100 episodes

Exit Plan is a podcast for business owners and those who want to be business owners. I’m always in search of the lesser known stories of entrepreneurship. In the Exit Plan podcast, you’ll hear stories from start up to sale, and hear from the professionals who helped business owners achieve their exit. Hosted by me, author and private equity manager Dana Robinson, along with my co-hosts and guests, you’ll hear real stories, tips, and tools that will help you plan for the exit you want, whether you are still working a day job or already running a business.

From their studio in sunny San Diego, the Opt Out Life welcomes guests who are solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, travelers, and creatives, who are proof that you can choose lifestyle over money . . . But still make money, too.

Each episode of the Opt Out Life podcast combines the incredible entrepreneurial stories of our friends, with an instructional approach to applying the tactics people are using right now to earn passive income and travel the world. Our guests live non-traditional lives, without job titles, and often without jobs at all. They wear t-shirts and have no boss. They spend time doing what they want, traveling and earning substantial income in creative ways.

We invite you to join the ranks of people who live the Opt Out Life.

The Exit Plan Podcast Dana Robinson and Nathaniel Broughton

    • Business

Exit Plan is a podcast for business owners and those who want to be business owners. I’m always in search of the lesser known stories of entrepreneurship. In the Exit Plan podcast, you’ll hear stories from start up to sale, and hear from the professionals who helped business owners achieve their exit. Hosted by me, author and private equity manager Dana Robinson, along with my co-hosts and guests, you’ll hear real stories, tips, and tools that will help you plan for the exit you want, whether you are still working a day job or already running a business.

From their studio in sunny San Diego, the Opt Out Life welcomes guests who are solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, travelers, and creatives, who are proof that you can choose lifestyle over money . . . But still make money, too.

Each episode of the Opt Out Life podcast combines the incredible entrepreneurial stories of our friends, with an instructional approach to applying the tactics people are using right now to earn passive income and travel the world. Our guests live non-traditional lives, without job titles, and often without jobs at all. They wear t-shirts and have no boss. They spend time doing what they want, traveling and earning substantial income in creative ways.

We invite you to join the ranks of people who live the Opt Out Life.

    The Entrepreneurial Journey (ft. Reid Tileston)

    The Entrepreneurial Journey (ft. Reid Tileston)

    Reid Tileston is an author, keynote speaker and expert in Entrepreneurial Business Ownership. With 
    the release of his new book, Grit It Done, Reid shares his insights from over 15 years of successful, on-the-ground Entrepreneurial Business Ownership that led him to acquire, grow, and ultimately sell 4 different
     companies with successful exits.
     
    His most recent acquisition resulted in a 10x return multiple of invested
    capital (MOIC). Reid has exhibited sustained success from being a top performing Anytime Fitness franchisee to working with leading brands such as Harley Davidson, The Milwaukee Bucks, John Deere, Tough Mudder, Master Lock and Microsoft. Additionally, he has been featured in publications including The Wall Street Journal and Crain’s.

    "I want people to proactively choose either to do it or not to do it so that they can get all in to whatever makes the most sense for them." 
     
    Key themes included:
    1. Business acquisition vs. startup benefits
    2. Financial advantages of business buying
    3. Financing accessibility like SBA loans
    4. Entrepreneurial journey and personal control
    5. Small businesses' economic contribution
    6. Knowledge and resource investment importance
    7. Relationship-building for business success


    Discounted Pre-Order: www.grititdone.com 
    Reid's Website: www.reidtileston.com 
    On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidtileston/ 
    On Twitter: https://twitter.com/reidtileston

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

    If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.
    Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!
    *Some of these links might be affiliate links.  Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in.  The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.
    Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

    • 51 min
    Family-Owned Businesses (ft. Chris Parisi)

    Family-Owned Businesses (ft. Chris Parisi)

    Chris Parisi began his entrepreneurial journey young, mowing lawns before diving into the worlds of accounting and private equity. Now a partner at Carl Marks Advisors, he specializes in mergers and acquisitions for family-owned businesses, blending a sharp acumen for finance with a deep respect for the legacy of family enterprises.
    Known for his approachable nature and effective communication, Chris thrives on educating and guiding business owners through the complexities of selling their businesses. His ability to simplify intricate financial details and nurture client relationships ensures that every transaction is transparent and tailored to meet individual business goals.
    "...they've been the smartest guy in the room... And they get into this process and all of a sudden they're not. And it's my job to make sure that...they fully understand every step in this process."

    Key themes included:
    1. Structuring private equity buyouts and partnerships.
    2. Evolution and perception of private equity firms.
    3. Importance of efficient business operations.
    4. Role of advisors in complex transactions.
    5. Selling and evaluating family-owned businesses.
    6. Adjusting business financials before selling.
    7. Impact of price adjustments on earnings.

    Email Chris: cparisi@carlmarks.com 
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfparisi/

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

    If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.
    Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!
    *Some of these links might be affiliate links.  Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in.  The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.
    Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

    • 1 hr 5 min
    The Oil Industry (ft. RJ Burr)

    The Oil Industry (ft. RJ Burr)

    RJ Burr, 48, is a third-generation producer of American oil. Born into the industry, Mr. Burr was on his first location before he could walk and has been fascinated by the production of oil his entire life.
     
    Within 3 months of graduating high school, RJ Burr funded his first partnership and never looked back. RJ Burr is now the Senior VP of Corporate Operations at Panex.  With a main focus on the Gulf Coast, Mr. Burr’s companies have raised and deployed over $300 million in upstream development and have partnered with some of the largest oil and gas companies, namely Shell, BP, and Marathon, to develop several million barrels in reserves.
    "I think, no, we're not perfect. We've made mistakes. But by God, we're the only country in the history of the world that has tried to fix our mistakes, and we paid dearly for it." 
    Key themes included:
    1. Challenges of transitioning to green energy
    2. Free market influence on energy adoption
    3. Oil industry dynamics and economic impact
    4. Environmental implications of oil vs. green energy
    5. Importance of entrepreneurial mindset in business
    6. Tax benefits and incentives for oil investments
    7. American oil companies' role in the global market


    Follow RJ's website: https://www.panex.us/ 
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-burr-06a609162 

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

    If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.
    Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!
    *Some of these links might be affiliate links.  Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in.  The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.
    Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

    • 54 min
    Understanding Private Equity (ft. Alan Ezeir)

    Understanding Private Equity (ft. Alan Ezeir)

    Alan Ezeir is a serial entrepreneur with a track record of identifying unique opportunities and transforming industries, evident in his pivot from telecom to the domain registration space. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by a spectrum of investments, from the successful build-up of a 7 million strong domain registry to ventures in cryptocurrency, real estate, and private equity.
    As an independent sponsor, Ezeir harnesses personal connections and market knowledge to acquire and enhance businesses, bringing a hands-on approach to the value creation process. Beloved for his engaging personality and savvy investment strategies, Alan continues to foster meaningful connections, always on the lookout for innovative ways to grow and enjoy the entrepreneurial journey.
    "For the uninitiated, private equity is a term that could mean a lot, but we generally use it as a code word for when someone who puts a deal together, usually referred to as a sponsor, matches the capital needed to acquire that business with some other resources and acquires a business and then does something to professionalize and improve that business."
    Key themes included:
    1. Transition to domain registration industry
    2. Diversification into cryptocurrencies and real estate
    3. Private equity and independent sponsors
    4. Acquiring and improving businesses strategy
    5. Evaluation of business acquisition opportunities
    6. Challenges of independent sponsorship
    7. The importance of enjoying the journey

    Follow Alan's website: www.circlesquarecap.com 
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezeir/ 

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

    If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.
    Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!
    *Some of these links might be affiliate links.  Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in.  The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.
    Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

    • 1 hr
    Managing Your Business (ft. Ryan Sandburg)

    Managing Your Business (ft. Ryan Sandburg)

    Ryan Sandburg is a seasoned entrepreneur with a keen insight into operational efficiency and business growth. His journey from the construction industry to tech company ownership demonstrates his adaptability and willingness to immerse himself in new sectors.
    With his proactive approach to problem-solving and expertise in software implementation, Ryan successfully scaled his company, Presearch Inc., to become a leading provider in background checks for employment. His story is one of leveraging skills learned on the job to carve out a niche in entrepreneurship, embodying the spirit of continuous learning and strategic development.
    "Two years ago, I'd be like, man, if I don't work for a day, I'm kind of screwed. I'm too valuable as an employee. So then it came down to, like, restructuring, getting the employees that I trusted to where I could do that, and that's where I'm now. If, if I needed to take a week off, I wouldn't be sweating at night wondering what they're doing. Like, if. If things are going okay, if I set my email forward on, I don't double check that it's getting handled."
    Key themes included:
    1. Efficiency through shared work processes
    2. Evaluating potential business opportunities
    3. Building contractor relationships for success
    4. Custom software vs. existing solutions
    5. Automation importance for scalability
    6. Employee training and responsibility
    7. Transition from employment to entrepreneurship

    Follow Ryan's website: www.presearchinc.com 
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rpsandberg/ 

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

    If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.
    Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!
    *Some of these links might be affiliate links.  Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in.  The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.
    Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

    • 52 min
    Business Culture Matters (ft. Robert Clinkenbeard)

    Business Culture Matters (ft. Robert Clinkenbeard)

    Robert Clinkenbeard's story begins with the invaluable lessons he gained while employed by another firm, which would later become the bedrock of his journey into entrepreneurship.
    Embracing the natural pathway of learning, Robert is candid about the numerous mistakes he made in the initial stages of his business venture. It was a process of trial and error, a hands-on experience that taught him more than any textbook could.
    Together, we'll explore the critical steps a business should take 2 to 3 years prior to a sale, including consulting with CPAs, lawyers, and getting your financials in order. Robert will share personal insights on building a strong seller team and how to position your business attractively for private equity and potential buyers.
    "Making sure you have the right leadership team in place so that you're almost at a point where you're not necessarily involved too much on a day to day basis... Just making sure things are cleaned up in terms of entities and business structures. I think all those things are super important just to start planning ahead of time rather than rushing last minute." 

    Follow Robert
    On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-clinkenbeard/ 

    Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/
    Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial
    Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

    If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.
    Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!
    *Some of these links might be affiliate links.  Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in.  The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.
    Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

    • 45 min

Top Podcasts In Business

声动早咖啡
声动活泼
知行小酒馆
有知有行
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Stanford GSB
The Breakfast Grille
BFM Media
无人知晓
孟岩

You Might Also Like

Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
All-In Podcast, LLC
SmartLess
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
Economist Podcasts
The Economist
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz | Wondery
Literally! With Rob Lowe
Stitcher & Team Coco, Rob Lowe