In the owner’s words
The decision behind the outcome.
A valuable advisory relationship is measured by the decisions it improves, not only by whether a transaction closes. These owners describe situations in which evaluating alternatives, questioning initial terms and choosing the right approach changed the outcome.
An unsolicited approach
Knowing When Not to Accept the Offer
The decision: whether an attractive proposal was an acceptable economic arrangement. The advisory contribution: evaluate the terms, preserve alternatives and recommend against the initial proposal before considering later interest.
Patrick Golden had received a letter of intent from a private-equity-backed platform interested in acquiring his environmental consulting firm. Although the offer appeared attractive, JD Ford identified substantial concerns about deal structure, contingent consideration, and the likelihood of realizing future payments. Joe advised Patrick not to proceed.
Several months later, Patrick returned with three additional interested parties. JD Ford helped evaluate the buyers, introduce competitive tension, negotiate economic terms, and develop a transaction structure better aligned with Patrick’s objectives. The resulting transaction represented nearly twice the value of the original proposal, with substantially more achievable future payment provisions.
A transaction’s value is not simply the purchase price. It is what the owner ultimately receives, when it is received, and the risks associated with realizing that value.
I owned an environmental consulting firm and was approached by several companies interested in purchasing mine over the course of 2 years. While I built a successful company, being a biologist by training, I have little business acumen and I needed a seasoned advisor. I was introduced to JD to provide M&A guidance and I immediately knew that he was person for the job.
Over the course of a year, JD provided unparalleled guidance, helping me key in on important things to understand about the interested parties, how best to negotiate, and he was always in my corner, advocating for me and my company. In the end, largely because of JD’s advice and guidance, the outcome was fantastic. He helped me choose the buyer that was the best fit for the merger, and the sales price was also a great outcome.
I highly recommend JD to anyone contemplating a business sale. Whether it be shopping around for a solid buyer, or advising a business owner that is being pursued by multiple potential buyers. I couldn’t have done it without his advice and guidance, and if I had, I’m confident that the outcome wouldn’t have been as good for me, my family, and my employees.
— Patrick Golden, Heritage Environmental Consultants
A consequential ownership transition
Creating Competition. Discovering Market Value.
The decision: whether the most logical buyer was the only credible path. The advisory contribution: develop alternatives and negotiating leverage while preserving an important customer relationship.
Before engaging JD Ford, Star Precision’s largest customer—representing more than 60% of company revenue—had expressed interest in acquiring the business. Star Precision was strategically important to the customer’s supply chain, but numerous discussions had failed to produce an acceptable transaction or meaningful urgency.
JD Ford was engaged to advance the process. Rather than rely exclusively on the existing buyer, Joe developed a competitive process while preserving the important customer relationship. The strategic customer was assured it would remain a welcome participant and have an opportunity to acquire the business at a competitive market price.
The introduction of other qualified buyers established genuine market competition and materially strengthened the owner’s negotiating position. Ultimately, the customer's offer represented approximately half the value achieved through the competitive process.
Even the most logical strategic buyer may not voluntarily pay market value. Competition creates price discovery and negotiating leverage.
Working with Joe Durnford at JD Ford & Company for the sale of my manufacturing business, was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Selling a business, you built is incredibly high-stakes; for me, it represented the culmination of my life’s work, the financial future of my family, and securing the ongoing well-being of my dedicated employees. Joe completely understood what was on the line and delivered a masterclass in investment banking. He didn't just facilitate a transaction; he substantially increased the ultimate outcome of the deal.
What truly set him apart was his ability to bring an incredible roster of high-caliber, qualified buyers who were industry specific, creating a competitive environment that drove tangible value. Selling a manufacturing company is extremely complex, his strategic guidance and negotiation expertise allowed me to maximize the value of my life’s work and achieve a remarkably high return. I am incredibly grateful for Joe’s partnership and cannot recommend him enough to any business owner looking to transition. If you want an advisor who genuinely cares about your legacy, understands your industry and delivers maximum value, Joe is the person you want by your side.
— John Wislawski, Star Precision Manufacturing
Paragon Solutions Group, Inc.
A relationship that continued beyond the sale.
JD Ford did an outstanding job guiding us through the sale of our previous company, Paragon Solutions Group, Inc. Joe Durnford and his team were highly professional, responsive, and instrumental in keeping the process on track from start to finish. Joe's insight, experience, and strategic advice proved invaluable at every stage, helping us navigate complex challenges and make well-informed decisions with confidence. His expertise, professionalism, and dedication were key contributors to a successful outcome. I greatly appreciate the support provided by JD Ford and would highly recommend Joe and his team to anyone seeking a trusted transaction advisor. In the years since the sale of Paragon I have frequently sought out Joe’s insights while building other businesses
— Haydn Hirstine, CEO, Cost Plus IT, Inc.
Moran Family of Brands
From a cross-border acquisition to an ongoing advisory relationship.
Moran Family of Brands turned to JD Ford & Company to pursue the acquisition of Canada’s Mister Transmission amid challenging timing and high seller expectations. The task was to find a path forward on a purchase price and terms that made business sense for Moran.
Representing Moran, JD Ford led the financial and business negotiations, arranged acquisition financing and coordinated the legal, tax, accounting and lending teams. Working closely with counsel on the legal terms, Joe helped bring the cross-border process together around Moran’s objectives.
The relationship continued beyond closing. At the request of Barbara Moran-Goodrich, owner of Moran Family of Brands, Joe now serves as an independent board advisor, working alongside her and the management team on bank relationships, financial discipline, strategic opportunities and long-term enterprise value.
What began with an acquisition has become a continuing relationship—bringing independent judgment and transaction experience to the decisions shaping Moran’s next stage of growth.
Your situation may be different. Begin with what matters to you.
Your situation may not call for a sale. Begin with the ownership decision, the alternatives and what a workable outcome needs to accomplish.
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