Ben Landers, founder of Blue Corona, shares his remarkable journey of building an 8-figure digital marketing agency aimed at home service businesses. He reveals how he achieved a clean sale without earn-outs, a rarity in his industry. The conversation covers his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the evolution of his business model, and the importance of data-driven marketing. Additionally, Ben discusses the emotional challenges of partnerships and the misconception that wealth equates to happiness, offering deep insights into navigating business sales.

Adam Kerrigan, the founder turned M&A leader, shares his journey from selling his managed service provider to completing 16 acquisitions. He reveals how acquirers often prefer cashless deals and tips for sellers to negotiate better outcomes. Adam discusses the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship, the significance of trust in acquisitions, and the challenges of merging company cultures. He emphasizes the need for clear communication and the importance of relationship-building in the evolving MSP market.

As entrepreneurs prepare for 2025, they delve into key strategies to maximize business value before an exit. The shift to subscription models is emphasized for creating stable revenue. Negotiating the sale becomes critical, with tips on avoiding retrading and leveraging advisors. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to view exits as opportunities for ongoing wealth, especially through private equity. The complexity of selling service-oriented businesses is also explored, alongside the importance of understanding financial structures to ensure smooth transitions.

In this insightful discussion, Adi Gullia, founder of the global skincare brand Grace & Stella, shares his remarkable journey from a $600 investment to selling for 5.8x EBITDA. He opens up about the harrowing experience of nearly facing bankruptcy after a $28 million order fell through. Adi explores effective strategies for branding and distribution, the importance of normalizing financial statements for valuations, and navigating negotiations with multiple offers—all while managing the emotional toll as a new parent.

George Hartley, co-founder of SmartrMail, shares his journey of turning an email retention tool into a $2 million SaaS platform. He recounts the major setback he faced when a buyer couldn't close the deal. Hartley emphasizes the importance of vetting potential buyers and lessons learned from a failed LOI. He also discusses the psychological pressures of selling a business during significant life changes, the complexities of fund verification, and the emotional dynamics in the acquisition process.

Kaelon Egan, founder of AccelaSchool, shares his journey of successfully selling his company to PowerSchool, a leader in K-12 education technology. He discusses how to position a business for strategic acquisition and the importance of understanding buyer needs. Egan also reflects on navigating the complexities of the education sector's sales landscape and the value of advisory networks. He emphasizes avoiding earn-outs and the significance of clear sale structures, offering insights into leveraging AI opportunities in a post-pandemic market.

James Ashford, founder of GoProposal and seller to FTSE 100 company Sage, shares his journey of navigating life after a successful business sale. He discusses the emotional challenges and surprises of post-exit life, including the identity crisis faced by entrepreneurs. James reflects on the shift from entrepreneur to corporate ambassador and the deep personal growth that comes from embracing lifelong learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your new corporate environment while also revealing the emotional toll entrepreneurial success can impose on personal relationships.

Jordan Dubin, co-founder of Guild, a roll-up company focused on garage door businesses, shares his insights on raising $35 million for acquisitions. He discusses the strategic importance of relationships in private equity and the nuances of the roll-up strategy in fragmented markets. The conversation also covers minority ownership models that empower original business owners while fostering collaboration. Additionally, Dubin addresses the skepticism business owners feel towards private equity, promoting the need for trust and understanding in the acquisition process.

Join entrepreneur Shane Neman, a med school dropout turned nightlife mogul, as he shares his fascinating journey in revolutionizing the nightclub scene with his cutting-edge ticketing platform and SMS solutions for small businesses. He dives into strategic marketing techniques that professionalized nightclub operations and reveals the secrets behind successfully navigating SaaS valuations and business sales. Shane's insights into execution, competition, and financial health provide invaluable lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur.

Mike Fata's journey from a high school dropout to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. He transformed his struggles with health and weight into a passion for hemp, leading to the creation of Manitoba Harvest. The podcast delves into the nutritional benefits of hemp and the company's innovative business model. Fata shares insights on navigating investor relations and the emotional complexities of selling a business, emphasizing values like quality and community engagement that set them apart in a competitive market.