The Exit Whisperer

In this episode of The Exit Whisperer, Michelle Wahler shares the incredible 18-year journey of building Beyond Yoga—a body-positive, female-founded activewear brand that made comfort, inclusivity, and authenticity its mission from day one. From hand-illustrated T-shirts to a strategic, self-funded apparel company acquired by Levi Strauss & Co., Michelle unpacks every twist in her story: childhood influences, bootstrapping struggles, wholesale wins, emotional negotiations, and her mindset shift post-exit.   Whether you're scaling your first business or considering your final chapter, this is a masterclass in leading with values and building a brand people love.   00:00 - Intro: Who is Michelle Wahler? 01:45 - Losing Her Dad's Business, Gaining a Mission 05:30 - From Unsweetened T-Shirts to Activewear Vision 08:20 - Meeting Her Co-Founder and Starting Beyond Yoga 13:40 - The Business Was Built for Real Women 17:25 - Why They Never Raised Venture Capital 21:50 - Early Wholesale Wins & Studio-by-Studio Growth 26:00 - Doubling Year After Year (Until the Recession) 30:40 - The Moment They Took Finances In-House 35:00 - Cold LinkedIn Message from Levi's 39:15 - “Build or Buy?” and the Levi's Strategy 42:40 - Reflecting on Earlier Offers and Knowing Their Worth 47:00 - Why She Said No to Fast Growth 52:10 - Controlling Distribution and Staying True to the Brand 56:40 - The Integrity Behind Every Decision 01:00:00 - Closing Thoughts on Exit and Identity

Carrie sits down with Jennifer Vazquez, a single mother who overcame bankruptcy and the failure of her first business to build and sell a series of successful childcare centers.   Jennifer shares her journey of acquiring, scaling, and eventually selling three childcare centers for double their valuation. She discusses key strategies such as seller financing, and the benefits of buying existing businesses over starting from scratch.   Jennifer also delves into her transition from running childcare centers to her current role as an EOS coach, helping other entrepreneurs achieve success. Her story is filled with persistence, grit, and invaluable insights for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.     00:30 Meet Jennifer Vazquez: A Story of Resilience 00:47 From Bankruptcy to Business Success 01:24 The Journey of Buying and Scaling Childcare Centers 02:13 Welcome Jennifer: The Interview Begins 02:54 Jennifer's First Business Acquisition 04:54 Overcoming Financial Hurdles 06:01 Scaling Up: The Second and Third Acquisitions 08:40 The Power of Networking and Mastermind Groups 14:50 Implementing EOS: A Game Changer 15:25 Implementing EOS for Business Efficiency 15:44 Achieving Business Goals and Centralized Management 16:56 Empowering the Team and Growing Profits 17:20 Decision to Sell and Overcoming Challenges 18:29 Navigating COVID and Business Resilience 19:51 Negotiating the Sale and Financial Strategies 25:59 Post-Sale Reflections and EOS Coaching 28:59 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 30:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Miren Oca, the founder of Ocaquatics Swim School, a successful swim school business she started at 22 years old after becoming pregnant in college. Miren shares her inspiring journey from teaching swimming lessons to building a business with 165 employees, 5 locations, and 6,500 weekly swimming lessons. She discusses her focus on environmental and social responsibility, becoming a certified B Corporation, and the unique exit strategy she implemented using an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), ensuring her business's legacy and continuing benefits for her employees.   Miren explains the challenges and successes in setting up the EOT, why it was the best choice for preserving her company's values, and the profound satisfaction she has experienced through this exit route.   00:00 Meet Miren Oca: Founder of Ocaquatics Swim School 02:49 Starting a Business at 22 05:16 Building and Expanding Ocaquatics Swim School 07:43 Challenges and Successes in Business Growth 11:36 Exploring Exit Strategies 15:06 Introduction to Co-Ownership 15:23 Establishing the Trust and B Corp Certification 16:01 Valuation and Financing Options 16:56 Seller Financing and Profit Sharing 18:48 Building a Culture of Ownership 20:25 Reflections on the Transition 22:13 Financial Planning and Real Estate 25:13 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Carrie introduces Susan Latremoille, founder of Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors. Susan shares her journey from building a successful financial advisory practice to selling it at a premium valuation.   With over 40 years of experience, Susan transitioned from Merrill Lynch to entrepreneurship, ultimately exiting her company in 2019. She discusses the importance of trust and team development in her business, as well as the process of preparing for and executing a successful exit.   She also works with financial advisors to enhance their client relationships beyond just financial planning.   00:30 Welcome to The Exit Whisper 00:38 Meet Susan Latremoille 02:56 Susan's Journey: From Merrill Lynch to Entrepreneurship 04:21 Building a Successful Financial Advisory Practice 10:15 The Decision to Sell: Planning and Execution 11:01 Transitioning Clients and Ensuring Continuity 16:26 Valuing the Business and Formalizing the Exit 19:14 Next Chapter: Helping Others Navigate Their Exits 25:22 Connecting with Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors    

At just 26, Susan took a leap — launching News Generation with the backing of her family and a single client's nudge. What followed was a two-decade journey building a niche agency in radio media relations, where she prioritized culture, steady growth, and real relationships. In this episode, she opens up about the real emotions behind selling a business, why she started thinking about exiting around age 50, and how she navigated the unexpected curveball of selling during a pandemic. Susan also shares what really mattered in the deal (spoiler: it wasn't just the money), why her office space and team were non-negotiables, and how she's now using her experience to guide other women founders.   This is a story about knowing your worth, leaving with integrity, and designing what's next — on your own terms. 00:30 Starting News Generation: From Idea to Reality 02:06 Building the Agency: Early Challenges and Successes 04:18 Navigating Growth: Employees and Business Decisions 12:01 The Turning Point: Considering a Sale 17:41 Acquisition Strategy and Funding 18:17 Negotiation and Non-Financial Priorities 21:06 Challenges with the Broker 23:06 Impact of COVID-19 on the Sale 25:05 Post-Sale Reflections and Integration Issues 31:17 Future Plans and Empowering Women

She Was Told “You Can't Be a Good Mom and Build a Company” — So She Proved Them Wrong   Michele discusses her successful career as an entrepreneur who managed to maintain a work-life balance while building and eventually selling her global translation business.   In an engaging conversation with Carrie, Michele shares insights from her journey, including the initial struggles, the importance of offloading responsibilities, and the process of scaling. She emphasizes the significance of setting personal and business goals, handling the transition after a business exit, and finding new purposes.   The episode provides valuable advice for women entrepreneurs on preparing for an exit and determining their worth outside their business.   00:00 – $6M Exit Overview 00:30 – Why This Interview 01:36 – Michele's Startup Story 02:28 – Juggling Kids and Business 06:22 – Scaling with Systems 13:37 – Choosing to Sell 16:09 – Tech Shift and Timing 17:32 – Giving Herself Permission 18:43 – Selling Process Breakdown 22:54 – Life After Selling 25:54 – Setting Your Exit Number 29:40 – Advice for Founders

Kelly shares her story, from her early days of recognizing her entrepreneurial spirit to the founding of her company, Send Ribbon.   She discusses her tech startup background, the challenges of personalized corporate gifting, and how her experience inspired her business idea.   She shares insights into her strategic methods for launching the business, overcoming financial constraints, and the pivotal moments that led to the company's growth. Kelly also details her personal life sacrifices, the importance of networking, and her eventual acquihire by Urban Stems during the pandemic.    01:02 Early Entrepreneurial Spirit 01:34 Founding Send Ribbon 04:03 Challenges and Growth 09:08 Learning the Ropes of Inventory 14:31 First Big Breaks 18:41 Balancing Two Careers 19:45 Networking and Opportunities 22:12 Casual Updates and Networking 23:09 Pandemic Challenges and Opportunities 23:44 The Acquihire Email 24:39 Negotiating the Acquihire 25:29 Joining DoorDash and Health Struggles 27:23 Urban Stems Acquisition 29:27 Lessons from the Acquihire 33:21 Personal Reflections and Future Plans 42:33 Advising and Community Building    

Anne Mahlum, the founder of SolidCore, shares her journey from being a waitress in North Dakota to negotiating a major company sale.   Anne shares her incredible story of founding SolidCore with $175,000 of her own savings after initially working in nonprofits and creating a running club for a homeless shelter. She discusses the challenges she faced, including navigating contentious business relationships and securing funding, while highlighting the importance of an unwavering belief in oneself.   Discover how Anne turned her passion for fitness and community building into a $100 million success story, the strategic decisions she made during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her ultimate exit strategy.   Anne also sheds light on her financial philosophy, the impact of her upbringing, and the significance of achieving a nine-figure exit.     00:33 Introducing Anne Mahlum: From Waitress to Entrepreneur 02:07 The Nonprofit Journey: Building a Community 06:37 Discovering Pilates: The Next Big Thing 07:57 Scaling Up: From One Studio to Many 10:40 Navigating Challenges: Legal Battles and Growth 16:47 Private Equity and Expansion: The Big Leap 21:00 Valuation Pitfalls and Investor Relations 21:31 Facing the COVID-19 Crisis 23:37 Strategic Negotiations and Capital Raising 25:06 Expansion into Red States 27:53 Succession Planning and Exit Strategy 32:54 Reflecting on Success and Personal Growth

In the inaugural episode of season four, Carrie reflects on the significant milestones surrounding April 1st, including selling her company on April Fool's Day and the release of her new book.   She discusses the intense and rewarding process of writing the book, which combines fiction, real-life examples, and an implementation guide for business growth. Additionally, she provides insights into her journey with the Whisper Group, an exit readiness advisory practice for female founders.   The episode touches on the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of mindset, team selection, and her unique approach to planning and growth.    00:00 Introduction and Season Kickoff 00:34 April Fool's Day and Personal Reflections 00:57 Introducing the New Book 03:09 The Whisper Group Journey 04:47 Challenges and Mindset 06:36 Team Building and Partnerships 08:27 Lessons Learned and Advice 09:21 Conclusion and Encouragement    

Gwen shares her remarkable journey of founding The Laundress, a luxury laundry brand.   From securing a government-backed loan to self-financing with credit cards, Gwen details her determination and innovative spirit. She discusses the challenges and successes of building her business, the experience of negotiating a sale with Unilever, and her emotional turmoil post-acquisition.   Gwen reflects on the aftermath of the sale, the impact of a major product recall, and her eventual decision to launch her next venture, 'The Fill'.    01:20 The Birth of The Laundress: Vision and Early Challenges 02:30 Funding the Dream: Financial Struggles and Strategies 03:40 Market Entry: Launching and Finding Early Adopters 05:00 Growth and Media: Building a Brand in a Pre-Social Media Era 08:53 Self-Financing: Risks and Rewards of Going Solo 16:18 Strategic Positioning: Attainable Luxury and Key Partnerships 17:13 The Exit Plan: Preparing for Acquisition 18:57 The Unilever Deal: Negotiations and Realizations 26:36 Navigating the Acquisition Process 28:00 Realizing the Challenges Post-Acquisition 29:24 Cultural Misfits and Organizational Chaos 31:53 The Aftermath: Recall and Brand Damage 34:30 Emotional Toll and Non-Compete Struggles 43:55 Launching a New Venture: The Fill 48:04 Reflections and Future Aspirations    

Sarah Weiss shares her incredible journey of growing Elite Roofing Supply from a family business into a major industry player. Sarah, inspired by her father's entrepreneurial spirit, cashed in her 401k and jumped into the roofing supply industry, growing the company to 26 locations and becoming one of the top distributors in the market.   She discusses the challenges of running a family business, the intense growth phases, and the strategic considerations that led to selling the company to Gulf Eagle Supply. Sarah provides an inside look at the emotional and mental preparations required for such a significant exit, as well as her personal reflections and plans post-sale.   This episode covers everything from bootstrapping to navigating high-stakes negotiations with Goldman Sachs, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.   01:01 Meet Sarah Weiss: Building Elite Roofing Supply 02:04 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 04:10 Challenges and Growth in the Roofing Industry 09:16 Strategic Decisions and Preparing for Exit 13:28 The Sale Process: Choosing Goldman Sachs 18:03 Post-Sale Reflections and Future Plans    

Lauren shares her journey of being thrust into running her father's Bassett Furniture franchise business at 26 when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer.   She details the emotional and professional challenges of managing and eventually selling the over-leveraged business back to corporate, which financially devastated her family.   After overcoming these hardships, Lauren launched her own successful marketing firm, Elevate, which she later transitioned to an ESOP for her employees. She also discusses the inception of Fabric VC, a venture fund supporting women and BIPOC founders, highlighting its unique marketing-driven approach to investment.      00:30 Welcome to The Exit Whisperer 01:11 Laurel Mintz's Story Begins 02:17 Taking Over the Family Business 08:10 Facing Financial Challenges 13:36 Launching Elevate: A New Venture 16:15 The Birth of Fabric VC 21:42 The ESOP Decision 24:08 Fabric VC: Progress and Vision 25:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kate Watts, a trailblazer in the agency space, narrates her impressive rise from being the president of Huge, a top digital agency, to launching and subsequently selling her own agency, Faire Design, to The Atlantic.   She opens up about the challenges and triumphs she faced during the integration and spin-off process, eventually regaining majority ownership and rebranding as Long Dash. This conversation is filled with valuable insights on mergers, acquisitions, and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.     00:28 Welcome to the Exit Whisperer 01:39 Introducing Kate Watts 02:06 From Huge to Faire Design 04:24 The Leap of Faith: Starting Faire Design 07:05 Unexpected Acquisition by The Atlantic 14:57 Integration Challenges and Successes 18:10 Spinning Off: The Birth of Long Dash 23:50 Future Plans and Reflections

Christine shares her experiences negotiating five separate Letters of Intent  before finally securing a deal that doubled her company's valuation.   Christine's three-year saga involved both personal and professional challenges, including contracting long COVID, which ultimately influenced her decision to sell. The discussion delves into the intricacies of the selling process, the importance of choosing the right advisor, and how perseverance is key in the world of mergers and acquisitions.   Christine also reveals how writing her book, 'Stop Starvation Marketing,' helped her stay grounded amid the chaos.     00:42 Meet Christine Slocum: The Journey Begins 00:54 The Challenges of Selling a Business 02:17 Understanding Letters of Intent (LOIs) 03:49 Building and Growing the Business 08:39 The Decision to Sell: A Turning Point 11:04 Navigating the Sales Process: LOIs and Auctions 22:32 The Final Stretch: Closing the Deal 26:47 Life After the Sale: Reflections and Future Plans

Carrie interviews Kiri Masters, the founder of Bobsled Marketing, a retail marketing agency focused on platforms like Amazon.   Kiri shares her journey from starting the business in 2015 with no background in retail or agencies to successfully growing it and selling to Acadia in 2021. Despite the financial success, Kiri discusses the emotional challenges she faced post-sale, akin to a 'postpartum depression' for founders.   They delve into her strategic growth driven by content marketing and the careful selection of an M&A advisor. Kiri candidly talks about the emotional vulnerability during the sale process, the transition to working within Acadia, and her eventual realization that she needed to return to her entrepreneurial roots. Now, Kiri is taking time off, exploring new opportunities, and sharing her journey through a substack, a podcast called 'Obsession', and coaching.      00:28 Welcome to the Exit Whisperer 00:39 Meet Kiri Masters: Founder of Bobsled Marketing 01:11 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business 03:37 Kiri's Journey: From Banking to E-commerce 05:36 Scaling Bobsled: Content Marketing and Growth 09:18 The Exit Strategy: Planning and Execution 12:12 The Acquisition Process: Partnering with Acadia 15:29 Life After the Sale: Transition and Reflection 32:19 Coping with Post-Sale Emotions

Ruthie Schulder shares her story of building and selling her experiential agency. Ruthie discusses the challenges and strategies that led to her agency's success, her decision to pivot and eventually exit the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she has transitioned to coaching other female entrepreneurs.   She emphasizes the importance of knowing when to move on, positioning and sales, and aligning business with personal values and goals.      00:29 Welcome Ruthie: A Journey Begins 00:56 Building the Participation Agency 02:01 Navigating Challenges and Growth 05:44 The Impact of COVID and the Decision to Sell 08:19 The Exit Strategy: From Negotiation to Sale 10:26 Life After the Exit: New Beginnings 19:22 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs 23:37 Final Thoughts and Farewell    

Bridget shares her remarkable journey of founding, building, and eventually selling Owney's Rum, a New York-based distillery.   From her early career at a hedge fund to identifying market opportunities in craft spirits, she leveraged her finance background to launch a successful rum brand. Bridget discusses the challenges of raising initial capital, running a lean operation, and handling media attention.   She also delves into the complexities of selling her business to Proximo Spirits, the emotional and operational transitions, and lessons learned. Now focused on her new venture, Rockaway Soda, Bridget reflects on balancing passion with strategic planning in the non-alcoholic beverage market.    00:28 Welcome Bridget: A Queens Girl's Journey 01:03 From Finance to Rum: Bridget's Career Shift 02:40 Building Owney's Rum: The Early Days 03:34 Raising Funds and Making Sacrifices 04:59 The Hustle: Marketing and Distribution 14:57 The Decision to Sell: Weighing the Options 20:08 Navigating the Acquisition Process 22:55 The Highs and Lows of Selling a Business 23:52 Post-Sale Realizations and Challenges 27:55 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Motivation 34:07 Launching Rockaway Soda 35:59 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 37:26 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Helaine shares her compelling journey of founding CityRow, a boutique fitness company inspired by her own need for a low-impact yet intense workout.   From her childhood struggles with weight to her professional endeavors in publishing and tech startups, Helaine intricately narrates her path to building CityRow. She discusses the challenges faced, including a debilitating injury that led her to discover rowing and the obstacles in finding real estate and funding. Despite raising over $20 million and expanding the business, the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, causing substantial financial strain.    Helaine opens up about the eventual decision to sell CityRow, the emotional turmoil of letting investors and team members down, and the relief of finding a suitable home for her concept. She also talks about her book, 'Making Waves,' which serves as a therapeutic recount of her entrepreneurial journey.    Helaine's story offers a raw and real look into the high stakes of starting and running a business, and her resilience through it all.   00:32 Helaine's Early Life and Career Beginnings 01:45 Discovering SoulCycle and the Birth of City Row 02:14 Overcoming Injury and Developing a New Fitness Concept 03:39 Launching City Row and Early Challenges 08:58 Fundraising and Expansion Efforts 12:43 Navigating COVID-19 and Digital Transition 18:45 The Struggles of Boutique Fitness 20:22 COVID: A Year of Layoffs and Challenges 21:45 The Final Hail Mary and M&A Process 24:43 Navigating the Acquisition 30:02 Reflecting on the Journey

Carrie interviews Courtney Gould Miller, who successfully sold her family's marketing agency for a double-digit multiple. Courtney shares insights from her journey, which includes joining her family's business, implementing digital marketing strategies, and ultimately negotiating an impressive exit to private equity.   Courtney also discusses the impact of family business dynamics, the grief of letting go, and her experience transitioning into a leadership role within the acquiring company.   The conversation sheds light on valuing hidden assets, the pitfalls of earnouts, the emotional journey post-sale, and her passion for helping other family businesses thrive through her new podcast, Family Business Secrets.   00:29 Welcome to The Exit Whisperer 00:33 Meet Courtney Gould Miller 00:53 Family Business Beginnings 02:51 Growing Up in the Business 06:12 From Law to Marketing 08:33 Joining the Family Business 11:55 The Decision to Sell 16:14 Negotiating the Exit 24:25 Life After the Sale 26:50 The Emotional Journey of Selling 31:45 Courtney's Legacy and Future Plans 35:12 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Launch

I was recently a guest on the Worthy for Thirty podcast with Eric Tash! We talked about my journey as an entrepreneur, how I'm helping other women entrepreneurs successfully sell their businesses, and how I'm trying to make a real difference in the world.    I want to share one of Eric's conversations with Elissa Kalver, Founder & CEO, WeGotThis.org.  WeGotThis.org is the first non-profit gift registry for cancer patients and their loved ones. Elissa's story is a fascinating exploration of strength, resilience, and the power of community. Elissa founded WeGotThis.org after her own diagnosis with stage IV metastatic breast cancer close to four years ago. She asked herself, 'how can I help anyone going through a similar journey?'  Since its founding, WeGotThis.org has bootstrapped and raised $1MM for its mission. I suggest listening to this episode to learn how she's building a platform to support cancer thrivers and their loved ones while learning how you can make a difference in other people's lives too.   Link to the full episode:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LDPgLNcI7kbUbxZYMYhtY?si=TOiq0MneR0KwP_6wkXo0FQ

In this episode, we dive into the story of Sam, an entrepreneur who successfully bootstrapped her kitchen product business from a simple broken spatula idea to a remarkable sellable company (including inventing the first silicone spatula).   Sam shares her journey, including the challenges of scaling, the significant milestones achieved through Kickstarter and wholesale channels, and the strategic decisions that led to exponential growth. She also discusses the emotional and practical aspects of selling her business and offers valuable insights for bootstrapped founders considering an exit.   Learn how she navigated identity shifts post-sale and the importance of taking a break before venturing into new projects.     00:30 Introducing Sam 01:51 From Idea to Prototype 03:35 Kickstarter Success 07:09 From Kickstarter to Retail 09:30 Challenges and Innovations: New Products and Strategies 13:59 Pandemic Pivot: Masks and Market Adaptations 16:56 Exit Strategy: Planning and Execution 19:02 The Importance of an Exit Plan 20:48 Balancing Passion and Business Strategy 21:42 The Acquisition Journey Begins 22:56 Meeting the Acquirers 24:50 Navigating the Legal and Business Concerns 27:21 Valuation and Negotiation 33:02 Post-Acquisition Reflections 36:03 Advice for Future Founders

Emily Mueller shares her inspiring journey of founding and scaling Wellory, a company she started from personal health challenges.   Emily discusses how her entrepreneurial background and sales expertise helped her raise significant VC funds and ultimately led to Wellory's acquisition.   She highlights the strategic decisions behind selling the company, the impact of emerging prescription drugs on her business model, and the importance of deal-closing skills in entrepreneurship. Emily also touches on her post-exit life, including her advisory role at The Whisper Group.     00:28 Meet Emily 00:43 The Birth of Wellory 01:57  From Startup to Acquisition 02:36 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Family Influence and Risk 04:30 Sales Skills: The Key to Success 07:42 Raising Funds: The Venture Capital Path 13:04 Navigating Market Changes 16:51 The Decision to Sell: Timing and Strategy 20:57 The Exit Process: Closing the Deal 30:45 Life After Exit

Carrie Kerpen interviews Bea Dixon, the founder of The Honey Pot, a feminine care company. Bea shares the inspiring story of how she received the idea for her business in a dream and transformed it into a thriving company that sold to Compass Diversified Holdings for over $380 million.   The conversation covers Bea's challenges and successes, her commitment to her company post-sale, and the unique experiences she faced as a black founder in the industry.   Bea also emphasizes the importance of responsible business management and the joy found throughout the entrepreneurial journey.   01:00 Bea Dixon's Journey: From Dream to Reality 02:45 The Struggle with Bacterial Vaginosis 05:25 The Turning Point: A Dream with a Solution 08:27 From Personal Solution to Public Product 12:58 Building the Honey Pot Brand 19:33 Breaking into Retail: The Target Deal 20:17 Breaking into Target: A Game-Changer 21:24 The Challenges of Fundraising 23:53 Growth and Expansion with New Voices Fund 26:01 The Decision to Sell: Timing and Strategy 34:12 Maintaining Control and Vision Post-Sale 40:06 Reflections on the Journey

This was a big year for me and The Whisper Group in terms of accomplishments. It's absolutely insane to think that we launched just 6 months ago. From the outside it all looks very exciting, but it wasn't without challenges.  In this solo episode, l'll walk you through the behind the scenes and what it actually took to build this business so far. I'm so grateful to our incredible team of advisors and women who make the magic happen daily. Excited for 2025!

Carrie interviews Jaclyn Johnson, founder of Create and Cultivate. Jaclyn's journey from selling her first business, No Subject, to creating and eventually buying back Create and Cultivate is an excellence tale. Jaclyn shares insights on entrepreneurship, mindset, and navigating business partnerships. This episode provides valuable lessons for women in business, focusing on building, scaling, and selling a business.   00:28 Welcome to The Exit Whisperer 00:47 Interview with Jaclyn Johnson: Founder of Create and Cultivate 01:52 Early Career and First Business Sale 02:58 The Birth of No Subject 06:16 Challenges and Lessons in Business Partnerships 07:35 Selling No Subject to Small Girls PR 08:52 The Rise of Create and Cultivate 14:15 Navigating Offers and the Big Deal That Fell Through 18:06 Challenges of Being Deal Direct as a CEO 19:01 Navigating Valuations and the Impact of COVID-19 21:11 Transitioning Leadership and Strategic Pivots 23:48 Reacquiring the Business and Future Plans 32:16 Insights on Financial Independence and Gender Bias

Maggie Lord, founder of Rustic Wedding Chic, highlights her incredible entrepreneurial journey. Maggie shares how she transitioned from being a teacher to starting and scaling a successful digital media business without prior business experience.   Learn about her strategies for building and monetizing her company, navigating the decision to sell to David's Bridal during COVID-19, and her shift to a corporate role post-acquisition. Maggie also discusses her current focus on mentoring female entrepreneurs, offering insights on strategic partnerships, business valuation, and the importance of mindset.   This episode is packed with valuable advice for women in business, from entrepreneurship and scaling a business to selling it effectively.   00:28 Meet Maggie Lord: The Woman Behind Rustic Wedding Chic 01:37 From Teacher to Entrepreneur: Maggie's Journey Begins 03:36 Building a Media Empire: Strategies and Growth 05:44 Monetization Mastery: Turning Traffic into Revenue 08:32 The Decision to Sell: A New Chapter 10:51 Preparing for the Sale: The Inside Story 12:14 Initiating the Sale: From Cold Email to Leadership 12:48 Valuation and Deal Structure 14:56 Maintaining Brand Independence 17:36 Transition to Corporate Life 19:16 Navigating COVID Challenges 22:15 New Beginnings: Consulting Female Founders 24:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Carrie interviews Nathalie Walton, who shares her journey of transforming Expectful, a meditation app for expectant mothers, into a comprehensive wellness platform.   Nathalie discusses her transition from a stable role at Airbnb to co-founding Expectful, raising seed funding within 90 days, and the importance of a structured approach to fundraising.   She candidly addresses challenges in a male-dominated space, the mental health toll on entrepreneurs, and balancing time management with venture capital pressures. Nathalie reflects on the emotional journey of scaling and selling the business in just 28 months, emphasizing self-care, personal boundaries, and the support system required in entrepreneurship.   This inspiring conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice for women in business, entrepreneurs, and those interested in mindset, building, scaling, and selling a business.   02:22 Nathalie's Journey to Expectful 04:14 Taking the Leap: Joining Expectful 05:58 First 90 Days: Rapid Growth and Fundraising 09:23 Building Expectful: Vision and Expansion 11:01 Challenges and Realizations 13:59 Market Realities and Mental Health Toll 15:57 Facing Investor Pressure 16:29 Reflecting on Bootstrapping 17:41 Exploring Strategic Sales 19:43 The Role of a Banker 21:09 Mental Health and Personal Growth 26:19 Closing the Deal 27:53 Life After the Sale 29:59 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of 'The Exit Whisperer,' host Carrie Kerpen interviews entrepreneur Sharon Lee Thony about her inspiring journey from a corporate job to founding and scaling SLT Consulting, which she eventually sold to Fiverr.   Sharon shares practical steps for transitioning from a side hustle to a thriving agency, challenges in balancing family obligations, and the significance of building a supportive network of freelancers.   The discussion includes insights on mindset shifts, strategic decisions, and maintaining company vision post-acquisition. Key topics cover entrepreneurship, women in business, digital marketing, and strategies for building, scaling, and selling a business.   Sharon also reflects on her role in launching Fiverr Agencies and her future plans as an advisor and angel investor.   00:28 Welcome to The Exit Whisperer 00:37 Meet Sharon Lee Thony 02:50 The Birth of SLT Consulting 05:18 Taking the Leap from Corporate 10:53 Building a Freelance Empire 13:56 Connecting with Fiverr 19:06 The Unexpected Journey Begins 19:57 Building Relationships and Growing the Agency 21:05 The Turning Point: Acquisition Talks 24:23 Navigating the Acquisition Process 26:23 Reflections on the Acquisition 29:09 Empowering Future Entrepreneurs 32:24 The Impact of Selling a Business 35:21 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Carrie Kerpen interviews Christine Merser, an experienced entrepreneur who shares her journey with Blue Shoe Strategy and what it took to sell her business with both triumphant successes and challenging failures.   Christine reflects on her negotiation of a company sale for double the valuation amidst a room of skeptical men, the early days of the internet and managing forums in 1993, and her pivotal role in launching Obama's digital campaign.   The conversation delves into her ventures during the dot-com era, an early luxury goods online marketplace, and lessons learned from its subsequent downfall. Merser also recounts a later venture with a party rental business, navigating an exit, and imparting wisdom on managing company board dynamics and valuations.     00:28 Welcome to The Exit Whisperer 00:42 Introducing Christine Merser 02:12 Early Internet Days and Blue Shoe Strategy 03:23 Obama's Digital Campaign and Early Successes 04:40 Parallels Between Internet Boom and AI 07:25 The Dot-Com Bust: Best Selections 13:46 Lessons from the Dot-Com Era 18:20 Party Rental Business and Quick Exit 24:38 Resurrecting Blue Shoe Strategy 26:32 Writing and New Ventures 27:29 Final Thoughts and Resilience

Michelle Jacobik, a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from employee to business owner. Michelle shares her journey of buying out her employer, expanding the business, and ultimately selling it at a high valuation. With a focus on maximizing business profits and protection for business owners, Michelle's story is filled with challenges and triumphs.   She emphasizes the importance of planning, vision, and financial awareness, offering insights into partnerships, transitions, and life after exit.   Michelle's journey illustrates the power of persistence, learning, and smart financial management. This episode is a treasure trove of advice for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.     00:52 Michelle's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 02:54 Challenges and Triumphs in Business 05:40 The Big Leap: Buying the Business 07:47 Navigating Financial Hurdles 13:52 Strategic Planning and Exit Strategy 21:15 Selling a Business: The Reality of Potential 22:30 Personal Struggles and Business Decisions 24:42 The Role of a Life Coach in Transition 25:40 Taking Time Off: Reflection and Realization 26:57 Exiting the Business: A New Beginning 29:31 Writing a Book: Prosperity After Divorce 33:24 Choosing the Right Business Partner 38:46 The Path to Profits: Final Thoughts    

Richelle Pena shares her inspiring journey of building and selling American Pediatric Dental Group alongside her husband, Will.   Starting from a single dental office funded by bootstrapping their savings, they expanded to seven locations by focusing on strategic marketing and community engagement.   Richelle discusses the importance of ignoring competition noise, leveraging relationships, and understanding market needs. She also shares the thought process behind selling their business to Dentistry for Children, a Dental Service Organization (DSO), while retaining ownership of the real estate for future passive income.   Richelle's story highlights the vital balance of family, faith, and business priorities, and she teases her upcoming book on being a 'Power Couple' in entrepreneurship.      00:28 Meet Richelle Pena: From Pharmacist to Entrepreneur 00:39 Building a Dental Empire: The Early Days 03:44 Challenges and Sacrifices: The Road to Success 08:01 Innovative Marketing Strategies 12:24 Expansion and Team Building 15:55 The Decision to Sell: Timing and Strategy 22:18 Valuation and Sale of Dental Practices 23:13 Retaining Real Estate for Passive Income 24:40 Life After Selling the Practice 26:50 Working with Your Spouse: Tips and Challenges 31:49 New Ventures and Future Plans 34:02 The Power Couple: Writing a Book Together 36:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Kat Hantas, co-founder of 21 Seeds, shares the journey of building her female-focused infused tequila brand.   Kat discusses how a personal need for a low-calorie, less harsh alcoholic option led to the creation of 21 Seeds with the unique market insight that propelled the brand to success: women drink tequila differently.   Kat recounts the challenges and strategies behind scaling the business quickly, the importance of understanding your core consumer, and the strategic decisions leading to their nine-figure sale to Diageo.   Kat also touches on the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, including the responsibilities of managing friends and family investments and adjusting to life post-acquisition.     00:29 Introducing Kat Hantas of 21 Seeds 02:05 The Birth of 21 Seeds Tequila 03:53 From Personal Solution to Business Idea 06:45 Launching and Scaling 21 Seeds 09:25 Marketing Strategies and Consumer Focus 20:57 The Decision to Sell and Finding the Right Buyer 33:30 Life After the Sale 36:48 Reflections on Money and Success

Lindsay Pinchuk shares the incredible journey of launching and scaling Bump Club, a thriving community for expectant mothers that she bootstrapped with her background in media sales.   She dives into the nuances of negotiating her company's sale, including achieving double the valuation and confronting the challenges of an earn-out gone wrong.   Lindsay candidly discusses the emotional and practical hurdles she faced post-sale, from retaining her brand's integrity to ultimately advocating for her team's well-being.   Now thriving as a consultant and mentor for female founders, Lindsay imparts valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding one's true calling.     00:28 Introducing Lindsey Pinchuk and The Bump Club 01:31 The Birth of The Bump Club: From Idea to Reality 02:36 Growing the Community: Early Events and Challenges 07:44 Scaling Up: Expanding Beyond Chicago 11:53 Partnerships with Major Retailers: Target and Nordstrom 16:55 The Road to Acquisition: Interest from Brand Connections 19:59 The Acquire Proposal 21:19 Valuation and Deal Structure 23:41 Team Reactions and Negotiations 25:40 Challenges with Earnouts 28:46 Realizing Misalignment 32:02 Planning the Exit 33:27 Final Negotiations and Departure 36:30 New Beginnings and Current Ventures

Season 2 is HERE!!   In this riveting episode of 'The Exit Whisperer,' we dive deep into the world of business and entrepreneurship with Sharon Gillenwater, a TikTok sensation known for her transparent exit from Boardroom Insiders, a company she sold for $25 million.   Sharon shares her journey negotiating with a room full of men, achieving double her company's valuation, and the trials and triumphs of exiting a bootstrap business.   Sharon's insight into gender dynamics in business, the importance of financial transparency, and her mission to demystify entrepreneurial exits make this a must-listen episode.   Learn about her perseverance, practical wisdom, transformative success in business and entrepreneurship that helped her sell her business.     00:28 Welcome to Season Two of The Exit Whisperer 00:50 Meet Sharon Gillenwater: The Founder of Boardroom Insiders 03:10 Sharon's Journey: From Funded to Bootstrapped 06:16 The Rise of Boardroom Insiders 06:33 Navigating the Tech Marketing World 10:22 Building a Sellable Asset 13:06 The Decision to Sell: Timing and Strategy 19:58 The Acquisition Process: Finding the Right Partner 26:05 Team Continuity Post-Sale 26:16 Deciding to Stay or Leave 27:59 Financial Transparency and Viral TikTok 32:30 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Business 40:27 Books and Future Plans

In this Bonus episode: we speak to Stephanie Nadi Olson. Stephanie founded and subsequently sold talent marketplace We Are Rosie for a whopping 9 figures.   You'll hear the secrets of her success in this beautiful episode which shares her views on what it takes to bootstrap a business of this magnitude. 

In this episode, Carrie welcomes Kat Weaver, a young and fearless entrepreneur, as she shares her incredible journey from founding Locker Lifestyle in her college dorm room to successfully selling it and becoming a pitch expert.   Kat candidly discusses the highs and lows of being a startup founder, the challenges of scaling her business, and the emotional rollercoaster of selling her company.   She also provides valuable insights into pitching for grants and funding, drawing from her own impressive record of winning 22 out of 23 pitch competitions!   Here's what you can expect:    00:58 Kat's College Dorm story 03:49 Challenges and Growth 05:59 Pitching for Survival 11:40 Scaling and The Decision to Sell 15:18 Transition to Coaching 25:10 Current Ventures and Offerings 27:17 Final Reflections and Lessons

Join us as we dive into the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Melissa Rogne, who turned a single-location med spa in Fargo, North Dakota into a thriving business with 11 locations in partnership with the Aspen Group.   Melissa shares how she started without any intention of becoming an entrepreneur, her struggles and triumphs, and the power of a positive culture.   She reveals the pivotal moment at a conference that changed her business trajectory and discusses the importance of confidence, persistence, and a mindset of abundance.   Tune in to be inspired by Melissa's story and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:   00:33 Meet Melissa Rogne: From Fargo to Fortune 01:56 Starting Small: The Birth of Rejuve 03:49 Building a Positive Culture: The Key to Growth 05:53 Overcoming Challenges: Financial Literacy and Confidence 08:54 The Power of Referrals: Growing Through Word of Mouth 12:08 Turning Point: Meeting the Aspen Group 18:45 The Aspen Partnership: Scaling New Heights 22:26 Reflecting on the Journey: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 24:26 Final Thoughts: Embracing Persistence and Abundance

Stephanie Cartin and Courtney Spritzer, the co-founders of SocialFly and Entreprenista, share countless stories about their entrepreneurial journey.   They discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their success, the challenges of managing a startup, and their strategic approach to scaling and eventually selling their social media agency.   Carrie, Stephanie and Courtney have known each other for years! And now reflect on the importance of mentorship, community, and remaining adaptable in the face of unforeseen challenges like the pandemic.   The episode also highlights their new venture, Entreprenista, an empowering community for female entrepreneurs. Here's what you can expect:   00:29 A Pivotal Moment: Meeting Future Competitors 02:48 The Story Behind SocialFly 04:06 Early Challenges and Successes 06:23 Partnership Dynamics: Working Together 11:33 Mentorship and Networking: The Power of Connections 14:44 Planning for the Future: Built to Sell 16:43 Entreprenista and Beyond 25:02 Navigating the Sale: Challenges and Emotions 33:53 Life After the Sale: Reflections and New Beginnings

Carrie speaks with Jessica Zweig, who recently sold one of the world's first personal branding agencies, Simply Be, to Hawke Media.   Jessica shares her path from launching the agency in 2017, through its fast and furious growth, to negotiating a lucrative exit deal that included no earn-out obligations. She talks about the importance of aligning one's work with their soul, her spiritual rebirth in Egypt, and how she managed to extricate herself from her business to pursue her next passion.   Jessica also discusses the themes of her upcoming book, 'The Light Work,' centered on reclaiming feminine power and overcoming burnout. Whether you're an entrepreneur, friend, or just someone interested in living their cosmic truth, Jessica's story and insights are sure to inspire.     00:00 The Big Deal: Jessica Zweig's Major Sale 03:07 Building Simply Be: From Concept to Success 07:14 The Decision to Sell: Strategic Moves 09:28 A Transformative Journey: Egypt and Beyond 14:24 Extracting from the Business: The Role of an Integrator 17:32 Negotiating the Sale: Offers and Agreements 26:22 Life After the Sale: New Ventures and Reflections 28:51 The Light Work: Reclaiming Feminine Power 36:33 Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity and Future Plans

In this episode of 'The Exit Whisperer,' host Carrie Kerpen chats with Martha Vetter, the founder of R/P Communications, about her remarkable journey of starting, scaling, and ultimately selling her business.   Martha shares her humble beginnings, her philosophy on people and profits, and the strategic decisions that propelled her business forward.   From negotiating deals to fostering a strong team culture, Martha discusses the importance of relationships, setting goals, and the challenges of selling a company -- her story is a testament to balancing empathy with excellence and offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.   00:54 Introducing Martha Vetter: A Trusted Leader 02:15 Martha's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Business Owner 03:20 The Early Challenges and Growth 05:28 Leadership and Team Building 08:49 Financial Strategies and Cash Flow Management 11:59 The Importance of Relationships in Business 15:05 Balancing Generalist and Specialist Approaches 17:19 The Decision to Sell: A New Chapter 18:16 Financial and Emotional Readiness for Retirement 19:28 The Journey of Selling the Business 25:28 The Emotional Impact of Letting Go 28:40 Setting Goals and Building Relationships 34:44 Concluding Thoughts and Best Advice

From Startup to Salesforce: Kass Lazerow's Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights   Serial entrepreneur, Kass Lazerow, joins Carrie for an in-depth discussion about her extraordinary business achievements, including co-founding and scaling Buddy Media, which was eventually acquired by Salesforce for a reported 745 Million dollars.   Kass shares the secrets behind her successful exits, her ability to work seamlessly with her husband, and the key decisions that drove Buddy Media's rapid growth.   The episode also explores the importance of company culture, her unique marketing strategies, and advice for women entrepreneurs.   Here's what you can expect from the episode:   00:44 Introducing Kass Lazerow: My Business Icon 01:58 The Birth of Buddy Media 05:22 Navigating Business with a Partner 08:35 Marketing Mastery: The Airport Ad Campaign 11:21 Scaling and Culture at Buddy Media 14:23 The Decision to Sell or Go Public 16:26 Recruiting a Salesforce Heavy Hitter 16:46 The Unexpected Acquisition 17:25 Handing Over the Company 19:51 Employee Ownership and Impact 22:10 The Earnout Period 22:50 Balancing Parenthood and Career 26:00 Creating a Life Operating System 27:54 Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Alex Batdorf's Journey with Get Sh!t Done   In this episode of the Exit Whisperer, Carrie Kerpen speaks to Alex Batdorf, CEO of Get Sh!t Done, an accelerator for women-owned businesses.   Alex shares her inspirational journey from starting businesses at 19 to her unconventional and bold exit from ZipFit Denim. The discussion highlights the disparities in business revenue generation by women, the importance of staying true to one's values, and the launch of Get Sh!t Done to support women entrepreneurs.   Alex emphasizes the need for revenue generation over merely raising funds and the systemic changes required to support female founders.     01:27 Introducing Alex Batdorf: CEO of Get Sh!t Done 01:45 The Struggles and Realities of Women Entrepreneurs 02:51  Reviving Energy and Finding Inspiration 03:26 The Importance of Being Kind, Not Nice 04:53 Redefining Success and Community 08:36 The Journey of Starting and Exiting Companies 14:40 The Birth of ZipFit Denim 17:33 Scaling and Tough Decisions 20:55 Facing the Reality 22:29 The Decision to Resign 25:49 The Burning Man Revelation 28:39 Launching Get Sh!t Done 31:10  Empowering Women Entrepreneurs 34:22 Building a Supportive Community 36:48 Scaling Impact Through Partnerships 38:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

On today's episode, you'll hear how one brilliant woman found herself a niche, and then used her consulting skills to fund her health care business to an epic exit.   Chantell Preston, MBA has 20+ years of experience in health care operations, project management and consulting services for numerous health care companies. Chantell specializes in the development and management of ambulatory surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms and hospitals.  She also invests in businesses as well as provides strategic advisement to growth and exit.   Today, she's sharing her story of how she grew Mentis Neuro Health. Through taking on partners in running the business, to using her own consulting to pay for the growth of the company, you'll see how she was able to grow a multi-location health care facility into a sellable asset.   Chantell's honest takes on what it takes to be a woman in a man's world are refreshing. Can't wait for you to take a listen.  

This week I interview Cheryl Contee. Among her many successes, Cheryl was a co-founder of social marketing software Attentive.ly at Blackbaud, the first tech startup with a black female founder on board in history to be acquired by a NASDAQ-traded company.    In this episode, Cheryl talks about how she bootstrapped her first business, which incubated Attentive.ly. She talks about fundraising, and the numbers for black women who are out there doing the same.   She talks candidly about her sale, and how she felt delivering a return for her investors. And she talks about her book, Mechanical Bull: How You Can Achieve Startup Success.

A Sweet Exit: Insights from Sheila Mains.   Sheila built and sold Brownie Brittle, the worlds most delectable snack.   From getting excessed at her job, to selling her engagement ring, to getting screwed by a vendor, you will hear the story of Sheila-- one of persistence, and unwavering belief in her business. She's an inspiration, and boy oh boy does this story have a SWEET ending.

Meet Melissa Kwan, the most badass bootstrapper around.   In this episode, Melissa tells the story of her journey, including the sale of her startup Spacio to Homespotter in 2019.   Melissa drops so many gems in this episode, including highlights around bootstrapping versus fundraising, the path to finding an acquirer, and the trick to living life on your own terms, never conforming to the status quo.   I am in awe of Melissa's transparency and desire to give back to fellow entrepreneurs and I hope you enjoy Episode 2 of The Exit Whisperer!

A Likeable Exit: Insights From Carrie Kerpen   From how my husband Dave and I started Likeable Media on our wedding day, to our quick pivot to becoming one of the world's first social media agencies, you'll hear all about our start.   You'll also hear about the challenges of being a woman tasked with the scale of a business that started flatlining-- which is exactly what happened when my husband left.   You'll hear what I did to make sure that we doubled both in revenue and profit. And of course, you'll hear all of the details around our sale.   This episode provides actionable advice for anyone looking to start, scale, and ultimately sell their business.