Exit Algorithms

Peter Vera

Unlock growth, streamline operations, and prepare your business for a high-value exit. Exit Algorithms features founders, 3PL leaders, and forward-thinking execs who share proven strategies for leveraging technology, automation, and AI to maximize value so you can scale smarter and sell stronger. Tailored for business owners who want to grow, scale, and plan a successful exit.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Exit Algorithms Episode #12: Unlocking Hidden Business Value with Charlie Heaton

    In this episode, Pete Vera sits down with Charlie Heaton, an industrial financial consultant with over 22 years of experience closing deals up to $400 million with firms like Bear Stearns and General Electric. Charlie shares his journey from aspiring pilot to exit strategist, revealing how forensic accounting uncovers hidden business value through cost segregation audits and strategic tax tools like charitable remainder trusts.​ They dive into what truly drives exit valuations beyond EBITDA: proprietary technology, recurring revenue strength, and transferable customer bases versus risky "good ol' boy" relationships. Charlie exposes common due diligence killers like customer concentration, poor receivables, and owner-dependent goodwill that doom over 50% of deals.​ Key Insights: -Get a cost segregation audit early: Accelerate depreciation from 33 years to 3-5, unlocking 6-7 figure tax savings transferable to buyers and boosting your multiple.​ - Audit customer concentration now: If top clients exceed 10-20% of revenue or rely on personal relationships, diversify to avoid deal-killing due diligence flags.​ -Plan tax-efficient exits: Use charitable remainder trusts to defer massive capital gains taxes, live off interest, and direct proceeds to legacy causes without lump-sum hits Whether you're scaling industrial ops or planning an exit, Charlie's tunnel analogy lights the path from quicksand to cash-out. Connect with Charlie at industrialexitstrategist@gmail.com Ready to build exit value? Visit www.BizExitGrow.com

    42 min
  2. NOV 1

    Episode #9: AI-Powered Lead Capture & Marketing Growth with InfraScale.ai Founders Zechariah Zanders & Rob Petrie

    In this episode, I sit down with Zechariah Zanders, a performance marketing strategist with over seven years of experience managing millions in paid media for Fortune 500 brands, and Rob Petrie, whose expertise in private equity and AI deployment complements Zechariah’s marketing skills. Together, they co-founded InfraScale.ai to transform how businesses operate and never miss leads using AI-driven voice and messaging systems. We discuss:– The founders’ backgrounds and the origin story of InfraScale.ai.– The “Pre-Funnel Fix” framework for identifying and plugging leaks in marketing funnels to increase efficiency and revenue.– How AI automates lead capture, qualification, and appointment booking to help service businesses scale beyond word of mouth.– The critical role of rapid response in sales conversion and how AI bridges timing gaps to capture more revenue.– Examples of AI systems driving more booked appointments and higher revenue for clients.– Balancing AI adoption with human roles to improve performance without replacing staff.– Practical guidance for business owners on starting with AI, selecting partners, and overcoming adoption challenges.– Predictions on the evolving role of AI in sales, marketing, and gaining competitive advantage. If you are a business owner looking to grow, this episode offers actionable insights on building AI-driven systems for scalable growth and successful exit planning. Want to learn more about Zechariah and Rob’s work? Connect with them on LinkedIn or visit InfraScale.ai to see how they power smarter customer engagement. Ready to grow and plan your exit? Visit BizExitGrow.com where thoughtful systems and strategies help build lasting value and legacy.

    47 min
  3. OCT 24

    Episode #8: Scaling Smarter with AI featuring Manny Soar

    In this episode, I sit down with Manny Soar, founder and CEO of AI Growth Factory and a seasoned growth strategist and business architect, to explore how AI-driven systems enable entrepreneurs to scale faster and smarter. We discuss: Manny’s journey from consulting at PwC and KPMG to founding one of Europe’s first online insurers and leading AI Growth Factory. How automation, data, and human creativity fuse to unlock growth while freeing founders from bottlenecks. Practical approaches to identify and implement AI and digital transformation that drive profit, efficiency, and enterprise value. The importance of leading change by focusing on people transformation as much as technology. How to find quick wins in sales, marketing, and finance using AI, and measuring impact and ROI. Why most technology projects struggle to scale and how to overcome adoption challenges. Manny’s predictions on AI, SaaS, and automation trends for the next 5 to 10 years. Whether you’re a founder, operator, or acquirer, this episode delivers actionable insights on growth, leadership, and exit readiness in the digital age. Want to learn more about Manny and his work? Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannysoar/ Visit AIGrowthFactory.com to discover how they help businesses scale smarter. Ready to sell your business and secure your legacy? Visit BizExitGrow.com—where thoughtful exits help your business thrive long after you’ve stepped away, protecting both your brand and your team.

    46 min
  4. JUN 20

    Episode #2: The Future of Freight with Seth Clevenger from Transport Topics

    In this episode of Exit Algorithms, Pete Vera sits down with Seth Clevenger, managing editor of Features and Multimedia at Transport Topics and host of the TT Roadsigns podcast. With over 14 years on the front lines of trucking and logistics journalism, Seth shares his insights on how AI and automation are rapidly transforming the 3PL and transportation sectors. The conversation covers: The evolution of technology in freight, from early TMS platforms to the rise of generative AI and agentic tools. How process automation is reshaping communications, pricing, and back-office operations for brokers and carriers. The challenges and opportunities for small and mid-sized operators as tech adoption accelerates. Real-world examples from trade shows and industry leaders, plus a candid look at the hurdles of implementing new tech, from cost constraints to workforce adaptation. The state of autonomous vehicles and electric trucks—where these innovations fit today, and what the future holds for drivers and fleets. Seth’s predictions for the next decade in freight tech, including the growing importance of fraud prevention, data analytics, and adapting to global trade uncertainty. If you want a clear-eyed view of where freight technology is headed and how to stay competitive, this episode delivers expert perspective and actionable advice. Listen to the TT Roadsigns Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3pLQvWfG0hQn1rQf3i4B6K Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roadsigns/id1437133335 https://www.ttnews.com/road-signs Looking to sell your business and secure your legacy? Visit https://www.bizexitgrow.com/—where your business’s future is in good hands.

    35 min

About

Unlock growth, streamline operations, and prepare your business for a high-value exit. Exit Algorithms features founders, 3PL leaders, and forward-thinking execs who share proven strategies for leveraging technology, automation, and AI to maximize value so you can scale smarter and sell stronger. Tailored for business owners who want to grow, scale, and plan a successful exit.