Selling a Business in Door County
Door County has 1,292 employer businesses, and 92% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
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LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Door County by the numbers
1,292
1,292
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
92%
92%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,258
3,258
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
10,683
10,683
EMPLOYMENT
$522 million
$522 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
466
466
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 Door County compares
Door County ranks 29th of 72 Wisconsin counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Arts, entertainment and recreation makes up 4% of employer businesses in Door County, compared with 2% in Wisconsin.
466 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Door County ranks 29th of 72 Wisconsin counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Arts, entertainment and recreation makes up 4% of employer businesses in Door County, compared with 2% in Wisconsin.
466 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Accommodation and food service: 264 employer businesses
Retail: 251 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 123 employer businesses
Construction: 119 employer businesses
Administrative and support services: 91 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Accommodation and food service: 264 employer businesses
Retail: 251 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 123 employer businesses
Construction: 119 employer businesses
Administrative and support services: 91 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Door County
Accommodation and food service, retail, repair, personal care and other services, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Door County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Door County. 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
152 related employer businesses in Door County.
Landscaping: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
General Contracting: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
149 related employer businesses in Door County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
112 related employer businesses in Door County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 12 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.
Hospitality & Travel
102 related employer businesses in Door County.
Hotels: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Transportation Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
45 related employer businesses in Door County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 13 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.
Wealth Management: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Entertainment & Recreation
40 related employer businesses in Door County.
Bars & Pubs: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
39 related employer businesses in Door County.
Auto Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Boat Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
38 related employer businesses in Door County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
28 related employer businesses in Door County.
Residential Cleaning: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
26 related employer businesses in Door County.
Gas Stations: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Medical Practices
24 related employer businesses in Door County.
Primary & Family Care: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 4 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
17 related employer businesses in Door County.
Hair Salons: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
15 related employer businesses in Door County.
General Freight Trucking: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
14 related employer businesses in Door County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Technology & Media
11 related employer businesses in Door County.
Creative Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Door County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
7 related employer businesses in Door County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
5 related employer businesses in Door County.
Daycare Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
4 related employer businesses in Door County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Door County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Door County. 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
152 related employer businesses in Door County.
Landscaping: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
General Contracting: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
149 related employer businesses in Door County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
112 related employer businesses in Door County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 12 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.
Hospitality & Travel
102 related employer businesses in Door County.
Hotels: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Transportation Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
45 related employer businesses in Door County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 13 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.
Wealth Management: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Entertainment & Recreation
40 related employer businesses in Door County.
Bars & Pubs: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
39 related employer businesses in Door County.
Auto Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Boat Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
38 related employer businesses in Door County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
28 related employer businesses in Door County.
Residential Cleaning: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
26 related employer businesses in Door County.
Gas Stations: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Medical Practices
24 related employer businesses in Door County.
Primary & Family Care: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 4 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
17 related employer businesses in Door County.
Hair Salons: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
15 related employer businesses in Door County.
General Freight Trucking: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
14 related employer businesses in Door County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Technology & Media
11 related employer businesses in Door County.
Creative Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Door County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
7 related employer businesses in Door County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
5 related employer businesses in Door County.
Daycare Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
4 related employer businesses in Door County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Door County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Working with owners in Door County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Door County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Door County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Door County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in Door 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 Door 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