Selling the Dream

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the critical importance of succession planning for business owners. They explore the CEPA certification, the philosophy behind exit planning, and the financial aspects that influence business value. The conversation emphasizes the need for business owners to understand their financial needs and the importance of planning wel...

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard, Kathi Fleck are joined by Rick Baker to discuss the intricacies of succession planning for business owners. They explore the challenges faced during the transition, the importance of effective communication, delegation, and training, and the need for business valuation. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of preparing for retire...

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck engage with Rick Baker, a seasoned entrepreneur in the remodeling industry, to discuss the critical topic of succession planning. Rick shares his journey in business, the importance of preparing for retirement, and the steps he is taking to ensure a smooth transition for his company. The conversation highlights the challenges of bus...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck are joined by Paula Kruger to discuss the complexities of business transitions, focusing on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) as a viable option for business owners looking to sell. They explore the benefits of ESOPs for both sellers and employees, the importance of having a solid succession plan, and the challenges faced by fa...

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the critical importance of succession planning for business owners. They explore the misconceptions surrounding succession planning, emphasizing that it is not solely for those nearing retirement. The conversation highlights the need for early planning, understanding business valuation, and adapting to generational shifts in...

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the intricacies of selling a business with M&A advisor Paula Kruger. They explore the importance of preparing a business for sale, the role of accurate financials, and the necessity of expert guidance in the selling process. The conversation emphasizes the need for business owners to start planning early and to consider...

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Scott Couchenour about life transitions, identity, and the importance of coaching. They explore the concept of life in quarters, discussing how individuals can design their lives intentionally rather than living by default. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding on...

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the critical topic of succession planning for business owners. They explore various options for transitioning ownership, including family members, leadership teams, and ESOPs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing for leadership readiness, understanding family dynamics, and the necessity of having a clear o...

In this episode of Selling the Dream, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck are joined by Scott Couchenour, a succession planning expert. Scott shares his personal experience of unplanned and untimely business closure and how it led him to become a partner for business owners planning their exit. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotions and challenges that come with selling a business, such a...

In this episode, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the process of selling a business and the importance of preparing for life after the sale. They emphasize that every business should be considered potentially sellable and that business owners should start thinking about the sale well in advance. They also highlight the need to have a clear vision of what life beyond the busines...

In this episode, Doug and Kathi discuss the e-book The Rainmaker's Dilemma , which refers to the challenge faced by business owners who are the primary drivers of sales and customer relationships. They explore strategies to overcome this dilemma, such as designing marketing funnels, documenting the sales process, hiring salespeople, limiting complexity, and creating customer testimonials. They...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches discuss the difference between business coaching and consulting. They explore the important role a coach can play in preparing your business for sale and strategies for selecting a coach. To connect with a business coach, reach out at www.growthteams.com

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck are joined by Jim Laird of Laird Valuations. They discuss different strategies for maximizing a business’ value and the importance of being proactive when planning the sale of a business. By focusing on financial health, workforce development, and market position, business owners can significantly increase their val...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck are joined by Jim Laird, owner of Laird Valuations. Jim is a business valuation consultant who specializes in tax-related valuations, medical practice assessments and sale related valuations—spanning industries including manufacturing, truck transportation, healthcare, restaurants and retail, and construction contra...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the business sales process from the buyer's perspective. Succession planning is crucial for family businesses to ensure a smooth transition from founder to the next generation. This requires the successor to gain a well-rounded understanding of the business through experience in various departments and f...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss what happens during the transition period of a business sale, specifically when there are unexpected negative changes in the business. The key takeaways are: The business seller should be aware that there can be unexpected negative changes during the transition period, such as a key employee quitting or a bi...

In this episode, Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the importance of valuations when considering selling a business. They highlight the different types of valuations and how they can be used as a planning tool. Kathi shares her experience of getting a valuation done and using it as a roadmap to strengthen her business before selling. They emphasize the need for forward thinking and measuring pro...

The episode of Selling the Dream focuses on identifying and effectively communicating with potential buyers for your business. Key takeaways: Don't make promises about the business future that you can't keep. Avoid pre-determining who will take over the business. Be upfront with potential successors about the financial requirements of owning the business. If you intend to sell the business...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the importance of a positive relationship with a knowledgeable financial planner. They explore different factors that can affect your financial readiness to leave your business and the things you should be looking for in your financial planner. Learn more about Growth Teams: www.growthteams.com

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the importance of staying the course when selling your business—even during uncertain times. They emphasize the importance of being ready to sell and establishing a plan that can weather an economic downturn. Learn more about Growth Teams: www.growthteams.com

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss succession planning for business owners—emphasizing the benefits of determining a successor early and how to select a successor when there are several candidates. The episode explores the importance of: Clear communication with potential successors about their roles and the company's expectations Using o...

This episode of Selling the Dream discusses the challenges of choosing and preparing a successor for a business. The conversation highlights the importance of prioritizing finding the best person for the job, considering their skills, experience and financial capability. Business coaches Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck discuss the importance of creating a long-term succession plan that includes traini...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business coach Kathi Fleck is joined again by Matthew Helminiak, SPHR of Culture Diagnostics. They discuss how to prepare your team for the transition once your business is sold, the best time to inform them of the impending sale, delegating responsibility so the business can run without you and maintaining trust with them through the sale. Matt is a versatile...

On this episode of Selling the Dream business coach Kathi Fleck is joined by special guest Matthew Helminiak, SPHR of Culture Diagnostics LLC to discuss the importance of company culture when selling a business.  Key points: A strong company culture can make a business more attractive to potential buyers When merging companies, it's important to ensure the cultures are compatible to avoid rese...

On this episode of Selling the Dream, business consultants Doug Howard and Kathi Fleck are joined by special guest Matthew Helminiak. They discuss Matt’s experience selling his business, the different paths to selling a business, from private equity to roll-ups, why early preparation is key to a smooth exit, how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of deal-making and finding the right advisors...