Selling a Business in Stark County
Stark County has 1,222 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.
Areas in North Dakota
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Stark County by the numbers
1,222
1,222
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
87%
87%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
2,873
2,873
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
14,599
14,599
EMPLOYMENT
$980 million
$980 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
519
519
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 Stark County compares
Stark County ranks 6th of 53 North Dakota counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Mining and oil and gas makes up 6% of employer businesses in Stark County, compared with 2% in North Dakota.
519 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Stark County ranks 6th of 53 North Dakota counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Mining and oil and gas makes up 6% of employer businesses in Stark County, compared with 2% in North Dakota.
519 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 165 employer businesses
Construction: 139 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 133 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 112 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 103 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 165 employer businesses
Construction: 139 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 133 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 112 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 103 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Stark County
Retail, construction, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Stark County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Stark 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
140 related employer businesses in Stark County.
General Contracting: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
84 related employer businesses in Stark County.
General Freight Trucking: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
75 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 26 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.
Coffee Shops: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
63 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
62 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Oil & Gas Services: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Financial & Professional Services
55 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Insurance Agencies: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 15 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: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
53 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Auto Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Towing & Repo: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Medical Practices
39 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
29 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
28 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Gas Stations: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Hospitality & Travel
20 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Hotels: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
18 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Hair Salons: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
18 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Bars & Pubs: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
17 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Daycare Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Manufacturing
16 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
9 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
8 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Residential Cleaning: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
8 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
5 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Pet Services
4 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Stark 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
140 related employer businesses in Stark County.
General Contracting: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
84 related employer businesses in Stark County.
General Freight Trucking: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
75 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 26 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.
Coffee Shops: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
63 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
62 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Oil & Gas Services: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Financial & Professional Services
55 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Insurance Agencies: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 15 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: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
53 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Auto Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Towing & Repo: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Medical Practices
39 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
29 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
28 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Gas Stations: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Hospitality & Travel
20 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Hotels: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
18 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Hair Salons: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
18 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Bars & Pubs: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
17 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Daycare Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Manufacturing
16 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
9 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
8 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Residential Cleaning: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
8 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
5 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Pet Services
4 related employer businesses in Stark County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Stark County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Stark County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Stark County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Stark 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 Stark 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 Stark 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