Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron DuPree.
Hi Cameron, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“When I was 19, I started my own business from the ground up. Over the years, I grew it into a successful enterprise and then successfully navigated the complex process of selling it. The pivotal moment came when I saw firsthand how much a skilled broker’s guidance can impact a business owner’s future. It was that experience that revealed my passion: helping other entrepreneurs realize their own successful exits.
Since then, I’ve leveraged my firsthand knowledge to guide business owners every day. I fell in love with the intricate mechanics of a business—understanding all the moving parts and the strategic levers you can pull to make significant changes. Now, I use that experience to help clients successfully exit their businesses, so they can realize the value of their hard work, just as I did.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This version focuses on the human side of your journey, using a vivid image to connect with the interviewer on a more personal level. It’s effective for showing not just what you accomplished, but who you are.
“Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. For any business owner, the journey is an emotional rollercoaster, and mine was particularly intense. I launched my business in 2009, right in the middle of the recession, and in the early days, there were times my family and I were literally living off the dollar menu.
Those moments were incredibly difficult, but they forged a resilience in me that I couldn’t have developed any other way. Working those endless hours wasn’t just about making money—it was about survival and a deep-seated belief that I could build something great. That fight is what gives me a unique empathy for the business owners I work with today. I know their journey, because I’ve been there myself.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What should we know?
Zion Business Brokers is a mergers and acquisitions firm founded by a former business owner, specializing in helping entrepreneurs successfully sell their businesses in Utah. We provide expert guidance, strategic valuations, and personalized “white glove” service. Our foundation is built on firsthand experience, not just theory, allowing us to deeply understand and empathize with our clients. We offer complimentary valuations for business owners considering an exit, as a crucial first step in their planning process.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We specialize in business sales, exit strategies, and valuations across diverse industries, including retail, healthcare, e-commerce, and automotive. Our approach is client-focused and known for its meticulous, personalized touch. We guide owners through every emotional and strategic step of the exit process, helping them maximize the value of their life’s work. Our free valuation service is a key part of our offering, allowing owners to understand their business’s worth without any upfront commitment.
What sets you apart from others?
Our main differentiator is that our founder personally built, grew, and sold a successful business, giving us authentic, insider knowledge that many other brokers lack. This firsthand experience provides an unparalleled empathy and understanding of the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. We act as a trusted partner, not just a broker, leveraging our unique perspective to anticipate and navigate challenges for our clients.
What are you most proud of, brand-wise?
We are most proud of the trust we build and the legacies we help secure. Every successful exit represents the culmination of a business owner’s hard work, and we take immense pride in helping them achieve their financial and personal goals. The brand is known for integrity and genuine expertise, which stems from putting our clients’ long-term success and peace of mind at the forefront of everything we do.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
For any business owner thinking about their next steps, we want you to know that selling your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We offer free, no-obligation valuations to provide you with a clear, data-backed estimate of your business’s current value. The benefits are twofold: first, it helps set a realistic starting point for your asking price and negotiations. Second, it helps you identify areas for improvement and increase your company’s value long before you’re ready to sell, giving you time to implement strategic changes. Our goal is to demystify the exit process and ensure that your hard work is not only financially rewarded but that your legacy is honored.
What’s next?
One of my future plans is to launch a podcast dedicated to young and aspiring entrepreneurs. Having started my business at 19, especially during the 2009 recession, my journey was a significant learning curve filled with an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. While my business was ultimately successful, that road was far from smooth. I faced countless challenges, made mistakes, and endured periods of immense financial pressure, like living off the dollar menu to feed my family.
The idea for the podcast is to pull back the curtain on the romanticized ‘startup’ narrative and share the honest, unfiltered lessons from that experience. Rather than just focusing on the wins, I want to help the next generation of entrepreneurs learn from my mistakes. A key focus will be on helping them realize that they are not just building a job, but a valuable asset. The podcast will provide insights on how to avoid mistakes that can devalue their business and instead focus on strategies that maximize its value from day one. By sharing my journey, they can be better prepared for the inevitable challenges and build a business that is a strong, profitable asset for their future. It’s my way of giving back to the entrepreneurial community that has given so much to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zionbusinessbrokers.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61577465300687/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zion-business-brokers_businessgrowth-entrepreneurship-activity-7369751251091189760-52gG
- Other: https://share.google/EbPD8gstXmdqBpnIW
