Selling a Business in Waldo County
Waldo County has 1,003 employer businesses, and 93% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Waldo County by the numbers
1,003
1,003
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
93%
93%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
4,407
4,407
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
9,273
9,273
EMPLOYMENT
$507 million
$507 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
327
327
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 Waldo County compares
Waldo County ranks 13th of 16 Maine counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Waldo County, compared with 4% in Maine.
327 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Waldo County ranks 13th of 16 Maine counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Waldo County, compared with 4% in Maine.
327 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 171 employer businesses
Retail: 154 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 112 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 105 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 91 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 171 employer businesses
Retail: 154 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 112 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 105 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 91 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Waldo County
Construction, retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Waldo County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Waldo 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
185 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
General Contracting: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 22 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.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Civil Engineering: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
72 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 13 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
45 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 15 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.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
41 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Auto Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 8 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: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
33 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Manufacturing
31 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
29 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Primary & Family Care: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
23 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Daycare Centers: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
21 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
General Freight Trucking: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
19 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Gas Stations: 14 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.
Energy & Utilities
16 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Hotels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
12 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Outdoor Recreation: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
11 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
11 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Home Services
9 related employer businesses in Waldo 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.
Property Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
8 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Hair Salons: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Technology & Media
8 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Creative Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
7 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
6 related employer businesses in Waldo 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.
Home Infusion: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
4 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Waldo 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
185 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
General Contracting: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 22 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.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Civil Engineering: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
72 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 13 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
45 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 15 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.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
41 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Auto Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 8 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: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
33 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Manufacturing
31 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
29 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Primary & Family Care: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
23 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Daycare Centers: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
21 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
General Freight Trucking: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
19 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Gas Stations: 14 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.
Energy & Utilities
16 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Hotels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
12 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Outdoor Recreation: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
11 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
11 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Home Services
9 related employer businesses in Waldo 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.
Property Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
8 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Hair Salons: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Technology & Media
8 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Creative Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
7 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
6 related employer businesses in Waldo 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.
Home Infusion: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
4 related employer businesses in Waldo County.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Working with owners in Waldo County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Waldo County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Waldo County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Waldo 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 Waldo 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 Waldo 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