How can business owners avoid post-sale regrets? Bo Burlingham is a celebrated business writer known for his deep expertise in exit planning, a theme central to his influential book "Finish Big." With a career spanning over 30 years at Inc. Magazine, Burlingham gained profound insights into the entrepreneurial world, focusing on the lifecycle of building, growing, and ultimately selling businesses. He advocates for business owners to view their enterprise as a journey, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful preparation for its eventual conclusion to ensure a satisfying and fulfilling exit. Through extensive interviews with entrepreneurs, Burlingham discovered that many experienced regret after selling their businesses, despite financial success, due to inadequate exit planning, thus highlighting the need for strategic early-stage planning and creating companies that can thrive without their founders. Key Takeaways Exit planning is life planning and should be viewed as a journey, not just an event. Proper preparation for a successful exit strategy is crucial to avoid post-sale regrets and unhappiness. Establishing institutions within a company that can operate independently is key for a successful exit. Early preparation and long-term planning are essential for a smooth transition when exiting a business. Connect with Bo Burlingham:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-burlingham-50a583/https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Big-Great-Entrepreneurs-Companies/dp/1591844975Connect with Jacob Koenig:https://woodbridgegrp.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Nicholson is a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background in finance, accounting, and software, bringing a wealth of experience to small business owners. As the author of "Rigging the Game," he emphasizes the importance of achieving financial certainty and managing risk for entrepreneurs. Nicholson advocates for optimizing financial strategies to align with individual goals and needs, rather than simply maximizing shareholder value. By implementing a structured financial operating system, including a cash flow protocol and 15 key financial rules, Nicholson helps business owners reduce uncertainty and make more informed decisions, ultimately aligning their business goals with their personal values for sustainable growth.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Financial certainty and risk management are crucial for small business owners Optimizing for the life they want is more important than just maximizing shareholder value  Implementing financial rules and protocols can enhance ROI and overall business performance  Aligning business with personal values is key to avoiding unnecessary risks and regrets Connect with Dan Nicholson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-p-nicholson/   Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are emotional factors crucial in business negotiations? Stoy Hall, the CEO and founder of Black Mammoth, brings a unique perspective to wealth management rooted in inclusivity and holistic principles. Hall's experiences, including a transformative trip to Tanzania, have shaped his belief that true wealth transcends monetary gain, focusing instead on meaningful life experiences and living authentically. Founded in 2020, Black Mammoth caters to minority and women business owners, leveraging strategies of the ultra-wealthy to provide personalized financial planning and support. Hall's emphasis on communication, strategic planning, and emotional intelligence underscores his commitment to creating a supportive environment that fosters both personal and financial growth for his clients. Here’s what to expect this episode: Stoy Hall founded Black Mammoth in 2020 as a modern family office for minority and women business owners, focusing on inclusivity and holistic wealth management. Engaging multiple buyers in a business acquisition can significantly impact the value and finding the right partner for business owners. Identifying integration costs and seeking advice from experienced professionals are crucial in successfully aligning business acquisitions with wealth management strategies. Emotions and feelings play a significant role in business negotiations and sales, impacting decisions and outcomes more than monetary aspects. Connect with Stoy Hall:https://www.blackmammoth.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoyhall/Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is collaborating with a team of advisors recommended for post-sale planning? Robb Scott, a senior wealth consultant at Mariner Wealth, plays a pivotal role in guiding entrepreneurs through the intricacies of pre-sale and post-sale financial planning. With a focus on early planning, he assembles expert advisory teams to address crucial areas like tax impact and estate planning, thereby optimizing financial outcomes and minimizing risks for business owners. Scott underscores the significance of basic estate plan reviews and trust setups before a sale, which can yield substantial benefits for both the owner and their heirs, while emphasizing post-sale planning for managing retained interests and capitalizing on larger financial opportunities. His approach highlights the necessity of having the right advisors throughout the entire process to secure generational wealth and ensure a smooth transition into the next phase of life. Key Takeaways Engaging in thoughtful pre-sale planning can enhance the success of a business sale by addressing key areas like tax impact, estate planning, and family considerations. Delaying financial planning before a business sale can lead to missed opportunities in tax mitigation, estate planning, and overall financial preparation. Post Sale Planning involves creating a strategy that encompasses tax planning, estate planning, and investment planning to ensure a smooth transition after selling a business. Having the right team in place is crucial for successful outcomes. Trusted advisors and experts in fields like banking, tax advice, estate planning, and legal counsel play a key role. Wealth Deployment After Sale involves guiding clients on prioritizing, protecting, and deploying wealth post-sale through personalized tax, estate, and investment plans. Connect with Robb Scott:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robb-scott-94409146/https://www.marinerwealthadvisors.com/Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the key performance indicators that businesses should focus on for decision-making? Jake Setterlun, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Setterlun University, is deeply familiar with the intricate challenges of scaling a business. With nearly a decade of experience and multiple companies under his belt, Jake understands the potential pitfalls of rapid expansion, such as the loss of quality control when outsourcing operations. He emphasizes the significance of timing in exit strategies, advocating for selling when a business is thriving to attract better buyers, and stresses the need for strong teams and systems to ensure a seamless transition. At Setterlun University, Jake shares his insights on maintaining operational stability and leveraging innovative strategies, such as the "purple ocean offer," to help businesses navigate growth successfully while standing out in the competitive market. Key Takeaways The importance of a data-driven mindset shift during challenging times in business. Selling a business when it is thriving is crucial for a smooth transition and attracting more buyers. Creating competitive tension in media buying and growth lens strategies for driving better outcomes. The constant improvements in AI agents' performance and features. Connect with Jake Setterlun:https://jakesetterlun.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakesetterlun/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can competitive auctions benefit the sale outcomes of a business? Leora Zach, the Managing Director of Wealth Strategy at Mariner Wealth Advisors, brings a wealth of experience in guiding business owners through the intricacies of exit options. With a background in investment banking at UBS, she realized the necessity for more personalized services tailored to privately held businesses. Leora stresses the importance of early preparation, advising business owners to explore diverse exit strategies, such as family transitions and management buyouts, while emphasizing the value of running a competitive process to attract multiple buyers. Her approach is centered on ensuring long-term financial stability and strategic planning, advocating for business owners to begin conversations about exit strategies well in advance to optimize the sale outcome and secure post-sale financial comfort. Key Takeaways Mariner and Woodbridge collaborate to assist business owners in smoothly transitioning from the sale to their next chapter through personalized financial planning services. Preparation is key when selling a business, starting at least two years in advance to clean up the business, tighten financials, and establish strong leadership to attract buyers and mitigate risks. Maximizing value in business sales involves shifting focus from obtaining the highest price to considering lasting wealth and long-term financial security, understanding net amounts retained after taxes, and planning for post-sale proceeds. Conducting competitive auctions when selling a business can attract multiple buyers, leading to better outcomes and maximizing value compared to dealing with a single buyer. Connect with Leora Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leora-zach-cfa-7535a58/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is understanding buyers' goals and aspirations crucial for building relationships in business? Scott Ramey, a former aspiring Division 1 athlete whose journey was redirected by a sports injury, has carved out a successful path in sales and business development. He turned what was once a source of anxiety—being in the spotlight—into a powerful tool for connecting with people, which propelled him from internal sales roles to leadership positions. As the founder of The Ramey Group, Scott emphasizes the importance of genuine, emotionally resonant interactions in sales, focusing on the power of storytelling and effective communication. His approach highlights the necessity of staying in a creative state to minimize anxiety, enhance productivity, and build lasting client relationships that are rooted in trust and authenticity.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Turning personal struggles into professional strengths is powerful for success in sales and business development. Authenticity and empathy are key components for successful sales interactions and building trust with clients. Genuine interactions and warm engagement play a significant role in effectively communicating wisdom. Creating emotional connections with buyers is essential for engaging them and achieving better outcomes in sales presentations. Understanding the audience's goals, dreams, and aspirations is crucial for successful interactions and relationship-building in business. Connect with Scott Ramey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ramey-53977b14a/ https://www.facebook.com/scott.ramey.52 Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why should businesses shift focus from selling products to selling outcomes? Stephen Steers is a renowned consultant and author with a notable background in storytelling in sales, a skill honed through his experience working with approximately 1000 companies worldwide following his transition into consulting from the sales industry. Steers considers storytelling as a pivotal aspect of sales, particularly when the objective is to sell a business. Drawn from his extensive experience and insights, he emphasizes the role of narratives in demonstrating systems and processes that prospective buyers would be interested in. He advocates for storytelling that focuses on positive outcomes, such as improved customer acquisition, effectively communicating business value. Steers insists that aligning storytelling with the benefits and outcomes for customers, rather than merely highlighting product features, is instrumental in engaging customers and fostering memorable experiences that can result in referrals. Here’s what to expect this episode: Storytelling is key in sales to sell outcomes rather than products and connect with customers on a deeper level. Crafting narratives that resonate with buyers' aspirations and goals is crucial for engaging and influencing potential customers Using context-driven strategies in sales, such as personalized messages and storytelling, helps establish meaningful connections with customers. AI in Sales can personalize customer interactions but should be complemented with storytelling and context selling for sustainable results.   Connect with Stephen Steers https://www.stephensteers.com/   Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to close a successful business deal in today’s market? In this engaging podcast episode, host Jacob Koenig welcomes seasoned attorney Randolph Ewing—who has practiced law since 1978 and holds deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, international law, finance, sports, and general business—for a wide-ranging discussion on the intricacies of business transactions. Drawing on his 45 years of experience and history as a partner in prominent firms such as Reynolds Allen & Cook, Looper, Reed, Ewing & McGraw, and Boyer, Ewing & Harris, Ewing reflects on a recent successful deal he closed with Koenig, highlighting the collaborative role of legal and financial advisors. He offers valuable insights into strategic negotiation, the importance of experienced counsel on both sides of a deal, and the evolving landscape of seller-friendly transactions. Throughout the conversation, Ewing shares practical advice and real-world anecdotes, emphasizing how clear communication and legal acumen are key to navigating risk allocation and ensuring smooth deal closures for clients ranging from private equity firms to entrepreneurs and investors. Here’s what to expect this episode: Insight into Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Expertise: valuable insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions from a seasoned legal expert, including strategies for successful deal negotiation and closure. Importance of Professional Legal Representation: the crucial role of having experienced and specialized legal representation on both sides of a transaction, highlighting how this can impact the negotiation and outcome of business deals. Trends and Evolution in Business Transactions: how the landscape of business sales has changed over the years, particularly noting the shift towards more seller-friendly environments and the implications of these changes. Risk Management in Business Deals: gain an understanding of the complexities of risk allocation in business transactions, including how risks are identified, negotiated, and managed by legal professionals. Practical Advice and Anecdotes from Experience: the real-world anecdotes and practical advice drawn from the expert's 45-year career, offering a realistic view of the challenges and considerations in the field of business law and transactions.     Connect with Vin Infante: https://www.ewingjones.com/attorney-randolph-ewing.html   Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What steps should business owners take to ensure a smooth transition when selling their businesses? Kate Hufnagel is a seasoned professional with a solid background in engineering and an extensive 25-year career in big tech, including a tenure as a federal employee at the Central Intelligence Agency. Her perspective on business continuity and digital legacy planning is profoundly shaped by her professional experiences. Hufnagel emphasizes the critical role of reliable documentation and information storage in a digital format for ensuring operational continuity and security, a lesson she learned during her service at the agency. As the founder of the Digital Wrangler, she leverages her expertise to help solopreneurs and small to medium-sized business owners prepare for potential succession and business sale, focusing on digital aspects such as online accounts and financial records. Her approach is proactive, identifying blind spots in digital legacy planning to ensure a smoother transition and a more confident business owner. Here’s what to expect this episode:  Having a comprehensive plan in place is crucial for preparing to sell a business Business owners need to organize digital accounts, formalize succession plans, and implement data security measures when selling their businesses Consultants play a critical role in guiding owners through the business transition process to ensure a successful outcome Connect with Kate Hufnagel https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hufnagel/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the key elements to consider when acquiring an online business? Michael Frew, a seasoned serial entrepreneur and the owner of multiple SaaS businesses, has carved a niche for himself in the competitive landscape of online business acquisitions. Leveraging his engineering and development background, Michael transitioned from a long corporate career to focus on acquiring online companies, targeting businesses with owners motivated by reasons beyond just financial gain. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with sellers, ensuring that there's mutual alignment in mission and customer focus. By utilizing a diverse mix of cash, debt, equity, and earn-outs, Michael remains adaptable and strategic, continuously learning from both successes and challenges to refine his approach and maintain his passion for running these businesses.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Importance of mindset, financing, due diligence, and transition planning in acquiring online businesses. Significance of aligning businesses with one's niches and specialties, and having a well-thought-out transition plan. The evolving financing approach in online business acquisition by incorporating borrowing, debt, equity, and earn-outs. The need to consider compatibility, vision alignment, and working together post-sale in business acquisitions and sales. Connect with Michael Frew https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrew/ https://www.michaelfrew.com/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can investing in an opportunity fund help business owners defer and potentially eliminate taxes? Ashley Tison is a renowned expert in tax planning and mitigation strategies, bringing a wealth of experience from his background in law, commercial real estate, and tax-advantaged syndication. Recognizing the significant tax implications that arose during the Great Recession, he pivoted his focus toward assisting business owners in preserving their profits through effective tax strategies. Since 2018, Ashley has concentrated on Opportunity Zones, guiding clients in optimizing their tax efficiency and emphasizing the importance of establishing Opportunity Funds early to capitalize on future capital gains and tax benefits. He advocates for proactive planning and comprehensive financial management, encouraging business owners to explore strategies such as charitable remainder trusts and Opportunity Funds to mitigate tax liabilities and enhance returns, particularly before the Opportunity Zones program's 2026 deadline.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Succession planning is crucial for business owners to navigate potential transitions and avoid negative outcomes. Tax planning strategies like Opportunity Zones and charitable remainder trusts can optimize tax outcomes for business owners. Excess inventory can complicate the selling process for businesses, highlighting the importance of proactive inventory management. Investing in an opportunity fund within 180 days of realizing a capital gain can defer tax payments and potentially eliminate taxes altogether through creative tax mitigation strategies. Collaboration with professionals and early preparation can help businesses navigate transitions smoothly and maximize the value of their assets. Connect with Ashley Tison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-tison/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can reframing sales as a service help build trust and lead to business success? Nicky Billou, an inspiring figure whose journey as an immigrant from Iran to Canada profoundly shaped his worldview, passionately believes in the power of freedom and self-determination. Escaping the Islamic revolution to practice their Christian faith freely, his family's transition from tyranny to freedom significantly influences his mission to champion these values for entrepreneurs. Guided by his father's entrepreneurial spirit and generosity, Nicky dedicates himself to empowering business professionals, teaching them to achieve personal and financial freedom while restoring faith in humanity. Through initiatives like E Circle Academy, he leverages his expertise to guide thousands in scaling their ventures, emphasizing the importance of aligning with clients' values and preparing businesses for sustainable growth independent of their owners.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Nicky Billou's journey as an immigrant from Iran to Canada and the importance of his parents' sacrifices in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. The emphasis on reframing sales as a service to build trust and achieve business success. The impact of the Ideal Client Exercise in tailoring messaging and strategies to attract the right buyers and increase client satisfaction. Instances of regret from business owners due to buyer misalignment post-acquisition, highlighting the importance of aligning values and intentions before selling a company. The significance of preparing a business for sale by ensuring it can operate independently from the owner, focusing on sustainable growth post-sale. Connect with Nicky Billou: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickybillou/ https://www.ecircleacademy.com/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is open communication important among financial professionals in divorce cases involving family businesses? Melissa Murphy Pavone is a seasoned certified divorce financial analyst and the founder of Mindful Financial Partners and Mindful Divorce Partners, bringing over 18 years of experience from prestigious financial institutions like UBS and Citibank. She is renowned for her expertise in navigating the intricate financial landscape of divorces involving family-owned businesses, focusing on fair business valuations and thorough expense analysis. Melissa advocates for a collaborative approach among certified divorce financial analysts, accountants, and attorneys to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients, ensuring that financial strategies align with personal and business objectives. Through her entrepreneurial venture, she provides tailored financial advice and acts as a family CFO, guiding clients through comprehensive financial planning, from insurance to estate planning, to support their long-term goals and financial well-being.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Melissa Murphy Pavone specializes in cases involving family-owned businesses, focusing on business valuations, expense analysis, and financial implications of divorce. Thorough financial analysis is crucial in divorce cases with family businesses to address all aspects for the best interest of all parties. Open communication and collaboration among financial professionals is crucial for working in the best interest of the client.    Connect with Melissa Murphy Pavone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamurphypavone/ https://mindfulfinancialpartners.com/about/ https://mindfulfinancialpartners.com/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can building a business for strategic buyers increase value? Igor Vainshtein, a renowned serial entrepreneur and best-selling author, is a leading advocate for building businesses with strategic buyers in mind. His approach emphasizes that such buyers seek more than just financial returns; they look for acquisitions that align with their strategic objectives. Vainshtein's entrepreneurial philosophy shifts the focus from merely growing a business to strategically positioning it as indispensable to potential buyers, thus increasing the likelihood of a successful and timely sale. Drawing on his experience, including the successful sale of his golf business, he underscores the importance of aligning business value with buyer expectations, thereby crafting exit strategies that are not only lucrative but also foster long-term growth.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Managing expectations and being strategic are key when planning to sell a company   Successful exits require a period of handover, golden handcuffs, and shared risk in the upside of the deal   Igor's experience underscores the value of strategic exits over traditional ones   Planning for a potential exit is necessary to build a business that someone would want for strategic reasons   Understanding cultural factors and navigating international business dealings is important       Connect with Igor Vainshtein: https://www.igorvainshtein.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorvainshtein/   Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkoenig/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"My profitability was in excess of 80%... I stopped growing the company. So they're like, well, it's not on an upwards trajectory. And I'm like, yeah, but you've seen... literally untouched... for four plus years, and the clients have gone nowhere."  -Ben Bressington- Ben Bressington is the CEO of Automate Boring, where he champions the transformative potential of robotic process automation in refining business operations. He advocates for the strategic integration of automation as a critical factor for businesses aiming to scale and maintain competitiveness in today's fast-paced technological environment. By focusing on simplicity and agility, Bressington believes that businesses can empower their employees to effectively manage automated systems, thereby reallocating human resources to more strategic and innovative tasks. With his extensive expertise, he underscores the significance of leveraging AI to enhance operational consistency and efficiency, ultimately optimizing business processes for sustainable growth.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Automation is crucial for streamlining processes and freeing up human resources for more valuable tasks. Businesses can use Gen AI and robotic process automation to create and post content on social media platforms for engagement. Sustainable income and profitability are key factors for buyers when acquiring a business. Entrepreneurs should focus on simplicity, agility, and flexibility in utilizing automation to improve business operations.     Connect with Ben Bressington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminbressington/   https://bareremedy.net/     Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry LaBov, CEO and founder of Labov Marketing Communications and Training, is a prominent advocate for brand differentiation, emphasizing the importance of discovering and maximizing a company's unique qualities. Starting his business as a one-person operation, LaBov has grown it into a global entity serving major clients like Harley Davidson and Volkswagen, focusing on highlighting what sets them apart in the marketplace. Through his book "Power of Differentiation" and his podcast, Difference Talks, LaBov explores methodologies such as brand assessment and technical immersion to validate and strategically execute a company's distinct traits. He firmly believes that by celebrating these unique aspects with employees and effectively communicating them to the market, businesses can build a compelling narrative, increase their value, and ensure long-term success even amidst fierce competition.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Brand differentiation is crucial for increasing value and standing out in the market.   Maintaining what is special about a business is important for preserving its legacy.   Valuing uniqueness over commodities is essential for creating brand alignment and value.   External perspectives are necessary for companies to uncover hidden differentiators and enhance their marketability.   Connect with Barry LaBov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-labov-6965241/   https://www.labov.com/barry-labov/     Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Secrets to Selling Your Business" podcast, Jacob interviews Jeff Mains, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO who has led multiple international software and professional services companies, specializing in transforming ideas into successful enterprises. Jeff discusses his role in healthcare with Intelligent Contacts, focusing on improving patient experiences, and his work with the Champion Leadership Group where he helps software companies achieve scalable, profitable growth. He shares valuable insights on the importance of building strong teams, the strategic shifts necessary for scaling to higher revenue brackets, and the lessons learned from selling companies, including the challenges faced during post-acquisition transitions. Jeff also delves into the concepts from his upcoming books "Small Fish, Big Pond: Building A World Class Business That Swims Circles Around Competitors" and "The Captain's Keys," offering practical strategies for entrepreneurs to outsmart, outgrow, and outlast the competition and understanding essential leadership roles for business success. Here’s what to expect this episode: Emphasis on Team Building: How fostering a strong team dynamic contributes to success for an ever-changing business. “Dumb Tax" Concept: suggesting that mistakes or oversights in business can be costly. This explores the importance of learning from errors and making informed decisions. Focus on Business Growth: insights into strategies for sustainable business growth, particularly during critical stages like crossing from $2M to $10M in revenue. Jeff’s Next Book: "Small Fish, Big Pond: Building A World Class Business That Swims Circles Around Competitors," which offers practical strategies for entrepreneurs to outsmart, outgrow, and outlast the competition. Think Big, Go Small: The motto that suggests a strategic approach to business growth, encouraging listeners to consider broader goals while adopting practical, step-by-step measures. Connect with Jeff Mains: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkmains/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jasmine Jonte, a passionate advocate for education, began her journey teaching at one of the nation's lowest-performing schools, which fueled her transition into course creation and online learning. Drawing upon her classroom experiences, Jasmine believes that simplicity and fun are crucial elements in crafting effective and engaging educational programs. She approaches course creation as a strategic process, akin to assembling Lego blocks, where pre-planning and breaking down content are essential for success. Collaborating with industry leaders like Candy Valentino and Nick Bradley, Jasmine has gained valuable insights into achieving financial success while aligning entrepreneurial efforts with personal lifestyle goals, reinforcing her belief that perseverance is key to thriving in the industry.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Educational programming can be a valuable revenue stream through course creation, marketing, and sales plans. Collaborating with thought leaders provides valuable insights on financial freedom and exit strategies. Planning for future business exits involves aligning personal lifestyle goals with financial freedom and strategic investments. Selling a business built on a personal brand requires established systems and processes for a successful transition.     Connect with Jasmine Jonte https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminejonte/ Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian L. Shields, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in investing, executive roles, and entrepreneurship, provides a profound perspective on acquisition and turnaround strategies. Having led the acquisition and revitalization of Hill and Company and Pacific Union property management firms as a partner at Vaio Management, Shields emphasizes the critical role of cultural alignment and people dynamics in successful deals. His hands-on approach during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of technology modernization, process refinement, and strategic talent acquisition in enhancing customer service and business value. Shields' insights highlight that a customer-centric focus, combined with operational efficiency and empowered leadership, is essential for transforming well-run businesses into high-value entities.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Focusing on customer experience and operational efficiency is crucial in the acquisition and turnaround of property management companies. Maintaining the integrity of successful businesses can lead to significant profitability. Empowering senior leaders and setting up businesses to run independently are crucial during acquisitions. Business transitions involve creating a partnership similar to a marriage, emphasizing trust and relationship-building. Prioritizing self-care and well-being are essential for business owners to avoid burnout during transitions. Having an intermediary during business transitions can help alleviate stress, manage complexities, and preserve relationships.   Connect with Brian L. Shields https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianleeshields/   Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices