SunCast 782: The Art of Strategic Business Exits, with Mike Miskovsky (Zep, Ojjo, Tiveni)
How do you successfully scale & exit a startup enterprise?
The art of entrepreneurship is part science, part stick-to-it-iveness, part grind and part good luck.
So what does it take to sell your companies to major players like SolarCity(now Tesla), Nextracker, and even attempt to change how the EV market works with one of Tesla’s co-founders?
That’s what I’ve been dying to ask the only person I know who’s had such achievements - Mike Miskovsky.
Success in business often requires navigating a maze of opportunities, setbacks, and market shifts. In fast-evolving sectors like renewable energy and electric vehicles, understanding how to adapt to market shifts, policy “updates” and financial industry fluctuations is essential. Today’s conversation unpacks a career defined by innovation, resilience, and lessons learned in the face of both successes and failures, and how to “earn the right to proceed” in order to close those big deals.
Mike Miskovsky’s professional journey spans decades and industries, offering a rare perspective on building and scaling impactful businesses. From early days at Sports Illustrated TV, where he launched new ventures under a renowned media brand, to pioneering roles in Silicon Valley’s tech ecosystem, Mike seems to have perfected the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. In the solar industry, his work with Zep Solar redefined mounting systems, leading to its acquisition by SolarCity, while his leadership at Ojjo advanced groundbreaking solutions for utility-scale solar foundations and that company’s recent acquisition by Nextracker. Along the way, Mike learned the hard truths about market timing, the power of strategic partnerships, and the art of pivoting under pressure. And while it seems like he has the Midas touch when it comes to picking winners, he readily admits that it wasn’t always this way.
Expect to learn:
- How market timing and resource constraints can shape the success of a venture.
- Strategies for preparing a company for acquisition and delivering long-term value.
- Lessons from failures that informed Mike’s approach to building resilient businesses.
- The role of partnerships and customer alignment in scaling innovative technologies.
- How to approach career growth with adaptability and purpose.
I’ve waited a LONG Time for this interview, and now you get to eavesdrop as Mike shares his hard-earned wisdom, empowering you to navigate the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship (and solar) with greater confidence and resilience.
You’re welcome - take notes, make it matter. Onward #SolarWarrior.
If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
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Mentioned in this episode:
CPS July 2024 V2