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 Podcast, host Steve sits down with Lee Smith, an acquisition entrepreneur at Verdani Capital with 12 years of M&A experience. Lee shares hard-won lessons from acquiring 20+ businesses and reveals what buyers really look for when evaluating companies for acquisition. KEY TOPICS COVERED: The #1 Red Flag Buyers See (And How to Fix It) Lee reveals why owner-dependency kills deals and how to build transferability into your business 2-3 years before exit Inside the Valuation Process Real multiples for blue-collar businesses (2-4x true profit, not EBITDA) and why adjusted earnings can backfire Deal Structure That Works How Lee structures acquisitions to align incentives: buying 60-80% stakes with future upside potential that often doubles the founder's payday The Biggest Deal Mistakes From buying distressed companies to discovering hidden equity agreements 30 minutes before closing—lessons learned the hard way The £1 Business Acquisition Strategy How Lee has purchased 20 businesses for just one pound, including a remarkable turnaround that saved a founder from £500K in debt When Concentration Risk Isn't a Deal-Breaker Strategic approaches to handling clients that represent 60-70% of revenue, including key customer clauses in SPAs Building Trust in M&A Deals Why "two ears, one mouth" matters more than spreadsheets when structuring successful acquisitions The EOS Framework for Integration Using simple systems to manage acquired businesses without disrupting teams or culture -- Lee Smith is a values-driven entrepreneur and dealmaker with more than 25 years of experience and a respected track record in UK M&A. After completing his first acquisitions in 2014, he went on to buy and turn around nine underperforming companies before founding Verdani Capital, where he continues to acquire and scale larger UK businesses. To date, Lee has completed 26 acquisitions across sectors such as Manufacturing, Professional Services, Construction, HVAC, and IT Services, supported by training from leading M&A mentors in the UK and US. His current portfolio generates over £2M in annual profit with a clear path toward £10M, strengthened by three strategic exits in 2024. Grounded in spirituality and conscious leadership, Lee combines substance, strategy, and long-term thinking in every partnership. Website - https://www.leeasmith.co.uk/ -- 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 -- Most founders obsess over the deal - valuations, terms, negotiations. But few ever ask the most important question: What comes next for you? In this episode of The Exit, Steve chats with Carolyn Nolan, CEO and Private Wealth Advisor at TNG Private Wealth, about what really happens after you sell. From emotional comedowns to tax traps, Carolyn reveals why the money is actually the easy part—and how to build a life that’s just as successful as your exit. 🎯 Key Takeaways: Why entrepreneurs struggle to “switch off” after selling The one question that reframes your entire next chapter The two extremes that destroy post-exit happiness Avoiding the tax blindside that catches almost everyone “Workhorse vs. racehorse” investing explained Why your discretionary expenses probably aren’t Passing wealth down—without raising entitled kids The surprising loneliness that follows exits ⚠️ Common Post-Exit Mistakes: Ignoring tax implications Overspending on real estate Gifting too early Freezing up and spending nothing out of guilt Waiting until after the exit to plan your life -- Carolyn Nolan’s superpower is igniting positive energy and meaningful action by brainstorming what could be, unapologetically speaking her truth, and creating tools for the taking in her ‘CNo toolbox’. She helps people stay strategically prepared, simplify life’s juggling act, and embrace change with confidence, inspiration, and a sense of adventure. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynlaunienolan/ Website - https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/tng-private-wealth/ -- 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, host Steve sits down with Callum Laing, partner at Unity Group, author, and serial entrepreneur who has helped take more than 100 companies public. With decades of experience across Asia, Europe, and beyond, Callum shares his contrarian approach to growth, exits, and how founders can use the capital markets as a scaling tool, not just a finish line. From his first recruitment business during the dot-com boom to running a global group that helps small businesses access public market advantages. Callum has seen it all, from booms, busts to breakthroughs. He explains why most entrepreneurs under-optimize for profit when gearing up to sell, how boards can fast-track business maturity, and why timing the market is less about prediction and more about preparation. Callum’s insights extend beyond valuation multiples. He talks candidly about common M&A mistakes, the power of strategic positioning, and why founders should sell “as soon as they can” to regain their most valuable resources: time and capital. This episode is a masterclass in scaling smart, negotiating with leverage, and learning faster through failure. -- Callum Laing is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and M&A specialist with over two decades of experience building and scaling companies across multiple industries. As a Partner at Unity Group and Founder of the Global Investment Leaders Directive (GILD) and the Veblen Director Programme, he helps business owners unlock liquidity, accelerate growth, and gain access to global capital markets. A passionate advocate for ethical capitalism and entrepreneur-led innovation, Callum has worked extensively with private equity firms, family offices, and public markets to bridge the gap between fast-growing private enterprises and institutional investors. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/callumlaing/ Website - https://callumlaing.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 -- Danny Davis, CEO of Hyperfi, shares hard-won lessons from multiple exits including taking a cannabis tech company public and missing an eight-figure investment in Loom. Key Topics: • How a hospital bed insight led to patenting the world's first cannabis cartridge filling system • Why board control is make-or-break for successful exits (and what happened when he lost it) • The revenue vs. investment dilemma: when to kill your cash cow for the bigger bet • Being Loom's first customer, offered to be first investor, and saying no—an eight-figure miss • Why he only invests in founder-led companies now (even controversial ones like Travis's Uber) • Building Hyperfi: applying Ben Horowitz's People → Product → Profit formula • The "N+1 strategy" for risk management every entrepreneur needs • Why timing is everything: two years makes the difference between too early and too late Biggest Takeaway: "For every person I talk to that has hindsight, they always had an inkling. The mistakes happen when you sell yourself short or get out too early." Danny went from 13 years in corporate IT to multiple successful exits by spotting pattern-breaking opportunities in taboo markets. Now he's building Hyperfi, an AI-powered IT procurement platform solving a $1.5 trillion problem. -- Danny Davis is a multi-exit founder, technologist, and hands-on operator known for building companies that push industries forward. From taking Convectium public at a $100M+ valuation to leading W3Box.io’s blockchain and AI-powered membership systems for global brands, his ventures bridge the physical and digital worlds. Holding eight patents across connected packaging and authentication, Danny’s work sits at the intersection of design, code, and commerce. Now founder of HyperFi, an AI-native enterprise IT platform, he leads with precision, purpose, and his guiding motto: “Break to Fix.” LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydavis12/ Website - https://hyperfi.ai/ -- 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/

De-Risk, Delegate, and Deliver a Great Exit: How Certified Exit Planner Julie Keyes Helps Founders Sell Smart Business Valuation Text Ad: 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 welcomes Julie Keyes, a serial entrepreneur turned Certified Exit Planner and faculty member at the Exit Planning Institute (EPI). Julie shares how her own difficult exit nearly two decades ago inspired her to guide business owners toward smoother, more profitable transitions. Julie breaks down exit preparedness into two core pillars: owner readiness and business readiness. She stresses that true readiness starts long before a sale: owners must update legal, tax, and estate plans, and ensure their personal finances and mindset are aligned with life after the exit. On the business side, she focuses on transferability, decentralizing the owner’s role, building strong teams, and creating a company that can thrive without its founder. Julie also discusses timing the sale, navigating the “five Ds” (death, divorce, disagreement, disability, and distress), and structuring negotiations with the help of skilled M&A advisors. Her message is clear: “Don’t wait for an offer to learn what your business is worth.” This episode is a practical masterclass on planning early, reducing risk, and protecting your life’s work. -- Julie Keyes is the founder and owner of KeyeStrategies, an advisory firm helping entrepreneurs build enterprise value and prepare for successful business transitions. A lifelong entrepreneur turned Certified Exit Planning and Value Growth Adviser, Julie brings firsthand experience from starting, growing, and selling multiple companies. Recognized twice as EPI’s “Thought Leader of the Year,” she’s a national speaker, faculty member for the CEPA Program, and author of Poised for Exit: A Woman Entrepreneur’s Guide to Business Transition. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/ Website - https://keyestrategies.com/ Podcast - https://keyestrategies.com/podcast/ -- 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 Peter Korbel shares how a decade of reinvention, from running a colorful D.C. food truck to founding a Manhattan coworking space, ultimately led him to build and sell Storrmy, an on-demand luggage storage startup acquired by London-based Stasher. Peter reveals how Storrmy began with a simple frustration: nowhere to drop off his gym bag or Airbnb guests’ luggage. Armed with hustle and $500K in seed funding, he personally signed up 100 stores on foot, grew to over 600 partner locations across the U.S., and turned a profit within a year. But when COVID-19 hit, travel stopped overnight. Rather than quit, Peter rebuilt, and positioned Storrmy for acquisition by a competitor he’d nurtured a relationship with for years. His exit story blends sharp business instincts with deep personal reflection, including the loss of his father and the importance of staying organized, transparent, and resilient. Today, Peter channels those lessons into 135 Madison, his consulting firm helping founders raise capital, and his new Substack, Startup Anatomy. His advice: “It’s all a hustle. Every lesson compounds if you just keep going.” -- Peter Korbel is a seasoned business consultant and tech founder with over 15 years of startup experience, known for turning bold ideas into thriving ventures. With one successful exit to his name, he’s launched and led companies including Washington D.C.’s first food-truck operation, one of the world’s earliest on-demand luggage storage platforms, and Blender Workspace, a high-end co-working hub for entrepreneurs in New York City. A Columbia University graduate with an MBA from The George Washington University, Peter now advises founders and investors across Manhattan and the Bay Area, blending sharp strategy, creative execution, and an unmatched entrepreneurial network. Website - https://www.135madison.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, Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO Coconut Water and co-founder of GroundForce Capital, unpacks one of the most fascinating comeback stories in consumer brand history. Mark shares how he went from being a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America to launching ZICO, scaling it into a household name, and ultimately selling to Coca-Cola. He breaks down what it was like to negotiate with one of the world’s biggest corporations, why timing and category positioning were everything, and how he structured a deal that protected both his vision and the company’s future. Then came the twist. When Coca-Cola offloaded over 200 brands during COVID, Mark bought ZICO back, reigniting the very company he had built from scratch. Now, with GroundForce Capital, he’s helping the next generation of founders build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses ready for exit. This is a must-listen episode for entrepreneurs looking to understand what makes a brand acquisition-worthy, how to negotiate from a position of strength, and how to know when it’s time to sell (or buy back). -- Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and author dedicated to empowering mission-driven leaders and building businesses with purpose. As co-founder and co-managing partner of GroundForce Capital, he helps bold founders scale companies that create lasting impact. He previously founded ZICO Coconut Water, pioneering the multibillion-dollar coconut water category and selling the brand to Coca-Cola before famously buying it back. Over his career, Mark has invested in more than 100 companies, served on over 20 boards, raised over $1 billion in capital, and generated over $5 billion in enterprise value. A former Peace Corps volunteer and corporate executive, he is the author of High-Hanging Fruit as well as the soon to be released An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom, and continues to inspire entrepreneurs to break free from constraints and lead with true freedom. Websites - https://www.groundforcecapital.com/ - https://www.markrampolla.co/ Pre-order his book - https://a.co/d/3c5nOSD -- 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, Rufus Griscom, co-founder of Nerve, Babble, and Next Big Idea Club, shares his journey from book editor to serial entrepreneur with three startups and a blockbuster exit to Disney. Rufus launched Nerve.com in the late ’90s, followed by spin-offs that were culturally significant but financially challenging. Those hard lessons shaped his disciplined approach to Babble, the parenting platform he built with his wife in 2007. Babble tapped into the emerging mom-blogging movement, growing to 10M monthly uniques and a $10M revenue run rate, becoming the leading parenting site of its time. Determined to secure a strong outcome, Rufus identified five likely acquirers early and built trust over years, consistently hitting milestones and proving growth. That strategy paid off when Disney acquired Babble for a reported $40M, after Rufus successfully negotiated a 25% bump over their initial offer and minimized reliance on earnouts. He emphasizes selling on momentum, building relationships with the right stakeholders, and being radically honest about challenges. Today, Rufus runs the Next Big Idea Club with Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink, delivering the most important new ideas to a fast-changing world. -- Rufus Griscom is a serial entrepreneur and media innovator who has founded and scaled multiple influential companies at the intersection of culture and technology. He launched Nerve.com in 1997, pioneering frank conversations about relationships and culture, before selling it in 2007. He went on to co-found Babble, a groundbreaking parenting platform acquired by Disney in 2011, where he continued as VP of Media. Today, he is the founder and CEO of The Next Big Idea Club, a learning platform and book club featuring thought leaders like Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink, dedicated to spreading transformative ideas. Widely recognized for his TED Talks and writing, Griscom brings decades of experience building communities, driving acquisitions, and shaping how big ideas reach the world. Website - https://nextbigideaclub.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, Flippa CEO Blake Hutchison shares how digital M&A is evolving, and why Flippa is thriving despite global deal volumes falling. Blake reveals how Flippa achieved 36% growth while the wider market shrank, explains why ecommerce is roaring back, and dives into the launch of Lauren AI, Flippa’s groundbreaking AI-powered deal sourcing and outreach tool. From helping buyers define hyper-precise mandates to unlocking off-market opportunities, Lauren AI is designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors in smarter, more secure ways. Blake also unpacks key trends shaping the industry: the rise of AI-native businesses as one of the most sought-after asset types, the global nature of dealmaking with 83% of Flippa’s transactions now cross-border, and why today’s online businesses are stronger than ever thanks to better tools and technology. Whether you’re a founder considering an exit or a buyer searching for the next big opportunity, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of digital acquisitions. -- Blake Hutchison is the Chief Executive Officer of Flippa, the online marketplace that enables buying and selling of websites, apps, stores, and digital businesses. Since taking the helm in late 2018 as a turnaround CEO, Blake has driven Flippa’s growth and led a global team focused on empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to exit on their terms and own their future. Flippa - https://flippa.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 Divya Gugnani, founder and CEO of 5 Senses, unpacks her journey from Goldman Sachs to co-founding five companies and selling three, including Send the Trend to QVC. With a background in finance and private equity, Divya attributes her entrepreneurial staying power to strong cash management and a focus on fundamentals. She shares lessons from building early ventures, from auto parts to culinary media, and how creating hyper-personalized shopping experiences led to her fastest success, selling Send the Trend just 11 months after raising funding. Time at QVC gave her valuable insights into product storytelling, ultimately inspiring her to launch beauty brand Wander Beauty, which became her third successful exit. Divya’s exit advice is clear: get your house in order early (books, legal, taxes), know what you want from a deal, and hire strong operators so you can focus on the sale process. She emphasizes selling on the upswing when growth and profitability are aligned, creating competition among buyers, and avoiding short-term revenue plays that dilute brand value. Today, Divya shares her entrepreneurial lessons and AI insights via TikTok, continuing to inspire founders globally. -- Divya Gugnani is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author with over 20 years of experience building and backing businesses. She is the Founding Partner of Concept to Co., investing in 80+ companies, and the Founder & CEO of 5 SENS, a fine fragrance brand. Previously, she co-founded Wander Beauty, later acquired by Nameless CPG, and Send the Trend, acquired by QVC. Divya began her career in finance at Goldman Sachs, Investcorp, and FirstMark Capital before becoming an “accidental entrepreneur.” Featured widely in top media outlets, she is also the author of Sexy Women Eat, and regularly mentors founders and lectures at leading universities. She holds a B.S. from Cornell, an MBA from Harvard, and trained at the French Culinary Institute. Website - https://5sens.co/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dgugnani -- 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, 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/

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, Wendy Diamond, serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), shares her extraordinary journey of weaving profit with purpose. Wendy’s entrepreneurial spark began early, trading designer surplus in Turkey and Russia before moving to New York. There, volunteering for the homeless shifted her focus toward impact, leading to celebrity-backed cookbooks that raised millions. Her love for animals sparked Animal Fair Media, where she pioneered “Yappy Hour” events and primetime pet programming, spotlighting adoption at a time when millions of animals were being euthanized annually. A volunteer trip to Honduras in 2013 was another turning point. Witnessing the success of microloans for women entrepreneurs inspired her to found Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, now celebrated in 100 countries. The initiative brings together governments, investors, and business leaders to empower women globally. As an investor, Wendy champions integrity-driven founders. She backed Basepaws (the “23andMe for pets”), which exited to Zoetis, while also experiencing failures that underscored her belief that “it’s always about the people.” Her advice: build strong teams, embrace collaboration, and enjoy the journey. Today, through joinwedo.org, Wendy is helping a million women and girls gain AI and entrepreneurship skills—continuing her mission to create change from the ground up. -- Wendy Diamond is an internationally renowned social entrepreneur, impact investor, humanitarian, bestselling author, and media personality dedicated to using innovation and disruptive technologies for positive global impact. She is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO)/#ChooseWOMEN, a movement with chapters in 144 countries and 112 universities focused on empowering women and alleviating poverty. As CEO of LDP Ventures, she invests in impactful companies and funds while serving on boards that advance sustainability, women’s leadership, and animal welfare. A keynote speaker at the UN, Harvard, and the World Economic Forum, her work has been featured by Oprah, NBC, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and Forbes. Through her ventures and ten books, Wendy continues to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and the underdog worldwide. Websites: https://www.joinwedo.org/ - www.wendydiamond.com Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendydiamond/ -- 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

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/

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: Linda Hamilton, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and longtime CPA, shares practical strategies for business owners preparing for a future exit, emphasizing the importance of readiness, clean financials, and documented systems. Key Takeaways: Exit Planning is About Optionality, Not Just Selling Many business owners avoid thinking about exits too early, but Linda argues that preparing early builds resilience and optionality, not just a path to sell. The Cost of Not Preparing Citing a 30% valuation gap between male and female founders, Linda underscores how lack of preparation—especially around clean books, contracts, and succession—can significantly impact sale outcomes. Readiness vs. Attractiveness Linda encourages using assessments to evaluate both how attractive your business is to a buyer and how ready you are to exit. She shares a story of a founder nearly derailing a deal by not securing key employee agreements. Key Indicators of Exit-Readiness - Critical elements include: Clean, audited financials Signed client/vendor contracts Repeatable and documented systems Cash flow visibility and control over AR/AP Transferability & Systemology As a certified systemologist, Linda highlights the importance of mapping your customer journey and operational systems to ensure the business can run without you—critical for buyer confidence and deal value. Building a Support Team Successful exits rely on coordinated advisors: CPAs, attorneys, brokers, and wealth advisors. A SIPA-certified exit planner often acts as the “quarterback” to align everyone's efforts with the owner’s goals. Timing & Purpose Timing an exit is personal. Many owners regret selling too soon because they lack a post-exit purpose. Linda encourages planning for life after the sale as part of the overall exit strategy. Empowering Female Founders Linda advocates for financial fluency and readiness assessments to help women negotiate from a position of strength. Confidence comes from awareness—knowing your numbers, your risks, and your value. Final Advice: Linda wishes she had done her own business readiness assessments earlier in her career, highlighting how early preparation can influence smarter long-term decisions. -- Linda Hamilton is a CPA and CEPA, (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) who is passionate about helping women business owners achieve financial fluency to grow, profit & scale. Linda founded Grow Profit Scale™, a coaching and mastermind program designed to empower women entrepreneurs with financial fluency, profit amplification, and scalable business strategies. In addition to Grow Profit Scale, Linda is also the founder of Linda A. Hamilton CPA LLC, where Linda and her team provide accounting, tax, and strategic financial planning services. With over 35 years as a CPA, CGMA, CEPA, and SYSTEMologist®, she has helped countless business owners develop strong financial systems, improve profitability, and plan for successful exits. Linda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindahamiltoncpa/ Websites: https://www.growprofitscale.com/ - https://www.lahcpas.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: Host Steve McGarry sits down with Jonathan Bennett, advisor at Clearly Then and former founder of a successful B Corp consulting firm, to unpack the emotional journey of exiting a business—something rarely discussed, but profoundly impactful. Jonathan shares his own story of selling his company through a gradual management buyout, and how the decision started with a casual walk in Dublin and a question from his wife. The episode dives into the often-overlooked inner challenges that founders face—identity loss, grief, and the fear of letting go. “The easy part is the legal and financial stuff,” Jonathan says. “The hard part is emotional.” You’’ll learn: Why selling at your peak (not in burnout) is critical How to choose the right successor without hanging on too long Why empty promises during a handover can backfire What life after an exit looks like—and how to fill the void with purpose Smart negotiation tips, including how to uncover the real motivations of a buyer Whether you're planning to exit soon or just building for the long game, Jonathan’s mix of practical wisdom and emotional intelligence will give you a fresh perspective on what it really means to walk away from something you built. "Don't wait until you're depleted to sell—get off the stage while the crowd is still clapping." – Jonathan Bennett -- Jonathan Bennett is an advisor and executive coach for purpose-driven leaders who need help solving their organization’s toughest obstacles. With experience in urban, rural, remote, and First Nations communities, Jonathan’s expertise is in social purpose business strategy, governance, branding, change, and communications. His coaching draws on 25 years of creativity and leadership success as a CEO, board member, and founder, and he is known for his deep-listening and his breakthrough solutions that create insights and new strategies. Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan/ Link to Private Podcast: https://clearlythen.com/listen Website: https://clearlythen.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: 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/