For Business Owners, By Business Owners

 

At Salt and Soil, we buy and run Canadian businesses from retiring owners. We’re a team of young, passionate entrepreneurs who understand the grit and sacrifice it takes to build something great—because we’ve done it too.

 

When it’s time to sell the business you’ve dedicated your life to, it can feel daunting. That’s where we come in. We partner with retiring business owners to ensure a seamless transition. We bring expertise in tax, legal, finance, and HR, but more importantly, we bring trust, integrity, and a commitment to doing the work—rolling up our sleeves and building on what you’ve started.

 

We’re not here to manage from a distance. We pick up the phone, get to know people, and honour the relationships that have helped your business thrive. With your guidance, we’ll protect your legacy, care for your employees and customers, and take the business to the next level.

 

If you're exploring the next step for you and your business, we'd love to work together.

Are we a fit?

We specialize in buying and operating profitable Canadian corporations. The company's annual revenues must be greater than $2,000,000 and the business must be more than than 10 years old. Simple.

 

As for owners, we are looking for honest, trustworthy people who are looking to sell in the next two years. Our specialty is working with owners who are involved in the day to day operations of their business. We help teach a young entrepreneur your role (with you as a mentor) so you can sell and exit the business. 

 

Maybe you are thinking of taking some chips off the table, planning for retirement, or your business is at a crossroads and needs a solution. Please explore some possible scenarios where we can help owners below:

How it works

Selling your business doesn't have to be complicated. We're here to take you through this basic six step process: 

  1. Get in touch and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect your privacy
  2. Share some basic information about your business (tax returns from the last three years and a summary of the business)
  3. Agree on mutually acceptable terms for the sale 
  4. Provide more detailed information about your business
  5. Help prepare the new entrepreneur to be ready to take over your business on day one.
  6. Be available via phone to help the new CEO learn the nuances of the industry 

What to expect

Selling your business requires determination and the right partner to make the process smooth and successful. Here’s what you can expect when working with us:

  • Honest Communication: We keep things clear and straightforward. No jargon, just transparent, open conversations every step of the way.

  • Handshakes matter: Selling your business means trusting someone to carry on what you’ve built. We take pride in always keeping our word.

  • We're people too: We know your employees are the heart of your business and keeping them supported, engaged, and motivated is a critical part of every transition.

Meet the Team

Adam Ward

Managing Director

Adam holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and worked for McKinsey. He has experience running successful enterprises, having previously served as CEO of LifeSupport Air Medical Services, an air medial transport company out of Nanaimo, BC, where he exited after 3 years of strong perfomance, and CFO of Wiehler Mechanical Ltd, a Calgary-based 75+ employee plumbing and HVAC company. He is a trained geophysicist and previously worked at Shell for 7 years. He holds a BSc from the University of British Columbia and a MSc in Petroleum Geology from the University of Calgary.

Michael Algra

Managing Director

Michael also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and worked for 9 years as an Associate Partner and Engagement Manager at McKinsey and Company, serving more than 30 companies on operational improvements, strategy, and digital enablement. He has deep expertise in the energy, mining, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Before that he was a civil engineer working in open-pit mining with a degree from the University of Calgary. He has also run parts logistics aboard the world's largest hospital ship in Madagascar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the business transition process take?

The time from initial outreach to closing the sale is approximately three months. After that, you will be moderately involved with helping the new entrepreneur for another three months, with those phone calls becoming less frequent over the next year.

How much is my business worth?

Business valuation does not have to be a complicated process. We can provide an accurate range with just your tax returns. Then, after one quick phone call, we can give you exact terms.

Will employees or customers find out that my business is for sale?

As business owners, we know how important it is to be discreet during this time. That's why the NDA prevents us from reaching out to employees or customers without your explicit permission.

How does Salt and Soil make selling easier?

Once under LOI, Salt and Soil can provide the necessary business services in the background to make the diligence process as smooth as possible for all parties.

What if I don't want to sell now but might in the future?

No problem. If you would like, we can add you to a list of contacts to keep in touch with over the coming years to give you advice if circumstances change or you just want more information on what the selling process might entail.

Location

Salt and Soil Capital

Calgary, Alberta, Canada