Exit Is Now - Plan Accordingly With Scott Snider

Tom Deans, a speaker and author specializing in family business transitions, emphasizes the urgent need for effective exit planning amidst a massive wealth transfer. Rich Goldstein, a patent attorney, shares insights on protecting intellectual property to enhance business valuation at exit. Chris, founder of Trainual, reveals how establishing operational systems can drastically increase a business's worth. Together, they discuss the importance of collaboration among advisors and the evolving landscape of exit strategies for today's entrepreneurs.

This episode features Amy Wurtz, a family business advisor and the 2024 Exit Planner of the Year; Joe Citu, an owner readiness expert and thought leader; Mike Garrison, a boutique coach for financial advisors; Corner Stillman, an investment banker specializing in M&A; and Mike Trabert, a seasoned CPA. They discuss the critical need for owner education and exit readiness, the challenges of the current market, and innovative strategies for financial advisors. Insights into emerging trends and a call for proactive planning make this discussion particularly engaging.

Scott Mashuda and Todd Torquato, co-founders of REAG, share their compelling journey in M&A advisory, built on two decades of experience. They discuss the importance of owner readiness, the transition to C-level clients, and how the pandemic shifted M&A processes. The duo emphasizes the power of technology in remote diligence and asserts the growing market education on exit planning. Listeners gain actionable insights on focusing efforts to maximize value and hear a bullish outlook for 2024, armed with advice for navigating the complex landscape.

Chase Ross, the Product Development Manager at the Exit Planning Institute, joins Scott Snider to discuss remote work's evolution during COVID-19. They share personal anecdotes about the awkwardness of hearing their own voices and reflect on the emotional impact of sending employees home. Scott highlights how trust and employee satisfaction soared with the hybrid work model, while emphasizing a culture of autonomy. They also chat about the transition from in-person training to online and the potential for future in-person programs.

In this engaging conversation, Justin Castelli, the visionary founder of RLS Wealth and the author of More Than Money, shares his journey blending authenticity with entrepreneurship. He discusses his shift to a creator-first model, drawing inspiration from icons like Jay-Z and Rihanna. Justin emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life purpose with financial planning, and introduces his innovative Life Design Plus approach. He reveals how embracing authenticity not only improved his happiness but also enriched his brand, inspiring others to live more purpose-driven lives.

Aaron Stine, tech entrepreneur and founder of BombDiggity Ventures, shares his journey of acquiring Maus, a key player in exit planning software. He discusses the strategic shifts Maus is making towards a SaaS-focused platform and the exciting rebranding efforts. Aaron highlights the importance of owner readiness and the trend of younger business owners prioritizing exit planning. The conversation also touches on how technology will foster collaboration between owners and advisors, enhancing scalability and efficiency in advisory practices.

Dan Negroni, a generational and culture expert, discusses his journey from law to consulting, focusing on bridging the generational gaps in the workforce. He shares insights on how technology and the pandemic have reshaped interactions between different age groups. Dan emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, mentoring, and listening for effective leadership. He offers practical hacks for connecting with modern teams and highlights the need for businesses to understand diverse generational priorities to thrive.

Jesse Hudson, Director of Business Development at the Exit Planning Institute, flips the script to interview his close friend Scott Snider, the organization's president. They dive into their early friendship and how a camping trip laid the foundation for their bond. Scott reveals how mentorship and hands-on experiences shaped his growth. They discuss the transformation of EPI's sales approach, the concept of 'destination disease,' and how the leadership team adapted to challenges during COVID, emphasizing trust, core values, and community focus.

In this conversation, John Warrillow, founder of the Value Builder System and author of bestselling books, shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the concept of sellability scores and how recurring revenue models enhance business valuation. John reveals lessons from his four business exits and emphasizes the importance of delegating for a company's longevity. He also explores the motivations behind selling and the challenges in communicating with employees during transitions, providing a wealth of knowledge for business owners.

Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge and author of The Ownership Mindset, shares her journey of transforming her company into an ESOP, focusing on employee ownership and culture. She discusses the challenges of scaling while maintaining a strong company culture and the importance of trust in leadership. Kerry reflects on her personal growth, overcoming struggles, and the impact of ESOP on employee retention and profitability. She also reveals her motivations for writing her book and balancing her ambitious goals with family life.