Selling a Business in Lawrence County
Lawrence County has 788 employer businesses, and 87% 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 retail and repair, personal care and other services.
Areas in Tennessee
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Lawrence County by the numbers
788
788
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
87%
87%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,390
3,390
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
9,681
9,681
EMPLOYMENT
$401 million
$401 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
342
342
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 Lawrence County compares
Lawrence County ranks 29th of 95 Tennessee counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Lawrence County, compared with 4% in Tennessee.
342 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Lawrence County ranks 29th of 95 Tennessee counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Lawrence County, compared with 4% in Tennessee.
342 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 170 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 93 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 91 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 65 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 57 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 170 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 93 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 91 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 65 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 57 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Lawrence County
Retail, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Lawrence County
These are the industries in Lawrence 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.
Restaurants & Food
68 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Construction & Engineering
50 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
General Contracting: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
HVAC Services: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Medical Practices
46 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Primary & Family Care: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
41 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
40 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Car Dealerships: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
40 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Gas Stations: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
38 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Insurance Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Logistics & Transportation
33 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
General Freight Trucking: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Manufacturing
31 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Metal Fabrication: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 9 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.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
11 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Daycare Centers: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
11 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
10 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
7 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Hair Salons: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
7 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Hotels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
6 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
4 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Outdoor Recreation: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Home Services
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Residential Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
These are the industries in Lawrence 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.
Restaurants & Food
68 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Construction & Engineering
50 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
General Contracting: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
HVAC Services: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Medical Practices
46 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Primary & Family Care: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
41 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
40 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Car Dealerships: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
40 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Gas Stations: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
38 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Insurance Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Logistics & Transportation
33 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
General Freight Trucking: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Manufacturing
31 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Metal Fabrication: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 9 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.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
11 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Daycare Centers: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
11 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
10 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
7 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Hair Salons: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
7 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Hotels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
6 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
4 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Outdoor Recreation: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Home Services
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Residential Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Lawrence County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Lawrence County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Lawrence County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Lawrence County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Lawrence County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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