When Tommy Hacker began thinking about selling his business, it wasn’t a decision he took lightly. After building Savannah Healthy Vending from the ground up, launching in 2015 and growing it nicely, he found himself at a crossroads. Continued growth was possible, but it would require significant new investment, additional debt, and competing against increasingly sophisticated operators.
“We had built something strong,” Tommy said. “But getting to the next level meant taking on a lot more risk. At the same time, the market conditions made the business attractive to larger operators. It felt like the right window.”
A key decision
Even with interest already coming from a large regional operator, Tommy made a key decision early - he would not go through the process alone. He engaged VBB Advisors to guide him through the sale.
“I had already had conversations with a potential buyer,” Tommy explained, “but I didn’t want to go into something this important without someone experienced in my corner. I also wanted to see what the broader market looked like.”
A changed dynamic
Tommy’s decision immediately changed the dynamic of the deal. Rather than negotiating in a one-to-one environment, I helped introduce a broader market perspective, creating the possibility of multiple interested parties and, with it, increased leverage.
“Even the possibility of other offers changes everything,” Hacker said. “It gives you leverage. I truly believe the outcome was significantly better than it would have been if I had just gone direct.”
At VBB Advisors, we also ensured that the process remained highly confidential, an often overlooked but critical component of a successful transaction. “We didn’t put the business out there publicly,” Hacker said. “Mike used his network to get it in front of the right people while keeping things quiet. That was huge for me. My employees and customers never felt any disruption.”
A difference maker
As the process moved forward, Tommy quickly realized just how complex selling a business can be. From financial analysis to legal documentation to deal structure, the number of moving parts was substantial. “It’s incredibly complex,” he said. “There are so many details, financials, contracts, negotiations. Having someone who has been through it before makes a big difference.”
A trusted advisor
For Tommy, one of the most valuable aspects of working with VBB Advisors was having a trusted advisor to talk through decisions in real time. “When offers come in, when terms change, when you’re reviewing a purchase agreement, it’s not something you want to figure out on your own,” Tommy said. “We were able to talk through everything and make informed decisions.”
A balanced approach
VBB Advisors also played a critical role during negotiations, sometimes engaging directly with the buyer on Tommy’s behalf. That separation created both strategic and emotional advantages. “There were times when it made sense for him to handle conversations without me, ”Tommy said. “He could be more neutral, more objective. Meanwhile, I could stay focused on running my business.”
That balance proved essential. As Tommy described it, managing a company while simultaneously navigating a sale can feel overwhelming. “Some of these issues hit you at the worst possible time,” he said. “Having Mike involved meant I didn’t have to be in every conversation or deal with every detail.”
At the same time, we remained a steady presence throughout the process, helping Tommy evaluate offers, think through structure, and prepare for each phase of the transaction. “It’s a crazy process when you look at all the potential complications,” Tommy said.
A successful deal
In the end, Tommy successfully sold his business to a large regional operator, achieving both a strong financial result and a transition he could feel good about. He was able to provide severance to employees, help many of them secure new roles, and even step into a new position himself after the sale.
“I’m extremely happy with how it turned out,” he said. “We brought it to a good end financially, and we took care of our people in the process.” Looking back, Tommy is unequivocal about the role VBB Advisors played in that outcome. “I’d work with Mike again,” he said. “There’s no question.”
For business owners considering a sale, Tommy's advice is simple: don’t underestimate the complexity, or the stakes. “This is an emotional process with a lot of potential pitfalls,” Tommy said. “You get one shot at selling your business. Having someone who knows what they’re doing, who can guide you and advocate for you, it makes all the difference. Mike Kelner is that person."
Our approach, combining discretion, market reach, and hands-on guidance, helped turn what could have been an overwhelming experience into a successful and well-managed transaction. For Tommy, the result was very positive after years of hard work.
Please consider this:
Our VBB Exit Advantage program is a $10,000 value, a tailored exit planning program, ultimately free to operators who works with VBB Advisors on the sale of their business. I’m happy to discuss the VBB Exit Advantage program with any operator, so give me a call.
One of the keys to successful representation is generating multiple offers. Our process at VBB Advisors is built around that concept. Are you ready to take that critical first step? That is often the toughest one to take.
Order my free 2026 Exit Strategy Planner. At the very least, it will provoke some thought, and this is a good time to think about your future.
Whatever your reasons are to sell your company - the timing, a sense of frustration, the desire to enjoy life or an interest in rewarding yourself for years of hard work – VBB Advisors can help you realize your goals.
I am Mike Kelner, the leading sell side intermediary in the convenience services industry. Let’s sit down and have a conversation. Use this appointment scheduler to set up a meeting with me.
Or – give me a call at 704-942-4621
