Find Your Exit - Exit Planning Strategies for Business Owners

In this episode of Find Your Exit, host Mark Kravietz interviews Justin Goodbread, a successful entrepreneur who built, grew, and sold multiple businesses, becoming a millionaire before the age of 40. Justin shares his inspiring journey from growing up on a dirt road in Brunswick, Georgia, to becoming a bestselling author and award-winning exit planner. He discusses the importance of having a clear vision, the power of coaching, and the value of an abundance mindset in achieving business success. Key Takeaways: Justin's Background: Growing up in rural Georgia, homeschooled, and influenced by five key mentors. Entrepreneurial Journey: Starting a successful landscaping business at 15, transitioning to financial advising, and eventually founding Heritage Investors. Leadership Style: Emphasizing “servant leadership,” delegation, and empowering his team. Exit Strategy: The pivotal moment when Justin decided to sell his business, influenced by his wife's health scare and the advice of his coach. Lessons Learned: The importance of having an abundance mindset and a clear vision for the future. Notable Quotes: "If you had unlimited time and unlimited resources, what would you do tomorrow that you're not doing today?" "Focus on value first, and profitability will follow." Connect with Us: Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

The path to building a successful business is rarely a straight line. Our latest guest, Kerry Siggins, overcame a series of personal and professional trials and tribulations to go from jobless to the c-suite. Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge, a fast-growing, employee-owned manufacturing and technology company based in Colorado. Kerry hosts Reflect Forward, a popular leadership podcast and she recently released her first book, The Ownership Mindset: A Handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership. Today, Kerry joins the show to share her experiences and how mindset and leadership can take your business to the next level. CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

You have built up your business and may be prepared to exit and move forward, but do you know how much it is worth? Our latest guest, Scott Gabehart, is a business valuation pro with over 30 years of experience doing valuations. Scott has an alphabet of accreditations—six in total. He has a BA, MIM, CBA, CVA, BCA, and CBVS. He has served as Chief Valuation Officer with BizEquity, LLC, a patented "software as a service" online business valuation tool, since 2006. Scott also has over 30 years of experience in private firm valuation and transactional representation. He is a Certified Business Appraiser, having worked at his firm called Gabehart Valuation Services since 2000.  Today, Scott joins the show to give us a look behind the curtain at the business valuation process and BizEquity technology. CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website FULL SHOW NOTES

Business owners are always searching for an edge to help them maximize growth and business value. Our latest guest Marc Adams literally wrote the book on secrets to increasing your business multiple.  Today, Marc joins the show to share how he empowers business owners to tap into new revenue streams, optimize operational efficiency, and elevate brand awareness. From digital marketing mastery to harnessing the power of social media and executing seamless acquisitions, Marc's book offers actionable tactics to drive growth. CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

An entrepreneur undoubtedly takes risks, but they also require vision and determination. They are skilled in various disciplines and quick to learn and adapt. An apt description for our latest guest and the ‘renaissance man of business' himself, Dan Donnelly. Today, Dan joins us to share how he built up his company from a small-scale operation out of a basement in Queens to a successful business he could sell. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

Sometimes the greatest business ideas are a byproduct of our personal passions. That was certainly the case for Mary Waldner when she decided to start Mary's Gone Crackers, a wildly successful gluten-free organic cracker and snack company. A company that she would go on to grow and eventually sell. Today, Mary joins us to discuss how she made a successful business out of a passion project and then prepared her company for sale. INSPIRING QUOTE “Think big. It takes the same amount of work to build something small as it takes to build something big.” – Mary Waldner CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

You're considering selling your company and you hear about a concept to defer or even possibly not pay capital gains—instantaneously creating tax advantages for your company. All that might sound too good to be true, however, Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) are a viable alternative when one is ready to sell their business. Larry Kaplan has built a career advising business owners on the benefits of ESOPs. Larry has built the nation's leading ESOP investment banking practice at CSG Partners. Since 2000, his team of employee stock ownership plan advisors has guided hundreds of middle-market companies through the building and financing of leveraged ESOPs. Employee-owned companies nationwide also trust CSG with secondary sales, plan maintenance, and M&A transactions. Prior to starting CSG, Larry co-founded two growth companies, which he developed and sold. Today, Larry joins us to discuss what he calls one of the best-kept secrets in the business—ESOPs. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

When her father passed very suddenly, Wendy Federman was thrust into the role of family business owner. In her true entrepreneurial spirit, Wendy was able to meet the challenge head-on and eventually fulfill her childhood dream on the Broadway stage. Wendy Federman is a thirteen-time Tony Award-winning theatre and film producer. She has also received two Olivier Awards, eleven Drama Desk Awards, nineteen Outer Critics Circle Awards, eighteen Drama League Awards, and three GLADD Media Awards for many of her over ninety co-productions. Her current and upcoming shows on and off-Broadway, on US National Tour, and in London & Australia include Company, Dear Evan Hansen, Hadestown, To Kill a Mockingbird, Ain't Too Proud-The Life and Times of the Temptations, Beetlejuice, Moulin Rouge!, Jagged Little Pill, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, The Minutes, Sing Street, Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical, Funny Girl, The Play That Goes Wrong, Little Shop of Horrors, The Piano Lesson, and The Devil Wears Prada Musical. Today, Wendy joins us to share her unlikely path from her father's floral factory to Broadway. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

In a constantly shifting business landscape, only those who can grow and evolve will survive. For Prantik Mazumdar the innate drive for learning and experimentation was integral to his success. Prantik is an entrepreneur and venture investor. He acts as a digital transformation catalyst in organizations to drive sustainable impact and change. Prantik started his entrepreneurial journey with Happy Marketer in 2011 where he spent a decade building and scaling up one of the most awarded independent digital marketing firms in the region. In 2019, he had a successful exit when Happy Marketer was sold to an American digital enterprise called Merkle, which is part of Dentsu International, the largest Japanese advertising conglomerate. He is currently serving as the Managing Director of the CXM Group at Dentsu Singapore. Today, Prantik joins us to discuss the ways that businesses must constantly transform and pivot to stay relevant and competitive. He shares his own journey from scaling up a business to the eventual sale and the lessons learned along the way. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website  

The growth of a business is rarely a straight line. There are roadblocks that come along the way. Gordon Crane started his company out of his parent's apartment in Queens. From these humble beginnings, he was able to create a successful brand. Gordon Crane is an entrepreneur and pioneer in the “better-for-you” fruit juice industry. In 1975, he founded Apple & Eve, a brand of premium, all-natural fruit juices and fruit products that he grew into the largest privately held juice company in the United States with sales in excess of $225 million. Today, Gordon joins the show to share the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that it took to start and grow his company. He dives into his experiences with takeovers, private equity, and the eventual sale of the business. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

When the time comes to finally leave the company you have built you would like to have options available to you. But the reality for most is that they have not planned and prepared enough to put themselves in this position. Ryan Tansom has worked with business owners on the “Intentional Growth” framework that can put them on track to achieve their goals.   Ryan helped turn around their family business and then sell it for 8 figures to a local competitor in 2014. The growth and exit process was an unexpectedly difficult undertaking, but the lessons that were learned have proven to be invaluable. He took his experience and co-founded Arkona where he created the Intentional Growth™ 5 Principles and Framework and hosts the Intentional Growth™ podcast. Ryan's mission is to help entrepreneurs get clarity on how to grow the value of their business with the end in mind by shifting their mindset away from annual income to focusing on long-term value creation. Today, Ryan joins the show to share his process and mindset to help entrepreneurs create a strategic plan that gives them the freedom of choice to do what they want with the business long term. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn Our Website

The exit process is nuanced but sometimes it comes down to simply knowing how to let go. How to move on from what you've built your whole career and into the next phase of your life. Laurie Barkman has worked on guiding business owners along this process. Laurie Barkman is a "business transition sherpa." With her firm, SmallDotBig, she advises owners on having more valuable, sellable businesses. And as a Partner with Stony Hill Advisors, a boutique mergers and acquisitions firm, she guides lower middle-market companies through the complex process of letting go. Laurie is the former CEO of a $100 million revenue company with an exit to a Fortune 50 company. With more than 25 years of C-Suite and award-winning marketing expertise, she provides actionable perspective to maximize value. Today, Laurie joins the show to dive into her business transition process and the ways in which business owners can solidify their business prior to exit. CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

Taking the leap of faith to bet on yourself and start your own business can be daunting. Achieving success requires real entrepreneurial spirit and dedication in the face of adversity. Our latest guest bet on himself and built his own company from the ground up leading to an eventual sale to a large buyer. Rachit Dayal was born in India, educated in NUS Singapore, and is based in Singapore. Rachit started his marketing agency fresh out of university with minimal funding before growing it to $10 million in sales in 9 years leading to eventual acquisition by Japanese media conglomerate Dentsu. Happy Marketer is Singapore's most awarded digital agency with clients and partners including Google, Singtel, ING, Grab and BCG. He now serves as APAC CMO of Dentsu's interactive division, Merkle. Today, Rachit joins the podcast to share his experiences starting a company and building it up. He dives into the challenges faced along the way and his eventual decision to sell. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

Business owners tend to be so focused on putting out fires in their day-to-day operations that it can seem impossible to plan for growth, never mind an exit from the business. However, this myopia holds business owners back. Pete Martin has dedicated his career to helping business owners break free of this mindset. Pete Martin is the Founder and CEO of AskMyBoard, a company focused on helping business owners unleash their business's highest potential value to grow faster and more profitably to put you in a position to exit at the highest price or confidently detach from the business. As a serial entrepreneur, Pete has started, scaled, and successfully exited four previous companies, including his last to KPMG for 12 times EBIDTA and no earn-out. Today, Pete joins the podcast to discuss the ways in which business owners can improve their operations to unleash their highest potential and catapult towards an optimal exit. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

The small business landscape has shifted dramatically since the pandemic. However, the core pillars that determine business success remain unchanged. John Warrillow has built his career on helping business owners identify and strengthen these pillars to prepare for a successful sale. John Warrillow is the founder of The Value Builder System, a company that helps business owners improve the value of their company. John is the author of the bestselling book Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You, which was recognized by both Fortune and Inc Magazine as one of the best business books of 2011. Prior to starting The Value Builder System, John started and exited four companies, including a quantitative market research business that was acquired by The Corporate Executive Board (NYSE: CEB) in 2008. John has been recognized by B2B Marketing as one of the top 10 business-to-business marketers in the United States. Today, John joins the podcast to share some insights for business owners and entrepreneurs. Particularly those looking to shift and pivot in the post-pandemic world. A world he believes entrepreneurs are singularly prepared to face head-on due to the nature of sacrifice, determination, and ingenuity it takes to be one. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

Before the prospect of a sale is even an option, a business needs growth and strategic development. For many businesses, this means brand building. Warren Kornblum knows all about branding, with global experience in brand management and strategic marketing. Warren is a “marketing master.” He has won many Cleo awards, which recognize innovation and creative excellence in advertising. Warren started and sold his own agency in the '90s and transitioned to Managing Partner at Bozell Worldwide, one of the largest advertising agencies in the world at the time. He then joined Toys “R” Us as the first Chief Marketing Officer and served on the Executive Committee. He was Chief Strategic Officer at Rooms to Go and has helped and advised several C-level executives and boards. Today, Warren joins the podcast to share his experience in building up his own business and brand then subsequently exiting. He dives into his journey post-exit and the transition into the C-suite of a Fortune 100 company. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

Marketing and business development strategies have always been at the core of growth and success for the business owner. This has become even more apparent in the wake of the pandemic and the strains placed upon businesses as in-person meetings came to a halt and networking shifted to Zoom. Bruce Libman is a marketer and networking strategist who has worked throughout his career to consult business owners. Bruce is the Founder and President of Total Networking and Consulting LLC. This organization's commitment to business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in developing strategies to create new revenue streams by using relationship marketing and business development techniques. He is also the founder of ARG (Accountants Resource Group). He believes to succeed in Business Development you must embrace a “Clients for Life” philosophy. He is the author of Total Networking, It's Just Breakfast, and Networking A-Z, three practical books for individuals and professionals seeking to enhance their networking outcomes. Today, Bruce joins the podcast to discuss his marketing and business development tips and strategies for business owners. He also dives into his own experience keeping a business afloat through the pandemic. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

When COVID forced the world into lockdowns, businesses were faced with challenges no one could have planned for. For entrepreneur John Hickey and his company, this was a sink or float moment requiring creative solutions for survival. John is the co-founder of Tech 2 Success, an IT and Operations consulting firm that specializes in operations improvement using technology. John provides enterprise-level leadership experience to companies of all sizes considering cloud hosting, systems implementations, lean process improvement, sales coaching, web development, system integrations, and e-mail and Internet marketing. He also an author of a book and has his own podcast called According to Hickey. Today, John joins the podcast to share his experiences throughout the pandemic and lessons learned. He shares the ways in which entrepreneurs were particularly prepared to meet this moment because they are consistently seeking new opportunities. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

The pandemic robbed us of many things in 2020. In our communities, the COVID restrictions forced several shutdowns including that of sports programs. This was the experience of Nathan Bell, Founder and Executive Director of Park Slope United Soccer Club. To overcome this challenge and keep his business alive, he leaned on the lessons in leadership and perseverance he developed as an athlete and coach. Nathan is a USSF licensed professional coach with more than a decade of experience coaching youth soccer. He was the lead assistant at Division I LIU-Brooklyn where he recruited and coached National team players. Nathan spent six months living at the Dinamo Zagreb academy in Croatia.  Today, Nathan joins the podcast to share the valuable insights he has acquired over the course of his life in sports. How do these same lessons translate into the world of business? FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

The world of entrepreneurship is a challenging landscape for anyone, but it comes with its own unique challenges for women. Many small business owners have creative ideas but struggle to find mentorship and basic support services. Ruchi Pinniger saw this unmet need and decided to build her career around helping women-led businesses realize their maximum potential. Ruchi is the founder of Watch Her Prosper, an organization dedicated to providing the financial mentorship, support, and services that creative, women-led businesses need to succeed in today’s world.  Women’s History Month honors and celebrates the amazing contributions of women in history and society. Today, Ruchi joins the podcast to share her story both as an entrepreneur herself and as a “financial therapist” for women-led small businesses. She shares the ways in which lending a little support and guidance empowers women to become successful leaders and entrepreneurs. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn  

When we have worked hard to build up a business it may seem impossible to leave and transition into something else. However, taking the leap of faith to pivot into something else may prove to be the best thing we ever do. Ken Landin took this leap when he left the drywall industry to pursue his passion, a decision he has not regretted once. Today, Ken joins the podcast to share his story in both exiting a business and building something new. How has Ken overcome the challenges and what advice does he have for others looking to make a similar change in their lives? FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

We are all probably sick and tired of hearing how we are living through uncertain and trying times. However, the pandemic has undoubtedly turned the world upside down with businesses bearing the brunt of the damage. How can business owners turn things around to come out intact on the other end of this? Today, Todd Palmer joins the podcast to talk about how business owners can go ‘From Suck to Success.’ He even wrote a book about it! Todd is a thought leader, CEO of a six-time Inc. 5000 company, executive coach, and author committed to improving lives. He leads Extraordinary Advisors, where he guides leaders into programs of sustained profitability and is the author of The Job Search Process, where he outlines his six-week plan to create, conduct, and successfully complete a job search. In this episode, you’ll hear stories from Todd’s experiences as a business leader and the tough decisions he had to make to navigate through the pandemic. He also provides some tangible advice for struggling business owners feeling stuck during these times. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn  

By the time a business owner has decided they are ready to exit they will need several plans in place to facilitate a successful transition. Sean Hutchinson has dedicated his career to helping business owners assess the state of their organizations to get ready for the next step in their lives. Sean is a thought leader and professional speaker in business value acceleration and transition readiness. He has dedicated his career to helping business owners successfully transition. Sean has advised more than 100 companies on ownership transitions, restructuring, value creation, and governance. Today, Sean joins the podcast to share some insights and solutions for business owners seeking to prepare for a successful transition. Is your business ready for exit? FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

So, you made the big decision to sell your business. What happens next? What does your life look like without it? What have you done to prepare for this next stage? Diane Drey has lived each and every one of these questions, having purchased and sold several companies. Diane is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and business mentor. She holds an MBA from New York University and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Owners and Presidents Management program. Today, Diane joins the podcast to discuss life after selling. What is some advice for business owners both pre and post-exit? FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn  

Business owners work their whole lives to build a company they are proud of. But when the times comes to leave this company and move into the next phase of their lives, they find themselves at a loss for how to proceed. When Bo Burlingham realized just how many business owners struggle with how to exit their company, he decided to write a book on it.  Bo is a business journalist and author of five books, the most recent being Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top (Portfolio/Penguin, 2014).  Today, Bo joins the podcast to discuss how to exit your company well. How can owners who are getting ready to move on prepare for the next phase in their lives? FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

Organizational psychology studies an organization’s structure and the ways in which the people within it interact to seek efficiencies. While the pandemic has wreaked havoc on businesses, it has also created an opportunity to stop and consider what is and isn’t working. Dr. Jeremy Lurey has made it his life’s work to help businesses optimize their practices by performing similar assessments. Today, Dr. Lurey joins the podcast for a deep dive into the applications of organizational psychology. How can business owners incorporate some of these practices to optimize their practices? FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

Business owners are continuously seeking advice on leadership and team building. Our next guest acquired and developed these skills in a rather prestigious fashion while serving as a Navy SEAL officer. John Choate is the managing director of SA-720TM, a consulting firm providing seminars on cross-functional teamwork and strategic planning based on principles derived from the U.S. Special Operations community. He is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and former Navy SEAL officer with demonstrable success achieving business growth objectives in both start-up and private equity turnaround settings.  Today, John joins the podcast for a conversation on his experiences as a Navy SEAL and entrepreneur. We also discuss how his past shapes his views on navigating the pandemic. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

In a time where business owners are closing down their companies or close to bankruptcy, hear about how a CEO took his company from an effective bankruptcy in 2009 and turned it around for the ultimate sale in 2017. This is the story of our latest guest, Chris Yount. Today, Chris joins the podcast to discuss his experience in navigating a business turnaround and reviving a company on the brink. He also discusses the wisdom he would impart upon businesses struggling through the pandemic. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

In business, the ability to stay nimble and adapt will determine your long-term success. Just how flexible is your organization and the culture you have built? A crisis such as the pandemic we are experiencing now will put this to the test. Errol Glasser and Richard Kestenbaum have decades of business experience building a people-first culture that can adapt to fit the times. Today, Errol and Richard join the podcast to discuss how they view the retail and consumer landscape. They also discuss deal-making and how they foresee it changing through the pandemic. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

The Coronavirus pandemic is putting the crisis management skills of business owners to the test. During these uncertain times, leadership is more invaluable than ever for those looking not only to survive but to thrive. Andrew Alfano has had his share of experience helping businesses navigate through times of crisis. Today, Andrew joins the podcast to discuss how he draws upon his experience at Starbucks as an applicable template for success in all his business pursuits. Having navigated the 2008 crisis at Starbucks and now at the helm Retro Fitness in the middle of a pandemic, he also imparts some wisdom on crisis management. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

Business owners seeking to navigate a transition may seek coaching to assist them through the process. This is precisely what Beth Miller has done as a leadership development advisor and executive coach. Today, Beth joins the podcast to talk about how she helps business owners and entrepreneurs optimize their workforce and how this is more important than ever in a post COVID-19 landscape. FULL SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH US Twitter LinkedIn

To set the stage for a successful exit, entrepreneurs need to build winning businesses. A certain type of leader can do this effectively multiple times over a lifetime, creating great companies from the ground up and turning money losers into profit-generating machines by rethinking the organization from the ground up. Turnaround expert Dean Akers has mastered this art. In his twenties, he took a company from one location to 65 and navigated a $175M exit, and he didn’t stop there. He’s now a speaker, motivator, business developer, coach, and podcaster with several exits behind him. He currently serves as the CEO of NES Health,  which he believes has the potential to become a unicorn.  Today, Dean joins the podcast to talk about how he helps companies find their why to outperform their competitors, the lessons he’s learned from the many exits he’s overseen, and the growth strategies struggling businesses can use right now to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

Business owners in every industry have had to rapidly adapt, rework, and transform their processes to keep moving, working, and growing. Even as we as a society move toward a “new normal,” there’s a lot that’s being forced to change in real time. Chris Krimitsos is optimistic about what this change means for business. He’s a serial entrepreneur, producer, event coordinator, changemaker, motivator, and catalyst. He has facilitated over 2,000 events via his group, Tampa Bay Business Owners, is the director of The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary, and the author of Start Ugly, where he presents his guidelines to help entrepreneurs innovate, create, refine, and repeat. If you’re one of the first five people to email me at mkravietz@alienwealth.com, I’ll send you a copy. Today, Chris joins the podcast to talk about the rapid changes, many of them technological, that he’s seen over the last several months. He also shares lessons from his and his family’s businesses, recommends a number of great books, and discusses some of the major opportunities he believes will be shaping our industries for years to come. Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

In this trying and uncertain time, many business owners are wondering not how they’re going to grow and thrive six months from now, but how they’re going to make it to tomorrow. With capacities limited, revenues down, and opportunities changed, it’s dangerously easy for entrepreneurs to get stuck in negative thought patterns.  Today, Todd Palmer joins the podcast to talk about not just why, but what to do about it. Todd is a thought leader, CEO of a six-time Inc. 5000 company, executive coach, and author committed to improving lives. He leads Extraordinary Advisors, where he guides leaders into programs of sustained profitability, and is the author of The Job Search Process, where he outlines his six week plan to create, conduct, and successfully complete a job search.  In this episode, you’ll hear stories from Todd’s experiences as a business leader, including the tough decisions he had to make to avoid losing his home. You’ll find out about some of the most common challenges his coaching clients face, and how he’s helping them stop grieving and find new, actionable ways to achieve success in this trying time.  Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

In this trying and uncertain time, business owners all over the country are having to make quick decisions and rapid pivots in order to operate under our “new normal.” With offices shuttered, keeping your employees not just engaged - but employed - is a challenge like never before, especially if you used to provide your services in-person. Today, Scott Snider joins me to talk about these challenges. He started his first business at 17 years old, then sold it eight years later to start Snider Premier Growth, a PI firm with equity in companies in education, digital marketing, tech, and real estate. Most of his time, however, is spent at the Exit Planning Institute, a professional education company focused on the Certified Exit Planning Advisor credential, where he serves as Vice President. Scott also shares how he sold his first business to a strategic buyer, what he’s doing to keep his companies operating during the coronavirus crisis, and how the Exit Planning Institute made a major pivot to not just survive, but thrive, immediately after bringing in negative net income for the first time in its history. Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

In this trying time, Find Your Exit is shifting its focus to tell stories of business leaders and the challenges, trials, and tribulations they are facing right now. Today, I’m joined by Rob Basso. Rob is the founder of Long Island Advantage Payroll Services, which was the area’s largest independent payroll provider until Rob sold the company in 2018. The business was named to the Inc. 5000 in 2016 and Rob has been recognized as a top CEO by Long Island Business News and SmartCEO’s Future 50 list. He’s also made countless appearances on Fox News and CNBC and been featured in Entrepreneur, Time, Newsweek, and the New York Times. In his new book, The Everyday Entrepreneur, Rob shares a primer for pursuing entrepreneurial success through strategies and powerful anecdotes about defining and setting goals. He shares tangible strategies for wealth building and achieving financial freedom at any age, and inspires those who think they may not have what it takes to get out and put a plan into action. Today, Rob joins the podcast to dive deep into how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected his new business, Associated Human Capital Management. We discuss the strategies the company is using to keep moving by working from home, the nuances of the Payroll Protection Program and how the country’s massive unemployment numbers are impacting his industry, and the unique challenges - financial and otherwise - that this crisis poses to business owners and families. KEY TAKEAWAYS How a lack of entrepreneurial spirit in his family inspired Rob to pursue his first business opportunities - and the novel strategy Rob used to get five job offers while working at a deli after finishing college. Why Rob’s entire management team followed him after the sale of his previous company to Associated Human Capital Management - and what he’s doing at this time to ensure that their client services aren’t disrupted. How Rob is talking his clients through their anxieties concerning their business - and what he’s doing to help his and his staff’s mindset right now. Why Rob is cautioning business owners taking PPP loans who think they’re simply taking free money to plan for worst case scenarios, rather than full forgiveness. What Rob learned from making dozens of in-person sales pitches every day - and what makes this trial by fire so valuable for any entrepreneur. Why every new client gets a copy of Rob’s book - and how Rob got his book deal with a major publisher.   Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

Very few jobs are a perfect fit. As part of any organization, you may find yourself doing some things you’re incredible at - and a handful that, while necessary, don’t play to your strengths. While serving as the fitness director of the Michigan Athletic Club, Chris Johnson discovered that so many people didn’t know how to address the underlying causes of their health problems. They didn’t need a diet or exercise routine so much as they needed to take baby steps to make major life changes - and the more he spoke on this, the more he discovered that people needed to hear this message. He’s now the founder of On Target Living, a 9-person team, including his children, dedicated to sharing the REST | EAT | MOVE Methodology. In 2018, he authored Capacity, a must-read book on leadership, and he also hosts the On Target Living podcast. Today, Chris joins the podcast to talk about how he built a family business dedicated to his life’s work, his proven system for bringing out the best in others and himself, and practical steps you can take right now to boost your health and improve your performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS What Chris learned from working 80-hour, 5-day weeks working for Frito-Lay and Butternut Bread - and why he’s so concerned about the long-term health effects of sleep deprivation. Why Chris got inspired to start On Target Living while working as the Michigan Athletic Club’s fitness director - and what so many people looking for a new diet or exercise routine really need. The reason Chris doesn’t see On Target Living as a wellness company. What Chris learned didn’t work when it came to speaking engagements or selling - and why you should never overload your audience with information. How working with his children has given Chris expanded resources, a bigger perspective, and the ability to impact more people than ever before.   Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

As your business grows, you’re all but guaranteed to reach a point in your career where you simply can’t keep doing everything yourself. What you do at this crossroads, however, isn’t always clear: do you sell the company entirely and move on to your next project? Do you continue to run the show on your own at the expense of growth, or do you bring in outside partners to help you make day to day operations easier so you can focus on doing what you do best? Lee Mandel chose the latter. He’s the CEO of IntraLogic Solutions, a national leader in security technology, rapid incident response, video, analytics, and AI for school districts. A serial entrepreneur, his company has made Inc.’s 5000 fastest growing companies six times in a row, and he’s found a sweet spot in which he can work with outside partners while continuing to lead the business he founded. Today, Lee joins the podcast to talk about his first businesses and the exits he should’ve taken along the way, how he took those lessons to heart as he built IntraLogic, and how he recapitalized his business without sacrificing what he loves about it. KEY TAKEAWAYS How Lee’s parents - both accountants - inspired an entrepreneurial spirit in him and gave him a strong sense of money from an early age. Why Lee missed an opportunity to exit one of his early companies at the top - and what he learned from this mistake. Why putting customers first is the secret sauce to continuous growth. The moment Lee realized he needed to make changes to keep IntraLogic growing and thriving - and why he chose to work with Post Capital over other private equity firms. The one book on business and leadership Lee recommends above all others. Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

In 1997, Long Islanders Mark Burford and Peter Cotter quit their jobs to make fresh, local, delicious beer for themselves - and sell whatever they happened to have left over. They founded Blue Point Brewing, gradually built their business and sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2014. After selling, Mark stayed on as an advisor as the company rapidly scaled, then contracted slightly as thousands of breweries opened all over the United States. He is now Blue Point’s active day to day president, and has had the incredible opportunity to stay closely involved with his business and keep things local while having access to the resources and reach of a major player in his industry. Today, Mark joins the podcast to share incredible stories from the dawn of the American craft beer revolution, how founders can tell if it’s time to sell, and what you can do to best position your business to succeed at a whole new level after the sale. Get the Full Show Notes HighTowerAdvisors.com Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe Connect with Mark Kravietz LinkedIn Twitter

Larry Siedlick is a serial entrepreneur who founded, led, and continues to lead a number of successful companies in his 40+ year business career. His first company was Sunrise Medical Laboratories, which sold in 2007 for one of the highest multiples ever paid for a laboratory company. He was also founder and CEO of The ARX Group, which provided financial and revenue cycle management services to healthcare systems throughout the United States until its successful sale in 2015 to a private equity group. Currently, Larry is the Chief Experience Officer at The Montauk Beach House, which he and his team developed into a trendy boutique resort property, as well as the co-founder of Left Hand Artisan Coffee Breweries, a startup third-wave coffee company. He is a recognized expert who has delivered keynote addresses at numerous conferences, business groups, and corporations in the United States and abroad on subjects of executive leadership and how corporate culture drives growth, profits, and company value. Today, Larry joins the podcast to share how the entrepreneurial spirit you cultivate in youth develops and shifts as you get older, the four competencies of high-performance leadership, and the major mistakes CEOs and founders make as they build companies or prepare to exit.   Get the full show notes HighTowerAdvisors.com   Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe   Connect with Mark LinkedIn Twitter

Shortly after college, Adam Schoenberg built and sold a TV network, then found himself managing sales teams. However, a chance meeting with an old friend at a wedding in Sweden in 2009 turned into a business partnership and a thriving new career. As a co-founder of Hook & Albert, Schoenberg built a prestigious, profitable menswear brand. They got buy-in from Barneys, Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales within six weeks, scaled intelligently by spending carefully, and sold their company to Detail Provisions, where he is now a managing partner. Today, Adam joins the podcast to tell the story of the first chapter of this career, as well as the second one he’s now embarking on. You’ll learn how to tell if you’re selling to the right people, the power of the entrepreneurial spirit across every phase of life, and how he’s now working to help others take brands like Hook & Albert to the next level.   Get the full show notes MarkKravietz.com   Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe

After 22 years as an investment banker, Peter Christman founded the Christman Group, where he helped middle-market business owners prepare for exit planning while maximizing value. As he did this work, he realized something huge: many founders were losing massive amounts of value by failing to do a number of things before (not after) selling their businesses. Peter took what he learned and founded the Exit Planning Institute, where he provides financial advisors with the best industry content, ongoing practice support, and owner education resources. His CEPA program is now the most widely endorsed and accepted exit planning program in the world, with over 600 certified advisors in over 10 countries. He’s also the author of The Master Plan Exit Strategy for Successful Business Owners: Discover a Strategic Planning Formula, an international bestseller in eight countries, and The $10 Trillion Opportunity, where he teaches business advisors how to develop comprehensive, integrated exit plans for business owners. Today, Peter joins the podcast to talk about co-founding the Exit Planning Institute, the big reasons people fail at succession and exit planning, and action steps business owners can take right now to begin preparing for an exit.   Get the full show notes MarkKravietz.com   Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe

It isn’t easy to grow a successful business. It’s even harder to let go of one, especially when family is involved, and few people understand this better than Tom Deans. He’s built and sold companies worth over $100 million across three generations and speaks at over 100 events each year. Tom is the author of Every Family's Business: 12 Common Sense Questions to Protect Your Wealth. With over 750,000 copies sold, it’s the bestselling family business book of all time, as well as one of the New York Times’ 10 books every business owner should read. In his new book, Willing Wisdom, he explores the link between money, care, and death with dignity - something we all need to be talking about. Today, Tom joins the podcast to talk about the common issues that tear families apart as they discuss exits and succession planning, how business owners can get over their fears and plan for the next stage of their lives, and why selling your business is never taking the easy way out.   Get the full show notes MarkKravietz.com   Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe

There are now over 600 Certified Exit Planning Advisors in 12 different countries - and many of them wouldn’t be working in this field today without Chris Snider. Chris is the CEO and Founder of the Exit Planning Institute, where he helps financial advisors become Certified Exit Planning Advisors - CEPAs - and empowers them to lead teams, enable educated decisions, and create positive change and successful exits for their clients. In his book, Walking to Destiny: 11 Actions an Owner Must Take to Rapidly Grow Value and Unlock Wealth, Chris helps you understand what makes your business attractive and ready for transition, reveals how to rapidly grow value, and what to do to unlock the personal wealth trapped within. Today, Chris joins the podcast to share the unique lessons he learned from his father, the common issues entrepreneurs come across when planning for an exit (and the major hurdles to look out for), and how to build readiness into your business so that you can sell whenever you need to.   Get the full show notes MarkKravietz.com   Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe

Welcome to the very first episode of Find Your Exit, a podcast about how to successfully exit your business. Each month, I’ll be interviewing industry experts and entrepreneurs who have reached independence by building and exiting successful, profitable, and sustainable businesses.  Today, our guest is Mitzi Perdue. Mitzi is an author, syndicated columnist, and a producer and host of many TV and radio shows. She's also a landowner, a rice farmer, and a philanthropist. Her father was the co-founder of the Sheraton Hotel chain, and she’s also the widow of Frank Perdue, whose Perdue farms date back to 1920. In both companies, family members in each generation put enormous effort into creating and maintaining strong value-based cultures.  Today, Mizi joins the podcast to talk about the common skills her father and husband had that made them both hugely successful businessmen, how she built (and exited) a company of her own, and how great company culture has the power to turn failures into massive triumphs and cement legacies for decades to come.   Get the full show notes MarkKravietz.com   Subscribe, Rate & Review the Podcast MarkKravietz.com/subscribe