Built to Sell Radio

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.

When Carrie Kelsch was encouraged to start a garage door business back in 2004, she had no experience in the industry.     By 2022, her company, A Plus Garage Doors, was generating $35 million in revenue with 30% EBITDA margins. This week on Built to Sell Radio, host John Warrillow shares Carrie’s journey—from her first steps in the home services industry to the personal tragedy that ultimately pushed her to consider selling. 

Pete Neubig, who sold his property management company for $4.6 million, shares his entrepreneurial journey from real estate investor to industry player. He discusses the intricate balance of negotiations, earn-outs, and the common pitfalls in stock deals. Pete emphasizes the vital role of having a skilled team and the importance of standard operating procedures in enhancing both creativity and efficiency. He also highlights the significance of legal expertise in navigating mergers and acquisitions, urging listeners to understand the complexities involved in selling a business.

Jim Lindstrom, an entrepreneur known for transforming and selling BuzzWord, shares his journey in the ESG reporting space. He talks about shifting contractors to full-time roles and implementing a two-part profit-sharing scheme tied to cash flow and EBITDA. Lindstrom delves into the importance of corporate culture, management dynamics, and the role of effective systems like SmartSheet in enhancing operations. He emphasizes that creating a sustainable organization focuses on freedom and long-term growth, while navigating the complexities of business sales and valuations.

Luke Peters started off by reselling everyday appliances like bar fridges online. Eventually he built a brand and shifted to selling his products on big e-commerce retailers. Peters grew NewAir to $80 million in revenue before selling it for a lifechanging windfall in 2022. 

Matt Ebert, founder of Crash Champions, shares his journey from fixing his first car at 16 to leading one of the largest collision repair companies in the U.S. He discusses the financial strategies for transitioning to private equity and the challenges of scaling operations across 645 locations. The conversation also dives into balancing acquisitions with organic growth, adapting to industry changes, and maintaining a founder-led mindset despite Wall Street pressures. Ebert’s insights reflect the intricate dynamics of rapid business expansion in the automotive sector.

Aaron Levenstadt, a successful entrepreneur and SEO expert, shares his journey of building Pedestal Search by focusing solely on search engine optimization. He emphasizes the power of specialization in a crowded market and the importance of establishing a strong advisory board for strategic growth. Levenstadt also introduces the 'Rule of 20' to help aspiring business owners determine their financial exit goals. His insights on navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions and the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs.