John Warrillow has built a career focused on understanding and optimizing small businesses. As the founder of The Value Builder System, he is widely known for his expertise in helping entrepreneurs increase the value of their companies. His work isn't based on abstract theories but on practical, actionable insights drawn from years of real-world experience.

Early in his career, John noticed a troubling trend: many business owners struggled to sell their companies for what they believed they were worth. The problem wasn’t the product or service they offered but rather the structure of their business. It became clear to him that the way a company is built influences its perceived value. With this in mind, John launched Built to Sell, Inc., a consulting firm geared toward helping entrepreneurs structure their businesses in a way that makes them more sellable. This concept would eventually lead to his bestselling book, ‘Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You.’

John’s premise in ‘Built to Sell’ is simple yet profound: the more a company can run without the direct involvement of the owner, the more valuable it becomes. This goes against the grain of what many business owners think. Often, entrepreneurs believe that their hands-on approach is the key to their business’s success. But John realized that this level of involvement could, in fact, hinder a company’s growth. If a potential buyer sees that a business can’t function without the owner, the company becomes less attractive.

In ‘Built to Sell,’ John introduces readers to Alex Stapleton, a fictional business owner who, like many entrepreneurs, runs a company dependent on his personal efforts. Through Alex’s journey, John demonstrates the steps needed to transform such a business into a self-sustaining enterprise. It’s a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to create a company that can thrive independently—one that isn’t held back by its reliance on a single person.

John’s advice is rooted in real-world challenges. He’s not just offering hypothetical solutions but addressing common obstacles that small business owners face. Many entrepreneurs struggle to grow their businesses because they’re too involved in the day-to-day operations. John encourages business owners to develop systems, delegate responsibilities, and create a business model that can operate without their constant oversight.

Following the success of ‘Built to Sell,’ John didn’t stop there. He recognized that building a sellable business was only part of the equation. Business owners also needed a way to measure how close they were to achieving that goal. That’s where The Value Builder System comes in. This platform provides entrepreneurs with a set of tools and metrics to assess and improve the value of their companies. It’s a comprehensive approach that allows business owners to pinpoint areas of weakness and make targeted improvements.

The Value Builder System is based on a set of eight drivers that influence the value of a business. These drivers range from financial performance to customer satisfaction, recurring revenue, and growth potential. By focusing on these key areas, John helps entrepreneurs understand where their business stands and how they can increase its value. It’s not just about preparing a company for sale; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient business.

John has spent years refining this system, working with thousands of business owners to test and validate his approach. The results speak for themselves. Businesses that follow The Value Builder System see an average increase of 71% in their company’s value. That’s not just a number on paper—it represents real, tangible gains for business owners who have invested time and effort into growing their companies.

While John’s work has had a profound impact on small businesses, his approach is not just for those looking to sell. The principles he teaches are applicable to any entrepreneur who wants to build a better business, whether they’re planning to sell in the future or not. By focusing on creating a company that can run independently, entrepreneurs can achieve greater freedom and flexibility, allowing them to focus on other areas of their lives or explore new opportunities.

Beyond his books and The Value Builder System, John also shares his knowledge through The Built to Sell Radio podcast. In each episode, he interviews entrepreneurs who have successfully sold their businesses, providing listeners with firsthand accounts of the challenges and rewards of selling a company. These interviews offer a behind-the-scenes look at the process, from initial negotiations to closing the deal. It’s a valuable resource for any entrepreneur who is considering selling their business, as it provides real-world insights and advice from those who have been through the process.

John’s ability to distill complex ideas into actionable steps is one of his greatest strengths. His work isn’t about lofty ideals or vague concepts; it’s about helping business owners solve practical problems. Whether through his books, podcast, or The Value Builder System, John offers entrepreneurs a clear path to success, grounded in real-world experience.

His focus on creating value extends beyond the financials. John encourages entrepreneurs to build businesses that provide lasting impact, not only for the owners but for their employees, customers, and communities. By building a strong, independent company, business owners can create opportunities for others and leave a lasting legacy.

John’s influence in the world of entrepreneurship is undeniable. He’s helped countless business owners take control of their futures, providing them with the tools and strategies to create businesses that are both valuable and sustainable. His work is a testament to the power of clear thinking, strategic planning, and disciplined execution.

What sets John apart is his commitment to helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business ownership. He understands that running a business isn’t easy, and his advice is always grounded in the realities of day-to-day operations. There are no shortcuts in his approach—just proven strategies that lead to real results.

For many business owners, the idea of selling their company is a distant goal, something they might consider years down the line. But John argues that building a sellable business should be the focus from day one. Even if an entrepreneur never plans to sell, creating a company that can run without them offers enormous benefits. It provides freedom, flexibility, and the ability to scale more effectively.

John’s work is particularly relevant in today’s business environment, where entrepreneurs face increasing pressure to grow and adapt. With markets becoming more competitive and customers demanding higher levels of service, business owners need to be strategic in how they build and manage their companies. John’s approach offers a roadmap for navigating these challenges, providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.

In an era where many business gurus focus on growth at all costs, John takes a different approach. He emphasizes the importance of building a business that is not just bigger but better—one that can weather economic shifts, industry changes, and personal transitions. It’s about creating a company that stands the test of time.

John’s insights continue to shape the way entrepreneurs think about business. His work challenges traditional notions of success and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to build a valuable, sustainable company. For anyone looking to improve their business, his advice is both practical and transformative.

In the end, John Warrillow’s legacy is one of empowerment. Through his books, podcast, and The Value Builder System, he has given entrepreneurs the tools they need to take control of their businesses and their lives. His work has helped countless business owners unlock the true potential of their companies, creating value that extends far beyond the bottom line.

John Warrillow, Founder, The Value Builder System™