Dear BTF Community,
Three key points in a recent interview with Chantal Hampson, Director of Southwest Doors and Hardware Ltd.:
- Start preparing early if you’re considering selling: Once the idea of selling enters your mind, it’s likely the right time to begin planning. The process takes time—often years—so early action is crucial;
- Know your ideal buyer and prioritize your team’s future: For Chantal, finding a buyer who would respect the existing team and operate in a hands-off way was key. Understanding who fits your business culture ensures a smoother transition;
- Invest in financial readiness to increase value: Conducting a quality of earnings report before going to market made the business more attractive to buyers and helped raise its valuation by approximately 30%.
Enjoy,
Mark
After nearly two decades at the helm of Southwest Doors and Hardware based in London, ON, Chantal Hampson, a seasoned business leader and recent retiree, is reflecting on a journey defined by family legacy, grit, and smart succession planning.
A featured speaker in the May 21 session “Through the Buyer’s Lens” at Toronto’s Business Transitions Forum, Chantal offered candid insights into transitioning out of a family-run enterprise—and what others can learn from her experience.
Founded in 1987 by Chantal’s father, Southwest Doors and Hardware grew from humble beginnings in London, Ontario, to become a respected name in commercial doors and hardware.
“My dad sat us down and said, ‘I have nothing to leave you girls,’” she recalls. “So, he decided to go into business for himself.”
Despite stiff competition in the local market, her father’s determination laid the foundation for a lasting family venture.
Initially, Chantal and her sister took different paths—she moved to Toronto and pursued a career in marketing. Her sister became a teacher. But life came full circle. “At 30, I was thinking about family, stability, and didn’t want to raise kids in the rat race,” she says. That realization led her back to London, where she stepped in temporarily to help with the family business. “Nineteen years later, that’s where I’m at.”
Alongside her husband Chris, who became a partner in 2004, Chantal eventually took over the business. In 2018, they formally bought it from her father—and in 2024, they sold it in a competitive auction process that yielded seven offers.
Chantal says selling was never a part of the original plan. “I was fairly young, not really thinking about an exit,” she says. But once a private equity firm approached them, the idea took root. After a year of preparation and strategic planning, they decided to take the business to auction—twice. The second round attracted more offers and a higher valuation, including from the original bidder whose team had since split into competing buyers.
Key to their success? Preparation and knowing their buyer.
“We weren’t looking for someone to run the business—we had long-time staff ready to lead,” she explains. “So we wanted a hands-off investor who could support that team.”
She also emphasizes the importance of financial due diligence. “We did our quality of earnings ahead of time,” Chantal says. “It cost money upfront, but it boosted our valuation by around 30% and made us more attractive to buyers. It showed we were serious, ready, and had nothing to hide.”
Now retired, Chantal continues to consult through the company’s earn-out structure while enjoying more personal freedom. Her advice to others considering a sale? Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. “Once you start imagining life outside the business, it’s time to get moving. It’s a long road—so start early, know your numbers, and understand who the right buyer is for you.”
Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran of the media industry for more than 40 years and named in 2021 and 2024 a Top Ten Business Journalist in the world and only Canadian. He also made the RETHINK’s global list as a Top Retail Expert 2024 and 2025.