Dreamcatchers Hosted by Jerome Myers Jerome Myers - Advisor to exiting founders

Are you planning your 7-figure exit but need help figuring out where to start?

Mark J. Dorman joins Jerome to share his story and expertise on successfully exiting a business. He's achieved over a hundred exits and wants to help other business owners do the same. He provides a five-step process to help people make the most out of their assets. 
Mark's journey exemplifies the importance of having good advisors and being prepared for the unintended consequences of exiting a business. He encourages listeners to think beyond selling out and explore options like reinvesting in the business, hiring more talented people, or getting distributions forever. This conversation also dives into the emotional and psychological challenges of transitioning out of business, discussing books like Finish Big by Bo Burlingham and Trapped in the Family Business by Dr. Michael Klein, which speak to these issues. Mark also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of your business asset and leveraging it for financial security in retirement.

This conversation highlights why understanding your goals and objectives is essential for ensuring a successful exit plan, so let's jump right in!

[00:01 - 07:37] Opening Segment

Mark has over three decades of experience with exits and has done over a hundred of them

He built a firm that did 4 million in revenue in the employee benefits, executive benefits, and consulting space

[07:38 - 19:43] Uncovering the Emotional Side of Business Transactions

The emotional piece of the transaction is more important than the financial piece

Bo Burlingham's book "Finish Big" speaks to the emotion of business owners

Dr. Michael Klein's book "Trapped in the Family Business" identifies psychological issues preventing owners from leaving

[19:44 - 27:44] Navigating the Complexities of Business Ownership

Using quantitative assessment to determine who is the best suited to be the leader of a 100-year-old company

Toxicity and lack of governance can lead to business deterioration

Ego needs to be checked at the door when making decisions for the business

Mastermind groups can help business owners realize they are not alone in their struggles

[27:45 - 37:50] The Benefits of Early Exit Planning for Business Owners

Exit planning is equal parts quantitative and emotional

Investment bankers often forget that there is a whole person on the other side of the transaction

There are six centers of doubt that business owners experience when transitioning out of their business

The exit planning process prepares a business owner to take their business to a broker to market and sell to insiders

[37:51 - 41:30] Closing Segment

What is one thing listeners should take away?

Connect with Mark through the links below

Final words


Quotes:
"Rather than exit your small business, why don't you work on it to make it more valuable and to make it run more smoothly so you can have a higher quality of life, but still own it?" - Mark J. Dorman
"If you're looking to work with an exit planner, you need to have someone who's equally professionally trained and equally strong both on the financial and the business sides. And that doesn't mean they have to have all the answers themselves. But have a good group of folks around you that can assist you." - Mark J. Dorman

Connect with Mark!
Website: www.LegacyBusinessAdvisors.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjdorman/   

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes.
Dreamcatchers is an inclusive organization that targets people's interest in being more instead of a certain demographic. We have people from all walks of life at many different ages. Find out more at www.dreamsshouldbereal.com. Find out more about Jerome at www.d3v3loping.com or www.myersmethods.com.
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The idea of success is often oversimplified. Most believe it is achievable overnight, but nothing can be further from the truth. Success results from years of tenacity and consistently doing the right thing.

Brandon Lazar is an entrepreneur who succeeded after ten years of hard work and hustle. Join us as we discuss his journey from selling rocks in kindergarten to owning two businesses in college and how he created a successful exit from his business. We'll hear Brandon talk about the lessons he learned while working as a wildland firefighter that helped him stay prepared for anything and how to leverage the two levers of success - HR and marketing - to manage a high level of turnover. He'll provide insight into creating systems and processes from day one that make the business more attractive to potential investors and share his advice on staying committed even after a failed attempt at selling the business. Finally, he'll reflect on the emotional and financial journey of exiting a business after 15 years, emphasizing the importance of chasing fulfillment over financial freedom. 

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Brandon Lazar!


[00:01 - 15:21] From Selling Rocks to Fighting Fires

Brandon's background and career

How Brandon has bootstrapped a business with a single ladder and magnet signs

Service business has two levers: HR and marketing/advertising

Goal setting and review are essential for getting out of day-to-day operations

Calendar to prioritize visionary work over direct labor


[15:22 - 21:13] Navigating the Exit Process: How One Entrepreneur Sold Their Business Without a Broker

Systemized business from day one to make it more attractive to investors

Brandon's first attempt at selling took a year, but he stuck with it and eventually sold successfully


[21:14 - 30:33] From Minivan to Millions: Brandon's Journey to Financial Freedom 

The universe has a plan for us, and we just have to navigate it

Brandon shares how he celebrated success with his family

The realization that financial freedom is not the only thing to chase


[30:35 - 40:02] Learning the Value of Focusing on One Lane at a Time

Hourly IQ and Ninja VA

Three types of managers: Builder, Fixer, or Maintainer

It's better to put people in one lane than to wear multiple hats


[40:03 - 41:49] Closing Segment
Final words


Quotes:

"In actuality, my indication of having lived success is you not only have to be doing the right thing. You have to be super intentional and strategic about it. And then chances are it takes ten years to make for an overnight success." - Brandon Lazar

"We want to have our calendar, be it Google Calendar or a pen and paper agenda, or whatever it is, but we have to live and die by our calendar. "- Brandon Lazar

"The universe has a plan for us, and we're just here to navigate." - Brandon Lazar

"If you wear all those hats in the beginning days, chances are anyone could be better at one thing. If you just put them in one lane and you're wearing eight hats, and in eight different lanes, they're going to be better than you because they're able to have more clarity and more focus." - Brandon Lazar


Connect with Brandon!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-lazar-77b56a19a/?originalSubdomain=ca 


LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Dreamcatchers is an inclusive organization that targets people's interest in being more instead of a certain demographic. We have people from all walks of life at many different ages. Find out more at www.dreamsshouldbereal.com. Find out more about Jerome at www.d3v3loping.com or www.myersmethods.com.


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Jerome welcomes Joie Roberts to share her experience growing a business from zero to 1.2 million dollars in sales on Amazon in just 12 months. She will share how she managed his time and resources to successfully build something that he could eventually sell, including hiring employees, launching products, and using keyword optimization, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, YouTube posts, and Instagram to reach potential customers. The episode also delves into the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business, the importance of having support from those who have gone through it before, and the need for caution in advice given by others. Finally, hear how Joie used her profits to write a book about her journey with infertility and launch a new supplement store based around fertility! 


[00:01 - 16:53] Opening Segment

Joie's mentor, Jamie Davidson, joined her program to learn how to sell on Amazon

Joie pivoted to selling on Amazon while still running her wallpaper company

Sold private-label products on Amazon, which were modified in a small workshop

Put the business up for sale as it was growing and had potential

Selling the business doesn't define you


[16:54 - 33:28] How Momentum Led to a Successful Amazon Product Launch and Exit

Launching a product on Amazon and other platforms involves getting the right keywords in your listing, setting up ads, and doing research

Momentum was vital to success

Exiting the business involved talking to aggregators and private buyers and eventually finding the right strategic buyer

The emotional rollercoaster of selling a business


[33:29 - 49:427] Journey of Vulnerability, Healing, and Accomplishment 

Vulnerability and feeling devalued were a big part of Joie's experience

The importance of reminding oneself that one can rebuild and do it again

Wrote a book on infertility to heal and prove one can accomplish other things besides building a business

Investing profits for lasting legacy and helping solve problems for people

Going through an existential crisis after exit, redefining self every time

Keeping the momentum going by investing in myself and surrounding myself with mentors


[49:28 - 53:55] Closing Segment

Final words

Connect with Joie through the links below



Quotes:

"Life does not just all of a sudden stop. You can sell, and you can do it again. This does not define me." - Joie Roberts


Connect with Joie!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joietamkinroberts/ 

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Dreamcatchers is an inclusive organization that targets people's interest in being more instead of a certain demographic. We have people from all walks of life at many different ages. Find out more at www.dreamsshouldbereal.com. Find out more about Jerome at www.d3v3loping.com or www.myersmethods.com.


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Anyone can claim Amazon expertise online, but only some people live it.

In this episode, Jamie reflects on his transition from a senior role to the C-suite, acknowledging that it requires a new level of responsibility and experience, and how he has used his expertise to succeed in his ventures. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, particularly when having a family and financial obligations. 

Jamie also talks about the risk involved in entrepreneurship and how it requires a willingness to give up immediate income for potential long-term gains. He discusses their decision to leave their current job and invest in a new business with a partner. The conversation delves into the importance of having professionals navigate through selling processes as they can be risky going at it alone. The earnout and terms of deals should be carefully considered as they may fail to come to fruition. 

Join us as we delve into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and discover how Jamie's experience can help you navigate the complex business world.


[00:00 - 07:21] Opening Segment

Transitioning from senior vice president to CEO

Pressure and intensity in corporate roles can prepare for entrepreneurship

Motivations for leaving corporate: opportunity and interest in entrepreneurship


[14:24 - 26:36] Red Pill Moment: Building a Multi-Million Dollar Amazon Business

Financial investment and partnership alignment were important factors

Cell phone accessories and supplements were the most competitive categories on Amazon

E-commerce was profitable due to the small size and high cost of the products


[26:37 - 39:51] Navigating the Business of Selling on Amazon

Different types of buyers interested in purchasing the business (strategic, private equity, etc.)

How Jamie's partner lost money in a biotech venture due to fraud by a Chinese investor

Be wary of earnouts in deals, treat them as expected value of zero, and understand your risk dynamic


[39:52 - 48:13] The Art of Negotiation: Staying Calm and Collected in Business Deals

Emotional moments can be frustrating but should not show in negotiations

The party that needs the deal the least has more leverage in negotiations

A big payday does not necessarily bring happiness or solve problems

Enjoying the process of building and working can prevent dramatic shifts after a sale


[48:14 - 58:38] The Importance of Planning for Life After a Business Exit

People are wired to keep growing and building, even after achieving success

Having someone to guide first-time or second-time exits through the emotional toll could be valuable

The importance of building a community and email lists to increase the value of a company

Fulfillment is the true measure of success


[58:38 - 01:09:04] Closing Segment

Masterminds and coaching are highly recommended for success in the industry

How to sell on Amazon with a hands-on approach

Connect with Jamie through the links below


Quotes:

"You've got to have a good product. That part does not change." - Jamie Davidson

"I try to do business with people we like and trust. And if we do that, the money will come, we'll be fine." - Jamie Davidson

"The most successful people I know in this space are investing in themselves. You've got to get access to the people to keep getting around it and get inspired to a different level." - Jamie Davidson


Connect with Jamie Davidson:
Phone: 4042758643
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedavidson.official/ 


LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Dreamcatchers is an inclusive organization that targets people's interest in being more instead of a certain demographic. We have people from all walks of life at many different ages. Find out more at www.dreamsshouldbereal.com. Find out more about Jerome at www.d3v3loping.com or www.myersmethods.com.


Lea

One's legacy should be defined by the success of others they have helped along the way. 

In this episode, Jerome welcomes Rick Martinez, a former nurse turned entrepreneur who built a successful staffing agency serving the federal government. Rick shares his unique perspective on value extraction from businesses and his journey from being a nurse to starting his own company and eventually exiting it for a profit. He explains how he contracted himself to hospitals and increased his salary by becoming a strike breaker before finally realizing he could become the contract body himself. 

The conversation also explores the idea that financial freedom may not be the ultimate goal but fulfillment and freedom in other areas of life. Rick shares personal experiences of achieving financial success and realizing it did not bring him the anticipated happiness. The conversation highlights the importance of making decisions based on personal values and beliefs rather than societal expectations.

Please tune in for an engaging conversation with someone who has turned his dreams into reality.

[00:01 - 15:20] From Nurse to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Rick Martinez

Rick Martinez's unique perspective on value extraction in business

Journey to becoming self-employed and contracting directly with hospitals

How Rick has built a multi-state staffing agency


[15:21 - 30:32] A Veteran's Journey of Serving Heroes and Building a Business

Rick shares what it meant to be a nurse for soldiers

He opened CrossFit gyms and tailored programs for amputees

Financial freedom is not the ultimate goal; fulfillment is

The acquisition of wealth can lead to feelings of loneliness and a need for deeper meaning


[30:33 - 45:13] Entrepreneurship and the Loneliness of Success

Rick talks about the sadness and loss after achieving a goal

Rick discovers the importance of having support groups for entrepreneurs

Rick formed a corporate entity called Life Pivot LLC after leaving the military and closing their gyms

Existential crisis and the process of redefining oneself


[45:14 - 49:46] Closing Segment

Rick's final message: find the freedoms that are going to fulfill your life

Connect with Rick through the links below!



Quotes:

"The founder, the CEO, is always the biggest bottleneck. It's a hard pill for CEOs and founders to swallow because they think they're the reason, and they're not. They're the hurdle, and I never knew that until the day I had to know that." - Rick Martinez

"If we chase money, we're chasing the wrong thing." - Rick Martinez


Connect with Rick!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purposehack/ 
Website: https://www.therickmartinez.com/optin1620132235803 


LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Dreamcatchers is an inclusive organization that targets people's interest in being more instead of a certain demographic. We have people from all walks of life at many different ages. Find out more at www.dreamsshouldbereal.com. Find out more about Jerome at www.d3v3loping.com or www.myersmethods.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following your purpose connects you to the promises of God.

In this episode, Jerome interviews Jason Wilson, an American living in Colombia for over 20 years. Jason shares his journey to Colombia for love and how he transitioned from the fitness industry to teaching English and creating his methodology. He also talks about his mental wellness community organization, Circle of Friends Club, which aims to help people suffering from mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. 

The conversation highlights the importance of getting to know people and places for oneself instead of relying on negative media portrayals. They delve into how Circle of Friends helps people who are feeling lost and looking for what's next and how mental health is a spiritual issue and encourages others to view it that way. The conversation also delves into the interpretation of dreams and how dreams can provide warning or prophetic messages. The importance of prayer and speaking the word of God is emphasized to protect from negative influences in dreams. 

Please tune in to this episode to hear about Jason's journey to Colombia, his mental wellness organization, and insights into language learning, business ventures, and the spiritual dimension of mental health!

[00:01 - 08:23] Introducing Jason to the Show

Jason left behind a career in the fitness industry to teach English in Colombia

He created his methodology for teaching English and wrote a three-book series

Runs an organization called Circle of Friends, focused on mental wellness 


[08:24 - 15:40] Connecting People through Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends helps people who feel lost after leaving their job

They organize events to connect people and have friendships outside of work

The immersion method is used to teach English in real-world situations

Surrounding oneself with the target language is crucial for learning a new language


[15:41 - 23:52] Lessons Learned from Speed Dating Business and Pursuing Mental Wellness with New Venture

Marketing is crucial for business success

Facebook ads were influential until the platform banned dating companies from advertising

Jason encourages people to view mental health as something spiritual


[23:53 - 35:30] Understanding the Connection Between Fear, Trauma, and Dreams

Fear and trauma are connected through demonic suggestions and negative thoughts

Dreams have spiritual significance and can be interpreted for guidance

Emotions in dreams indicate whether they come from God or the demonic realm

Prayer and speaking the word of God can protect against negative dreams


[35:31 - 39:33] Closing Segment

Main takeaway: don't be afraid to follow your dreams

Final words



Quotes:

"Not only do you owe it to your family and friends to find out what that purpose is, but you owe it to yourself." - Jason Wilson

"By following your purpose, you can be connected to all the promises of God." - Jason Wilson

Connect with Jason!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwthehealer/?originalSubdomain=co


LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Dreamcatchers is an inclusive organization that targets people's interest in being more instead of a certain demographic. We have people from all walks of life at many different ages. Find out more at www.dreamsshouldbereal.com. Find out more about Jerome at www.d3v3loping.com or www.myersmethods.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices