Sunstate Commercial Flooring — Sold for $1,595,000
In December 2004, the Oakshield team facilitated the successful sale of Sunstate Commercial Flooring for $1,595,000. While the numbers were strong, the success of this deal wasn’t found in a filing cabinet—it was built through determination and a very specific kind of “boots-on-the-ground” wisdom.
The “Neighborhood” Listing
I had just moved into the same neighbourhood when I first crossed paths with the owner of Sunstate. It was a strong business, but like many owners who have spent years inside their own four walls, he had become “blind” to how a stranger would see it. I won this listing through pure determination and a promise: I wouldn’t just list the business; I would prepare it to win.
Norman’s Rule: The “Buyer’s Eye” and the Toilet Test
To get a premium price, I had to educate the seller to stop seeing the business as an owner and start seeing it as a buyer. We sat down and determined exactly what improvements were needed to bring the business to “top condition.”
I told him something I tell all my clients: “Always look at the toilets—they should be better than your own home.” If a buyer sees neglect in the small corners, they assume there is neglect in the accounts. The owner was incredibly positive; he immediately invested the necessary funds to ensure the presentation matched the profitability. We didn’t just market the business; we polished it until its value was undeniable.
Total sale price of $1.595m
The Result: A Launchpad for a $20M Empire
The preparation worked. We found a buyer who wasn’t just looking for a job—he was looking for a platform. He was so excited by the potential we presented that he asked me to personally draw up a business plan to help him reach a $20M turnover.
That buyer didn’t stop at Sunstate. Using the foundation we helped secure, he went on to purchase:
Trent Interior
Ron Maher’s Carpet Court
Len Smith Carpet Court
We kept in contact for years, through the GFC and beyond, as he eventually moved into international carpet manufacturing in Asia.
The Oakshield Difference: Wisdom, Not Just Sales
At Oakshield, we know that a business sale is a once-in-a-lifetime event. My team and I don’t just “put a sign up.” We use the wisdom gained from 150+ deals to ensure your “life’s work” is protected and presented in its best possible light. Whether it’s analyzing five years of financials or checking the condition of your showroom floor, we are your partners in securing the best possible outcome.