Selling a Business in Shelby County
Shelby County has 989 employer businesses, and 80% 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 manufacturing.
Areas in Ohio
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Shelby County by the numbers
989
989
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
80%
80%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,211
3,211
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
24,487
24,487
EMPLOYMENT
$1.5 billion
$1.5 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
474
474
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 Shelby County compares
Shelby County ranks 52nd of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 12% of employer businesses in Shelby County, compared with 5% in Ohio.
474 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Shelby County ranks 52nd of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 12% of employer businesses in Shelby County, compared with 5% in Ohio.
474 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 144 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 123 employer businesses
Construction: 114 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 103 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 100 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 144 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 123 employer businesses
Construction: 114 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 103 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 100 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Shelby County
Retail, manufacturing, construction, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Shelby County
These are the industries in Shelby 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
110 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
General Contracting: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
80 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
78 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Metal Fabrication: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 13 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.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
55 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Primary & Family Care: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
52 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Insurance Agencies: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Logistics & Transportation
43 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
General Freight Trucking: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
37 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
33 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Auto Repair: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
29 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Gas Stations: 24 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
13 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Hair Salons: 10 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.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Shelby 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.
Home Services
8 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Residential Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 5 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
8 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
6 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Hotels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
4 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Bars & Pubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
4 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
3 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Creative Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
These are the industries in Shelby 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
110 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
General Contracting: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
80 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
78 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Metal Fabrication: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 13 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.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
55 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Primary & Family Care: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
52 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Insurance Agencies: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Logistics & Transportation
43 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
General Freight Trucking: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
37 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
33 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Auto Repair: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
29 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Gas Stations: 24 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
13 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Hair Salons: 10 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.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Shelby 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.
Home Services
8 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Residential Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 5 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
8 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
6 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Hotels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
4 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Bars & Pubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
4 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
3 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in Shelby County.
Creative Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Working with owners in Shelby County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Shelby County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Shelby County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Shelby County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Shelby 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 Shelby 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