Org chart + comp by role

What it is

A complete map of everyone who actually works in the business, what they do day to day, and what they're paid — including family members and the owner's own, often unofficial, role.

Why it matters

You can't run a business you don't understand the staffing of. Buyers are routinely surprised after closing by unpaid family labor that quietly disappears at the sale, or by a role the owner had been personally absorbing without it ever showing up on an org chart or a paycheck.

What to look for

• Family members working unpaid or meaningfully below market rate
• Work the owner personally does that isn't reflected anywhere in payroll or job descriptions
• Compensation well below or above market for a given role, in either direction
• Missing or nonexistent job descriptions for key positions