta Theta Pi fraternity. I’m incredibly grateful for the department’s industry connections, which helped me land an internship at Textron, a local automotive parts manufacturer. That experience proved invaluable in shaping my career.
After graduating from Mizzou, I joined Deloitte Consulting, where I worked on process improvement and standardization projects for multinational manufacturing clients. From there, I pursued my MBA at the University of Michigan. Initially, I planned to join a Fortune 500 company in a rotational program, but my entrepreneurial side kept pulling me in another direction.
After bouncing from job to job, searching for the right fit, I realized that if I wanted a seat at the table, I’d have to build it myself.In 2014, I partnered with Thomas Sanford to launch Four Pillars Investors. Since then, we’ve closed eight transactions and currently manage seven companies in our portfolio. I’m a self-proclaimed “deal junkie,” and I’m fortunate to be doing what I love.I believe in practicing what I preach, especially when it comes to sales and marketing. That’s why I host the Ambition podcast, sharing insights on business growth and entrepreneurship.
I also publish the Middle Market Insider newsletter and create content for my YouTube channel, which has grown to over 30,000 subscribers. Additionally, I authored How to Sell Your Business to Private Equity, available on Amazon.
I’m deeply grateful for my education at Mizzou, where I gained fundamental problem-solving and process analysis skills that continue to serve me as a business owner and board member.I grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri, raised by my parents, Kirt and Robin, both proud Mizzou graduates.
Today, I live in Parkville, Missouri, with my wife, Michelle, and our two wonderful kids, Charlie (8) and Mandy (6). Life is full, and while hobbies have taken a back seat, my greatest joy is spending time with my family.
This Perfect For:
Experienced BUSINESS OWNERS.
Investors looking to divest ownership or sell their stake in a business.
Mid-Market Companies With a Businesses with at least $5m in annual revenue.
Those who Want to increase your business’s value and attract quality buyers without creating unnecessary risk.
Those who Prefer a structured roadmap and clear strategies from someone who’s been in the private equity space.
Those who Feel the weight of making a life-changing decision without a trusted guide.
Hear What Others Are Saying:
"Straightforward and Extremely Fair"
"I have known Nick for over 10 years and have worked with him in several different capacities. Most recently, we pursued a new business opportunity together. Nick is motivated, knowledgeable and aggressive in pursuit of his goals. He has always been straightforward and extremely fair in our dealings. It has been a pleasure to work with Nick and I would highly recommend him."
— MATT GIBBS
Co-Founder, ReCor Properties, LLC
"Focused on Integrity"
"I originally met Nick through the Kansas City Chapter of ACG and we have developed a strong professional, networking relationship over the last several years. From our very first conversations, it was apparent that Nick is extremely centered and focused on personal integrity, which translates directly to his professional values. These are evident in the values established with Four Pillars and their approach to building true business partnerships through transparency, respect and integrity."
— Travis Fisher
Vice President, ULTRAX Aerospace
"I would trust with the most challenging endeavors"
"I've known Nick for nearly 10 years and can attest to his practical approach to problem solving, business insight, and professional acumen. Nick is someone whose perspective I appreciate and whose opinion I seek regarding a wide range of business opportunities; he is a strong leader that I would trust with the most challenging endeavors, and he has always been a great colleague to engage with. I would recommend Nick without reservation."
— Johnny Ream
Partner, Stray Dog Capital
"I have worked with Nick on more than 10 deals of $5M to $25M "
Nick is a rare M & A / Private Equity executive who truly understands every aspect of a deal, regardless how complex and challenging the deal may be. I have worked with Nick on more than 10 deals of $5M to $25M in EBITDA over the past 5+ years. He understands the strategies, tactics, objectives, and processes of every side of a deal: seller, buyer, underwriter, lender, banker, and advisors/professionals.
— Lee Sanders
CEO || M & A || CDO || BOD
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m still not sure whether to sell or not?
This course is perfect for those who wants to be prepared, whether you’re ready to sell now or in 10 years . By the end of the course, you’ll have the clarity and confidence to make the right decision for you.
Do I need to hire an investment banker after taking the course?
That’s up to you. This course will help you prepare your business, making any future broker or banker more effective. Some business owners even choose to sell directly without a broker after completing the course.
Will this course increase the value of my business?
Absolutely. You’ll learn how to highlight your business’s strengths, fix common weaknesses, and package it in a way that drives higher offers.
Why should I trust you to teach me how to sell my business?
The course is taught by me, Nick, I am a private equity principal and have acquired and operated multiple businesses. You’ll gain insights directly from someone on the buyer’s side of the table.
What is your refund policy?
If you go through this course, fix the issues we identify, and make your business truly sellable, I or someone in my network will be interested in buying it. Ever heard an offer like that? And if that’s not enough, we’ll give you your money back.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
See Who I've Worked With:
RISK FREE
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you go through this course, fix the issues we identify, and make your business truly sellable, I or someone in my network will be interested in buying it. Ever heard an offer like that? And if that’s not enough, we’ll give you your money back.
Ready to Sell Your Business? Let’s Do This the Right Way.
Most courses focus solely on the sale process. This program goes deeper—helping you build a business that is attractive to buyers, avoid costly mistake, and positioned to get the right deal—not just the highest number.
I give you the strategies, insights, and frameworks to navigate the process with confidence—so you can make informed decisions and structure a deal that can actually close. This process can be daunting, and small missteps can derail your exit. Get the guidance you need to navigate it with confidence.
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DISCLAIMER: Disclaimer: This is not an internship, employment relationship, does not promise employment and is provided as training strictly for educational purposes. Any and all communication before, during, and after this page is not to be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. etaaccelerator.org, fourpillarsinvestors.com, presaleprep.com, and Nicholas McLean make no representations and gives no warranties of whatever nature in respect to any information provided, including but not limited to the accuracy or completeness of any information, facts and/or opinions contained therein.
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