Podcast

Why a Competitive Process is Key to Getting the Best Deal

In the latest episode of the Growth & Exit Digest, Mike Levison discusses the significance and mechanics of a competitive sales process in the context of business sales. He stresses that a competitive sales process proactively engages multiple potential buyers to obtain the most favorable deal. The process should consist of engaging a range of buyers, performing a thorough due diligence on these buyers, fostering competition between them, and evaluating their commitment. Mike points out that higher demand, better transaction structures, and shorter timelines are key advantages of this process. He warns against buyers wanting exclusivity, advising sellers to minimize this risk by keeping exclusivity periods short and having backup buyers. He also shares insights on how to run a successful competitive sales process, including preparation and setting firm deadlines. Mike reminds listeners that while the process may be complex, it is crucial to avoid leaving money on the table and to find the true value of a business.

Podcast - TechSavvy Exit

Tax-Savvy Exits: Key Strategies to Boost Business Value and Avoid Costly Pitfalls

In this episode of Growth & Exit Digest, host Mike Levison discusses the importance of proper tax strategies for increasing business value and facilitating a smooth exit. He emphasizes the importance of pre-sale tax planning to optimize business valuation and ensuring favorable tax outcomes. Mike then dives into the critical decision of choosing between asset and stock sales, using a case study to illustrate the potential implications on tax liability. He provides key insights on the use of installment sales, gifting shares, and timing the sale to coincide with favorable tax conditions. The podcast also covers the complexities of multi-state and international tax rules and the importance of post-sale strategy in managing capital gains taxes and reinvestment.

Maximizing Business Value: Onboarding Strategies To Boost Performance

The episode of the Growth & Exit Digest podcast, hosted by Mike, focuses on onboarding strategies aimed at maximizing business value for small and medium enterprises. Mike emphasizes the importance of pre-boarding, stressing that preparing for a new recruit’s arrival and setting expectations can help foster engagement. He suggests integrating new hires by providing a structured first day, effective communication about the company’s mission and values, and comprehensive training. Mike further recommends a buddy system and goal setting to drive engagement and performance. He also highlights the significance of a positive work environment and regular feedback sessions. Mike points out that a good onboarding process can boost your business’s operational efficiency, retention rates, and overall valuation, thereby improving potential exit strategies.

Podcast - Onboarding Strategies

Onboarding Strategies to Boost Performance and Improve Retention

In this episode of Growth & Exit Digest, Mike explores effective onboarding strategies to enhance a business’s value by improving employee performance and retention. He outlines crucial steps starting with pre-boarding, where employers engage future team members with welcome packets, through to continuous feedback gathering. Mike highlights the importance of a positive first day experience, clear communication of the company’s mission and values, and structured training. He advocates for mentorship programs, setting manageable goals, and fostering social integration as key strategies. The episode emphasizes collecting feedback for refining the onboarding process and points at these effective practices as essential for overall business success and boosting business valuation for a prospective sale.

Important Steps in Boosting Your Enterprise Value

Important Steps in Boosting Your Enterprise Value

In the podcast episode, Mike Levison discusses crucial steps business owners can take to amplify the value of their businesses before selling. The podcast emphasizes the importance of planning 2-5 years ahead of the intended sell date to allow ample time for optimizing financial records and operational procedures, as well as identifying and implementing growth strategies. Mike advises polishing your financial data, augmenting operational efficiency, developing a strong management team, and posturing a convincing market position for your business – specifically focusing on unique selling propositions. He also underscores the importance of preparing meticulously for buyer due diligence to inspire buyer confidence. Through such strategic improvements and early planning, Mike conveys that businesses can substantially increase their sale price, attracting value-seeking buyers.

Matt Ebert Crash Champion Sell Podcast

Matt Ebert on Selling Control to Private Equity and Expanding Crash Champions to 645 Locations

Matt Ebert’s path to founding Crash Champions didn’t start with a grand plan—it began with a car wreck. At 16, he found himself needing to fix his own car, sparking an unexpected passion that led to building one of the largest collision repair companies in the United States. In this week’s episode of Built to Sell Radio, you discover how to: You’ll hear the story of how Ebert sold a majority interest in his business, and how he now approaches buying companies to expand Crash Champions into a national brand with 645 locations and $2.8 billion in revenue.

Aaron Levenstadt built Pedestal Search

Aaron Levenstadt on Narrowing Your Focus to Broaden Your Appeal

Aaron Levenstadt built Pedestal Search into a business worth selling by mastering one thing: SEO. While clients tempted him to offer other services, Aaron knew the real value lay in doing one thing better than anyone else. In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, Aaron shares how focusing on one service helped him stand out in a crowded market and achieve a successful exit. In this interview, you discover how to: Aaron’s story proves that specializing can be the key to building a business that’s not only profitable but also highly attractive to buyers. Learn how focusing on your core strength and getting the right guidance can transform your company and lead to a successful exit.

Jessica DeLuca Business Exit Podcast

How Jessica DeLuca Turned Cult Beauty into a $275M Exit

Jessica DeLuca founded Cult Beauty in 2007, creating the UK’s largest multi-brand beauty retailer. In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, Jessica reveals the path that led her to selling the business for £275 million to The Hut Group (THG). DeLuca’s background in tech shaped the business, with her love for data and precision leading to a meticulously curated platform. Frustrated by the lack of unbiased information in the beauty industry, she built a database of expert advice, allowing customers to search products tailored to their needs—an approach that set Cult Beauty apart from the competition. In this episode, you discover how to: DeLuca’s journey offers invaluable insights into transforming frustration into a unique value proposition, building a niche brand, and securing a life-changing exit for her and her team.

Podcast: How to Turn 3x EBITDA

How to Turn a 3x EBITDA Offer Into 5x

Jeff Archibald founded Paper Leaf, a company specializing in developing websites, mobile apps and custom software. By offering a narrow scope of services to a variety of verticals, Paper Leaf built a reputation for handling challenging projects that generalist agencies couldn’t. Jeff’s commitment to simplicity and effective forecasting played a significant role in Paper Leaf’s success. He used fixed payment contracts to ensure steady cash flow and offered a limited number of technologies, allowing his team to become experts. These practices stabilized the business and made it attractive for acquisition.  When approached by ZGM, a marketing firm, Jeff initially received a 3x EBITDA offer. Through a creative earn-out structure, Jeff ultimately received proceeds of equivalent to around 5x EBITDA.   You’ll Discover How To: