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.

  1. قبل ٤ أيام

    #23: ERP & Inventory Optimization to Increase Exit Value with Dani Kaplan

    In this episode, I sit down with Dani Kaplan, Principal at SMC Data Systems and veteran ERP and supply chain consultant, to unpack how modern ERP implementation, inventory management, and warehouse management system (WMS) integration can drive operational excellence and support a higher value exit.​ We discuss: – Dani’s five decade journey with enterprise software, from early mainframes to modern ERP, and how that perspective shapes his approach to inventory and operations today.​ – Why bolting a standalone WMS onto outdated ERP is often a costly band aid, and how API integrations can break during upgrades, leaving vendors pointing fingers while your warehouse goes offline.​ – A practical way to buy software using a “supermarket shopping list” of business requirements by department, so demos focus on real problems instead of shiny features.​ – What a healthy ERP implementation looks like in the real world: test environments, daily data conversion checks, on site training instead of purely web training, and avoiding hard go live dates that create unnecessary risk.​ – Today’s supply chain reality, from Red Sea disruptions and tariffs to multi shipment freight costs, and why accurate landed cost and net inventory visibility are now non negotiable.​ – How integrated ERP and tight analytics improve inventory optimization, margin, and cash flow by showing what products still deserve shelf space, which regions buy what, and which customers may be becoming credit risks.​ – The M&A and exit planning angle: why outdated, inaccurate systems scare buyers and banks, slow due diligence, and lead to “horse trading” on valuation versus having clean, real time inventory and financial reporting.​ – The human side of change management, including the critical role of the IT manager in endorsing new technology so users actually practice and adopt the system.​ If you are a business owner in manufacturing, distribution, or logistics who is thinking about your exit or working to build a more resilient, data driven supply chain, this conversation is packed with actionable insight on ERP implementation, inventory optimization, WMS ERP integration, and exit planning.​ Want to learn more about Dani’s work? Connect with him through https://smcdata.com/ or find him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-kaplan/).​ Ready to grow and plan your exit? Visit www.BizExitGrow.com where thoughtful systems and strategies help build lasting value and legacy.​ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome 1:26 - Dani's Background: From NCR Computers to ERP Consulting 4:39 - The Dangers of Disconnected Systems: WMS vs ERP Integration 5:21 - How to Buy Software: The Shopping List Approach 7:00 - Implementation Best Practices: Training & Change Management 8:37 - Supply Chain Reality: Red Sea Crisis & Tariff Impact 10:30 - M&A Preparation: Why Clean Data Increases Business Value 12:51 - Analytics for Exit Planning: Margins & Inventory Optimization 17:03 - Case Study: Multi-Location ERP Integration Success 25:15 - Support & Vendor Selection: Why It Makes or Breaks Implementation 26:06 - AI in Supply Chain: The 80-90% Failure Rate 28:56 - The Dot-Com Parallel: AI Hype vs Reality 33:33 - Trust & Ethics in Business Relationships 38:22 - The Future of AI: Enhancement vs Replacement 43:00 - Final Advice: Requirements First, Demo Second

    ٤٦ من الدقائق
  2. قبل ٥ أيام

    #22: ESOP Exit Strategies & Employee Ownership for Business Owners with Matt Middendorp​

    In this episode, I sit down with Matt Middendorp, Director at Vision Point Capital and nationally recognized ESOP expert, to unpack how employee stock ownership plans can serve as a powerful exit strategy for owners who care about valuation, culture, and their people.​ We discuss: – Matt’s journey from banker to founder to ESOP advisor, and what selling his own consulting firm taught him about identity, legacy, and “what comes next” after an exit.​ – What an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) is in plain language, and how selling to an ESOP trust compares to private equity or strategic buyers on price, control, and exit timeline.​ – Which businesses are ideal ESOP candidates, including US-based S‑corps, 15–20+ employees, consistent profitability, and a culture that supports communication and employee ownership.​ – Big levers that drive business valuation in an ESOP deal, from debt levels and margins to normalizing financials beyond what shows up on the tax return.​ – Major ESOP tax advantages, including how a 100 percent employee‑owned S‑corp can eliminate federal income tax and most state tax, plus 1042 rollover strategies to defer capital gains for sellers.​ – The ESOP feasibility study process, from “I think I want to” to “we are employee owned,” and how owners can model different sale percentages, bank vs seller financing, and payout timelines before committing.​ – How ESOPs align incentives, often boosting productivity and building meaningful retirement wealth for employees over time through employee ownership shares.​ – Where AI fits in business valuation today, what current tools get right and wrong, and why owners should never let AI‑generated valuations set their exit expectations without expert review.​ If you are a business owner exploring exit options, this conversation is packed with actionable insight on ESOP exit planning, employee ownership, and building a company that buyers and employees genuinely want to own.​ Want to learn more about Matt’s work? Visit ESOPReady.com or connect with him through https://visionpointcapital.com/ to explore ESOP feasibility and valuation services.​​ Ready to grow and plan your exit? Visit www.BizExitGrow.com where thoughtful systems and strategies help build lasting value and legacy.

    ٥٢ من الدقائق
  3. قبل ٦ أيام

    #21: Exit Planning and Wealth Transitions – Financial Strategy for Business Owners with Jennifer Lee

    In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Lee, founder of Modern Wealth and author of Squeeze the Juice, to explore the financial and emotional side of business exit planning. With nearly three decades of experience, Jennifer specializes in transition planning for business owners navigating what she calls collision zones: moments where high emotions meet critical financial decisions.​ We discuss: – Jennifer's background in financial planning and the journey to founding her own firm.​ – What collision zones are and why business owners often get caught unprepared when receiving unexpected offers.​ – The wealth gap: calculating whether your business sale proceeds can sustain your lifestyle after taxes and understanding capital gains impact.​ – What’s the ideal timeline for exit planning, and what strategies can maximize your business valuation.​ – The business love letter concept: documenting key information for partners, successors, and family members in case of unexpected transitions.​ – How to evaluate offers, work with trusted advisors, and avoid common mistakes during the exit process.​ – The role of AI and technology in financial planning and business operations, plus predictions for the future.​ – Practical tips on leveraging the "juice" from technology and planning tools to improve business value and personal wealth management.​ If you are a business owner planning your exit, this episode is packed with actionable insights on wealth management, succession planning, and building exit readiness. Want to learn more about Jennifer's work? Visit modern-wealth.com to explore transition planning services or schedule an appointment with her at Calendly.com/jennifermodernwealth. Ready to grow and plan your exit? Visit www.BizExitGrow.com where thoughtful systems and strategies help build lasting value and legacy. Note: Discussions in this show should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions. Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Modern-Wealth, LLC and Cambridge are not affiliated.

    ٣٩ من الدقائق
  4. ٥ فبراير

    #20: Scaling with 3PL – Supply Chain Systems, E-commerce Fulfillment & Operational Excellence with Source Select CEO Mahavir Jain

    In this episode, I sit down with Mahavir Jain, Founder and CEO of Source Select Inc., a global e-commerce fulfillment and 3PL logistics company he's led for over 28 years from Silicon Valley. Mahavir brings enterprise-level supply chain capability to small and mid-sized companies, helping them scale without massive infrastructure costs. We discuss: – Mahavir's journey from Silicon Valley tech to building a thriving global 3PL business from bankruptcy – How small businesses can access enterprise-level fulfillment infrastructure without breaking the bank – The critical moment when he discovered the power of offering affordable supply chain solutions to growing companies – Working with Kickstarter-funded startups like Pebble and Hydrate to scale fulfillment operations – Building systems, SOPs, and digital workflows that enable businesses to run without the founder – The importance of team culture, hiring the right people, and maintaining operational excellence – Why logistics success is all about details: finishing today what's due tomorrow – Transitioning from manual to digital to automated operations for scalability – Real-world lessons on cash flow management, factoring, and surviving economic downturns – Technology's role in 3PL and where AI and automation are heading in supply chain Whether you're a business owner looking to outsource fulfillment, scale operations, or build a company that runs without you, this episode is packed with actionable insights on logistics, systems, and exit readiness. Want to learn more about Mahavir and his work? Connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahaveer-jain-4129895/) or visit https://sourceselect.com/ to see how they power e-commerce fulfillment for growing businesses. Ready to grow and plan your exit? Visit www.BizExitGrow.com where thoughtful systems and strategies help build lasting value and legacy.

    ١ س ٩ د
  5. ٢٢ يناير

    #19: Hire Slow, Fire Fast. Jim Rohn’s Mentorship & AI Growth with John Solleder

    In this episode, I sit down with John Solleder, a best-selling author and organizational consultant who turned a $32 investment into a lifetime of entrepreneurial success. With over four decades of experience and direct mentorship from personal development legend Jim Rohn, John bridges the gap between old-school business wisdom and the new era of AI-driven growth. We discuss: – John's journey from avoiding the Marine Corps to building a global business empire. – The "Hire Slow, Fire Fast" framework and why keeping the wrong people is costing you a fortune. – Lessons from Jim Rohn: How a single lunch with the legend changed John's entire career trajectory. – The "AI or Die" reality: Why John compares resisting AI to refusing to own a cell phone in the 90s. – How to structure 90-day sprints to compress time and achieve massive goals. – Building Equity: How to stop being a commodity and start "owning" your market identity. Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned executive, this conversation provides the blueprint for blending timeless leadership principles with cutting-edge technology to scale your exit value. Want to learn more about John and his work? Connect with him on YouTube (@john_solleder) or visit www.johnsolleder.com. Ready to grow and plan your exit? Visit www.BizExitGrow.com to learn how we preserve legacies and grow businesses through thoughtful exits.

    ٤٧ من الدقائق
  6. ١٧ يناير

    #18: Brand Dating & Exit Strategy– How Relational Branding Drives Valuation with Marc Rust

    In this episode, I sit down with Marc Rust, a brand strategist with deep roots in the financial sector, to break down exactly how branding influences your company's bottom line and exit value. Marc explains why your logo is just the tip of the iceberg and how true value comes from understanding your audience's deepest needs. We discuss: – Marc's journey from learning language through TV commercials to leading a top brand strategy agency. – The concept of "Brand Dating" and why treating business relationships like a courtship builds lasting trust. – How to craft an elevator pitch that avoids "cognitive dissonance" and instantly connects with your audience. – Strategies for private equity and portfolio companies to use branding as a lever for higher valuations. – Why "boring" B2B industries (like screw and bolt manufacturers) need storytelling just as much as lifestyle brands. – The shift in generational values and how Millennials and Gen Z leverage purchasing power based on alignment. If you are a business owner looking to grow, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building a brand that supports scaling and exit readiness. Want to learn more about Marc and his work? Connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcr/) or visit www.consequentlycreative.com. Ready to grow and plan your exit? Visit www.BizExitGrow.com to learn how we preserve legacies and grow businesses through thoughtful exits. Chapters: 00:00 #18: Brand Dating & Exit Strategy– How Relational Branding Drives Valuation with Marc Rust 00:10 Introduction 00:58 Mark's Background & Journey 06:06 Brand Strategy Process 08:35 Brand Dating & Relational Branding 16:26 Customer-Centric Approach 18:39 The Power of Storytelling 24:33 Measuring Brand Impact 26:42 AI in Marketing & Branding 30:49 The POST Method 35:42 Future of AI 42:17 Final Advice

    ٤٤ من الدقائق
  7. ١٦ يناير

    #17: 8-18% Returns— Private Lending, Passive Income & AI Scaling with Steven Loewer

    In this episode, I sit down with Steven Loewer, founder of Lion’s Den Capital and the Private Mortgage Mastery Academy. Steven manages over $400 million in funded deals and teaches investors how to secure predictable, high-yield returns through private mortgage lending—without the headaches of being a landlord.We discuss:– Steven's journey from scrubbing carpets in rental properties to building a lending empire.– How investors can earn 8-18% returns secured by real estate without dealing with tenants or toilets.– Strategies for business owners to deploy exit proceeds into predictable monthly income streams for wealth preservation.– The origin of "Lion's Den" and how Steven honors his mother's entrepreneurial legacy.– How to leverage AI agents and custom GPTs to act as business advisors and automate content creation.– The future of AI in real estate and why smaller players will be able to disrupt established industries.Whether you are a business owner planning an exit or an investor looking for passive income, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on financial freedom and leveraging technology for growth.Want to learn more about Steven and his work?Connect with him on LinkedIn (  / stevenloewer  ) or Instagram (  / stevenloewer  )Want help building a company buyers actually want to own?Visit www.BizExitGrow.com to learn how we preserve legacies and grow businesses through thoughtful exits.00:00 #17: 8-18% Returns: Private Lending, Passive Income & AI Scaling with Steven Loewer00:10 Introduction01:12 Steven's Background and Journey05:20 First Property Investment10:01 What is Private Lending15:50 Returns and Investment Strategy18:38 Tax Advantages and Seller Financing26:04 Risk Management and Underwriting28:58 Building the Community37:17 AI in Private Lending43:48 Future of AI Technology46:05 Closing and Resources

    ٤٧ من الدقائق

حول

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.