Selling a Business in DeKalb County
DeKalb County has 1,034 employer businesses, and 82% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are construction and repair, personal care and other services.
Areas in Indiana
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
DeKalb County by the numbers
1,034
1,034
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
2,922
2,922
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
21,088
21,088
EMPLOYMENT
$1.3 billion
$1.3 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
432
432
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How DeKalb County compares
DeKalb County ranks 30th of 92 Indiana counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 5.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 11% of employer businesses in DeKalb County, compared with 5% in Indiana.
432 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
DeKalb County ranks 30th of 92 Indiana counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 5.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 11% of employer businesses in DeKalb County, compared with 5% in Indiana.
432 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 134 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 118 employer businesses
Retail: 117 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 114 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 95 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 134 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 118 employer businesses
Retail: 117 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 114 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 95 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in DeKalb County
Construction, repair, personal care and other services, retail, manufacturing
Every kind of business we sell in DeKalb County
These are the industries in DeKalb County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
145 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Contracting: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Electrical: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
81 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
80 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Metal Fabrication: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
62 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Freight Trucking: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
54 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Auto Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Collision Repair: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
52 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Insurance Agencies: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Medical Practices
39 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
30 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
21 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Gas Stations: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Home Services
18 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Residential Cleaning: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
10 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Bars & Pubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
8 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hotels: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
7 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
6 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
4 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hair Salons: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
These are the industries in DeKalb County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
145 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Contracting: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Electrical: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
81 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
80 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Metal Fabrication: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
62 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Freight Trucking: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
54 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Auto Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Collision Repair: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
52 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Insurance Agencies: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Medical Practices
39 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
30 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
21 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Gas Stations: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Home Services
18 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Residential Cleaning: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
10 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Bars & Pubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
8 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hotels: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
7 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
6 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
4 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hair Salons: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Working with owners in DeKalb County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in DeKalb County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in DeKalb County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in DeKalb County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in DeKalb County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in DeKalb County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article