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American Business Brokers & Advisors Founder & President MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS BUSINESS VALUATIONS
DECEMBER 2025
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Why Retirement Is Not for Me
For those of you who have met me, it is obvious that I am old enough to retire from working full time. However, for some reason, I have yet to figure out at what age a person is supposed to retire. The government will allow an individual to retire at 62 and start drawing Social Security if they want to. Of course, they tell you that if you wait until 65, you will get more money, and if you wait until 70, you will get even more money. There is no specific age as to when you need to retire. It is strictly a personal decision. I was taught the goal in life, when it comes to work, was to “make your vocation your vacation,” and therefore, you never have to go to work because you thoroughly enjoy what you are doing. This would be me. I have the best vocation in the world. I get to work with entrepreneurs and business owners in the convenience store industry. Now, here is a story as to why I will not retire. I have lived in Florida for over 25 years, and everyone knows that Florida is the state
where many people go to retire. In Florida, the businesses have happy hours designed just for retirees. The music played in restaurants and shops is from the ’60s and the ’70s for the retirees, and even the New Year’s Eve fireworks start at 7 p.m. so everyone can get home and be in bed before 9 p.m. Let me share another reason why you may not want to retire. Florida has always been a major hub for tennis clubs in the United States, and since my family members are tennis nuts, my wife decided to join a tennis club when we moved to Florida. She found a club in Naples that is not too far from where we live.
her to attend this get-together, because the ladies at the club don’t believe she is married, and no one knows whether I exist. She is reluctantly inviting me to attend this get-together only because she is being guilted into taking me to meet her tennis gals and guys to prove I exist. But there were stipulations to this get-together. She knows I am a very direct person and someone whose filter between their mouth and brain is pretty well disintegrated to nothing. I have been known to say what I am thinking, which could offend people. I am not allowed to talk about politics or tell any off-color jokes. My response was, “Then what can I talk about?” I know nothing about the game Continued on Page 2 ...
One day, she comes home and says the tennis club is having a get-together with the members of the club, and I need to go with
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of tennis, and I am not retired, so I don’t know how to talk retirement talk. I am an active individual selling chains of convenience stores in the Mergers & Acquisitions business. Well, the day comes, and I have to go to this tennis get-together at this tennis club in Naples, Florida. I am a fish out of water. I don’t know anyone, and all these girls and guys are talking about their tennis game. Meanwhile, I am standing on the sideline drinking a beer, which I like to do but not at a tennis club. I prefer drinking beer either by myself or with my clients who are my friends, and we can talk business. That is when several guys who are standing next to me ask me who I am and if I am retired because everyone else in the place is retired. I tell them, no, I am not retired, even though I look old enough to be retired; instead, I tell them I am still actively working. The next question, of course, is what do I do if I am not retired? To which I respond that I work with owners of family-owned businesses in the convenience store industry who have decided to step away from their business, and I help them convert their many years of hard work into cash so they may retire and join you people at your tennis club. (I made that up about the tennis club part, but I was thinking about it when I said it.)
surround me, wanting to know about the deals I am working on, how I do it, and where I am working. The people who wanted to know more about me and my deals were all retired. One was a retired international banker, another was an ex-Federal Reserve person who owned a large HVAC company, and another was the CFO of a major Boston college, just to name a few. All of them had retired and gotten out of the game of business, and even though they enjoyed retiring, they still missed the game of business. I learned a huge lesson from those guys I met that day: Once you get out of the game, you can’t get back in. The game I am talking about is wanting to get up every day and go to work, deal with the issues that arise, and use your God-given talents to deal with and solve those issues. I know everyone has days when they want to quit the game, and that is okay, but looking in the eyes of those guys and hearing their voices convinced me that retirement was not for me. Instead, I am going to keep playing the game and enjoy working with the many wonderful people I get to work with. But if anyone who reads this article thinks they may want to retire and get out of the game, I am your guy because I know a great tennis club where they would love to meet you. 😊
–Terry Monroe
You are not going to believe what happened next. Instead of their eyes glazing over from having shared what I do for a living, they
2026: The Year Small Businesses Redefine Growth
As the global economy enters 2026, small- business owners stand at the forefront of what many experts are calling a new wave of entrepreneurial resurgence. The past few years have reshaped how business is conducted, prompting founders to become more adaptable, tech-savvy, and value- driven. Those lessons are now translating into strength, positioning small enterprises to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Technology levels the playing field. This year, technology continues to narrow the gap between small businesses and large corporations. Artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud-based platforms are no longer exclusive to enterprises with deep pockets. From AI-powered marketing tools to predictive analytics and virtual assistants, these innovations are helping small firms boost productivity, improve customer experiences, and make smarter decisions. Entrepreneurs who embrace digital transformation are discovering new efficiencies and gaining
valuable time to focus on strategy and growth rather than daily operations.
startup in Manila can now reach customers worldwide with unprecedented ease. The global marketplace is open and small businesses are taking full advantage. Capital and community are on the rise. Access to funding is also improving. Crowdfunding, venture micro funds, and fintech lending solutions are giving entrepreneurs more options to finance their ideas. At the same time, digital communities and mentorship networks are fostering collaboration and shared learning. In 2026, small-business success is increasingly built on collective knowledge and partnership, not isolation. With innovation accelerating and confidence on the rise, 2026 promises to be a defining year for entrepreneurs. Those who lead with adaptability, integrity, and creativity are poised not just to grow but also to lead the next chapter of global business. –Terry Monroe
Sustainability becomes smart business. Sustainability has moved from the periphery to the core of modern business strategy. Consumers are increasingly supporting brands that reflect their values, and small businesses have an edge in their authenticity. Whether it’s sourcing locally, adopting eco-friendly packaging, or implementing carbon-reduction initiatives, small enterprises are showing that profitability and responsibility can go hand in hand. Governments and investors are also backing this movement, offering incentives and funding for green innovation. A global market is within reach. Perhaps one of the most exciting developments of 2026 is the continued democratization of global commerce. E-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and logistics networks have enabled even microbusinesses to compete internationally. A designer in Nairobi, a coffee roaster in Portland, or a tech
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SUDOKU (SOLUTION ON PG. 4) Take a Break!
Clear the Shelves in anticipation of Terry’s new book coming out in 2026! Get your FREE copy of “Selling with Certainty” by Terry Monroe by simply emailing him at Terry@terrymonroe.com with “Straightforward Advice” in the subject line. With “Selling with Certainty,” Terry Monroe has written the go-to book for anyone who has
considered, is considering, or may consider selling their
business. Monroe provides friendly, appealing, no-nonsense advice to business owners about how to avoid the common pitfalls of selling their businesses, while ensuring they get full value from the years of hard work they've put in. Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming 2026 book project! TERRY’S QUOTES OF THE DAY “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” –Walt Disney “Good businesses survive, but great ones evolve. Don’t be afraid to outgrow your comfort zone.” –John D. Rockefeller “‘Overnight success’ started years ago with late nights, small wins, and steady persistence.” –Steve Jobs “Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.” –Tony Hsieh “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” –Socrates “After all is said and done, more is said than done.” –D. McCarthy
1. What TV show began with, “There is nothing wrong with your television?” A. “Lost in Space” B. “War of the Worlds” C. “The Outer Limits” 2. Who was the original (first) drummer for The Beatles? A. Ringo Starr B. Pete Best C. Buddy Rich D. Charlie Watts 3. What was the name of “The Jetson’s” TV dog? A. Rocket B. Astro C. Cosmo D. Flash 4. What was the name of the first James Bond film released in 1962? A. “Casino Royale” B. “Live and Let Die” C. “Dr. No” D. “Goldfinger” 5. What gag gift toy, launched in 1975, became an instant hit? A. Hula Hoop B. Chia Pet C. Pet Rock D. Jacko the Monkey TERRY’S BABY BOOMER TRIVIA
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INSIDE 7824 Estero Blvd., 3rd Floor Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 1 Why Retirement Is Not for Me
Sudoku Solution
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2026: The Year Small Businesses Redefine Growth
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New Book Coming in 2026!
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The Right Way to Raise Prices
Raise Prices Without Losing Customers Sticker Shock Survival
BE TRANSPARENT The quickest way to send your customers running for the hills is to raise your prices without notice or explanation. If you charge them more for the products or services they’ve used for years, they deserve to know why. If you don’t explain, your customers will assume you based the decision on greed. Email your customers or post on your social media page whenever you need to announce that you will have to raise the price of your products. Be honest and straightforward. While this keeps your customers in the know, it also has another unintended effect. Those who love your products or service will rush to purchase before the prices increase. ADAPT YOUR MARKETING Your customers need a reason to buy from your business, especially if they can get
Over the past few years, we’ve watched prices rise at the grocery store, gas pump, restaurants, and everywhere else we spend money. Tariffs have left many business owners feeling like they must raise prices to offset their potential cost, but this can create new concerns, as the increased prices will put some customers off. You can’t realistically eat the cost of tariffs or inflation while expecting to earn the same profit. However, if you raise prices, you risk scaring away customers who can no longer afford or want to spend so much on your products or services. So, what do you do? As you start developing your business plans for 2026, consider including an action plan in case you need to raise prices. If you’re unsure what you may need to do, don’t worry! We’ve got two solutions that could prove beneficial for your business.
similar products or services for a lower price elsewhere. Think about what separates your company before putting on your creative hat and developing a story around your brand. Consider who made your product, what it represents, and why it’s worth purchasing for your customers. You need to connect with their emotions if you want them to remain loyal when prices rise.
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