How to get 5.5 x EBITDA for a well-run service business | Built to Sell News

Just last week, we featured Greg Alexander, who sold his 30-employee consulting firm, SBI, for $162 million. It was a spectacular exit—the kind most service business owners dream about. 

But most exits don’t look like that. 

This week, you’ll hear from Jeff DeGarmo, who co-founded Cubic, a 20-person marketing agency that grew to more than $4 million in revenue. After 16 years, Jeff and his partners sold the business for a solid 5.5x EBITDA. 

No headlines. No champagne moment. Just a clean, well-run business fetching a fair price. 

In this episode, you’ll discover how to: 

  • Structure a multi-partner business for an exit 

  • Use recurring revenue to build predictability (download our free eBook on the 9 subscription models) 

  • Tap operational budgets to grow when marketing spending dries up 

  • Avoid the earn-out bait and switch 

  • Spot warning signs after the LOI is signed 

If you’re building a service business, this episode offers a grounded, realistic look at what your own exit might resemble. 

Listen to the episode

Read the show notes


Quote of the Week

We built this business from nothing—days where I pulled money from my personal account to make payroll—to selling for five and a half times EBITDA.

Jeff DeGarmo – Co-Founder of Cubic


Deals

QIAGEN has acquired Genoox, an AI-powered genetic analysis software provider, for $70 million in cash, with up to $10 million in milestone payments. Genoox’s flagship platform, Franklin, enables clinical labs to analyze next-generation sequencing data and is used by over 4,000 organizations in 50+ countries.

Franklin is expected to generate $5 million in revenue in 2025, implying a revenue multiple of 14x.

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