🎙️ Tales from the Trenches of an Intermediary
Welcome to Tales from the Trenches of an Intermediary, a podcast powered by Robbinex®, Canada’s trusted experts in business sales, succession planning, and conflict resolution. In each episode, we share real-world stories from the front lines of selling a business and ownership transitions – lessons you won’t find in textbooks, but that can protect your business and your future.
Watch the Episode
Episode Title: Stuck Here in the Middle
Most business negotiations don’t end with the police being called—but this one did.
In this episode, host Rob Gulfi sits down with Doug Robbins, founder of Robbinex®, to discuss a shocking story from a business sale gone wrong. With over 50 years of experience helping thousands of owners through sales, mergers acquisitions, and succession planning, Doug shares lessons every Canadian business owner should hear before starting an exit strategy.
Episode Summary
What started as a routine transition meeting between a buyer and seller quickly turned into a confrontation. Accusations of dishonesty led to a shouting match, physical shoving, and a call to the police.
The conflict revealed over $100,000 in undisclosed funds and left both parties facing consequences. The seller fled overseas, the buyer struggled to stabilize operations, and Doug’s role as an intermediary highlighted the importance of transparency in any business transaction.
Key Takeaways for Business Owners
✅ Honesty and transparency are the foundation of any business sale.
✅ Without a written succession plan, disputes are almost guaranteed.
✅ Hidden assets or dishonesty can trigger legal, financial, and reputational damage.
✅ Early conflict resolution saves partnerships before they collapse.
Why This Story Matters
If you are a Canadian business owner thinking about succession planning, selling your company, or preparing a business exit strategy, this episode is a powerful reminder:
- Don’t wait until problems explode.
- Get professional advice before conflicts arise.
- Protect your business with an experienced business broker who understands the process.
Plan Your Future with Robbinex®
At Robbinex®, we’ve spent over 45 years guiding owners through business sales, mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning in Canada. We know that every business is unique, and selling isn’t the only option. In fact, there are at least 14 alternatives to selling that may better fit your situation.
✔️ Explore business exit strategies
✔️ Access free resources for owners
✔️ Book a confidential consultation with an expert
Contact us to start planning today.
About the Podcast
Tales from the Trenches of an Intermediary is hosted by Rob Gulfi and Doug Robbins. Each week, Doug shares true case studies from his decades as a business intermediary in Canada. These stories reveal the hidden challenges and opportunities in business ownership transitions.
