Legendary Exits: Conversations with Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs

Micah Brandenburg

Join Micah Brandenburg, growth partner and exit strategist, as he unpacks the keys to achieving a legendary exit. Drawing on over 20 years of experience scaling companies, Micah shares actionable insights to help entrepreneurs live a life of significance, fund their unique financial goals, and build a legacy that transforms lives. Learn more at legendaryexits.com.

  1. The Private Equity Playbook: How to Scale, Sell, and Win Big with Nick Bradley

    11/24/2025

    The Private Equity Playbook: How to Scale, Sell, and Win Big with Nick Bradley

    In this episode of Legendary Exits, Micah welcomes Nick Bradley — private equity expert, exit advisor, and author of Exit for Millions: The Private Equity Blueprint. With years of experience leading multi-billion-dollar acquisitions and helping founders navigate their own exits, Nick brings a candid, insider look at what it truly means to scale, sell, and succeed in the world of private equity. In this conversation, Nick reveals how founders can shift from building companies to building valuable assets — ones that attract top-tier buyers and command premium valuations. He shares his five-pillar “Scale to Sale” framework, explaining why clarity of the end game is the first step to an extraordinary exit. From demystifying private equity to exposing common misconceptions about selling your business, Nick’s insights empower entrepreneurs to level the playing field and play to win. Key themes include how to position your business as a platform rather than a bolt-on, why terms often matter more than price, and how a founder’s identity sets the ceiling for growth. Nick also dives into what truly makes an exit “legendary” — one defined not only by wealth, but by freedom, purpose, and long-term impact. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: 00:00:00 Welcome to Legendary Exits 00:01:52 Why Nick Wrote Exit for Millions / Demystifying Private Equity for Founders 00:03:23 The Truth About Private Equity / Myths, Misconceptions, and Knowing the Rules of the Game  00:05:27 Price vs. Terms / Why Founders Should Negotiate Terms Over Valuation 00:07:21 Sell-Side Control / Choosing the Right Buyer and Protecting Your Legacy 00:15:24 Scaling to the Level of Your Identity / Why Leadership Limits Business Growth 00:16:30 The Five Pillars of “Scale to Sale” / Nick’s Framework for Building a Valuable Company 00:19:06 Should You Sell to Private Equity? / Knowing If It’s the Right Fit for You 00:22:45 Platform vs. Bolt-On Acquisitions / How Private Equity Builds Value 00:27:51 Deal Structures That Win / Cash, Earnouts, and Equity Rollovers Explained 00:32:23 Defining a Clear End Game / Avoiding Regret After the Exit 00:36:31 Avoiding the “Franken-Business” / How to Build Strategic Acquisitions 00:40:01 Real Case Study / Ascend Learning’s $2.3B Private Equity Exit 00:42:51 Becoming a Platform Business / How to Attract Premium Buyers 00:46:50 How to Connect with Nick Bradley / Book, Podcast & LinkedIn Join Micah Brandenburg, growth partner and exit strategist, as he unpacks the keys to achieving a legendary exit. Drawing on over 20 years of experience scaling companies, Micah shares actionable insights to help entrepreneurs live a life of significance, fund their unique financial goals, and build a legacy that transforms lives. Learn more at www.legendaryexits.com.  The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Exit for Millions: The Private Equity Blueprint for Scaling & Selling Your Business for Maximum Value https://a.co/d/grP8ZII

    49 min
  2. The Power of Identity: How to Differentiate and Win in Any Industry with Chris Smith

    10/06/2025

    The Power of Identity: How to Differentiate and Win in Any Industry with Chris Smith

    In this episode of Legendary Exits, Micah welcomes Chris Smith, founder of The PSBLTY Co. and a leading marketing voice in brand identity and differentiation. Chris’s journey is anything but ordinary — from his early days in Arizona to becoming a top-producing real estate broker, to reshaping the wealth management industry by focusing not on products, but on leadership and authentic connection. His story reflects a powerful truth he’s carried throughout his career: words create worlds.   In this conversation, Chris shares how he helps entrepreneurs, advisors, and service-driven leaders create an identity that is bigger than their industry — one that attracts the right clients, sustains growth, and ultimately builds a legacy. He explains why businesses never outperform their identity, how storytelling fuels differentiation, and why clarity of who you are matters more than what you do.   Key themes include the power of identity in scaling a business, how brand clarity influences pricing and growth, and why saying “no” is often the most important strategic decision leaders can make. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: 00:00:00 Welcome to Legendary Exits and Guest Introduction 00:00:59 Chris Smith’s Early Path: From Restless Student to Storyteller 00:04:33 Identity Beyond Industry: What Sets Companies Apart 00:05:51 Expanding Identity to Unlock Personal and Business Growth 00:08:38 Confronting Questions: What Do You Want to Be Known For? 00:12:01 Legendary Exits: Living and Leading a Life of Significance 00:14:55 Addressing Skeptics: Why Identity Is the Core of Sustainable Growth 00:15:40 Lessons from In-N-Out, Starbucks, and Patagonia 00:17:06 The Biggest Growth Mistake: Doing Too Much, Too Soon 00:19:20 Pricing, Profitability, and the Confidence to Charge Your Worth 00:23:01 Aligning Market Fit With Authentic Identity 00:26:10 The Power of Saying No and Staying True to Your Brand 00:29:52 Staying Aligned Through Reflection, Rhythm, and Operating Systems 00:32:13 Why Brand Identity Is the Foundation of Corporate Strategy 00:34:46 From Identity to Messaging: Articulating Your True Impact 00:37:39 Unlocking Growth with Existing Clients and Partners 00:40:50 The Three Keys of Messaging: What You Say, How You Say It, and Who You’re Being 00:42:00 How to Connect with Chris Smith and Legendary Exits Wrap-Up   Join Micah Brandenburg, growth partner and exit strategist, as he unpacks the keys to achieving a legendary exit. Drawing on over 20 years of experience scaling companies, Micah shares actionable insights to help entrepreneurs live a life of significance, fund their unique financial goals, and build a legacy that transforms lives. Learn more at www.legendaryexits.com.   The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

    44 min
  3. From Successful to Legendary: Building a Legendary Life and Business with Tommy Breedlove

    06/26/2025

    From Successful to Legendary: Building a Legendary Life and Business with Tommy Breedlove

    In this episode of Legendary Exits, Micah welcomes Tommy Breedlove, bestselling author of Legendary Leader and founder of the Legendary Movement. Tommy’s journey is a testament to resilience — from a troubled youth and a stint in jail, to a successful career in finance and consulting, and ultimately to redefining what it means to live and lead with significance.  In this conversation, Tommy shares how he guides entrepreneurs and leaders from ignorance to awareness, from transformation to mastery, and ultimately to making a lasting impact. Key themes include the role of self-awareness in leadership, the courage required to embrace vulnerability, and how disciplined habits and tactical tools can help entrepreneurs build a life and business that doesn’t just look successful — it feels legendary.   Highlights from this week’s conversation include: 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:01:08 Tommy's Early Life and Career 00:03:01 The Turning Point: Redefining Success 00:04:36 What Does a Legendary Life Mean? 00:09:40 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Authenticity 00:11:54 The Legendary Framework: Ignorance to Leadership 00:17:30 Common Fears and Breaking Through Change 00:23:19 The Power of Habits and Systems 00:26:20 The Role of Mentors and Vulnerability 00:30:45 Leadership and Building World-Class Teams 00:34:26 How to Connect with Tommy Breedlove   Join Micah Brandenburg, growth partner and exit strategist, as he unpacks the keys to achieving a legendary exit. Drawing on over 20 years of experience scaling companies, Micah shares actionable insights to help entrepreneurs live a life of significance, fund their unique financial goals, and build a legacy that transforms lives. Learn more at www.legendaryexits.com.     The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

    37 min

About

Join Micah Brandenburg, growth partner and exit strategist, as he unpacks the keys to achieving a legendary exit. Drawing on over 20 years of experience scaling companies, Micah shares actionable insights to help entrepreneurs live a life of significance, fund their unique financial goals, and build a legacy that transforms lives. Learn more at legendaryexits.com.