Shows
Succession StoriesThe B.U.I.L.T.™ Method for Business Growth and Transition with Laurie Barkman🎙️ Business growth and succession planning start long before an exit. In this special Succession Stories swapcast, Laurie Barkman introduces the B.U.I.L.T.™ Method, a practical framework for building value and preparing for business transition. 🔓 This episode features Laurie's guest appearance on The B2B Growth Podcast with Mark Osborne, where the mic is turned around and she shares the thinking behind the B.U.I.L.T.™ Method for Business Growth and Transition. Designed for founder-led and closely held companies, the framework helps owners reduce dependency on themselves, strengthen operations, and prepare for leadership transition o...
2026-01-2529 min
Succession StoriesHow to Finance a Business Transition or Acquisition, David MillerWhat does it take to finance a business transition or acquisition? In this episode, Laurie Barkman sits down with David Miller, Executive Vice President at Enterprise Bank, to demystify lending for business owners — from SBA loans to insider buyouts. David shares how banks assess deals, why management continuity matters most, and how entrepreneurs can become "bankable" when it's time to grow or exit. 💬 Quote from David Miller: "Don't think you can't buy a business just because you're not personally wealthy. If you have the right skillset and knowledge of the industry, there are flexi...
2025-11-0236 min
Succession Stories220: Steep Learning Curves, Brandon Stanchock - The Entrepreneur Gene SeriesHost Laurie Barkman welcomes Brandon Stanchock, CEO of SWF Industrial Inc. Brandon discusses his journey to take the helm of a family business. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, employee development, and implementing innovative collaboration strategies in the industrial sector. The conversation also highlights Brandon's commitment to providing support for employees and internal promotion programs. Brandon shares how his personal interests in travel, gaming, and podcasting align with his broader mission to help people reach their full potential both inside and outside the workplace. Takeaways: Embrace the entrepreneurial gene. Leadership, innovation, and employee development are...
2025-10-1941 min
Succession Stories219: Find Passion, Don't Just Chase The Dollar, Larry Whiteside Jr - The Entrepreneur Gene SeriesHost Laurie Barkman welcomes Larry Whiteside Jr., an expert in information security, risk management, and entrepreneurship. Larry discusses his journey from cybersecurity to becoming the Co-Owner of Lifesaver Pool Fence of Tampa and Co-Founder of Confide. Larry emphasizes the importance of passion, operational efficiency, and overcoming challenges in business. They delve into key trends in cybersecurity, focusing on AI and automation's growing influence. The conversation also highlights Larry's commitment to promoting diversity in the cybersecurity field and how his military background has shaped his entrepreneurial approach. He offers valuable insights on balancing multiple businesses, aligning passion with...
2025-10-1439 min
Succession Stories218: The Maverick Mind of an Entrepreneur, Travis Howerton - The Entrepreneur Gene Series" Treat people well, work hard, have a plan." Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Travis Howerton, a technology and security expert with over 25 years of experience. Travis shares his journey from federal service and the nuclear weapons program to becoming the Co-Founder and CEO of RegScale. They discuss the entrepreneurial gene, personality assessments in team dynamics, and the challenges of scaling a business. Travis emphasizes the importance of empathy, hard work, and strategic planning. He also highlights the potential of automation and AI in the compliance industry. Travis discusses his future goals of starting a venture capital arm to...
2025-10-1234 min
Succession Stories217: Nurturing Legacies, Corey Perlman - The Entrepreneur Gene Series" Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none." Host Laurie Barkman interviews digital marketing expert Corey Perlman of Impact Social. They discuss Corey's entrepreneurial journey influenced by his parents' careers, the evolving landscape of digital marketing, and the role and potential of AI in the industry. Corey shares insights on building and managing successful teams, the importance of focusing on key social media platforms, and the power of video content. Additionally, he touches on his passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his involvement in the Nurturing Fathers Program alongside his father, Mark. Listeners receive actionable di...
2025-10-0734 min
Succession StoriesThe Sockfluencers: Spreading Happiness, John and Mark X. Cronin - The Entrepreneur Gene"We're in the business of making people happy!" John and Mark X. Cronin are father-son co-founders of John's Crazy Socks. Host Laurie Barkman talks with John and Mark about the inspiring story of their unique business model, inclusion, and commitment to spreading happiness. Over half of their employees have differing abilities. The discussion covers innovative approaches to customer satisfaction, success metrics, notable initiatives like the Unity Sock, and their role as advocates for people with disabilities. The episode also touches on their engaging community activities such as the weekly dance party and custom sock designs. Mark and J...
2025-10-0542 min
Succession StoriesAll In On Accountability, Molly McGrath - The Entrepreneur GeneWhat's the most important value to have when you're running your own business? According to Molly McGrath, Founder of Hiring and Empowering Solutions, it's accountability. Listen in as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Molly about her unique perspective on the entrepreneur gene - a desire for control and freedom, stemming from an anti-authoritarian mindset. Molly highlights the importance of teaching employees to be intrapreneurs, involving them in decision-making processes, and implementing incentive-based compensation models. The episode also emphasizes the significance of accountability, time management, and having a clear vision for both personal and professional growth. ...
2025-09-3046 min
Succession StoriesGenetically Entrepreneur, Jim Haviland - The Entrepreneur GeneWhat does six generations of entrepreneurship get you? Find out as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Jim Haviland, Business Operating System Coach at Impact Architects and Chief Operating Officer at CallPlease. Jim shares his insights on building and exiting organizations, the entrepreneurial gene, and the importance of exit planning. He discusses the significance of having a clear purpose, the necessity of mentors and operating systems, and offers advice on long-term planning for entrepreneurs. Tune in for valuable lessons and inspiration for both budding and experienced entrepreneurs. Takeaways: Implementing a structured operating sy...
2025-09-2946 min
Succession StoriesBalancing Business and Identity, Jennifer Bisceglie - The Entrepreneur Gene" It's really hard out there. Other people will beat you up. You don't have to do it to yourself." - Jennifer Bisceglie This week on The Entrepreneur Gene - a featured series of Succession Stories - Host Laurie Barkman talks with Jennifer Bisceglie, Founder and Executive Vice Chair of Interos. Jennifer discusses the concept of identity for owners- as part of the business and outside of your company. She shares the challenges of managing a business that heavily relies on U.S. federal contracts and navigating rapid administrative changes. Jennifer also talks about th...
2025-09-2931 min
Succession StoriesEmbracing Smart Risks, Casey Cheshire - The Entrepreneur Gene Series" The flip of one-to-one communication to a one-to-few communication is going to become priceless. It's all about connection." - Casey Cheshire What kinds of risks are the ones worth taking when it comes to entrepreneurship? Casey Cheshire, CEO of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing, believes smart risks are the key to success. Host Laurie Barkman talks with Casey about the importance of risk tolerance, learning from failures, and the need for smart risk-taking in business. They also explore the future of marketing with the advent of AI and the significance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly aut...
2025-08-2644 min
Succession StoriesPropensity and Passion, Christopher Antonopoulos- The Entrepreneur Gene Series"The big learning for me is leaning on your team, leaning on your network, leaning on your colleagues. Because you don't have the capacity to be thoughtful in all of these different areas." - Christopher Antonopoulos What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Christopher Antonopoulos, CEO and Founder of Measured Results Marketing, claims the secret is the genetic propensity and how it combines with environmental factors. Christopher shares anecdotes about his journey from a resourceful childhood selling vegetables to leading a successful marketing firm. He and Laurie also discuss the future of marketing automation...
2025-08-1344 min
Succession StoriesCrafting Family Legacies, Matt Chiaradonna - The Entrepreneur Gene Series" When it's built with your own hands or with your own will, I felt like it was a little bit more of my own success than somebody else doing it for me." - Matt Chiaradonna Have you ever been thrown into running a business? Matt Chiaradonna, a family business entrepreneur leading JC Fence and Founder of Elite Technique sure has. Host Laurie Barkman talks with Matt about his journey from growing up in a family business, the impact of his father's tragic accident, and his path to operating two successful businesses. He offers advice on de...
2025-08-1033 min
Succession StoriesAssembling Your Personal Board, Pete Schramm - The Entrepreneur Gene Series" I followed what's in my heart and I'm moving forward to fill this gap and this need for the workplace of the future." - Pete Schramm Host Laurie Barkman interviews Pete Schramm, Founder and CEO of Lattitude. A serial entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, and bestselling author of Pathfinders, Pete is on a mission to foster meaningful, sustainable relationships in the workplace. As the founder of Lattitude, he's cultivating leadership and engagement through career mapping and mentorship software. The episode touches on challenges in the workplace, especially with hybrid and remote work environments. Pete also highlights the ne...
2025-08-0623 min
Succession StoriesThe Power of Influence, Cooper Munroe - The Entrepreneur Gene Series"I love giving voice to people who don't necessarily or historically have a voice with those who are selling to them." - Cooper Munroe Host Laurie Barkman speaks with Cooper Munroe, CEO of The Motherhood, a leading influencer marketing agency. They delve into Cooper's journey from corporate PR to creating The Motherhood, sparked from a blog post about Hurricane Katrina. Cooper discusses the unique challenges and attributes of women entrepreneurs, the evolution of influencer marketing, and her commitment to paying influencers for their valuable work. Tune in to hear how Cooper transformed her vision into a thriving...
2025-08-0325 min
Succession StoriesDisruptive Innovation, Luke Williams - The Entrepreneur Gene Series"Entrepreneurship is in everyone. It just gets expressed in different ways." Luke Williams Show host Laurie Barkman welcomes Luke Williams, Founder/CEO of IdeaSkills and Clinical Associate Professor of Innovation and Design at NYU Stern School of Business. They discuss whether entrepreneurship can be taught and delve into the importance of fostering innovative mindsets within established companies. Luke shares insights from his book 'Disrupt' and discusses the balance between maintaining business continuity and introducing disruptive ideas. Luke also emphasizes the significance of learning over investment and provides advice for business owners struggling with i...
2025-07-2041 min
Succession StoriesLions and Tigers and Entrepreneurs, Oh My! Brea Starmer - The Entrepreneur Gene Series"Simply treating people with respect, with dignity and agency, has been really counterculture and I hope that that becomes a more infectious and attractive way to work." - Brea Starmer Host Laurie Barkman interviews Brea Starmer, Founder and CEO of Lions and Tigers. Brea shares her experience of turning a layoff into a successful business, her passion for empowering careers for women and mothers, and the unique approach of intrapreneurship. The discussion covers Brea's personal journey, the challenges she faced, the importance of values in business, and the exciting future of the industry. Takeaways:
2025-07-1623 min
Succession StoriesEntrepreneurs Are Made if Not Born, Jaclyn Beatty - The Entrepreneur Gene Series"The really great exciting thing about entrepreneurship is even if you don't know from a young age that's the route you want to go, it's never too late to get there." - Jaclyn Beatty Show host Laurie Barkman interviews Jaclyn Beatty, a seasoned sales professional and Owner/Principal Consultant of Geared for Growth at Sales Xceleration. Jaclyn shares her non-traditional journey to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of the entrepreneurial gene and the belief that entrepreneurs can be made, not just born. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a corporate sales leader to an entrepreneurial...
2025-07-1322 min
Succession StoriesRisk, Resolve, Results, Harry Haywood - The Entrepreneur Gene Series"I'm guilty of having always had the feeling of being proud, but not satisfied with my accomplishments. Once I get to one goal, I'm ready to move on to the next." - Harry Haywood Host Laurie Barkman chats with Harry Haywood, President of HBS Solutions Inc. Harry shares insights on the importance of resilience, creativity, and overcoming criticism. With over 15 years of experience, he discusses the challenges of managing growth, building a strong leadership team, and the significance of time management. Harry also delves into his passion for energy efficiency and the evolving industry standards. Listeners will...
2025-07-0922 min
Succession StoriesAccidental Entrepreneurship, Jessica Kenyon - The Entrepreneur Gene Series"The fundamental things are being incredibly optimistic, having the confidence to believe that not only is your idea a good idea, but that you can actually pull it off, and you have to have thick skin." - Jessica Kenyon Host Laurie Barkman interviews Jessica Kenyon, CEO of The Conafay Group. Jessica shares her thoughts on key entrepreneurial traits like optimism, confidence, and resilience. The discussion covers her unconventional journey to leadership, having a background in archeology and a family of virologists, and how she transitioned into the government relations sector. She also talks...
2025-07-0622 min
Succession StoriesEmbracing Heliotropic Leadership with Dr. Harry Cohen - The Entrepreneur Gene Series"Have the confidence to say, "I believe in my mission and my purpose, and no matter what is in front of me, I will overcome those obstacles." - Dr. Harry Cohen Host Laurie Barkman interviews Harry Cohen, President and CEO of Sunny Owl Productions and author of "Be the Sun, Not the Salt." Learn the essential traits that differentiate entrepreneurs— like the ability to tolerate risk and navigate ambiguity, and the significance of instilling an entrepreneurial culture in both large corporations and family-owned businesses by having positive energy in your leadership. Catch Harry's adv...
2025-07-0234 min
Succession StoriesSewing for Space with Aleksandra Bogunovic - The Entrepreneur Gene SeriesWelcome to The Entrepreneur Gene! Host Laurie Barkman dives into the fascinating world of aerospace with Aleksandra Bogunovic, CEO of AeroThreads. Aleks turned her passion for sewing and fabrication into a thriving business that creates thermal blankets for spacecraft with materials that literally go to space! In this episode, we explore: Importance of grit in business. Aleks' journey from working with NASA to founding AeroThreads. Challenges of leading a growing team in a rapidly evolving aerospace industry. Insights on maintaining company culture while scaling. Intersection of creativity a...
2025-06-3027 min
Succession StoriesChallenges, Choices, and Chapters, Julie Broad - The Entrepreneur Gene SeriesIn this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Julie Broad, President of Book Launchers, to discuss the entrepreneurial mindset, key decisions, and challenges in business growth. Julie shares her journey from growing up in a highway-side motel in Alberta, Canada to becoming a successful entrepreneur, author, and real estate investor. She offers insights on the importance of problem-solving and risk-taking and how she self-published her first book. Julie also talks about harnessing AI in her business, transitioning her company from California to Nevada, and her passions for pickleball and poker. Takeaways: Entrepreneurs should look for ga...
2025-06-1822 min
Succession StoriesMeet The Entrepreneur Gene, New Feature Series: Trailer with Laurie BarkmanCheers to 5 years of Succession Stories! On our anniversary, we are excited to introduce our new feature series, The Entrepreneur Gene! A bonus for Succession Stories Podcast listeners! Listen weekly as show host Laurie Barkman talks with founders and CEOs exploring the rewards and challenges of the entrepreneurial path. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of...
2025-03-3006 min
Succession StoriesGuiding Entrepreneurs Through Business Exits with Ghislain GouraigeGhislain Gouraige, Partner at NewEdge Wealth, helps ultra-high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs navigate business transitions. Ghislain joins host Laurie Barkman to recap the firm's 2025 Onward Conference held at Carnegie Mellon University and valuable insights to help you prepare before a sale: Success factors to prepare personally and financially How to maximize business value Understanding M&A market trends and roll-up strategies Identifying target companies Characteristics that make industries attractive to consolidators Dive in for insights to preserve wealth, achieve your transition goals, and build a lasting legacy. ____________________________________ This Show is Sponsored by The Business Tr...
2025-03-2336 min
Succession Stories2024 Reflections, Gratitude, and Future Vision - Laurie Barkman 2024 year-end solocast! Laurie Barkman shares reflections and gratitude for family, friends, and the growing community of entrepreneurs building value with the end game in mind. Gratitude and Reflections - 01:00 2024 Show Highlights - 04:58 Lessons Learned from Guests - 07:45 Looking Forward to 2025 - 10:24 Special Invitations for Listeners - 15:05 Get free digital copy of Business Transition Handbook at btsherpa.com/book Book a 30-minute strategy call at timewithlaurie.com Email contact@btsherpa.com with guest recommendations. ____________________________________ This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are y...
2024-12-1719 min
Succession StoriesIntroducing The Endgame Entrepreneurship Masterclass! Laurie BarkmanJoin host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaⓇ, as she celebrates four years of inspiring conversations and life-changing insights on the Succession Stories podcast. With over 4.5 million companies and $14 trillion of business wealth at stake in the next decade, Laurie's mission to guide entrepreneurs through their succession journeys has never been more crucial. Laurie unveils The Endgame EntrepreneurshipTM Masterclass, designed to guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of business transition. This comprehensive online course offers self-paced video lessons, exercises, and a supportive community of advisors to help you maximize your business value and plan for...
2024-07-2114 min
Succession StoriesPower of Family Business Advocacy and Succession Planning, Pat SoldanoDid you know that 87% of the businesses in the United States are family owned? That's 32.4 million family businesses and they contribute $7.7 trillion to the GDP. Pat Soldano, a strong advocate for family businesses, joins Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa. Pat is the President of Family Enterprise USA (FE-USA) whose mission is to promote the growth of generational owned family businesses in the US. She is also President of Policy and Taxation Group that works to reduce onerous tax and economic policies for successful families, family business, and family offices. Fam...
2024-07-1428 min
Succession StoriesFinding the Right Buyer for Your Legacy, Markus KauliusFrom humble beginnings to founding Magnum Nutraceuticals, Markus Kaulius shares the saga of transforming a passion into a $170 million empire with Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaⓇ. Discover the pivotal moment when Markus transitioned from operator to visionary owner, crafting a culture of empowerment and resilience. Learn how he scaled his business, fostered a vibrant company ethos, and navigated the delicate dance of succession. Join them as they unveil the human side of entrepreneurship, offering a roadmap for aspiring business moguls seeking fulfillment and legacy in their own ventures. Listen in to learn more about:...
2024-07-0840 min
Succession StoriesHow to Overcome Personal Fears in Business Transition, Heather Penny, PhD75% of owners express regrets one year after selling. We're a mission to break the cycle. What do we fear in times of transition? How do we develop a vision for ourselves beyond today? When it comes to business transition, the identity we have – business owner, CEO, leader, family member, all play a part. Heather Penny works with business leaders on ways to embrace change and anticipate life changes so they don't control us. Listen in as host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, talks with Heather about ways to overcome personal fe...
2024-06-3028 min
Succession StoriesDo's and Don'ts of Successful Acquisitions, Kyle GrieveBe sure to subscribe to the show and sign up for our newsletter at https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com Host of the #1 stock investing podcast in the world, "We Study Billionaires" Kyle Grieve, joins Laurie Barkman on today's episode. As part of The Investor's Podcast Network, Kyle helps professional investors and business people all over the world grow financially and personally. Listen in as they explore how acquisitions can be a successful growth strategy through the lens of publicly traded company transactions. We also discuss common mistakes and why deals can go wrong even with successful investors...
2024-06-2426 min
Succession StoriesFrom Niche Digital Business To 7-Figure Exit, Tony WhatleyLaurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaⓇ, talks with Tony Whatley, a 20+ year serial entrepreneur, business coach, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker. Tony is Co-Founder of LS1Tech, an online automotive performance community which grew into the largest of its kind with more than 300,000 registered members and 150 advertising accounts. After only 5 years, the company sold for 7-figures and amazingly, it was just his part-time business! Tony shares his mindset and business strategies within his Amazon #1 best-selling book, Side Hustle Millionaire, and teaches people how to startup, scale, and exit their companies within his coaching group and podcast, 365 Dr...
2024-06-1638 min
Succession StoriesRevolutionize Your Business Post-Bankruptcy, Greg McDonoughHost Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, is joined by Greg McDonough, Managing Partner of Blackburn Capital Advisors and host of the Chief Endurance Officer Podcast. Listen in as they discuss navigating a business turnaround through bankruptcy.Bankruptcy can be viewed as a tool for recovery rather than a sign of failure. Greg discusses his experience isolating the root cause of the company's financial issues and creating breathing room from creditors to reorganize fixed costs and debts.Greg also shares how his passion for endurance sports gave him the resilience that he needed to get th...
2024-06-0926 min
Succession StoriesMastering The Art of Successful Transactions, Susan KellerHost Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaⓇ, is joined by Susan Keller, Founder of Entrepreneurial Executives. Susan advises businesses from startups to publicly traded companies on growth strategies and transactions. Laurie talks with Susan as a fellow M&A Advisor about why it's valuable for entrepreneurs to get an early start with transition planning. A great place to begin is conducting a thorough business evaluation to identify what needs improvement in the business. They also discuss the challenges of owner dependency, and separating your identity from the company. Emotional considerations can arise if not. Set an...
2024-06-0222 min
Succession StoriesOvercoming Fear and Preparing For a Successful Ownership Transition, Jon EesleyHost Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, talks with Jon Eesley, Partner at Windsor Advisory Group. With over 45 years of experience working with privately held businesses, Jon has helped countless business owners navigate the complexities of succession planning. His approach focuses on understanding clients' personal goals and values to develop financial strategies that support their vision. Laurie and Jon discuss ways to approach the transition planning process to overcome fear by leaning in on your personal motivations and vision for your legacy. Learn how to clarify your purpose beyond financial gains. Plan a succession that combines your h...
2024-05-2921 min
Succession StoriesThe Secrets of Successful Business Transactions with Reid TilestonUnlock the story behind Reid Tileston's remarkable entrepreneurial journey in this episode of Succession Stories. Join Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®, as she sits down with Reid, a driven acquisition entrepreneur, to dive into his inspiring path from a 23-year-old with $100k to a thriving Anytime Fitness franchisee. Through candid conversation, Reid shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From navigating the challenges of owning an Anytime Fitness franchise during the rough Great Recession to achieving top-tier success across multiple units, Reid offers invaluable insights into the world of acquisition entrepreneurship. ...
2024-05-0842 min
Succession StoriesCreating A Profitable Niche Business to Sell, David SprayHost Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, talks with David Spray, Founder and President of Export Advisors, which serves the owners of privately-held, U.S. exporting companies. Over the past 20 years, the firm has created more than $400 million in wealth for hundreds of entrepreneurs and their families from the IC-DISC tax savings program. They discuss value building and how David built a niche podcasting business with infinite ROI, and sold it within two years to his partner. Listen in to learn more about: Finding your niche and owning it Building a specialized business with re...
2024-05-0228 min
Succession StoriesBuilding Your Business With Exit Strategy In Mind, Mike MalatestaHost Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, talks with Mike Malatesta, CEO of LJP Waste Solutions. Over the past 30 years, Mike's experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He built and sold two waste recycling companies that grossed more than $500M. He's also an author, podcaster, and advisor to business owners. Mike talks about the unexpected death of one of his business partners due to a workplace accident. Dealing with the loss was challenging and accelerated their interest in a potential exit. You'll want to hear why Mike believes entrepreneurs should not sell their business...
2024-04-2537 min
Succession StoriesSuccess Secrets For Family Businesses Navigating Growth Crossroads, Meghan LynchSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaⓇ, is joined by Meghan Lynch, the driving force behind Six-Point Creative, a marketing services firm dedicated to empowering family-owned and closely-held businesses. Meghan's mission is to help family businesses compete against industry giants. Listen in as they explore: The challenges that family businesses face in balancing sustainability and growth Strategies for family businesses to achieve 2X growth while maintaining control over relationships, messaging, and future direction 3 essential steps for family-held businesses to achieve their goals in the coming year and beyond Enjoy this Succession Stories episode ab...
2024-04-0234 min
Succession StoriesHow To Have Tough Succession Conversations, Jane HansonSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®, welcomes Jane Hanson, a nine-time Emmy award winning correspondent. She has an amazing resume as a network co-anchor in New York, and has covered events ranging from the tragedy of 9/11 to the joy of the Yankees victory parades. She has interviewed presidents, business leaders, prisoners, and celebrities. She's currently a much sought-after communications coach working with top-tier leaders in every field while continuing to emcee, speak and host broadcasts. Laurie and Jane discuss how leaders have tough conversations, especially when it comes to succession. At the core of e...
2024-02-0432 min
Succession StoriesHow to Spot Sales Risk in Your Succession Plan with David NewmanSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®, welcomes David Newman, author of the business bestseller "Do It! Marketing" and his new book, "Do It! Selling." He's the founder of the Do It! MBA mentoring program and the host of The Selling Show, a top-rated business podcast. Laurie and David discuss his take on how business owners can avoid a common succession pitfall related to sales. It's called the "Rainmakers Dilemma" and happens when the owner of the business drives the sales process and most of the revenue. The risk is that if the own...
2024-01-3025 min
Succession StoriesHow to Talk with Family about Business Ownership Succession, Matt DiFrancescoSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®, welcomes Matt DiFrancesco, Principal of HighLift Financial, and host of the "Your Business, Your Life" podcast. Laurie and Matt discuss navigating complex family dynamics for business succession planning. How to have difficult conversations with family members, especially children, about their roles in the business and potential ownership succession. Family legacy and continuity planning are essential parts of the conversation as well as common challenges for succession planning in family businesses including timing of decisions. Enjoy this Succession Stories episode on navigating family business succession planning with Ma...
2024-01-2932 min
Succession StoriesTax Strategies to Consider When Selling a Business, Ross BrannonSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®, welcomes Ross Brannon, Tax Shelter and Private Equity Consultant at CoastalOne. Ross joined Laurie for a conversation about tax strategies business owners should consider when selling a business. Listen in to learn more about tax deferral and tax mitigation strategies including opportunity zones, installment sales, and diversified investment structures. Don't wait until you're in a transaction to learn about tax mitigation strategies. It's called financial planning for a reason. You need time to plan. They also discuss the importance of planning for life after s...
2024-01-2431 min
Succession StoriesYour Kids Want Your Wealth, Not Your Business, Elliott H. KallenSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa(™), welcomes Elliot H. Kallen, President of Prosperity Financial Group, a financial planning and advising firm. Elliot is a three time CEO with a passion for working with family businesses to achieve a meaningful life beyond financial measure. Listen in as they discuss the emotional aspect of family businesses and the hypothetical umbilical cord that's hard to sever. It could be a reason why family business owners want their kids to take over– so they can stay close to the action. Or, they may be reluctant to let go of t...
2024-01-1438 min
The IC-DISC ShowEp051: Pathways to Successful Business Transitions with Laurie BarkmanToday on the IC-DISC show, join us for an insightful discussion with Laurie Barkman, a renowned CEO and author of The Business Transition Handbook. As the acclaimed Business Transition Sherpa, Laurie sheds light on the reality that all business owners will exit someday.
We explore the challenges of selling a business, like why most small businesses don't sell successfully and the potential pitfalls of an exit.
We also discuss relying on experienced advisors and how understanding taxes and markets can aid planning. Laurie shares invaluable advice on navigating this critical phase successfully.
This...
2024-01-1044 min
Succession StoriesHow Will Your Company Be Remembered? Rocco CozzaSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa(™), welcomes Rocco Cozza, Founder and Managing Partner of Cozza Law Group, for a conversation spotlighting a topic owners may be starting to think about, but not yet talk about – business legacy and succession planning. Learn key framing questions to help you think about business legacy and implications for planning your succession. "What do you want people to say about your business when you're no longer here?" It's important to plan for your exit from the beginning. If you want to build a business to stay within your...
2024-01-0724 min
Succession StoriesBenefits of Strategic Planning For Transition, John DennySuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa(™), welcomes John Denny, Principal of Denny Civic Solutions and the first client Laurie brought onto the show. In this episode, Laurie and John tackle a topic close to Laurie's heart – succession planning and ownership transition. Listen in as they explore the keys to successful exits without regrets, the nuances of envisioning your business legacy, and discuss critical aspects of planning for the future. They also highlighted that planning succession isn't taboo; it's an essential conversation for every business owner's future. Enjoy this Succ...
2023-12-1727 min
Succession StoriesPost-Transaction Tax Strategies, Chuck GoldblumSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa(™), welcomes Chuck Goldblum, Founder and Financial Strategist of Hurley Capital. Today's episode is critical if you're planning to sell your business. Laurie and Chuck discuss a topic many owners want to know more about – maximizing net proceeds after a sale. Listen in as they explore tax strategies when you're planning to sell your business, navigating life after the sale, and pivotal success factors for a regret-free exit. Being proactive can pay off because you need time to implement these strategies. Plan the work, and work t...
2023-12-0321 min
Succession StoriesWinning at Organic Growth with Shawn O'Malley at "We Study Markets"Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa™, welcomes Shawn O'Malley, Chief Editor and Financial Writer for "We Study Markets" at The Investor's Podcast Network. "We Study Markets" financial newsletter has quickly gained traction with 36,000 daily readers at the time of this recording. The essence of this episode is about organic growth and intrapreneurship – building a new business within an existing enterprise. Shawn is working at the intersection of unmet market potential and Gen Z creativity. Listen in as Laurie and Shawn discuss the challenges of building a startup within an established compan...
2023-11-2127 min
Succession StoriesExploring Ownership Succession and Legacy with Ken RuskSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa™, welcomes Ken Rusk, founder of Rusk Industries. Ken's journey is a blueprint for blue-collar entrepreneurship. He's on a mission to redefine the narrative around blue-collar jobs in his book, "Blue Collar Cash." Laurie and Ken explore the topics of ownership succession, sale to an ESOP, and the legacy hopes to leave on the company and beyond. "We don't live to work, we work so that we can live." Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation that might just shift your perspective on work, success, and the...
2023-11-1933 min
Succession StoriesHow Transferable Are Your Business Assets? Heather Pearce CampbellSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa(™), welcomes Heather Pearce Campbell, The Legal Website Warrior. Heather equips entrepreneurs with tools to champion positive change and safeguard businesses. Her passion for working with entrepreneurs extends to her popular podcast "Guts, Grit, and Great Business.". Laurie and Heather discuss protecting the transferability of your business assets. It's as much about legal protection as it is about value protection. Heather shares ways to protect the assets in your business and proactive problem prevention when the time comes for a business transition. When you...
2023-11-1237 min
Succession StoriesHow To Maximize Wealth and Your Legacy, Tim ScannellSuccession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa(TM), welcomes Tim Scannell, Managing Director, Partner at Hightower Great Lakes. Tim is the Managing Director at Hightower Great Lakes and host of "The Wealth Stream Podcast." As an expert in proactive wealth management and tax planning, Tim guides families and business owners toward their financial aspirations. Laurie and Tim pull back the curtain on what a virtual family office is and what value they provide to owners and enterprising families. Learn how you can prepare for a successful exit and safeguard your assets.Th...
2023-11-0518 min
Succession StoriesPlanning for the Unexpected In Your Business, Pat EnnisSuccession Stories host, Laurie Barkman, is joined by Pat Ennis, Founder of Ennis Legacy Partners. With decades of experience in financial services, Pat has extensive understanding of the challenges business owners face. Because 100% of owners will eventually exit, it's important to understand the 6Ds– risks that can derail a business like death, divorce, and disasters. Understandably these risks can feel like taboo topics so that's why we're diving in. "Owners need a plan to prepare the business to maintain essential functions to avoid potential disaster or crisis." Learn why having an ownership contingency pla...
2023-10-2932 min
Succession StoriesReasons Why Your Business Won't Sell and What To Fix Now, Christine NicholsonA majority of small businesses that intend to exit don't actually sell. A big reason is owner-dependency. A business that can't thrive without its owner will likely be less desirable to buyers. Listen in as Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa, talks with Christine Nicholson, an award-winning business mentor in the UK. An expert on exit and succession planning in owner-managed businesses, Christine is the author of four books offering practical advice on running better businesses including her latest book, "SELL IT," helping business owners get their business and themselves ready for the hardest...
2023-10-2333 min
Succession StoriesTurning Down Family Business Succession, Pete WalshPete Walsh is a Master Coach and a trusted advisor who brings real-life lessons to his family business and executive clients. Pete is the first guest on Succession Stories who turned down next generation succession. In 1919, Pete's great uncle and grandfather started Walsh Bros. as a typewriter repair company in the times of the US wild west. As the 3rd generation, Pete joined the business and slowly worked his way up the company ladder. There were lots of owner branches on the family tree, and Pete felt that the road to autonomy and ownership was too much o...
2023-10-1538 min
Succession StoriesHow Business Owners Capitalize Retirement, Christopher PanagiotuChristopher A. Panagiotu is a respected financial author, podcaster, and trusted wealth manager. His financial planning business in Washington state, CAPitalize Your Finances, led him to create a podcast and book of the same name, "CAPitalize Your Finances: The How-To Financial Framework That Takes You from Compoundingly Clueless to Monetarily Magnificent." Chris joins Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman to discuss what eventually all business owners need to determine about their exit and financial future. Know what you need to live on so you don't find yourself surprised if the after-tax number doesn't fully meet your r...
2023-10-0836 min
Succession StoriesDon't Stand In The Way of Your Business Growth and Transition, Rick VanasseRick Vanasse advises CEOs and rising leaders as Chair with Vistage, a global membership organization. He's like a CEO whisperer, creating space for leaders to address strategic questions from an organizational, personal, and business standpoint. Rick chairs Vistage groups in DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis, Maryland. Listen in as Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman talks with Rick about growth and self-awareness as a leader; taking a strategic view from the balcony; and why strategic transition planning done well includes the emotional and personal side, not just the practical stuff. "Not doing strategic transition planning is as dangerous as...
2023-10-0141 min
Succession StoriesShould You Keep or Leave Your Business and Other Soul-Searching Questions, Brian TrzcinskiThis episode provides great questions to help you think about what can protect your business and create wealth. Brian Trzcinski, Director of Business Market Development with MassMutual, joins host Laurie Barkman to discuss questions business owners need to answer to enhance value and reduce risk. Like what would your business be worth today if you died 90 days ago? And why should exit planning begin the day your doors open? Head to SuccessionStories.com for the show notes and transcript to get all the questions you need to be considering. Enjoy this Succession Stories episode about soul-searching questions for exit...
2023-09-2431 min
Succession StoriesHow Sibling Rivalry Disrupted Succession of This Family Business, Eva FischerWhen it comes to family business succession, will dysfunction prevail? Eva Fischer was the chair of the family business, Brunata, one of Scandinavia's largest clean-tech companies, and at the helm during its turnaround. Eva talks candidly with host Laurie Barkman about how the business consumed the family, and caused relationships to become dysfunctional. Family problems became company problems and there was a negative spiral. Eva was a dark horse in a succession process that eventually led to the sale of the 450+ employee business to a strategic buyer in Germany. Now as a family business advisor and s...
2023-09-1037 min
Succession StoriesGet Intentional With Your Business Legacy, John Lee Dumas @EOFire [Legacy Series]If you're a fan of business podcasts, you might know the name John Lee Dumas (JLD), founder and host of the award-winning show, Entrepreneurs on Fire. Since launching in 2012, JLD has interviewed over 3,000 of the world's most successful entrepreneurs. With over 100 million listens, he's turned the show into a media empire generating 7-figures of net annual revenue. JLD joins Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman to talk about business and personal legacy. What does it take to create a business that leaves a lasting legacy? It involves doing things today that lay the foundation. When the time comes...
2023-09-0916 min
Succession Stories[LEGACY SERIES] How This Entrepreneur Is Planning His Future Exit and Benefiting From Talking About It, Bill SpohnWhen is the right time to transition your business? Bill Spohn, President and Owner of TruTech Tools, plans to retire in three years. TruTech Tools is an award-winning e-commerce reseller of tools and test instruments for HVAC and building performance professionals. He's working on making the company less dependent on him by adding capable leaders, documenting workflows, and keeping a notebook of ideas. Bill joins host Laurie Barkman on Succession Stories for a "Legacy Series" conversation how entrepreneurs can start plan your future exit and benefit from talking about it. Listen in to learn more a...
2023-09-0234 min
Succession StoriesTelling Stories of Smaller Companies That Sell, Alexis Grant with They Got AcquiredWhat do small business owners wish they had done differently before selling? While the attention on billion dollar mergers and acquisitions, detailed information about acquisitions of smaller businesses is harder to find. Alexis Grant launched an online media platform, They Got Acquired, to help founders understand deal-making in the lower middle market. It's valuable to think about your potential exit even if it's years away. Lexi joins host Laurie Barkman on Succession Stories to discuss how to set up your business for a successful sale regardless of its size. Listen in to learn more about:
2023-08-2724 min
Succession StoriesHow to Buy a Company as an Acquisition Entrepreneur - Ben Rizzo, Hartwood PointBen Rizzo, Founder of Hartwood Point, makes direct private investments across the US and UK, primarily in operator-led buyouts. Ben talks with Succession Stories host, Laurie Barkman, about acquisitions, and how he turned around a distressed business and sold it in just two years. Having experience on both sides of M&A deals, Ben shares practical tips for business owners and acquisition entrepreneurs. Owners will gain insights about what you can do now to get your business sell-ready and be better prepared for a great exit when the time comes to sell. Listen to learn m...
2023-07-0440 min
Succession StoriesIt's the Net Number That Counts. Tax Strategies to Consider When Selling a Business, Joel Valentine and Christoper Weir, Wessel and Company CPAWhen selling your business, it's the net number that counts. Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman focuses on tax strategies to consider when selling a business and speaks with two colleagues from Wessel & Company, a regional tax and accounting firm in Pennsylvania- Joel Valentine, President and CEO, and Christopher Weir, Partner. Wessel provides corporate tax, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and ESOP advisory services. For anyone thinking about selling in the future, the advice is to treat your business like it's for sale every day. In a transaction, we want to maximize the top number and also maximize after-tax proceeds...
2023-06-2544 min
Succession StoriesWhat Will You Do After You Leave Your Business? Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaSolocast with Laurie Barkman, show host and business transition sherpa. Laurie discusses a critical owner succession pitfall to avoid. You don't know what you will do after you leave the business. Personal readiness is an important aspect of business transition planning, and it's often overlooked. Being emotionally unprepared for the transition can lead to feelings of loss and a lack of purpose. Many owners struggle with the decision within 12 months of selling their business. What can you do now to avoid succession regrets? Listen in to learn more about: Why owners feel pushed out of...
2023-06-1626 min
Succession StoriesEvaluating Your Business to Find the Right Buyers, Tim TannertWhat is it like to sell your same business twice? As CEO of a pharmacy software company, Tim Tannert led the business through two successful transactions. Key to their success was having a differentiated niche and strong market position. This enabled them to construct a sale process where they could select a partner that was the best fit. Tim talks about being open and honest with yourself. Evaluate your team and business to find the resources you need to take the company to the next level. Ultimately, Tim's company selected a partner that had the size, scale, and infrastructure...
2023-06-0428 min
Succession StoriesExit Planning Isn't About Money, It's About People - Misty See Meschter and Don See, Pass It On Inc.Most successful business owners spend their time running their business. Their expertise is not planning how to exit, or planning what might happen to the company, their family, employees or customers if something unexpectedly happens to them. That is the expertise of Pass It On, Inc. Laurie Barkman speaks with father-daughter team, Don See and Misty Meschter. Since 1947, their company has helped families think through the options and potential outcomes of passing it on, and they have forged their own journey through three generations of succession. They design plans and funding arrangements to protect family businesses from the financial...
2023-05-2143 min
Succession StoriesWho Wants to Run a Company That Can Thrive Without You? Laurie Barkman SolocastSolocast with Laurie Barkman, show host and business transition sherpa. In this solocast, Laurie talks about her new book, "The Business Transition Handbook," and discusses a critical owner succession pitfall to avoid – your company needs you too much. A business that relies too heavily on the skills or relationships of the owner is a less transferable and valuable business. Laurie dives into seven ways you can reduce or eliminate value-crushing dependencies by minimizing value derailers and preparing for future ownership succession. Regardless of when you intend to exit, you will benefit by following these time-tested best practices to create a...
2023-05-0116 min
Succession StoriesSimple Ways To Improve Cash Flow That Work For Small Business Owners, Cliff SpolanderWhen it comes to evaluating the risk profile of a business, buyers look at the potential pitfalls starting with cash flow. Cliff Spolander, author of The Cash Flow Code, is the CEO of Business By Design, an exit planning advisory company in the UK. He has started, bought and sold several companies across a range of sectors including retail, education, health and construction. Cliff helps business owners strike a balance between protecting cash flow and profit margins, while growing their business. Laurie Barkman talks with Cliff about the importance of improving cash flow as a key step towards getting...
2023-04-0936 min
Succession StoriesAvoiding Transition Pitfalls with Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition SherpaIn today's solocast, I discuss topics from my upcoming book, The Business Transition Handbook The focus of the book is how to avoid succession pitfalls. Prepare yourself and your company to minimize value derailers, and prepare for a future transition. Regardless of when you intend to exit, you will benefit by following these time-tested best practices to create a more profitable and enjoyable business to run today. 100% of owners will leave their business one day - but few are prepared. Take-aways: Having a written plan is essential for achieving the desired outcome in a...
2023-03-0530 min
Succession StoriesNext Generation Disruptive Successor, Jonathan GoldhillHow can you position your family's business to successfully transition between generations and begin to grow for the future? Innovation, transition, growth. These are the key drivers of disruptive succession that help businesses evolve and continue to thrive. This week on Succession Stories, Jonathan Goldhill joins host Laurie Barkman for a conversation on moving businesses forward in the face of change. Jonathan is the founder of Goldhill Group which has been serving closely-held and family businesses for over three decades. Drawing from his experience as a strategist and consultant, Jonathan is...
2023-01-2242 min
Succession StoriesSuccession Stories Rewind with Laurie BarkmanCatch up on the Succession Stories Podcast with highlights from recent episodes. Host Laurie Barkman spotlights the challenges of business transition, M&A exits, and succession in this special Rewind episode. Topics include building a more sellable business with Jeffrey Feldberg, how to value a business with Fred Kaplan and Kristi Poszlusny, and spotting hidden risk factors in business transferability with Rebecca Monet. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, subscribe to Succession Stories in your favorite podcast player, and on YouTube, so you don't miss any episodes. You can always go back and l...
2023-01-0846 min
Succession StoriesCreating the Family Enterprise of the Future, Nike AnaniSuccession Stories welcomes Nike Anani back to the show. Nike is an international award-winning entrepreneur, succession specialist, and legacy planning expert for future-focused business families. She's the host of The Connected Generation, a top 10 podcast for family enterprises globally. Nike joins Laurie Barkman for a conversation on how families can better connect, collaborate, and create to encourage diversity of thought to co-create the businesses of the future that they envision. Listen in to learn more about: Why founders need to invest in relational factors for smooth transition Having conversations on the future...
2022-09-0427 min
Succession StoriesSuccession Stories Celebrates 100 Episodes with Laurie Barkman and Guest Host Lou DiamondCelebrating the 100th episode of Succession Stories! Guest host Lou Diamond interviews Laurie Barkman to reflect on the journey of the show, favorite episodes, and more milestones to come. About Succession Stories Podcast Succession Stories is an award-winning podcast hosted by Laurie Barkman, the Business Transition Sherpa-- guiding business owners through the process from "transition to transaction." Subscribe to Succession Stories and share a review if you enjoy the show! Learn more at https://smalldotbig.com Book a 1:1 Advisory call at: www.meetlauriebarkman.com ___________________________________ B...
2022-08-0745 min
Succession StoriesHow to Turn Failure Into Transformative Success, Nicole JansenNicole Jansen grew up in an entrepreneurial household and by her mid-twenties had helped build an 8-figure family business that spanned nearly a dozen countries. But at the height of their success, they lost it all. Nicole joins host Laurie Barkman to discuss how this experience fuels her mission today, working with business owners and visionary leaders to achieve success while also making a positive impact in the lives of others. She is the founder of Discover The Edge and Leaders of Transformation Podcast. Key takeaways: How can we become better, not bitter, when things don't go our way...
2022-04-1744 min
Succession StoriesHope is Not a Plan for Exit Success, Marcia RinerHow can business owners turn their biggest asset into one worth selling? Marcia Riner shares the heartbreaking experience of watching both of her parents close their businesses. Now as a business growth strategist, Marcia helps service-based professionals strengthen their business so that it is worth selling someday. She's the author of "Big Profit Secrets" and hosts a podcast called "Profit With A Plan." Listen in as host Laurie Barkman talks with Marcia about why it's best to have a plan, rather than hope for exit success, on this week's Succession Stories. Listen in to learn mo...
2022-04-1024 min
Succession StoriesFamily Office Investment Trends, Mark Brandt RSM More than 13,000 Family Offices exist in the US, preserving the legacy and investments of the original family enterprise. Many see direct investment as a way to tap into the entrepreneurial DNA that made the family business successful. And family office investors can be a source of patient capital having a longer time horizon compared to other financial buyers. Mark Brandt, Family Office Market Director for RSM, has worked with family businesses and family offices throughout his entire career. He joins Laurie Barkman to talk about some of the important trends with family office investing. L...
2022-03-1333 min
Succession StoriesFinding Time Wealth | Craig Clickner and Carrie Bohlig, Tandem ConsultingFinding time wealth means having the ability to choose how you spend your time. On this episode, Laurie Barkman talks with Craig Clickner and Carrie Bohlig. They're the married co-founders of Tandem Consulting and other companies. Their businesses, which initially started as side hustles, allowed them to step away from their corporate careers, and developed 8 income streams bringing in over $3 million annually. Taking an entrepreneurial path is a key topic on their podcast, Tandem Talks (where Laurie was recently a guest) and in their new book "So You Want to Start a Side Hustle." Get inspired to focus more...
2022-02-0629 min
Succession StoriesGrowing Through the Pandemic | Stephanie SchellerLooking to enhance and grow your business in 2022? This week on Succession Stories, Stephanie Scheller joins Laurie Barkman to discuss success in the face of disruption. Stephanie is the founder of Grow Disrupt, a marketing agency in Texas that grew by nearly 50% in 2020. How? By optimizing recruitment, offering packages that address customer needs, and improving the agency's positioning. In addition to sharing her story, Stephanie also plays her violin for us, a first for the show! Listen in to learn more about: Fine-tuning your three M's of marketing; market, message, and methods of distribution Te...
2022-01-2334 min
Succession StoriesHow Transition Readiness Maximizes Value - Laurie Barkman + Chris BrodmanWe kick off 2022 with a spotlight on business transitions. Why maximizing your business today can help you prepare for an exit on your terms tomorrow. This episode features an insightful presentation from Laurie Barkman in a webinar with Chris Brodman, President of Metz Lewis Brodman Must O'Keefe, a Pittsburgh PA, law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions and business transactions. If you're not yet getting Succession Stories monthly newsletter, now is a great time to sign up on the show's website www.SuccessionStories.com. You'll be amongst the first to hear about Laurie's new book, upcoming events, a...
2022-01-1620 min
Succession StoriesLaunching a Family Office with Alex Panosian, CW Growth PartnersIn the M&A deal ecosystem different types of buyers have different motivations. Family offices are known to have a long time horizon and offer flexibility during acquisition. Alex Panosian is a co-founder of CW Growth Partners, a family office focused on acquiring and growing small businesses in the Midwest. Laurie Barkman and Alex discuss his family business legacy, core values, and how that shaped their investment strategy. Listen in to learn more about: Growing your business value through your people, culture and systems Key considerations from a buyer's perspective during an acquisition To le...
2021-12-0533 min
Succession StoriesSolving the Rainmakers Dilemma with Amy FrankoIf a high percentage of your company's revenue is undertaken personally by you or your fellow equity holders, you're a Rainmaker. You've got a strong ability to influence customers, but you may be lowering your company's value. Amy Franko is a strategic sales expert and author of The Modern Seller. Listen in as Laurie Barkman and Amy talk about the challenge of The Rainmaker's Dilemma, traps to avoid, and actions you can take to increase your company's value. Listen in to learn more about: Understanding The Rainmaker's Dilemma and impact on business value Architecting a...
2021-11-2931 min
Succession StoriesESOP Management Buyout as a Succession Plan | Darren Gleeman, MBO VenturesExplore how ESOP management buyouts can be a great succession plan as a way to transfer your family-owned business to your children and employees. Laurie Barkman and Darren Gleeman, an ESOP expert and Partner at MBO Ventures, discuss why you might consider an ESOP over selling to a private equity firm. In addition to substantial tax incentives, your children can get warrants to buy back a large chunk of the company in the future. Listen in to learn more about the immense possibilities ESOPs can create for your business. How ESOPs can create a win-win scenario for business...
2021-11-2130 min
Succession StoriesInvesting in Your People - Alisa Spector AngeloHow can employers retain people in the face of The Great Resignation job market phenomenon? Alisa Spector Angelo is the Owner and President of Compass Business Solutions, an HR consulting firm that takes a people first approach in driving organizational performance. Listen in as Laurie Barkman and Alisa talk about why it's more important than ever to put your company values into practice to drive retention and foster a healthy and productive work environment. Listen in to learn more about: Refreshing your pre-pandemic core values to match the current business environment Key human capital concerns as...
2021-11-0730 min
Succession StoriesEnterprise Value Scorecard - Steve Peplin, Talan ProductsAll entrepreneurs will leave their company someday. What's your path to increasing your company's value? Steve Peplin, CEO of Talan Products, a $50 million manufacturing company, has achieved impressive growth. Listen in as Laurie Barkman and Steve discuss his secrets to success using enterprise value as a scorecard to improve the business. And how he thinks about the entrepreneurial journey, succession, and what comes next at a personal level. Listen in to learn more about: The importance of talent acquisition, recruiting and retention in the current business landscape Building enterprise value from a buyer's perspective C...
2021-10-3139 min
Succession StoriesValue Creation Revenue and Subscription Businesses | David WibleHave you thought about who potential buyers of your company might be in the future? This week on Succession Stories, Laurie Barkman is joined by David Wible, CEO of Work.Software and former CEO of Industry Weapon, a company he sold in 2020. David shares his experience of selling his business, what made the sale successful, and why he started conversations five years prior to the actual sale. The key was understanding which value drivers mattered most. Listen in to learn more about: The benefit of starting conversations with potential buyers before you're ready to sell Viewing a...
2021-10-2445 min
Succession StoriesMaking Your Business Sellable for Succession - Miche JeanIt's never too early to have conversations on exiting your business. Whether you're looking to retire or pass the mantle to the next generation, it's important to understand the merger and acquisition process sooner than later. Listen in as Laurie Barkman and Miche Jean, CEO of Grotte Business Partners, discuss how to make your business ready for transition while readying yourself for your next chapter. Listen in to learn more about: Clarifying the driving force behind your desire to sell Laying down your exit strategy Why you should work with experts rather than go it a...
2021-10-1825 min
Succession StoriesPreparing Your Business For Sale - Kevin TroutHow can business owners focus on enterprise value rather than short-term profits? Listen in as Laurie Barkman talks with Kevin Trout about preparing your business for sale. Kevin built Grandview Medical Resources with the intent to sell one day. Revenue growth was strong, but created too much risk in the business. Kevin shares some key decisions that he made to drive enterprise value and his reflections on what he would have done differently along the way. Today Kevin pays his experience forward as a Vistage Chair, advising high-performing executives and business owners on growing their businesses and enhancing their lives.
2021-10-1436 min
Succession StoriesMoving Succession and Innovation Forward | Tricia Staible, Robinson FansTricia Staible raised her hand to join the family business, Robinson Fans, and eventually became its sixth generation President. Tricia joined Laurie Barkman to discuss the importance of diversification for long-term growth, and how a culture of curiosity promotes innovation in a manufacturing environment. While the company has grown and expanded with an acquisition, there was a time when its prospects weren't as bright. This ties well with Tricia's favorite quote about staying in the ring and moving forward despite the downsides that come your way. Listen in to learn more about: Dr...
2021-10-0329 min
Succession StoriesNextGen Growth By Acquisition - Ben GrossmanHow acquisitions fuel growth at a multi-generational company. Ben Grossman is the Co-President of the Grossman Marketing Group, a fourth generation business he co-leads with his brother. With sustainability as a key priority, they employ acquisition strategies as a platform for expansion. Listen in as Laurie Barkman talks with Ben about their approach to M&A, including how they source deals, build strong trust based relationships with sellers, and integrate those companies into their organization without losing what makes them special and unique. There's a ton of wisdom in this episode for NextGen leaders, and anyone on...
2021-09-2041 min
Succession StoriesHuman Side of M&A Deals | Jennifer FondrevayDid you know that 80% of mergers and acquisitions fail? An often overlooked yet critical aspect of M&A deals and transitions is the people factor. Jennifer Fondrevay, Founder of Day1 Ready, advises senior executives on how to plan for expected challenges. Listen in as Laurie Barkman talks with Jennifer about the emotional aspect of business transition, and how those emotions come into play for a newly merged organization. If you're anticipating a company transition in your future, listen in to learn more about how strategies around the human factor can drive greater success in M&A deals.
2021-09-1331 min
Podcasting StoriesEp019: Succession Interviews with Laurie BarkmanToday on Podcasting Stories, we're talking with Laurie Barkman, founder of SmallDotBig, a strategic advisory firm that helps owners of small to mid-sized companies maximize enterprise value, create succession plans, and identify M&A strategies.
We talked about her experience leading companies through successful exits as both the CEO and as an outside advisor. If you're the owner of a small to mid-sized company who is starting to think about an exit plan, I would highly recommend that you reach out to her.
Laurie also has a podcast that she started in 2019 and has released...
2021-09-0359 min
Succession StoriesFounder Succession to the Next Generation - Nike AnaniIn Africa, private businesses have just a 2% succession rate to the second generation, compared to 40% in the US. Helping owners achieve business success and lead their family organizations to long-term impact and legacy is a core focus for Nike Anani. With over a decade of family business expertise in Africa, Nike is creating a multinational network to help reverse this trend. Listen in as Laurie Barkman talks with Nike about bridging generational gaps to enable companies to successfully transition to the next generation. Listen in to learn more about: Integrating into a family business as...
2021-08-2433 min
Succession StoriesExit Planning vs Succession Planning - Mike Silverman, Dentons Cohen & GrigsbyHow does exit planning differ from succession planning for business owners? Laurie Barkman and Mike Silverman, Shareholder of Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, discuss the strategic benefits of business transition planning to maximize enterprise value and exit options. Listen in to learn more about the differences between exit and succession planning and importance for your business. Be sure to learn more about the Business Advisory Group-- a collaborative approach to exit and succession planning for business owners-- and how they can help you get started. Listen in to learn more about: The difference between an Exit P...
2021-08-1524 min
Succession StoriesGet Unstuck, Trust Your Intuition - Jon DwoskinOn this "What's Next" episode, Laurie Barkman is joined by Jon Dwoskin, business coach and author of the Think Big Movement. Jon shared his experience selling his first company, and the cancer diagnosis that changed not only his career, but his outlook on life. Facing death head-on made Jon realize how his biggest fears were holding him back. Instead, he turned it into a mission helping people get unstuck. Be sure to listen for Jon's actionable ideas for trusting your intuition and taking action on small things for big results in your life. Listen in to...
2021-07-3136 min
Succession StoriesMergers and Acquisitions Deal Dynamics For Business OwnersFor many business owners, selling your company is typically a once in a lifetime transaction. But it's hard to know how it all works until you're in it. On this episode, Laurie Barkman talks with M&A and boutique investment banker, Dave Eichenlaub from Confluence Advisors, about deal dynamics and what makes a business ready for sale. They explore what can make or sink a deal, and the role of trusted advisors to help bring it all together. Listen in to learn more about: What deal dynamics emerged during the pandemic and potential impacts on activity this year...
2021-07-2035 min
Succession StoriesHow to Scale a Service Business - Kevin Urrutia, Voy MediaLaurie Barkman is joined by Kevin Urrutia, CEO of Voy Media, and co-founder of Maid Sailor, a NYC cleaning services company that he sold last year. Kevin details his experience in building the business from scratch, running it for six years with his brother, and having an exit amidst the pandemic. Listen in to learn more about: How a fearless, willing-to-learn mindset can fuel success Why you should use a scalable training model when building your business Benefits of productizing your service How recurring models can boost your cash flow and help scale your bus...
2021-07-1343 min
Succession Stories53: How to Make Winning Deals - Corey KupferSuccessful M&A deals begin with a deal making mindset. Find out the measures you need to take to make a winning deal. Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, deal-maker, attorney and consultant. He shares how his background in law ultimately led to his success in helping clients iron out the most critical aspects of business deals. What does it take to truly build value and get offers that match your expectations? Listen in as Laurie Barkman talks with Corey about the mindset you need to adequately prepare for successful M&A deals. ...
2021-07-0639 minSuccession StoriesIntroducing the What's Next Series | Cheryl FieldsIntroducing the What's Next Series, a new monthly segment of the Succession Stories Podcast spotlighting transitions. Succession - in business and in life - is about transitions and how you embrace "what's next" matters. For many people, transitions are fueled by financial security. Laurie Barkman talks with Cheryl Fields, an entrepreneur who unexpectedly restarted her career at age 47 and found her life's passion as a financial educator. Listen to learn more about: Cheryl's entrepreneurial journey - starting, growing and selling her companies Raising daughters as a single mom, and how they helped her when she most n...
2020-11-1921 minSuccession StoriesClearing Blurred Lines of Business Transition with Chris ChaneyLaurie Barkman and Chris Chaney from Fort Pitt Capital talk about transition planning for business owners. Many owners do not yet have robust transition plans in place. It may feel complicated because of blurred lines between personal identity, finances, and the company. Answering what success means to you is a way to start separating these lines and avoiding larger problems down the road. If you haven't started planning your business transition, you may find this episode helpful. Listen in to learn more about: Ownership Mentality Blurred Lines Between Work and Personal Life Building Financial Buffers Successful...
2020-11-0837 min