Opt Out Life

Matt Rinkey is a wealth advisor and certified exit planner who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and real estate investors maximize their business value and achieve their financial goals. With a background in family office, hedge fund, and real estate, Matt brings a wealth of experience to support his clients in building the right strategies for wealth creation and life aspirations. Through his boutique team's comprehensive approach and flat fee model, Matt serves as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, providing guidance on day-to-day financial questions and major life-altering events. His expertise focuses on integrating personal and business planning, exit planning, and creating customized investment checklists to help clients prioritize their business growth and avoid common pitfalls. "So how do we make them better as investors? And that's just not by, hey, send your money here."    Key themes included: 1. Gaining expertise from clients and members 2. Entrepreneurial strategi

Lee is a value creation expert, a skill not commonly discussed when it comes to scaling and preparing for exits. I know you listeners would love to hear about his practical tools and insights on this. Lee is also a 2x bestselling author with over 30 years of experience in the business world and currently the CEO of Execute to Win. He has founded and led seven companies, including Able Aerospace, which he grew from two to 500 employees and 2,000 customers in 60 countries culminating in a 9-figure exit in 2016. "How would you like to create value in the world?"   Key themes included: 1. Value creation as the key business focus 2. Importance of aligning business model and strategy 3. Benson's methodology applicable to all business sizes 4. Benson's entrepreneurial journey 5. Simplicity and focus in business growth frameworks 6. Criticisms of higher education's lack of practicality 7. Fostering value creation mindset in youth — Website: www.etw.com   Contact: bo@evancarmichael.com Linked

Brad Baldridge is a financial advisor specializing in college planning, helping families navigate the complex landscape of college costs and financial aid. With a background in engineering, Brad transitioned into financial advising and found his niche in assisting clients with the increasingly challenging task of managing college expenses. He emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches to college planning, considering each student's unique needs, abilities, and career aspirations. Brad's expertise extends beyond college planning to comprehensive financial portfolio management, offering a holistic approach to financial advising for his clients.   "If you take a $60,000 school and you get 35,000 of scholarships and you're down to 25, that's about where the state school probably is going to be. Either way, you still have to pay 30,000. So that's the next step, right, is how do we pay that efficiently?"   Key themes included: 1. Financial planning strategies for businesses and famil

Tommy Vincent is a dynamic entrepreneur with a rich background in sales, technology, and mental health businesses. Passionate about finance, his latest venture, Hub Analytics, focuses on automating repetitive accounting tasks and enhancing financial management for small businesses. By prioritizing customer feedback and maintaining a lean approach, Tommy aims to guide entrepreneurs in exit planning and achieving their financial goals. His journey from successful exits to innovative startups underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of entrepreneurship, inspiring others with his commitment to long-term success.   Key themes included: 1. Customer-Centric Approach 2. Entrepreneurship Journey and Insights 3. Financial Reporting and Accuracy 4. Importance of Strong Networks 5. Long-term Success Planning 6. Automating Accounting Tasks with AI 7. Exit Planning and Succession — Website: https://hub-analytics.com/   Email: tommy.vincent@hub-analytics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/comp

Michael Frew worked for two decades as an engineer, developer, and software architect on hundreds of consulting engagements with corporations, including Lockheed Martin’s Artificial Intelligence Labs, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, and FireEye/Mandiant. He received his B.S. and MBA in Business and Economics while studying in China, Hong Kong, and The Netherlands, as well as several post-graduate information security certifications.   Following his corporate career, Michael pivoted to Acquisition Entrepreneurship, acquiring software/SaaS companies and using his boot-strapped funds to purchase multiple 6 and 7-figure businesses from brokers such as Empire Flippers, FE International, and Quiet Light Brokerage.   Currently, Michael manages a growing 8-figure portfolio of cloud-based software companies, collectively generating a 7-figure pre-tax income annually. Michael’s insights on digital business acquisitions and operations have been featured in dozens of media outlets like FE International,

Joining us is Dr. Mark Stiving, a passionate advocate for empowering B2B organizations to win more business at higher prices by unlocking the secrets of their buyers’ minds. As a published author, beloved professor, and sought-after speaker, Mark shares invaluable insights on how to strategically price, package, and sell products based on the value they deliver. With a wealth of experience working with organizations of all sizes, he brings practical tools and simple concepts to help businesses understand the value they bring and get paid accordingly. Get ready for a conversation with actionable strategies for achieving better pricing and profitability.  For over 25 years, Dr. Mark Stiving has been a guiding force for private equity firms and SMB organizations, unlocking the path to increased profits through strategic pricing, packaging, communication, and value-driven sales. Holding a Ph.D. in pricing from U.C. Berkeley, he authored three influential books: “Impact Pricing - Your Blueprint for Dri

Jonathan Baker heads up the M&A practice at Punctuation, a small advisory practice working exclusively with small to mid-sized independent marketing services firms. He has worked on dozens of deals both inside and outside the industry and brings a unique perspective as a fellow owner who has gone through the process himself.   He graduated from Emory University's Goizueta Business School in 2005. His career began at a small boutique marketing strategy consultancy. There, he was able to do marketing strategy and positioning work for many well-known Fortune 500 CPG companies.   In 2011, he left to start a craft brewery, Monday Night Brewing, where his focus was on marketing, sales, and taprooms. After helping his business partners grow to 180+ employees and numerous locations, Jonathan stepped away from the day-to-day to head up the M&A practice at Punctuation.    Key themes included: 1. Importance of firm positioning and expertise 2. Recurring revenue for business stability 3. Business develo

Jenna Biancavilla is an award-winning entrepreneur, wealth advisor, and captivating public speaker whose life mission is to positively impact others. As the Founder and CEO of Pearl Capital Management, a holistic, fee-only fiduciary financial planning firm, she advises on over $180 Million of assets under management. At the core of her work, Jenna is relentless in supporting, educating, and uncompromisingly helping every client align their use of capital with their personal goals and philanthropic values. Jenna also leads the Arcadia Team of Geneva Financial, a home loan company, showcasing her versatility and expertise in different facets of the financial industry. In her newest venture, Svvy, co-founded by her and her sister, Jenna aims to revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a platform that weeds out predatory salespeople and protects women and their wealth. Jenna Biancavilla’s story is a testament to the impact one individual can make in the financial world and beyond. Her d

Phillip Cooper has nearly three decades of experience in investment banking, commercial banking, and corporate leadership. He has worked with clients in the industrial, manufacturing, business services, oil and gas, restaurants, communications, transportation/airline, consumer/retail, and aerospace and defense sectors. He's seen market fluctuations impact deal volumes and business valuations and knows how to prepare owners for smooth transitions and successful sales. Through his work at Palm Tree LLC, Phillip specializes in providing sell-side M&A services, debt proposals, and consulting, emphasizing transparency and reliability at every step. "You should run your business from day one, like, you're going to sell it the next day."    Key themes included: 1. Business Valuation and Market Impact 2. Challenges of Failed Deals 3. Financial Reporting and Due Diligence 4. Importance of Trust in Transactions 5. Deal Structure and Valuation Gaps 6. Seller Preparedness and Exit Planning 7. Role of Investm

Jason Somerville is a seasoned entrepreneur and investment banking professional with nearly 20 years of experience in capital markets, M&A, strategic planning, business operations, and brand building. He is the Founding Partner of GW Partners. "I want to let the next owner do that. And I'm happy to kind of, we'll say, leave meat on that bone effectively for that new owner to go and do that."    Key themes included: 1. Market Understanding and Strategy 2. Importance of Mentorship 3. Benefits of Franchise Models 4. Strategic Partnerships and Joint Ventures 5. Financial Efficiency and Growth 6. Utilizing SaaS and ERP Technologies 7. Preparing Business for Exit Strategies — Website: www.gw.partners/  On LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-somerville-7273b71a/ — Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/  Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danarobinsonofficial/  Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com  — If the infor

Alex Prasad emphasizes the importance of enjoying conversations and forming relationships in business dealings. He believes that genuine interactions, like asking about someone's holiday or family, pave the way for deeper connections. Through these conversations, Alex finds numerous opportunities to help people, connect them with others, and share his opinions in an organic manner. This approach not only facilitates business discussions but also nurtures lasting professional relationships. "I stepped off the moving walkway without a plan. Didn't go well, by the way, but I took a risk, and I saved at least something, so that wasn't devastating."    Key themes included: 1. Importance of business relationships 2. Selecting the right attorney 3. Entrepreneurship by acquisition benefits 4. Risks and communication in deals 5. Aligning incentives in transactions 6. Practical experience in legal practice 7. Emphasizing leverage over technical skills —   Alex's Email: Aprasadagislaw.com On LinkedIn: https://

Chris Kurwie, driven by a profound entrepreneurial spirit, ventured from a demanding legal career to become a prominent business owner. Drawing from his own challenging journey, Chris underscores the value of resilience and long-term thinking in business. He is the operational head of a Sydney-based company and is passionate about helping entrepreneurs maximize the value of their businesses. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and benefit from his insights on navigating business exits and creating enduring success. "I hadn't appreciated that for every extra unit of complexity in the strategy you had like ten units of complexity when it comes to actually operating the business and doing the work."    Key themes included: 1. Selling a Business Challenges 2. Long-term Business Value Creation 3. Recurring Revenue Significance 4. Preparedness for Business Exits 5. Entrepreneurial Resilience and Learning 6. Importance of Correct Market Targeting 7. Transition from Law to Entrepreneurship —  Chris's Website: www

Reid Tileston is an author, keynote speaker and expert in Entrepreneurial Business Ownership. With  the release of his new book, Grit It Done, Reid shares his insights from over 15 years of successful, on-the-ground Entrepreneurial Business Ownership that led him to acquire, grow, and ultimately sell 4 different  companies with successful exits.   His most recent acquisition resulted in a 10x return multiple of invested capital (MOIC). Reid has exhibited sustained success from being a top performing Anytime Fitness franchisee to working with leading brands such as Harley Davidson, The Milwaukee Bucks, John Deere, Tough Mudder, Master Lock and Microsoft. Additionally, he has been featured in publications including The Wall Street Journal and Crain’s. "I want people to proactively choose either to do it or not to do it so that they can get all in to whatever makes the most sense for them."    Key themes included: 1. Business acquisition vs. startup benefits 2. Financial advantages of business b

Chris Parisi began his entrepreneurial journey young, mowing lawns before diving into the worlds of accounting and private equity. Now a partner at Carl Marks Advisors, he specializes in mergers and acquisitions for family-owned businesses, blending a sharp acumen for finance with a deep respect for the legacy of family enterprises. Known for his approachable nature and effective communication, Chris thrives on educating and guiding business owners through the complexities of selling their businesses. His ability to simplify intricate financial details and nurture client relationships ensures that every transaction is transparent and tailored to meet individual business goals. "...they've been the smartest guy in the room... And they get into this process and all of a sudden they're not. And it's my job to make sure that...they fully understand every step in this process." Key themes included: 1. Structuring private equity buyouts and partnerships. 2. Evolution and perception of private equity firms. 3. Impor

RJ Burr, 48, is a third-generation producer of American oil. Born into the industry, Mr. Burr was on his first location before he could walk and has been fascinated by the production of oil his entire life.   Within 3 months of graduating high school, RJ Burr funded his first partnership and never looked back. RJ Burr is now the Senior VP of Corporate Operations at Panex.  With a main focus on the Gulf Coast, Mr. Burr’s companies have raised and deployed over $300 million in upstream development and have partnered with some of the largest oil and gas companies, namely Shell, BP, and Marathon, to develop several million barrels in reserves. "I think, no, we're not perfect. We've made mistakes. But by God, we're the only country in the history of the world that has tried to fix our mistakes, and we paid dearly for it."  Key themes included: 1. Challenges of transitioning to green energy 2. Free market influence on energy adoption 3. Oil industry dynamics and economic impact 4. Environmental implications

Alan Ezeir is a serial entrepreneur with a track record of identifying unique opportunities and transforming industries, evident in his pivot from telecom to the domain registration space. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by a spectrum of investments, from the successful build-up of a 7 million strong domain registry to ventures in cryptocurrency, real estate, and private equity. As an independent sponsor, Ezeir harnesses personal connections and market knowledge to acquire and enhance businesses, bringing a hands-on approach to the value creation process. Beloved for his engaging personality and savvy investment strategies, Alan continues to foster meaningful connections, always on the lookout for innovative ways to grow and enjoy the entrepreneurial journey. "For the uninitiated, private equity is a term that could mean a lot, but we generally use it as a code word for when someone who puts a deal together, usually referred to as a sponsor, matches the capital needed to acquire that business with some

Ryan Sandburg is a seasoned entrepreneur with a keen insight into operational efficiency and business growth. His journey from the construction industry to tech company ownership demonstrates his adaptability and willingness to immerse himself in new sectors. With his proactive approach to problem-solving and expertise in software implementation, Ryan successfully scaled his company, Presearch Inc., to become a leading provider in background checks for employment. His story is one of leveraging skills learned on the job to carve out a niche in entrepreneurship, embodying the spirit of continuous learning and strategic development. "Two years ago, I'd be like, man, if I don't work for a day, I'm kind of screwed. I'm too valuable as an employee. So then it came down to, like, restructuring, getting the employees that I trusted to where I could do that, and that's where I'm now. If, if I needed to take a week off, I wouldn't be sweating at night wondering what they're doing. Like, if. If things are going okay, i

Robert Clinkenbeard's story begins with the invaluable lessons he gained while employed by another firm, which would later become the bedrock of his journey into entrepreneurship. Embracing the natural pathway of learning, Robert is candid about the numerous mistakes he made in the initial stages of his business venture. It was a process of trial and error, a hands-on experience that taught him more than any textbook could. Together, we'll explore the critical steps a business should take 2 to 3 years prior to a sale, including consulting with CPAs, lawyers, and getting your financials in order. Robert will share personal insights on building a strong seller team and how to position your business attractively for private equity and potential buyers. "Making sure you have the right leadership team in place so that you're almost at a point where you're not necessarily involved too much on a day to day basis... Just making sure things are cleaned up in terms of entities and business structures. I think all those

Jena Dunay believes in the power of ownership in one’s career, advocating for job seekers to approach their work as valuable contributors. Her expertise lies in coaching individuals, especially senior-level job changers, to hone their storytelling and confidence for career success. With a robust experience in various roles leading up to becoming a chief learning officer, she transitioned back into entrepreneurship to achieve work-life balance and create impactful businesses. Jena's journey illustrates her dedication to personal growth and her drive to empower others in their professional endeavors through her platform, recruittheemployer.com. Here, we chat about building your career through networking, shifting your mentality, presenting yourself well in interviews, and reevaluating success.  "You need to not look at yourself as just a cog in a wheel. You need to look above that cog in a wheel and actually understand how you contribute to the overall picture and then show that you can create value for an orga

John Ovrom is the embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit, channeling his vigor into a successful construction business built alongside his family. With the experience of growth, acquisition, and the rewarding challenge of diversification under his belt, he transitioned from owner to consultant, guiding others through the intricate dance of business exit strategies. His firm, Exit Consulting, manifests John's expertise and empathetic approach to mentoring business owners grappling with the emotional and logistical complexities of selling their life's work. Stitching together a narrative of transformation and new beginnings, John's journey underscores the value of professional guidance and the art of gracefully stepping away to embrace change. I chat with him about figuring out your exit plan, when to implement it, and what to expect afterward.  "What is the definition of an exit? Is an exit the last check you receive from the payoff? Is it the last day you worked after staying on for a year or two or three for y