We recently sat down with Ted Hsu, founder of Horizon Services Company, to discuss his experience working with Peter Holton and the team at Caber Hill Advisors.
The transcript below has been edited for concision and clarity.
What prompted you to consider selling your company?
After decades of running the business, I reached a point where I had more options for the company’s future. Transitioning ownership felt like a responsible move, both for my team, who had been with me for years, and for my own long-term financial strategy. Many entrepreneurs think they’re diversified, but in reality, a business often represents a concentrated investment. Selling allowed me to optimize my portfolio while ensuring the company’s continued growth.
We had a strong management team, long-standing client relationships, and the ability to evolve with industry needs. But adapting to new demands is a challenge, and at some point, it becomes clear that bringing in new leadership can be beneficial for long-term success.
Why did you choose Caber Hill Advisors to help?
It was obvious to me that expertise matters. We’re specialists in our field, but selling a company is a complex and high-stakes process. When something is this critical, you don’t turn to DIY solutions, you hire the right professionals.
I spent years researching and vetting advisors, speaking with peers, and evaluating industry experts. It wasn’t a random decision. I knew I needed a team with specific experience in transactions like mine to ensure the best outcome.
Describe your experience with the selling process? Were there any surprises?
Selling a business is a significant event, full of complex decisions and potential pitfalls. If you don’t plan ahead, you can easily run into challenges that could derail the deal. Some people might downplay the risks, but those issues are very real, and you have to be proactive in addressing them.
Nothing about the process surprised me because I had the right advisor in place. Were there challenges? Absolutely. If there weren’t, I wouldn’t have needed an expert team to guide me through it. But unexpected hurdles are part of life, and working with the right partner makes all the difference.
Why would you recommend Peter and the team at Caber Hill Advisors?
For many business owners, selling a company is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You need experience, industry knowledge, and a team that truly understands the process. Peter and his team played an irreplaceable role in my transaction.
One thing that stood out was their unwavering commitment. When challenges arose, they didn’t disappear or back down. They stayed engaged, addressed problems head-on, and provided the reassurance and expertise I needed. That level of dedication is invaluable, and I’d strongly recommend them to any business owner navigating a sale.
What did you learn from the process, and what advice would you give to others considering a sale?
Reflect on the key relationships that helped build your business, they’ll play a role in your exit strategy as well. Selling a company follows the same principles as growing one; careful planning, selecting the right partners, and doing your due diligence.
You need to research potential advisors well before you start the process. When the time comes to sell, you can’t afford to scramble for guidance, you need a trusted team in place. I didn’t know all the details going in, but I had confidence in my decision. In the end, that confidence was justified, and I’m incredibly grateful for how everything played out.
Contact us if you are interested in speaking to one of our advisors.
