The Cash Rich Exit Podcast

Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities,

Colleen O'Connell-Campbell hosts The Cash Rich Exit Podcast dedicated to business owners planning for a crucial financial step - exiting your business. Featuring a diverse array of guests from various industries and ideologies, each episode dives into strategies for building not just an exit, but a cash-rich one. Topped off with 'fun, frank advice,' this podcast is your roadmap to a successful business exit.

  1. HACE 7 H

    EP 329 Strategic Partnerships and Real Estate Insights

    In this episode of The Cash Rich Exit Podcast, host Colleen O’Connell-Campbell sits down with Ashley Hawkins, President & CEO of Paradigm Commercial Group, and Sarah Vandenbelt, Broker of Record & Founder of Paradigm Commercial Real Estate. Together, they share how their unexpected journeys into real estate led to a powerful partnership under the Paradigm brand.   We discuss: The winding career paths that brought them into real estate. Why building strategic partnerships and strong networks is critical in a male-dominated industry. How property management is more than collecting rent - it’s finance, legal, emergency planning, and community-building rolled into one. The importance of due diligence and long-term planning in both investing and property ownership. Practical insights for business owners who want to use real estate strategically - whether as an operating base or an investment vehicle. How adaptability, collaboration, and leveraging trusted relationships drive success in real estate. Their stories highlight what’s possible when business owners align passion with purpose, and when professionals join forces to provide full-service real estate solutions tailored to client needs.   Fun Frank Advice: Ashley: “Don’t take no for an answer. An obstacle is just an opportunity in disguise. Keep pushing, keep looking for resources, and surround yourself with the right people.” Sarah: “Don’t wait until you feel ready. Bet on yourself, take the leap, and trust that you’ll figure it out.” Connect with Ashley & Sarah 🌐 paradigmcommercial.ca    ****   The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

    44 min

  2. 26 AGO

    EP328 Intentionality, Identity, and the Exit Journey

    What happens when your exit strategy is about more than just money? In this episode, host Colleen O’Connell-Campbell talks to April Harbottle, a highly experienced M&A advisor and business transition specialist. April has spent years helping small and mid sized business owners unlock the value of their companies and transition successfully, whether through exits or by scaling with new partnerships.   Together, they explore how values, identity, and leadership evolution shape the founder journey - especially when it's time to let go.   🔍 Key Highlights   Start with an assessment - April stresses the importance of getting a business assessment early. It gives clarity on what drives value and highlights the risks buyers will zero in on. Value is only half the story - Beyond valuation, founders need to understand buyer concerns: risks, gaps in operations, and financial vulnerabilities that could affect deal structure. Sell when you don’t need to - April draws the parallel to borrowing: just like a line of credit, the best time to sell is when you’re not desperate. Selling while you’re in control leads to better outcomes. The danger of waiting too long - April shares examples of deals where illness, poor results, or market shifts forced sales under pressure - leading to renegotiated terms and lower valuations. Control = leverage - Sellers who plan early and prepare properly can dictate more of the terms, protect value, and secure a better legacy. Why Listen   If you’re a business owner considering an exit now or in the future, this episode is packed with practical insights into when and how to start preparing. April’s advice can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you sell on your terms, not someone else’s.   Want Help Planning your Own Exit?   Colleen offers a complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis to help you bridge the space between your business and your financial freedom. It’s a strategic conversation to ensure your exit supports your long-term wealth.   Book your call here: Email Colleen connect on LinkedIn   Help us Reach More Entrepreneurs   If you found this episode valuable, please leave a 5-star rating and a short review. It helps us get discovered and bring on more amazing guests. *** The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

    35 min

  3. 12 AGO

    EP327 Rethinking Succession - Why Employee Ownership Might Be your Legacy Move

    With over $2 trillion in business assets at stake and 91% of Canadian business owners without a succession plan, we’re facing a real crisis. In this episode, host Colleen O’Connell-Campbell chats with Charlie Iscoe, whose venture - CommonShares - is flipping the script on business exits.   Charlie brings Wall Street investment experience and a mission to keep Canadian businesses local by transitioning ownership to employees. He explains how their model allows retiring owners to receive fair market value while protecting their teams and communities.   If you’re a founder who says, “I’ll deal with it eventually” - this episode is your wake-up call.   🔑 Key Highlights   The succession gap in Canada: 91% of business owners have no plan in place. The CommonShares model: Founders get paid a fair price, and ownership transitions gradually to employees. Why it matters: Preserves legacy, protects jobs, and keeps Canadian companies Canadian. Types of businesses they acquire: Light manufacturing, professional services (architecture, engineering, accounting), property services, etc. The people factor: How a bench of 100+ operators helps ensure continuity post-exit. What founders can do now: Start documenting what matters - financial goals, legacy values, level of future involvement. 💬 Fun, Frank Advice from Charlie   “If you’re listening to this, it’s probably because you’ve built something remarkable. So don’t let your exit be an afterthought. Take time. Get it right. This isn’t just a transaction - it’s your legacy.”   Want to explore your own succession plan? Colleen offers a complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis - to bridge the gap between your business success and personal financial freedom. 👉 Connect on LinkedIn - Colleen O’Connell-Campbell - or email to book your session.   📝 Enjoying the podcast? Help us grow! Leave a 5-star rating and a short review. Every review helps more entrepreneurs find us. *** The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

    25 min

  4. 29 JUL

    EP326 Identity, Reinvention and Entrepreneurial Grit

    In this candid and energizing episode of ‘The Cash Rich Exit Podcast’, host Colleen O’Connell-Campbell sits down with author, educator, and tech entrepreneur Dr. Lindy Ledohowski. From academia to publishing to leading a fast-scaling SaaS platform, Lindy shares her story of transformation and what it really takes to walk away from one professional identity to build another.   Together, they dig into what motivates bold career pivots, the value of knowing your numbers (and knowing your worth), and how to preserve optionality - especially as a woman founder in Canada.   🔑 Key Highlights   Why letting go of sunk cost thinking opened up a path from tenured professor to successful startup founder What women entrepreneurs need to know about being acquisition-ready - even if they aren’t looking to sell yet The importance of shared values between co-founders when building something high-growth and high-impact The role of structure, scale, and strategy in creative and academic transitions to tech Lindy’s fun frank advice on knowing when it’s time to move on - and why you don’t need to apologize for growing beyond a role, title, or institution Dr. Lindy Ledohowski is the co-founder and CEO of EssayJack, an edtech company acquired by Wizeprep. She’s also a published author, former professor, and fierce advocate for equity in entrepreneurship. 🔗 Connect with Dr Lindy on LinkedIn: Dr. Lindy Ledohowski   📩 Want to unlock the next chapter of your business story? Book your complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis with Colleen O’Connell-Campbell to explore how to turn business success into personal financial freedom. DM Colleen O’Connell-Campbell on LinkedIn or visit colleenoconnellcampbell.com    ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review. Your feedback helps more ambitious founders discover these powerful conversations. *** The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

    1 h y 4 min

  5. 15 JUL

    EP325 A Scenic Exit - How Peter Deitz Turned an Eight-Year Journey into Shared Prosperity

    In this episode, host Colleen O’Connell-Campbell chats with Peter Deitz, social entrepreneur and founder of Canada’s first-ever employee ownership trust (EOT) transition at Grantbook. Peter shares how his scenic, eight-year exit journey created space for new ventures, empowered employees, and protected the company’s B Corp values. The episode is a roadmap for any founder looking to exit with both financial return and community impact.   🔑 Key Highlights   The Long Game: Peter’s exit took 8 years - twice the time he spent actively running the business. He stayed in a governance role and planned a patient, values-aligned transition. First in Canada: Grantbook became the first Canadian company to officially transition to an Employee Ownership Trust on Jan 1, 2025. This structure ensures lasting impact and local wealth-building. The Emotional Return on Exit: For Peter, legacy outweighed liquidity. He prioritized a fair price while choosing a structure that would protect jobs, uphold mission, and keep culture intact. Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned: He reflects candidly on tax structuring choices that impacted capital gains exemptions - and offers advice for others planning ahead. New Chapter with Unwrapit: Peter is now growing a digital gifting company, Unwrapit, which aligns social impact with user choice and sustainability. Fun, Frank Advice from Peter Deitz: “Start early. The longer the runway, the more control you have. And if you go the employee ownership route, you’ll be met by very happy employees - and a thriving community.” ☕ Curious if an Employee Ownership Trust might be your best path forward? Book a 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis with Colleen O’Connell-Campbell and map out your strategy. 👉 Connect via LinkedIn or email to get started. ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a 5-star review. Your feedback helps more founders discover how to exit on their own terms. *** The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

    34 min

  6. 1 JUL

    EP324 Community Impact and Resilient Legacies Through Employee Ownership

    In this final segment of a powerful three-part conversation, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell and Jennifer Williams explore the community-level impact of employee ownership for Canadian business owners - beyond the dollars and deal terms.   If you're a founder who wants to leave behind more than just a net worth number, this episode offers compelling reasons to consider how your exit plan could strengthen your community, not just your portfolio.   Key Highlights   💼 Employee-Owned Companies = Stability During Volatility Data shows these businesses are more likely to retain staff during tough times. That means healthier communities and more resilient local economies.   📉 Real Talk: Why Shared Ownership Drives Results From reducing turnover to solving problems like lost cutlery (literally - a $72K savings story), employee-owners think and act like stakeholders.   🏠 Keeping Businesses in the Community Selling to employees often keeps operations rooted locally, unlike third-party sales or private equity buyouts that risk relocation.   🔍 The Importance of Financial Transparency Employees who understand even basic financials make better day-to-day decisions. Jennifer breaks down why open-book thinking leads to stronger businesses.   🏛️ What Government and Economic Agencies Should Be Doing There’s a big opportunity for local development offices and boards of trade to help more founders explore employee ownership as a transition path.   📈 Canada’s First EOT Is Here - and More Are Coming With a wave of Employee Ownership Trusts launching, Colleen and Jennifer predict this model will catch fire in the next few years - just like in the UK.   🔁 The Legacy that Sticks This isn’t charity. Employee ownership allows founders to sell at value and leave a business in the hands of people who care. It’s a win-win.   🚀 Ready to Explore your Exit (whether in 2 or 10 years)?   Are you a founder without a clear succession plan? Wondering how to turn your business into a legacy? Host Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is offering a complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis to help you understand your current state - and design a personal plan for your next move. 📧 Message her on LinkedIn or email to get started. Let’s make sure your exit is cash-rich, values-aligned, and future-ready.   ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please take 60 seconds to leave a 5-star review and short review. Your support helps more entrepreneurs find the show and plan smarter exits. *** The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

    20 min

  7. 17 JUN

    EP323 The Tax-Smart Exit - Why Employee Ownership Trusts Are Gaining Ground

    In part two of this three-part series, Colleen welcomes back Jennifer Williams to explore the financial power behind Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). This isn't just a values-based feel-good exit. EOTs now offer significant tax advantages that can rival, and even exceed, traditional business sale routes. From how to qualify for the new $10M lifetime capital gains exemption to why Canada introduced this legislation, Jennifer breaks it all down - plus, the importance of doing it right with guidance from experts.   ✨ Key Highlights and Timestamps   🕓 02:35 Why the federal government introduced EOTs in Canada   🕓 06:10 How the $10M capital gains exemption works (vs. the regular $1.25M)   🕓 10:20 What kind of business owners should explore this option now   🕓 13:45 Why most accountants and lawyers don’t yet understand EOTs   🕓 17:30 Risks: Why you shouldn’t just “DIY” this kind of exit   🕓 21:15 How EOTs help employees grow their personal wealth   🕓 25:30 The role of wealth distribution in a healthy society   🕓 28:00 Fun Frank Advice: Don’t let tax drive your decisions - just inform them   👉 Curious how an Employee Ownership Trust could benefit your financial future? Book a complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis with Colleen on LinkedIn or reach out via email to bridge the gap between business success and personal wealth 📩     ⭐️ Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and help more founder-led business owners find the Cash Rich Exit strategy they deserve.   **** *RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2024. All rights reserved*

    20 min

  8. 3 JUN

    EP322 The Case for Employee Ownership (Part 1)

    Host: Colleen O’Connell-Campbell Guest: Jennifer Williams, Founder of Firefly Insights   In part one of a three-part series, Colleen sits down with Jennifer Williams, a passionate advocate for employee ownership and founder of Firefly Insights. This episode explores how business owners can transition their companies to employees - preserving their legacy, values, and community roots - expanding their options beyond the default of private equity or selling to competitors.   Jennifer shares why employee ownership is gaining traction in Canada, how it can stabilize businesses post-exit, and why it’s not just a succession plan - it’s a cultural shift.   ✨ Highlights and Time Stamps  1:45 - Why Jennifer left nonprofit work and fell in love with people-first business 5:30 - The Canadian exit landscape: Baby boomers and the private equity squeeze 10:10 - When ownership transitions go wrong (and what to do instead) 14:05 - How employee ownership compares to family succession 20:40 - Common emotional challenges for exiting founders 26:30 - Governance isn’t anarchy: Structuring roles and responsibilities 31:10 - The two-phase process of transitioning to employee ownership 38:50 - Best-fit industries and how to start the conversation   🟡 Fun, Frank Advice from Jennifer “Even if your transition is 10+ years away, the seeds you plant now are what will bear fruit later. Start the conversation now.”   📣 Enjoyed this episode?  Leave a 5-star rating and short review on Apple Podcasts - it helps more self-made entrepreneurs like you find the show!   💼 Thinking about your own exit? Book a complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis with Colleen on LinkedIn or reach out via email to bridge the gap between business success and personal wealth 📩   We’ll map out a transition that aligns your business success with personal financial freedom.

    27 min
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Colleen O'Connell-Campbell hosts The Cash Rich Exit Podcast dedicated to business owners planning for a crucial financial step - exiting your business. Featuring a diverse array of guests from various industries and ideologies, each episode dives into strategies for building not just an exit, but a cash-rich one. Topped off with 'fun, frank advice,' this podcast is your roadmap to a successful business exit.

Información

  • Creador
    Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities,
  • Años de actividad
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodios
    98
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved, No part of this podcast may be used with permission. Authorization code 173603
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The Cash Rich Exit Podcast

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