The Exit Teams Podcast with Bob Tankesley

Bob Tankesley
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

You've Got One Shot to Sell Your Business Right!The American Dream fulfilled! You are a business owner, and it's time to cash in on the sale of your business. Except, the buyers on the other side of the table are prepared with a team of experts ready to lower your price. Enter the Exit Teams Podcast! This podcast won't promise you beach chairs and Caribbean sunsets. It will tell you the truth, letting you know the psychological dangers that play into a business sale, and how buyers can use that psychology to acquire your business for far less than you, the owner, could have made. Bob Tankesley has been an M&A Advisor for over ten years and has delt with hundreds of businesses. He has experienced the highs and lows of business sales, and understands the risks and opportunities that come with selling a business right.Enjoy this podcast, and please like and share!

  1. 19h ago

    AI, Cybersecurity & Building Business Value with Brian Beck

    Could outdated technology, weak cybersecurity, or an unplanned AI strategy be quietly reducing your company's value? Many business owners invest in technology without considering how those decisions affect profitability, operational efficiency, security, and their ability to sell the business. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Brian Beck, a technology and cybersecurity expert with over 30 years of experience at Proxurve, to discuss how strategic technology investments can strengthen business performance and improve exit readiness. Brian explains why successful AI adoption starts with leadership, clear business objectives, and measurable ROI rather than simply purchasing new tools. They explore cybersecurity frameworks, AI governance, data protection, employee training, and the risks of disconnected technology systems. They also discuss how buyers evaluate technology infrastructure during due diligence, why cybersecurity breaches can damage enterprise value, and how AI can improve processes without replacing valuable employees. Discover how building a secure, scalable technology strategy can reduce business risk, improve operational efficiency, strengthen buyer confidence, and help maximize business valuation before an exit. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

  2. 2d ago

    Why Great Marketing Makes Your Business Worth More (with Patrick Elliott)

    Is your marketing actually increasing your company's value, or is it just generating clicks, impressions, and leads? Many businesses invest heavily in marketing without connecting those efforts to measurable revenue growth, customer retention, or long-term business value. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Patrick Elliott, founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Four Cross Advisory, to discuss how strategic marketing can build predictable revenue, strengthen customer relationships, and improve exit readiness. Patrick introduces his Three Vs of Marketing—Vanity, Velocity, and Value—and explains why successful marketing requires more than attractive branding and frequent campaigns. They explore how aligning marketing, sales, customer service, and operations creates a complete revenue system that supports sustainable growth. Patrick also discusses customer acquisition costs, lifetime customer value, recurring revenue, marketing attribution, and the importance of targeting the right customers. Discover how measurable marketing strategies, stronger customer retention, and a differentiated brand can increase business value and create a lasting legacy beyond the owner's exit. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

  3. 3d ago

    Building a Workforce That Increases Business Value (with Frank Thomas)

    Could a shortage of skilled workers be quietly reducing your manufacturing company's value? High employee turnover, inadequate training, and the loss of experienced workers can disrupt production, weaken profitability, and create serious concerns for potential buyers. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Frank Thomas of American Made Solutions to discuss how workforce development, skilled-trades recruiting, and employee retention can strengthen manufacturing businesses and improve exit readiness. Frank explains why traditional staffing models often fail manufacturers and how his company's approach focuses on finding qualified talent, reducing turnover, and accelerating employee proficiency. They explore apprenticeship programs, transferring knowledge from retiring workers, and the growing importance of skilled trades as AI and automation reshape American manufacturing. They also discuss identifying overlooked talent, building standardized training programs, and creating repeatable operational processes that don't depend on individual employees. Discover how a stable, well-trained workforce can improve production efficiency, protect institutional knowledge, and make your manufacturing business more valuable and transferable when it's time to sell. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

  4. Oct 2

    Using AI & Data to Build a More Valuable Business (with Peter O'Sullivan)

    Could your business be sitting on valuable data without knowing how to use it? Many business owners invest in accounting software, ERP systems, and CRM platforms but struggle to turn that information into better decisions, stronger cash flow, and increased profitability. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Peter O'Sullivan, founder and CEO of Highbeam Analytics and creator of InsightQ, to explore how artificial intelligence and business analytics can help companies uncover hidden opportunities and improve business value. Peter explains how connecting financial, sales, marketing, and inventory data can reveal inefficiencies that traditional reporting often misses. They discuss AI-powered demand forecasting, inventory optimization, gross profit analysis, and how smaller manufacturers and distributors can use enterprise-level analytics to compete more effectively. Peter also shares why AI should complement traditional business intelligence rather than replace it, and how better forecasting helps owners identify problems before they become costly. Discover how smarter data-driven decisions can improve EBITDA, reduce operational risk, strengthen buyer confidence, and increase business valuation before an eventual exit. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

  5. Aug 28

    How to Build a Business Buyers Actually Want (with Guy Bartlett)

    Is your business truly ready to sell, or are you waiting until you're emotionally ready to walk away? Many business owners spend decades building successful companies but overlook the preparation needed to attract serious buyers, maximize value, and achieve financial freedom. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Guy Bartlett, founder of Fidelis Advisory and an experienced M&A advisor, to discuss the realities of buying and selling businesses, exit planning, and preparing for a successful ownership transition. Guy explains why being for sale doesn't necessarily mean being sellable, how owner dependence reduces business value, and why owners should begin preparing 18–36 months before an exit. They explore his MSOFT framework, the importance of strong management teams, and how financial independence can give sellers more negotiating flexibility. They also discuss fractional M&A advisory, seller financing, earnouts, creative deal structures, and avoiding costly acquisition mistakes. Discover how early preparation, realistic expectations, and the right advisory team can create a more valuable business and a smoother, more rewarding exit. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

  6. Aug 14

    How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying a Business (with Ken Maggi)

    Buying a business can be a tremendous growth opportunity, but what happens when hidden financial problems turn a promising acquisition into an expensive mistake? Weak cash flow, overstated earnings, and overlooked liabilities can destroy business value long after the deal closes. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Ken Maggi, a turnaround and restructuring expert at Fortis Business Advisers with over 30 years of experience, to discuss how buyers can identify acquisition risks before committing to a transaction. Ken explains why Quality of Earnings, accounts receivable aging, inventory valuation, and working capital requirements deserve careful examination during buy-side due diligence. They explore hidden operational problems, SBA financing risks, troubled vendor relationships, employee retention, and the challenges of acquiring distressed businesses. Ken also shares lessons from failed acquisitions, including what buyers should understand about bankruptcy sales and post-closing operations. Discover how thorough financial due diligence, realistic cash flow planning, and identifying hidden liabilities can protect your investment and position an acquisition for long-term success. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

  7. Aug 11

    Financial Clarity Before the Exit with Lane Phillips

    Is your business profitable on paper but constantly struggling with cash flow? Many business owners receive financial statements every month without truly understanding their company's financial health, hidden risks, or what sophisticated buyers will uncover during due diligence. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Lane Phillips, an experienced financial advisor and fractional CFO, to discuss how financial clarity, strategic forecasting, and stronger financial systems can improve business performance and exit readiness. Lane explains why 13-week cash flow forecasts, accurate EBITDA calculations, and working capital management are essential for making better financial decisions. They explore customer profitability, margin leakage, realistic growth projections, and the dangers of expanding faster than cash flow can support. They also discuss Quality of Earnings, the importance of reliable financial reporting, and how fractional CFO services help growing businesses prepare for buyer scrutiny. Discover how proactive financial leadership, improved forecasting, and reducing owner dependence can strengthen buyer confidence and increase business value before a sale. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

  8. Jul 28

    Why Profit Comes Before Growth with Rocky Lalvani

    Is your business generating impressive revenue but leaving you with little actual profit? Many business owners focus on growing sales while overlooking the cash flow problems, unnecessary expenses, and financial habits that prevent them from building real wealth. In this episode of the Exit Teams Podcast, host Bob Tankesley sits down with Rocky Lalvani, founder of Profit Comes First and a profit advisor to seven- and eight-figure business owners, to discuss how prioritizing profitability can strengthen financial performance and increase business value. Rocky explains the Profit First approach, including why owners should allocate money for profit, taxes, and compensation before spending on operations. They explore common cash flow mistakes, the dangers of rapid growth, ineffective reinvestment strategies, and why traditional financial statements don't always reveal a company's financial health. Discover how improving gross profit margins, managing working capital, building repeatable systems, and reducing owner dependence can create a more profitable, scalable, and sellable business. Thinking about selling your business or planning your next chapter? Visit https://www.exitteams.com to learn how Exit Teams helps business owners prepare for and navigate a successful business exit.

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About

You've Got One Shot to Sell Your Business Right!The American Dream fulfilled! You are a business owner, and it's time to cash in on the sale of your business. Except, the buyers on the other side of the table are prepared with a team of experts ready to lower your price. Enter the Exit Teams Podcast! This podcast won't promise you beach chairs and Caribbean sunsets. It will tell you the truth, letting you know the psychological dangers that play into a business sale, and how buyers can use that psychology to acquire your business for far less than you, the owner, could have made. Bob Tankesley has been an M&A Advisor for over ten years and has delt with hundreds of businesses. He has experienced the highs and lows of business sales, and understands the risks and opportunities that come with selling a business right.Enjoy this podcast, and please like and share!

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