You Don’t Have to Sell to Retire
There’s a myth in the roofing industry that goes something like this:
If you want to retire, you have to sell your business and walk away.
But the reality is, that’s not the only option. In fact, many owners I speak with don’t want to stop working altogether. They just want fewer headaches, more freedom, and a way to take some chips off the table.
That’s where a partial exit comes in.
What’s a Partial Exit?
A partial exit is when you sell a portion of your business, usually to a private equity-backed group or strategic buyer, but stay involved in running the company.
It lets you:
Cash out some equity now
Keep ownership in the business
Access resources to grow faster
Eventually exit fully when the time is right
You’re still in the game, just not carrying all the risk or pressure alone.
Why It Works for Roofing Owners
Most roofing companies are still run by their founders or second-generation owners. That means the owner is often the face of the business, the one making big decisions, and the person clients call when something goes wrong.
But at a certain point, that gets exhausting.
A partial exit gives you:
A leadership bench to lean on
Financial security without a full exit
The ability to focus on what you’re best at (usually not HR or admin)
And when the business grows with help from the right partner, the second exit, years down the road, can be even bigger than the first.
BUT! This Isn’t for Everyone
If you’re looking to fully retire and never look back, then a full sale might make more sense. But if you still love the business and just want less stress and more balance, then a partial exit could be the best move you’ve never seriously considered.
You get to pull money out of the business without leaving the business.
Final Thoughts
Too many owners assume selling means giving up control. But the right partner isn’t looking to take over. They’re looking to build with you, and help you win twice.
If you’ve built a solid business and are thinking about the next chapter, a partial exit might give you everything you want without having to walk away.
If you’re thinking about selling, I can help you understand your company’s value and see if now’s the right time to consider a partnership or exit. Take advantage of our free business valuation tool to get a better idea of what your business is worth and discuss your options.
