The Unofficial Shopify Podcast The $720K Exit That Disappeared
Sep 9, 2025
Join Ben Knegendorf, a former forklift operator turned entrepreneur, as he reveals his journey from selling a stake in an indoor golf business for $720K to witnessing the pitfalls of lifestyle creep and poor investments. He candidly discusses crucial lessons on wealth management, the highs and lows of startup investing, and the importance of self-investment. Ben's insights on navigating post-sale complexities and prioritizing community engagement provide invaluable guidance for entrepreneurs seeking lasting success.
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From Forklift To A $720K Earnout
- Ben bought 20% of an indoor golf business for $20,000 and scaled it from $1M to $11M in two years.
- He sold his stake for $720,000 paid as $20,000/month over three years starting Feb–Mar 2020.
Treat Personal Spending As Part Of A Plan
- Invest in coaching, masterminds, and health but make them part of a wealth plan rather than impulse purchases.
- Use experiences to improve life quality but avoid treating them as a substitute for long-term financial strategy.
Lifestyle Creep Ate The Monthly Payouts
- Ben experienced rapid lifestyle creep when monthly payouts increased from about $6K to $20K and he spent more without noticing.
- He emphasizes small upgrades and recurring costs quietly inflate your lifestyle over time.
