Rob Walling has started, built, and sold multiple companies. As an investor and conference organizer, he’s seen hundreds of founders exit—some thriving, others struggling. He teamed up with Dr. Sherry Walling, a clinical psychologist specializing in supporting entrepreneurs, to codify what separates a successful exit from one that leaves an owner adrift. Their insights culminated in Exit Strategy, a book that explores the hidden side of selling your company.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Sherry and Rob and discover:
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How to use “kill criteria” to know when it’s time to sell.
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Why “telling the story” of your business often leads to a better price.
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The “walkaway mindset” and how it can drive up your multiple.
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How the rich vs. king framework can help you make the right exit decision.
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Why your “exit uniform” matters more than you think.
Note: For the first time ever, Built to Sell Radio was recorded live in front of an audience at the Value Builder Summit, a gathering of mission-driven advisors dedicated to helping founders level the playing field as they approach their exits. If you’d like to chat with an advisor in your industry, let us know.
Quote of the Week
Building and then leaving a business is emotionally similar to raising a child who heads off to adulthood and inadvertently fires you from the day-to-day tasks of parenting.
Deals
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Bud’s Plumbing, a service and repair plumbing company operating for over 100 years, has been acquired by Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (NYSE: KFS) for $5 million, funded with cash on hand and a $1.25 million seller note. The company generates $800,000 in annual adjusted EBITDA, with the acquisition price reflecting an EBITDA multiple of 6.25 times.
