Selling a Business in Pitkin County
Pitkin County has 1,708 employer businesses, and 91% 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 real estate and rental and professional and technical services.
Areas in Colorado
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Pitkin County by the numbers
1,708
1,708
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
91%
91%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,949
3,949
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
17,629
17,629
EMPLOYMENT
$1.0 billion
$1.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
476
476
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 Pitkin County compares
Pitkin County ranks 18th of 64 Colorado counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 5.0% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 19% of employer businesses in Pitkin County, compared with 8% in Colorado.
476 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Pitkin County ranks 18th of 64 Colorado counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 5.0% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 19% of employer businesses in Pitkin County, compared with 8% in Colorado.
476 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Real estate and rental: 322 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 266 employer businesses
Retail: 236 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 166 employer businesses
Construction: 152 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Real estate and rental: 322 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 266 employer businesses
Retail: 236 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 166 employer businesses
Construction: 152 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Pitkin County
Real estate and rental, professional and technical services, retail, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Pitkin County
These are the industries in Pitkin 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.
Financial & Professional Services
211 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
183 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
General Contracting: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
147 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Restaurants & Food
115 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 8 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.
Home Services
104 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Property Management: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
52 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Creative Agencies: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
48 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Primary & Family Care: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Dental Practices: 7 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.
Hospitality & Travel
42 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Hotels: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
29 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Hair Salons: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
25 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Outdoor Recreation: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
12 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Daycare Centers: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
7 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
7 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Metal Fabrication: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
5 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Gas Stations: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pet Services
5 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
3 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
General Freight Trucking: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
These are the industries in Pitkin 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.
Financial & Professional Services
211 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
183 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
General Contracting: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
147 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Restaurants & Food
115 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 8 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.
Home Services
104 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Property Management: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
52 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Creative Agencies: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
48 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Primary & Family Care: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Dental Practices: 7 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.
Hospitality & Travel
42 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Hotels: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
29 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Hair Salons: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
25 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Outdoor Recreation: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
12 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Daycare Centers: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
7 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
7 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Metal Fabrication: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
5 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Gas Stations: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pet Services
5 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
3 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
General Freight Trucking: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3 related employer businesses in Pitkin County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Pitkin County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Pitkin County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Pitkin County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Pitkin County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Pitkin 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 Pitkin 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