The Exit Strategy

Most small business owners believe their business is their retirement plan. Fewer than one in four will ever sell it successfully. And the reason usually isn’t the market—it’s preparation. Today’s guest has seen thousands of deals from the inside and knows exactly why some businesses sell for top dollar and others don’t sell at all. Sometimes, it's a matter of timing.  I’m talking with Jessica Fia...

What happens when you sell your company for $100M, but then find you have lost your identify and sense of belonging as a result? This shift happens for many exiting founders and can cause real problems in their lives.  My guest on the show is Dan J. Berger who is the Founder and former CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Social Tables, which was acquired in October 2018 by Cvent for $100mm. Founded...

What happens when you are asked not to sell your business but sell your aging parents' business? Is it like selling your childhood home? How much more pressure does this put on you to get a successful deal done? My guest is Michelle Pippin who is the Founder & CEO of Women Who WOW, an online community and coaching platform for ambitious women entrepreneurs. She talks about navigating the sale...

When you create a business, you have to know when the right time to exit is. This is a talent not too many entrepreneurs have mastered. It's hard to "go out" on top! After 3 exits, this is exactly what my guest Peter Shankman knows how to do.  He is a top keynote speaker in marketing, social media, customer service, and neurodiversity in the workplace. The New York Times has called Peter Shankman...

The Exit Strategy is a podcast where founders share the real stories behind selling their businesses—the good, the bad, and the ugly. From tough decisions to unexpected wins, we dive into what it really takes to walk away and what they did next. It's the good, the bad, and the buyout. Keith Schacht is one part inventor, one part explainer, and one part entrepreneur. He has started many companies a...