The Exit - Presented By Flippa

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, Ingrid Vanderveldt, serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of EBW Worldwide, shares how mentorship and a bold vision shaped her journey from the dotcom boom to building a platform to empower one billion women. Inspired by Michael Dell’s rise, Ingrid built one of the first personalization algorithms for the web, exited multiple ventures, and became Dell’s first Entrepreneur-in-Residence, where she helped create a $250M fund and drove nearly $1B in new business. Ingrid opens up about the confidence gap holding many women back from accessing capital, recounting how she launched a $100M fund for women and initially received no applicants — a turning point that fueled her mission to close systemic gaps. Her advice for founders preparing for an exit: define your ideal outcome early, build a “ride-or-die” support team (lawyers, accountants, mentors), and keep your paperwork tight to avoid last-minute deal risks. Today, Ingrid is focused on EBW-1, a patented tech platform using AI to deliver personalized education, access to capital, and community for entrepreneurs worldwide — helping them scale, negotiate, and exit with confidence. -- Ingrid Vanderveldt is a self-made tech entrepreneur, investor, and media personality who serves as Founder and CEO of Vanderveldt Global Investments, EBW (Empowering a Billion Women), EBW Cares Distributors, and Ingrid Vanderveldt LLC. A former Dell Entrepreneur-in-Residence who built a $250M business segment and launched the Dell Innovators Credit Fund, she now focuses on advancing women globally through access to mobile tools, mentoring, and capital. Recognized as Fast Company’s #1 “Superconnector” and honored with the Forbes & Northwestern Mutual Entrepreneur in Excellence Award, Ingrid is a sought-after speaker and strategist for startups and global brands, bridging corporations, women, and entrepreneurs to drive ROI and impact. She has hosted CNBC’s American Made, been featured in top media outlets worldwide, and holds a Master’s in Architecture from SCAD and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from UT Austin. Websites: https://ebw.one/ - https://ingridvanderveldt.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

In this insightful discussion, Wendy Diamond, a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization, shares her journey from trading designer surplus to advocating for women's empowerment. She highlights the power of impactful initiatives like microloans for women and the importance of integrity-driven entrepreneurship. Wendy also emphasizes the significance of passion and collaboration, while sharing lessons learned from failures and successes that underscore the impact of supportive relationships in business.

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, entrepreneur Ben Zvaifler shares his journey from launching PupBox, a subscription box for puppy owners, to selling it to Petco and later starting his new venture, Cloud Water Filters. Inspired by his own struggles as a new dog owner, Ben built PupBox during the subscription box boom, even pitching successfully on Shark Tank—securing a deal with Robert Herjavec and a surge of publicity. Eventually, Petco acquired the company, where Ben spent four years navigating corporate life, scaling during COVID, and hitting earn-out targets. Reflecting on the acquisition, Ben highlights lessons in negotiation, timing, and the importance of clean financials. He also shares candid advice for entrepreneurs: secure multiple offers, prepare thoroughly for earn-outs, and understand the corporate dynamics you’re stepping into. After Petco later sold PupBox to FabFitFun, Ben moved on to disrupt another space—water filtration. His new startup, Cloud Water Filters, offers a connected reverse osmosis system that not only purifies but also tracks water quality and usage. Ben’s story underscores the resilience needed in entrepreneurship: survive the lows, learn from each exit, and use that experience to build bigger and bolder ventures. -- Ben Zvaifler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cloud Water Filters, a consumer hardware company delivering clean, alkaline drinking water through smart, sensor-enabled filtration systems. With a background in building direct-to-consumer brands, Ben is passionate about using technology and design to elevate everyday experiences. Previously, Ben co-founded PupBox, a subscription service for new puppy owners. PupBox was featured on Shark Tank, highlighted as one of the most disruptive DTC brands by the International Advertising Bureau, and acquired by Petco Animal Supplies in 2017. Website: https://www.cloudwaterfilters.com/ Ben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzvaifler/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, Alan Franks, founder of the Business Planning Institute, reveals how business owners can maximize value and achieve financial independence before selling. He stresses that most owners don’t know their company’s worth, let alone track it, and warns against relying solely on business income, which can trap you in a “lifestyle business.” Franks advises selling in the maturity stage, before growth stalls and expenses rise. His approach to boosting value is “good business planning with a deadline”: create documented systems, KPIs, and a management team that allows the business to thrive without you. He emphasizes transferability by developing an internal successor, which protects value in emergencies and attracts buyers. From a tax perspective, he highlights strategies like opportunity zones, deferred sales trusts, and 1031 exchanges to reduce capital gains and income taxes, particularly for owners with real estate assets. Franks’ final takeaway: treat success as a team sport. Build and maintain an A-level roster of advisors, align them with your goals, and continually reassess to keep your business and exit plan on track. -- Alan Franks, CFP®, CLU®, CFBS®, is the founder of the Business Planning Institute and author of Empowered Money, dedicated to helping individuals and business owners create financial plans that fuel their fullest lives. Alan has built a career in financial planning, where he combines investments, risk management, and strategic business planning to serve clients nationwide, including business owners, tech professionals, professional service providers, and striving retirees. Based in Atlanta, Alan is known for his comprehensive, team-oriented approach that aligns personal and business finances, builds enterprise value, and creates sustainable wealth. Passionate about impact, he works to ensure clients not only grow their assets but also achieve the freedom, presence, and purpose they value most. Website: https://thebusinessplanninginstitute.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, entrepreneur Rob Basso shares how he built Advantage Payroll Services into a $25M business and exited on his own terms. His journey started humbly, wrapping resumes in deli sandwiches, and ended with a strategic sale to a public company. Rob planned his exit from day one, focusing on clean financials, employee retention, and leveraging his personal brand to win trust. He urges founders to be visible, not just their company, and to run a business that’s always “sale-ready.” When it came time to sell, he passed on higher PE offers with earn-outs in favor of a lower upfront deal because he was emotionally done and ready to move on. The decision? One of the best he’s ever made. Post-sale, Rob struggled with identity loss but rebounded by helping others build personal brands and make better business decisions. His final lesson? Be authentic. Trying to be someone you’re not, whether with staff or clients, can backfire. Rob’s story is a reminder that successful exits aren’t just financial: they’re personal. And planning ahead, staying true to yourself, and choosing the right buyer can make all the difference. -- Rob Basso is a recognized business coach, entrepreneur & speaker. He is a published author, professional speaker and sought-after media personality. He has operated and sold many businesses in the past two decades including Associated Human Capital Management and Advantage Payroll Services. The most recent two companies were sold to public companies at industry high valuations. Known as The Everyday Entrepreneur, the media frequently calls upon Rob for his insights, opinions and expertise. In 2022 he was a judge for the American Business Awards (division of the Stevie Awards), panelist for the Middle Market Alliance, mentor for the Next Gen Summit and numerous other speaking engagements. Rob Basso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbasso/ Website: https://www.robbasso.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit, serial entrepreneur and investor Bubba Page opens up about his journey from building a bootstrapped B2B sales company (Launch Leads) to launching Influence.VC, a venture fund focused on consumer tech and creator-led startups. Bubba shares how his first successful exit funded his lifestyle and family, while his venture-backed failure taught him invaluable lessons about ego, resilience, and emotional health. He emphasizes the often-overlooked value of lifestyle businesses, those that generate strong cash flow without external funding, and challenges the myth that venture capital is the only path to success. The conversation dives into the power of the creator economy, and how partnering with influencers can accelerate brand growth with lower customer acquisition costs. Bubba also reflects on selling his business just days before the 2020 COVID shutdown. Listen to the episode for real-world insights for founders questioning when to sell, whether to raise capital, or how to build a profitable business without burning out. -- Bubba Page is a single dad to 8 incredible kids—four boys, four girls—a devout Christian, and a serial entrepreneur who’s built and sold multiple companies, including a three-time Inc5000 standout, LaunchLeads.com, which he sold in 2020. Now, he’s pioneering Influence.vc, a venture capital syndicate on AngelList, where his social media influencer expertise invests and turbocharges startups. He is also a sought-after advisor in fundraising, B2B sales, influencer marketing strategy, and angel investing, a frequent podcast guest, and soon-to-be author of Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship, blending business and Christian principles for family life. Named one of 2024’s 'Coolest Entrepreneurs' by UVBizQ Magazine, he has also written for Inc Magazine. Bubba Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bubbapage/ Websites: https://influence.vc/ - https://thebusinessbootcamp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbapage/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode, Kerri Glover, M&A Advisor at Sagewood and the former founder of one of Colorado’s largest wedding planning firms. Kerri reveals how she went from bootstrapping a solo wedding planning side hustle to building a 20-person team, operating globally, and eventually selling her service-based business for a 7-figure exit. She shares the behind-the-scenes of preparing for a successful sale, covering everything from SOPs and financial clean-up to branding decisions and letting go of founder dependence. Kerri also offers her perspective on the biggest mistakes sellers make, how real estate impacts deal timelines, and what buyers really want in today’s market. Whether you’re building a service business or planning your next move, this conversation is packed with timeless advice on how to turn your business into a valuable, transferable asset. -- With over two decades of experience in the wedding industry, Kerri Glover's journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her expertise, honed through planning over 1,500 weddings globally and contributing to the creation or redevelopment of 25 venues, is matched only by her insatiable thirst for knowledge. With an MBA from Regis University and a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School, Kerri brings a unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to every project she undertakes. In 2016, Kerri sold her firm, the largest wedding planning company in Colorado, with Sagewood Advisors, where she is now an M&A Advisor helping others do the same. Kerri Glover on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrilglover/ Websites: https://gosagewood.com/ - https://www.weddingvenuebroker.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Linda Hamilton, a CPA and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, empowers women business owners with financial acumen through her firm, Grow Profit Scale. In their discussion, she emphasizes that early exit planning is crucial, as many overlook its impact on business valuation. Hamilton reveals a shocking 30% valuation gap affecting female founders due to lack of preparation. She discusses key indicators for readiness, including clean financials and documented systems, underscoring how vital they are for a successful exit.

Jonathan Bennett, an advisor at Clearly Then and former founder of a successful B Corp consulting firm, shares his insights on selling a business. He recounts his own exit journey, highlighting the emotional challenges like grief and identity loss. Jonathan stresses the importance of selling while still energized, choosing the right successor, and open communication during handovers. He offers smart negotiation tips and discusses finding purpose after an exit, making for a thought-provoking conversation on navigating the emotional terrain of business sales.

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit: Steve McGarry sits down with Christy Brown, CEO of Dr. Noze Best, to unpack her remarkable journey from engineer to multi-exit entrepreneur. Raised in a family of gritty builders and innovators, Christy shares how early exposure to a family-run real estate business inspired her transition from corporate consulting to launching her first eCommerce-focused agency in the early 2000s. Key topics discussed: The Power of Accelerators: Christy breaks down how accelerators build founder confidence, drive growth, and connect entrepreneurs with critical networks. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: She details her role in leading a women-focused accelerator that graduated 260+ founders, contributing over $2.5B in economic impact. Exit Strategy Insights: Christy shares candid lessons from her exits—including a public company earn-out—and the emotional and cultural shifts that follow a sale. Misconceptions about Exits & Venture Funding: From unrealistic timelines to overestimated payoffs, Christy demystifies what exits actually look like behind the headlines. Personal Advice: From reverse-engineering your life around your business to negotiating with clarity, Christy offers practical guidance for both aspiring and seasoned founders. Final takeaway: “Scaling is a strategy. Exiting is personal.” – a reminder that success is defined not just by valuation, but by the life you build alongside your business. -- Christy Brown is a proven leader with twenty years of leadership in entrepreneurship, customer development, and strategic innovation and solutions. Christy is a known resource for innovating traditional business models and scaling emerging businesses from inception to exit. She is a solution-oriented leader with expertise in technology, financial, and operational areas of growth stage businesses. Christy brings a heavy-duty management acumen with a focus on culture, diversity of thought, and design thinking. Her experience drives improvements and scale in organizations, fostering a culture of transformational change. Christy Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-brown-a54aa0/ Website: https://drnozebest.com/ -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You’ll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/