Exitwise Productions

Exitwise
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Exitwise Productions is your one-stop shop for M&A education, real-world exit stories, and expert insights. Whether you're a founder planning to sell, a business owner exploring your options, or just looking to understand how mergers and acquisitions really work. The Wise Exit · Host Todd Sullivan, M&A Advisor and Exitwise CEO & Co-founder, brings you in-depth conversations with founders and former business owners who've sold to some of the top acquirers in the world, alongside focused masterclasses and expert guidance on the M&A process. From business valuations and quality of earnings to choosing the right M&A advisor or investment banker for your deal, The Wise Exit breaks it all down. The Exited Founder Podcast · Hear first-hand exit journeys from successful founders across dozens of industries who are now paying it forward as M&A advisors with Exitwise. Every episode features an exited founder sharing what they wish they'd done differently, their take on current industry trends, and the lessons they're bringing to help the next generation of business owners maximize their exits. Meet the advisors and explore the Exited Founder Marketplace at exitwise.com/exited-founders Whether you're years away from selling or already exploring a transaction, Exitwise Productions gives you the insights, strategies, and real-world perspective to get the exit you deserve. Learn more at exitwise.com

  1. Exited Founder Podcast | Shannon Wilburn: Selling the Franchise Empire She Built From Her Living Room

    4H AGO

    Exited Founder Podcast | Shannon Wilburn: Selling the Franchise Empire She Built From Her Living Room

    Shannon Wilburn started Just Between Friends in her living room, a marketplace for families to buy and sell gently used children's clothes, toys, and baby gear. Over 20 years, she grew it into a nationwide franchise spanning 33 states and doing $60 million in system-wide sales. When her largest franchisee came to her and said "if you ever think about selling, I might want to buy this," Shannon had a decision to make. In this episode, Shannon talks about choosing buyer fit over the highest price and what it meant to protect the legacy of a franchise she'd built for two decades. She shares the emotional reality of letting go, how she leaned on an advisory board of franchise industry heavyweights to navigate the deal, and what the transition looked like on the other side as she stayed on as a board member while watching her company continue to thrive under new leadership. Shannon also dives into what's changing in franchising right now, from the rise of platform companies bolting on brands to how AI is reshaping the landscape for emerging franchise businesses. Today, Shannon is paying it forward as an Exited Founder with Exitwise, advising fellow founders through M&A transactions and bringing 20 years of franchise industry relationships to every deal. If you're a franchise owner thinking about selling your business, this one's for you. Learn more about Shannon: https://exitwise.com/founders/shannon-wilburn Thinking about selling your business? Visit https://exitwise.com

    28 min
  2. Exited Founder Podcast | Sean McKenna: How He Sold His HR Tech Startup to Dayforce in 16 Months

    FEB 25

    Exited Founder Podcast | Sean McKenna: How He Sold His HR Tech Startup to Dayforce in 16 Months

    Sean McKenna launched DataFuZion HCM in the middle of a pandemic with a new baby at home, and just nine months later, Ceridian (now Dayforce) called with an offer to buy. Sean turned it down. Then the offer doubled. Then it tripled. In this episode, Sean shares the full story with Exitwise Managing Partner Todd Sullivan: why he tried (and failed) to buy his former employer first, how he built an MVP that changed the HR tech integration space, and the moment he realized his seven-client startup had something a public company desperately wanted; not revenue, but software and people. Sean also breaks down how bringing in a specialist investment banker moved the valuation from 2x to 6x, how he structured an earn out that created multi-generational wealth, and why five of his team members walked away as millionaires. Whether you're building toward an exit or just curious what it really feels like to sell your company, this one's full of real talk on negotiation, the emotional rollercoaster of M&A, and how to protect yourself on the other side of a deal. Learn more about Sean and connect with Exitwise: https://exitwise.com/founders/sean-mckenna Thinking about selling your business? Visit https://exitwise.com

    28 min
  3. Introducing The Exited Founder Podcast

    EPISODE 70

    Introducing The Exited Founder Podcast

    Welcome to The Exited Founder Podcast, a production of Exitwise! This show is built on one simple idea: founders helping founders. Every episode features a successful Exited Founder who has been through the highs, the lows, and the life-changing moment of selling their business, and is now paying it forward by sharing everything they learned along the way. You'll hear first-hand exit stories from founders across dozens of industries, what they wish they did differently during the M&A process, their takes on current trends, and how they're using their experience to help the next generation of business owners navigate their exit strategy and maximize the value of their company. Every guest is an Exited Founder who now works as an M&A advisor with Exitwise, bringing deep industry expertise and real networks to help founders like you get the exit you deserve. Whether you're thinking about selling your business, preparing for an acquisition, or just starting to explore what an exit could look like, this podcast is for you. Meet our incredible experts and explore the Exited Founder Marketplace at exitwise.com/exited-founders Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

    1 min
  4. The Wise Exit | Remote Workforces When Selling Your Business | Nathan Hirsch

    03/20/2024

    The Wise Exit | Remote Workforces When Selling Your Business | Nathan Hirsch

    Summary: Nathan Hirsch, a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey of building and selling his company, FreeUp, which utilized remote workforces. He discusses the importance of having clean books and financials, as well as the value of virtual assistants and outsourced labor. Nathan emphasizes the need to hire the right level of talent, whether they are followers, doers, or experts. He also highlights the significance of building trust and relationships with your team and the importance of finding the right buyer who will treat your employees well. Overall, Nathan provides valuable insights into the M&A process and the benefits of remote workforces in business sales. Takeaways: Having clean books and financials is crucial when selling a business.Hiring the right level of talent, whether followers, doers, or experts, is essential for success.Building trust and relationships with your team is important for a smooth transition during a sale.Finding the right buyer who will treat your employees well is crucial.Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:24 - Nathan's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey 09:47 - M&A Process and Due Diligence 23:13 - Outsourced Labor and Hiring Levels 32:22 - M&A Expertise and Considerations 36:16 - Key Takeaways About The Nathan Hirsch:Twitter (X)LinkedInTrioSEOEcomBalanceAccountsBalanceOutsourceSchool The Wise Exit is an Exitwise Production. Are you a business owner looking to sell your business faster, for more, and with less complexity? Learn how Exitwise's founder-led team helps you maximize your exit value and simplifies the M&A process: https://exitwise.com/

    39 min
  5. The Wise Exit | Your Why in M&A | Meighan Newhouse

    03/06/2024

    The Wise Exit | Your Why in M&A | Meighan Newhouse

    Summary: In this episode, Todd Sullivan interviews Meighan Newhouse, the co-founder and former CEO of Inspirant Group, a management consulting firm that was acquired by 10 Pearls. Meighan shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the decision-making process behind selling her business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the why and the end goal of the sale, as well as finding a buyer that aligns with the company's culture and values. Meighan also discusses the challenges and considerations during the due diligence process and the post-acquisition experience. Takeaways: Before embarking on the journey of selling your business, pause and reflect on your why and the end goal of the sale.Find a buyer that aligns with your company's culture and values, and consider strategic acquisitions that can help accelerate growth.Prepare for the sale process by organizing your documentation and seeking advice from experienced M&A advisors.During due diligence, focus on maintaining confidentiality and consider the impact on your team and their day-to-day work.Negotiate the deal structure, including earnouts, to align incentives and ensure a smooth transition post-acquisition.The Wise Exit is an Exitwise Production. Are you a business owner looking to sell your business faster, for more, and with less complexity? Learn how Exitwise's founder-led team helps you maximize your exit value and simplifies the M&A process: https://exitwise.com/

    40 min
  6. The Wise Exit | Growth Drivers That Deliver M&A Success | George Sandmann

    12/19/2023

    The Wise Exit | Growth Drivers That Deliver M&A Success | George Sandmann

    George Sandmann shares his thoughts on:  Creating business engines that deliver predictable profits, cash flow, and sustainable growthDriving predictable, transferable value and a more lucrative M&A transactionGUEST BIO:George Sandmann is an entrepreneur turned growth advisor.  An attorney by training, George is an entrepreneur with almost 30 years experience starting and growing companies. After a lifetime of startup success and challenges, George founded his current company, Growth Drive, to deliver tools and technological support to advisory business delivering client wins and M&A success. George's professional vision is for Growth-Drivers to increase Strategic Capacity for $1 Trillion worth of middle and pre-middle market businesses. George is a speaker, board member, and author of a Forbes #1 New Release Book.  LinkedInX (Twitter)The Growth-Driving Advisor: Proven Strategies for Leading Clients from Stuck to Best-in-Class (Forbes 2023 Book by George Sandmann) The Wise Exit is an Exitwise Production. Are you a business owner looking to sell your business faster, for more, and with less complexity? Learn how Exitwise's founder-led team helps you maximize your exit value and simplifies the M&A process: https://exitwise.com/

    41 min
  7. The Wise Exit | Top 3 Attributes Of Any Sellable Business | Mike Finger

    12/12/2023

    The Wise Exit | Top 3 Attributes Of Any Sellable Business | Mike Finger

    Mike Finger highlights the three elements all small business owners should focus on when building a company for a future M&A exit: Are your business results desirable?  Will an acquirer see value and opportunity in what you have built?Can a buyer duplicate your results?  Can the buyer run the business without you?Can you document your results?  Is there a playbook written that can be followed once you are gone?GUEST BIO:Mike Finger is a serial entrepreneur and business advisor who's built and sold four companies. His first exit was not for the faint of heart and provided expensive lessons for the rest of his entrepreneurial career. Mike built his first company to 50 people, and after ten years of growth, he decided to sell. However, after several attempts to work out deals with multiple buyers, Mike's investment bank told him that his business was just not in a position to sell. Although this is something any decent investment bank or M&A Advisor should know before taking a company on as a client, Mike spent the next four years fixing the mistakes in his business and eventually sold the company. Resigned to not letting other small business owners go through his pain, today, Mike shares with us how to position small businesses for successful exits at Exit Oasis. We hope you enjoy the conversation with Mike Finger. WHERE TO FIND MIKE FINGER:LinkedIn The Wise Exit is an Exitwise Production. Are you a business owner looking to sell your business faster, for more, and with less complexity? Learn how Exitwise's founder-led team helps you maximize your exit value and simplifies the M&A process: https://exitwise.com/

    29 min
  8. The Wise Exit | Selling a Business From Prison | Chris Wise

    12/05/2023

    The Wise Exit | Selling a Business From Prison | Chris Wise

    EPISODE 64: THIS WEEK'S GUEST - CHRIS WISEIn this episode, Chris talks about: Asking for help when building your company for the futureCoaching founders on how to remove themselves from their businesses to create transferable valueHow taking care of yourself as a founder or business owner can significantly increase productivity and prevent burnoutGUEST BIO:Chris Wise is a seasoned business advisor with over 30 years of experience and the founder of Wise Profits. With a notable track record that includes 14 successful exits, 34 M&A transactions, and 2 IPOs, Chris and his team at Wise Profits have consistently delivered exceptional outcomes for their clients. Specializing in guiding $1M - $20M revenue companies, Wise Profits excels in scaling businesses, preparing them for optimized exits, and providing comprehensive M&A operational and integration services. WHERE TO FIND CHRIS WISE:LinkedInX (Twitter)YouTube EPISODE REFERENCE AND READING MATERIALS:Four Hour Workweek (book), Timothy Ferriss The Wise Exit is an Exitwise Production. Are you a business owner looking to sell your business faster, for more, and with less complexity? Learn how Exitwise's founder-led team helps you maximize your exit value and simplifies the M&A process: https://exitwise.com/

    32 min
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5
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About

Exitwise Productions is your one-stop shop for M&A education, real-world exit stories, and expert insights. Whether you're a founder planning to sell, a business owner exploring your options, or just looking to understand how mergers and acquisitions really work. The Wise Exit · Host Todd Sullivan, M&A Advisor and Exitwise CEO & Co-founder, brings you in-depth conversations with founders and former business owners who've sold to some of the top acquirers in the world, alongside focused masterclasses and expert guidance on the M&A process. From business valuations and quality of earnings to choosing the right M&A advisor or investment banker for your deal, The Wise Exit breaks it all down. The Exited Founder Podcast · Hear first-hand exit journeys from successful founders across dozens of industries who are now paying it forward as M&A advisors with Exitwise. Every episode features an exited founder sharing what they wish they'd done differently, their take on current industry trends, and the lessons they're bringing to help the next generation of business owners maximize their exits. Meet the advisors and explore the Exited Founder Marketplace at exitwise.com/exited-founders Whether you're years away from selling or already exploring a transaction, Exitwise Productions gives you the insights, strategies, and real-world perspective to get the exit you deserve. Learn more at exitwise.com

Information

  • Creator
    Exitwise
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©️ Copyright 2025 Exitwise, LLC
  • Show Website
    Exitwise Productions

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