Opt Out Life: Recent Episodes

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Sometimes you have to step back and really look at your business the way a buyer would. Dustin Williamson brings that perspective as Managing Director of Houston for vcfo, shaped by his journey from small town West Texas to venture capital in Phoenix, and a variety of turnaround and exit experiences along the way.

Key themes included:

1. Owner fallacies and unrealistic valuation expectations

2. Importance of buyer’s perspective in exits

3. Role of fractional CFO in SMBs

4. Turnarounds: value drivers and common pitfalls

5. Company culture’s impact on business value

6. De-risking for successful business sales

7. Common deal killers and exit failures

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Dustin's Website: www.vcfo.com

Dustin's Email: dwilliamson@vcfo.com

Dustin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinwilliamson/

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Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

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Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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When Idan Spizear immigrated from Israel, he started out cleaning carpets, quickly realizing that the real value was in genuinely caring for customers going through tough situations, not just fixing the problem at hand. By always looking for ways to add value—listening, being present, and helping homeowners feel calm through emotional disasters—he built a restoration business that thrives on empathy and human connection. Today, as the founder of 911 Restoration franchise, he focuses on empowering others to grow by making service, innovation, and team accountability the heart of every customer interaction.

Key themes included:

1. Customer service as company culture
2. Entrepreneurial origin story and mindset
3. Building accountability within teams
4. Growth challenges for small businesses
5. The role of innovation and experimentation
6. Franchise systems and business scaling
7. Finding fulfillment beyond financial success

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Idan's Website: www.911restorationfranchise.com

Idan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/911restoration

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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John Martinka is all about relationships, whether he’s helping someone buy or sell a business or teaching new advisors about the industry. He believes no one wants to do business without a foundation of trust and mutual respect, and that marketing yourself is just as important as your technical skills. John’s experience—from concert promotion to years of M&A consulting in the Seattle area—taught him that creating authentic relationships, giving back through organizations like Rotary, and helping clients get ready for their “next great adventure” is what makes the work meaningful.

Key themes included:

1. Importance of relationship-building in business

2. Preparing businesses for successful exit

3. Owner dependency and management delegation

4. Value drivers for maximizing business sale

5. Financial systems and accurate reporting

6. Role of networking versus prospecting

7. Engaging advisors and consultants effectively

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John's Website: https://nokomisadvisory.com/

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Saul Cohen, drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey and the experience of watching his father navigate building and exiting a business, now specializes in helping business owners plan for successful exits and avoid common pitfalls. His work focuses on making sure entrepreneurs consciously decide whether they’re building a lifestyle business or an asset to sell, and then guiding them through the next steps—whether that’s careful tax planning, optimizing for risk, or preparing for acquisitions.

Key themes included:

1. Difference: Lifestyle vs. Asset/Legacy businesses
2. Importance of early exit planning
3. Value of execution over ideas
4. Learning from business failures
5. Preparing businesses for acquisition
6. Wealth transfer and acquisition opportunities
7. Emotional aspects of business valuation and exit

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Saul's Email: saul.cohen@theexperteye.co.uk

Saul's Website: https://profitbooster.scoreapp.com/

Saul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohensaul/

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Tim Smith started out as a child actor and singer in New York City, then turned to business. He got the investing bug, started building his own wealth management and advisory firms, and over time became the founder of a boutique financial services platform with around 100 advisors and billions under oversight. Along the journey, he not only helped entrepreneurs prepare for their exit and long-term financial health but also became a real advocate for financial literacy, especially for creatives and the next generation through his “Financial Dad” podcast.

Key themes included:

1. Preparing businesses for a potential exit
2. Understanding business valuation and market multiples
3. Challenges and strategies in succession planning
4. Managing wealth post-business sale
5. Emotional aspects of selling a business
6. Importance of tax and charitable planning
7. Entrepreneurial mindset and risk tolerance

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Tim's Email: tim@aurorapw.com

Tim's Website: https://www.aurorapw.com

Tim's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thefinancialdad

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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M.C. Laubscher is a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author dedicated to empowering business owners through innovative wealth strategies. As the founder of Producers Wealth, he enhances financial well-being across the U.S., while his educational platform, Cashflow Ninja, has influenced over 7 million people globally. Renowned for his acclaimed podcasts and publications, M.C. shares valuable insights on financial independence and legacy-building, earning recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine and membership in elite financial circles like the Forbes Finance Council.

Check out his webpage dedicated to Exit Plan listeners:

www.producerswealth.com/optout

Key themes included:

1. Gambling vs. business strategy
2. Importance of savings systems
3. Cash management and banking instability
4. Life insurance as savings vehicle
5. Strategic borrowing against policies
6. Market cycles and business strategy
7. Diversification and cash flow management

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MC's Email: MC@mclaubscher.com

MC's Website: https://producerswealth.com/

MC's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclaubscher/

MC's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/producerswealth

MC's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflowninja/

MC's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cashflowninja

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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With over 25 years of experience in electrical engineering, physics, and sales, Mike has tapped into the unique insights of how technology and process can revolutionize sales strategy. As CEO of Patter AI, he continues to champion these revolutionary tech-driven strategies that supercharge strategic sales and has been instrumental in the extraordinary growth of several high profile companies. These methodologies are now detailed further in ‘Sales Sucks’, his newest book, co-authored by friend and colleague Gregg Murphy.

Key themes included:

1. Entrepreneurial Lessons
2. Sales Process Development
3. Mixed Sales Methods
4. Patter AI Platform
5. Scaling with Technology
6. Sales Team Training
7. Financial Best Practices

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Mike's Email: mike@patter.io

Mike's Website: www.salessucksbook.com

Mike's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelatch/

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Liz Steblay has been a wise mentor to thousands of self-employed professionals, helping them realize their dreams of becoming solo entrepreneurs. With decades of experience building her own solopreneur career, including founding a national talent agency that made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. twice, Liz has distilled the formula for solopreneur success down to six essential keys.

As the bestselling author of Succeeding as a Solopreneur, published in partnership with Inc. Magazine in March, Liz explains how these keys are crucial for overcoming FUD—fear, uncertainty, and doubt—and paving the way for long-term success.

Key themes included:

1. Retainer Pricing and Client Trust
2. Building Wealth Through Tax Reduction
3. Solopreneurship to Entrepreneurship Transition
4. Networking and Business Development
5. Financial Management for Solopreneurs
6. Overcoming Fear and Uncertainty
7. Effective Pricing Strategies

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Liz's Website: www.sixkeys.info

Liz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/independentconsulting/

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Justin Goodbread is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and business coach with over 30 years of experience in scaling and exiting successful businesses. Beginning his entrepreneurial journey at just 15, Justin learned early the transformative power of business ownership and financial independence. His impressive track record includes selling his last business for over $10 million within just 49 months, marking him as a top-tier expert in the business community. Justin's expertise is particularly valuable for seasoned business owners, especially those in service industries with annual revenues exceeding $500,000. He excels in helping these entrepreneurs break through growth barriers and prepare for lucrative exits. His strategic guidance focuses on enhancing business value and making companies appealing to potential buyers. Justin addresses critical issues like feeling trapped in one's business and navigating transitions, offering actionable solutions for accelerated growth and successful exits.

Key themes included:

1. Business Transaction Trends
2. Exit Strategy Planning
3. Hiring Challenges
4. Documentation and Systems
5. Business Value Improvement
6. Entrepreneurial Transition
7. Coaching and Mentorship

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Justin's Website: https://www.justingoodbread.com/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodbread/

Justin's X: https://x.com/justingoodbread

Justin's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justingoodbread

Justin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justingoodbread/

Justin's Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/justingoodbread

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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With over 21 years of experience as a CEO, Adam Coffey has led three major companies under private equity sponsors, mastering turnarounds and acquisitions. He's an author of bestselling books, like The Exit Strategy Playbook, and brings his wealth of experience to his consulting practice, guiding numerous entrepreneurs towards successful exits. Beyond his professional achievements, Adam cherishes personal growth and work-life balance, offering invaluable advice on building strong company cultures and meaningful connections.

"My worst payday ever in the world of private Equity was a 2x multiple of invested capital. However, my best payday ever was 11 times multiple of invested capital."

Key themes included:

1. Private Equity Practices: Buying and selling companies.
2. Business Integration: Aggregating smaller companies.
3. Entrepreneurial Growth: Buy-and-build model.
4. M&A Strategy: Multiple arbitrage and due diligence.
5. Private Equity Dynamics: Investment periods and paydays.
6. Continuous Learning: Personal and professional development.
7. Company Culture: Attracting and retaining talent.

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Adam's Website: http://www.ceoadvisoryguru.com/

Adam's LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Seth Damski, the visionary behind Old City Investment Partners, curated an extraordinary event – the "Alpha on the Delta" conference. This wasn't your run-of-the-mill finance gathering; picture engaging discussions during the day and epic performances by The Rolling Stones at night. Quite a unique experience, right?

"So if we're really doing our job right, you know, we've gotten to know our investors, you know, really well. Often over the course of years, if not decades."

Key themes included:

1. Effective fund manager attributes
2. Importance of due diligence
3. Seth Damski's career journey
4. Old City's investment strategy
5. Role of placement agents
6. Investor-manager relationship building
7. Alpha on the Delta conference

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Seth's Website: www.alphaonthedelta.com

Seth's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-damski-6833b11/

Old City Investment Partners: https://www.linkedin.com/company/old-city-investment-partners/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Cindy Carrillo is a dynamic entrepreneur and coach dedicated to supporting business leaders and entrepreneurs. From founding a pivotal backup care program to helping companies create boutique benefits, Cindy's career has been marked by a blend of strategic innovation and compassionate leadership.

She's passionate about guiding others through change and transitions, offering a unique immersion coaching experience on her picturesque ranch in Colorado. Her book, "Finding Your Next," delves into overcoming blockers to change and thriving personally and professionally.

"...one that keeps us the most from changing, and that's our willingness to settle because we're fearful of the unknown, we're fearful of failure."

Key themes included:

1. Scaling Challenges in Consulting Firms.
2. Transition from Personal Consultancy to Company Growth.
3. Fear of the Unknown and Failure.
4. Importance of Complementary Teams.
5. Leadership and Strategic Thinking.
6. Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Growth.
7. Work-Life Balance Solutions for Employees.

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Cindy's Website: https://www.findingyournxt.com/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Adam House, a serial entrepreneur with seven businesses under his belt, knows the dedication it takes to build a thriving startup, often working 100-hour weeks. He advocates for running lean, believing economic constraints steer clear of poor decisions, and emphasizes the need for solid foundations and strategic vision over merely capital.

Adam's personal journey took him from a successful exit at age 32 to fulfilling a lifelong dream in semi-pro basketball, only to return to business with renewed vigor and an eye on innovation in healthcare analytics. His philosophy encompasses the power of vision, the importance of relationships, and learning through doing, ensuring that progress and action are central to any entrepreneurial endeavor.

Key themes included:

1. Importance of Action and Progress
2. Vision Over Capital in Business
3. Critique of "Finding Your Why"
4. Balancing Faith and Fear
5. Mentorship and Advisory Significance
6. Self-Leadership and Role Understanding
7. Testing, Failing, Learning, Iterating

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Website: https://www.houseofbricks.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhousesr/

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Surabhi Shenoy is a CEO Coach who helps ambitious tech founders scale their businesses and increase the value of their business to achieve lasting wealth. Her unique coaching approach blends personal and business transformation, drawing on her own experience as a 2x successful entrepreneur with multiple exits.

Surabhi’s journey began in 2005 when she co-founded Tejora Technologies with her husband, Nitin. After his passing in 2017, she took full control of the business during a period of intense personal and professional challenges. Despite the odds, she led Tejora to growth and a successful exit in early 2022.

Through her experiences, Surabhi developed the CEO Mastery framework. This system empowers founders by focusing on vision, strategy, mindset, and skillset, while also optimizing their business for growth through strategic offers, financial management, and efficient operations.

Key themes included:

1. Premium Pricing Strategy
2. Productizing Services for Scalability
3. Value Creation Over Cost Competition
4. Importance of Mentorship
5. Data-Driven Decision Making
6. Business Skill Development
7. Operational Efficiency and Cost Control

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Website: www.surabhishenoy.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surabhi-shenoy-ceo-coach/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Former SBI CEO Matt Sharrers, renowned for guiding the firm to consecutive recognitions as one of America’s Most Admired Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, now focuses on empowering CEOs and advising private equity firms. After grooming his successor, he transitioned to coaching leaders through transformative phases. Matt’s latest mission centers on facilitating successful transitions for founder CEOs and accelerating scale for second CEOs, articulated in his impactful book, “The Second CEO: Accelerating Scale When Following the Founder.” As a Second CEO who followed a founder, Matt brings unique insight, having not only witnessed these dynamics through his coaching and board work but also having lived through them firsthand. With a career spanning three decades, Matt’s expertise, honed through roles as an athlete, F500 executive, and CEO of a PE-backed company, underscores his commitment to enabling extraordinary results in a domain ripe with opportunity. Motivated by impact rather than monetary gain, Matt seeks to inspire and effect profound change through his writing and consulting endeavors. Key themes included:

1. Succession Planning: Founder to Professional CEO
2. Self-awareness and humility in leadership
3. Structured sales and management systems
4. CEO and team transition requirements
5. Nostalgia and ego management
6. Revenue as a business value driver
7. Role of private equity firms

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Website: www.etjadvisory.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsharrers/

Email: Msharrers@etjadvisory.com

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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The nation’s top franchise coach and consultant, Adam Goldman, knows that even with well-paying jobs, there is one major problem in Corporate America: you can't pursue your own dreams while working for someone else. Franchising has allowed Adam, a father of three, to achieve his dreams.

Over the past 9 years, Adam has helped hundreds of people to change their lives through franchise business ownership. He helps others find the right franchise for them and goes on to match them with the right opportunity in their area. Key themes included:

1. Challenges in First Business Year
2. Importance of Franchise Model Adherence
3. Semi-Absentee Franchise Ownership
4. Leveraging Family in Franchising
5. Financing and Investment Considerations
6. Role of Franchise Coaches
7. Service Business Opportunities

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Website: https://www.franchiseadam.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgoldmanfranchise/

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Brian Parks brings decades of expertise in both financial services and SaaS as the founder and CEO of Bigfoot Capital. Prior to Bigfoot Capital, he has honed his skills in various positions across companies, most notably as the co-founder of Brandfolder.

Founded on the principles of stability, support, and partnership, Brian and Bigfoot Capital strive to be a lifeline for SaaS companies, improving their operational health to empower and drive growth. As a founder himself, Brian taps into his own experiences of growth, struggle, and resiliency to guide founders on a path of autonomy in how their companies achieve success.

Key themes included:

1. 1. • 1. Balancing tech development and demand 2. Pragmatic product development approach 3. Horizontal vs. vertical market challenges 4. Raising equity vs. debt funding 5. Lending criteria and strategic borrowing 6. Iterative learning and business success 7. Persistence in driving revenue growth

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Website: https://www.bigfootcap.com

Newsletter: https://www.bigfootcapital.substack.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parksbrian/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Eric Miller understands the complex emotions tied to wealth creation and management, especially for those in service-based businesses. His empathetic approach acknowledges the guilt and shame that can hinder financial success and the importance of overcoming these barriers for growth and sustainability.

By guiding business owners to make deliberate financial decisions, he helps them build and preserve their wealth effectively. Eric's strategies emphasize proper compensation, investment in growth, and avoiding burnout, ensuring business owners thrive both emotionally and financially.

"There comes a point, I think, in any business where you got to make a decision, am I going to treat this thing as something that has the ability to expand in value? ... because in this universe, you are never going sideways, either going up or you're going down."

Key themes included:

1. 1. • Guilt and Shame in Wealth * Decision-Making and Financial Impact * Business Growth and Expansion * Burnout Challenges and Prevention * Business Exit Strategy and Preparation * Proper Owner Compensation and Wealth Management * Investment Caution Post-Business Sale

—

Website: https://econologicsfinancialadvisors.com/

—

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If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

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Spencer Hilligoss is the CEO of Madison Investing - a real estate investment club with bespoke, curated real estate deals. Spencer founded Madison Investing with a singular mission: to help busy, successful professionals invest passively and secure their most valuable asset of all: Time.

By partnering with in-market, vetted operators, Madison Investing has $2.3B in acquisitions, with over 20,000 units. Investors now have access to cash-flowing private real estate syndications and funds, allowing them to enjoy passive returns as these businesses thrive.

Before starting Madison Investing, Spencer was what some consider a “corporate junkie”, growing operations and sales teams in 5 high growth Fintech companies, over the span of 13 years. In 2019, five months before the pandemic, Spencer broke free from the golden handcuffs to give full focus on serving his investment group and growing Madison Investing. Now, as a full-time investor and entrepreneur, he can spend more time with his family and hone his skills on the electric guitar. He is a registered member of FINRA and a member of the Forbes 2022 Real Estate Council.

"It takes a team of people and immense amounts of capital to go and buy these big buildings, improve them, and hold them for long periods of time at a profit."

Key themes included:

1. 1. Investment Goals

      • Consistent income vs. capital growth

        1. Networking

      • Building long-term relationships

        1. Real Estate Strategies

      • Acquiring and managing properties

        1. Financial Benefits

      • Property improvements and exits

        1. Market Timing

      • Impact on investment outcomes

        1. Due Diligence

      • Vetting teams and deals

        1. Passion and Transition

      • From tech to real estate

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Website: http://www.madisoninvesting.com/

Email: spencer@madisoninvesting.com

Phone: 415.290.0328

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilligoss/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

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Ryan Duffy is a seasoned entrepreneur who effortlessly leverages his extensive background in Hollywood and tech to drive innovation. He started with a small team at Vidme, ultimately cultivating a company philosophy that prioritized careful, methodical growth.

Through numerous ventures, including pioneering an early NFT platform and founding the audio course platform Knowable, Ryan has faced and overcome countless challenges. Now at Medium, he continues to draw from his rich experience to navigate the creator economy with his latest venture, Stack.

"One of the hardest things I've ever had to do professionally...trying to explain what an NFT is. And if you think about it, it's like, it's digital, but, like, you own it."

Key themes included:

1. Early NFT Platform Struggles
2. Knowable's Audio Course Challenges
3. Pandemic's Impact on E-learning
4. Vidme's Monetization and Infrastructure Issues
5. Transition to Medium
6. Leveraging Career Skills and Experience
7. New Venture Focused on Creator Economy

—

Website: www.duffy.work

Contact: https://duffy.work/contact-form

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatrickduffy/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 strategies for tax planning

3. Evaluating financial team and wealth creation

4. Exit planning and maximizing business value

5. Investing based on core values, checklist

6. Integrating personal aspirations with business goals

7. Importance of early planning for entrepreneurs

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Website: http://www.illuminationwealth.com/

Contact: matt@illuminationwealth.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrinkey/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

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Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-benson-5b6101/

X: https://twitter.com/executetowin?lang=en-GB

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

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Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at https://www.danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 families

2. Multiple paths to success beyond college

3. Complex situations require early, specialized planning

4. Entrepreneurial lessons from "The King's Fly Swatter"

5. College costs, aid, and efficient payment options

6. Financial aid challenges for entrepreneurs' income assessment

7. Importance of specialized advisors for college planning

—

Website: www.tamingthehighcostofcollege.com

Contact: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/contact/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradbaldridge/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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/company/hub-analytics-software/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554597001535

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hub.analytics/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

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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, Indie Hackers, and Empire Flippers. Key themes included:

1. Business Lifecycle Understanding in SaaS

2. Financial Literacy in M&A

3. Small to Large Acquisition Journey

4. Importance of CPA in Acquisitions

5. Challenges in Accounting Reconciliation

6. Seller-Buyer Relationship Importance

7. Diverse Team for Scaling Businesses

—

Website: www.michaelfrew.com/

Email: podcast@michaelfrew.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrew/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelfrew

X: https://twitter.com/point_of_frew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/point_of_frew/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

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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 Driving Profits,” “Win Keep Grow - How to Price and Package to Accelerate Your Subscription Business,” and “Selling Value - How to Win More Deals at Higher Prices.” Mark’s diverse career spans pricing, marketing, product management, and private equity dynamics, offering a unique perspective for companies of all sizes and stages. His deep knowledge of buyer behavior informs his understanding, empowering businesses across industries to deliver invincible profits. With a wealth of experience, Mark continues to assist organizations in comprehending their value propositions and securing equitable compensation through practical tools and concepts. Key themes included:

1. Articulating customer value and pricing.

2. Solving customer problems effectively.

3. Value table exercise components.

4. Price segmentation and strategies.

5. Market segmentation understanding.

6. Raising prices with confidence.

7. "Will I" decision importance.

—

Website: www.impactpricing.com/

Email: mark@impactpricing.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stiving/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKnZPFHa_GIDSKlHv_jdYgQ

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/impact-pricing/id1449435549

Blog: https://impactpricing.com/blog/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

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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 development processes and financial expertise

4. Emotional toll of M&A process

5. Early preparation for business sale

6. Role of intermediaries in M&A

7. Transparent and fair negotiation strategies

—

Website: www.puntuation.com/

Email: jonathan@punctuation.com

On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/jonathandavidbaker/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

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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 dedication to her clients, her advocacy for women’s financial empowerment, and her philanthropic endeavors exemplify her as a true force for positive change. Through her expertise, passion, and commitment, Jenna continues to leave a lasting mark, uplifting lives and creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Key themes included:

1. Exit Planning: Early Preparation Importance

2. Professional Advice: 6-12 Months Prior

3. Financial Diversification: Securing Personal Finances

4. Identity Separation: Business vs. Personal

5. Imposter Syndrome: Growth and Overcoming

6. Advanced Financial Literacy Course

7. Tax Planning: Proactive Strategies

—

Website: www.pearlcapitalmanagement.com or www.besvvy.com

On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennabiancavilla/

On Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennabiancavilla/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 Investment Bankers

—

Website: www.palmtreellc.com

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-cooper-43a1908/

—

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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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://www.linkedin.com/in/alexprasad/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

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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.bizmahq.com

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurwie/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 buying

3. Financing accessibility like SBA loans

4. Entrepreneurial journey and personal control

5. Small businesses' economic contribution

6. Knowledge and resource investment importance

7. Relationship-building for business success

—

Discounted Pre-Order: www.grititdone.com

Reid's Website: www.reidtileston.com

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidtileston/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/reidtileston

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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. Importance of efficient business operations.

4. Role of advisors in complex transactions.

5. Selling and evaluating family-owned businesses.

6. Adjusting business financials before selling.

7. Impact of price adjustments on earnings.

—

Email Chris: cparisi@carlmarks.com

On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfparisi/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 of oil vs. green energy

5. Importance of entrepreneurial mindset in business

6. Tax benefits and incentives for oil investments

7. American oil companies' role in the global market

—

Follow RJ's website: https://www.panex.us/

On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-burr-06a609162

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 other resources and acquires a business and then does something to professionalize and improve that business."

Key themes included:

1. Transition to domain registration industry

2. Diversification into cryptocurrencies and real estate

3. Private equity and independent sponsors

4. Acquiring and improving businesses strategy

5. Evaluation of business acquisition opportunities

6. Challenges of independent sponsorship

7. The importance of enjoying the journey

—

Follow Alan's website: www.circlesquarecap.com

On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezeir/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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, if I set my email forward on, I don't double check that it's getting handled."

Key themes included:

1. Efficiency through shared work processes

2. Evaluating potential business opportunities

3. Building contractor relationships for success

4. Custom software vs. existing solutions

5. Automation importance for scalability

6. Employee training and responsibility

7. Transition from employment to entrepreneurship

—

Follow Ryan's website: www.presearchinc.com

On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rpsandberg/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 things are super important just to start planning ahead of time rather than rushing last minute."

—

Follow Robert

On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-clinkenbeard/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 organization in that way and know that you're an asset to an organization, not just someone who gets paid."

Topics discussed in this episode:

1. Adopting an ownership career mentality

2. Importance of building professional relationships

3. Nurturing curiosity and generosity in networking

4. Confidence and clarity in job interviews

5. Strategies for effective career transitions

6. Creating scalable, sellable business models

7. Learning from corporate to entrepreneurial success

—

Follow Jena at: www.recruittheemployer.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenadunay/

—

Find Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews has helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy and rely on to grow your own business free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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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 your earn out? Is it that day? Because then you still give it. Is it the day you close?"

Topics discussed in this episode:

1. Letting go of control for sale 2. Embracing change for business readiness

2. Emotional aspects of business exit

3. Challenges in price increases

4. Importance of management systems

5. Setting goals for exit strategy

6. Value of exit planning consulting

—

Follow John at

www.exitconsultinggroup.com

Email at jovrom@exitconsultinggroup.com

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnovrom/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Eric Johnson, a seasoned entrepreneur with a knack for building relationships, shifted from the hospitality industry to real estate, diving into sales' human side. As the CEO of various software platforms and a principal at Modus Coaching and Consulting, he dedicates his expertise to guiding entrepreneurs toward success through genuine connections and trust.

His own venture into network marketing led to the creation of Teamsy, a ground-breaking platform devised to bridge the technology gap in the network marketing industry. Through years of diverse experience, Eric has honed a philosophy that champions the power of relationships in driving business growth, ensuring that each interaction is anchored in authenticity and service.

I chat with him about networking and building successful relationships in the business world.

"Just connect with people as a human being. And through those connections, people respond to just a human connection, like, how is your Christmas? How are things going with your kids? Just talking to people? What happens is as you create conversations and you're just a normal person, having conversations gives you a chance to get to know people, gives you lots of opportunities to help people, connect them to people, you know, refer things to them, give them your opinion on, you know, that's going to create opportunities to talk about real estate in a natural way."

Topics discussed in this episode:

1. Importance of relationship selling

2. Value of customer referrals

3. Opportunities in real estate

4. Building business systems

5. Networking and personal connections

6. Entrepreneurship via employment skills

7. Trust and quality relationships

—

Follow Eric at

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericphafflejohnson/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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When Kayla Jimenez first joined the IP and litigation sphere, she uncovered a fundamental truth that many professionals encounter: the allure of a prestigious job title isn't always what it seems. While her instincts cautioned her about the company's environment, it was this challenging position that planted the entrepreneurial seeds she would later cultivate.

Kayla's transition from associate to partner and eventually to the owner of the practice illustrates a powerful narrative—prioritizing lifestyle choices without sacrificing one's career.

Kayla and I unpacked strategies for small-to-medium business growth, emphasizing on scaling, creating shared services, and considering significant liquidity events. Our discussion also highlighted the BRR method in real estate investment—a wealth-building strategy that can complement entrepreneurial ventures, offering a multifaceted approach to financial freedom.

"You don't get rich working a nine-to-five. This is the huge American lie that they tell all the kids, get a good job, go get your doctorate, go get your Ph.D., go become a doctor. Like, work at the work nine to five, or work your salaried position."

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Leveraging Jobs Beyond Paychecks
• Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property
• Social Media's Entrepreneurial Impact
• Scaling and Exiting Businesses
• Real Estate Investment Strategies
• Career Transitions in Law
• Innovation Through Client Experiences

—

Follow Kayla at

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-jimenez-b7772939/

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Pat Flynn is a resilient entrepreneur who turned a layoff from his dream job as an architect during the 2008 Great Recession into a journey of success and inspiration. Less than a year after the layoff, Pat built a 6-figure online business, helping architects pass an exam and chronicling his process on his blog, Smart Passive Income (SPI).

SPI has evolved into a premier resource for entrepreneurship and online business, with the award-winning SPI Podcast amassing over 80 million downloads and being featured in the New York Times. Pat is also a prolific author, with publications like "Will It Fly" (2015) and "Superfans" (2019) translated into multiple languages worldwide.

Here, we talk about why it's good to start small and the value of feedback.

"Even though it was the worst time of my life, at that moment when I got laid off, it was actually the best thing because it actually kind of unplugged me, if you will, from the matrix I was in and made me look at everything from a different perspective and go, oh, here's an opportunity here."

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Identifying overlooked opportunities
• Starting small in business
• Importance of community learning
• Balancing focus and exploration
• Pursuing present happiness
• Embracing failure as lessons
• Validating business ideas

—

Follow Pat at https://patflynn.com/

On Twitter at https://twitter.com/patflynn

On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patflynn3/

On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/patflynn

On YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGk1LitxAZVnqQn0_nt5qxw

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/patflynn

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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When I interviewed him four years ago, Cory talked about how working at a traditional job wasn’t for him. Sure, the money, the job security, those things were great, but he hated the work to the point where he couldn’t physically get himself to open the door to his office one day. That’s when he knew he needed a change.

Cory’s a good friend and sometimes business partner who has been in the audiobook industry for over a decade. When he started, audiobooks were on cassette tapes!

Here, we talk about books and the publishing industry as a whole.

"...I assume you want to spend more time with the people you love. That's probably high in your list, and you probably don't want someone telling you to do things you're not good at ... Those are the reasons we start businesses."

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Sustainable business funding strategies
• Audiobook publishing innovations
• Entrepreneurial challenges and growth
• Importance of niche focus
• Leveraging personal networks for investment
• Impacts of early business exits
• Flexibility and adaptability in entrepreneurship

References & links mentioned:

• www.zoundy.com

—

Follow Cory at www.oneaudiobooks.com

On Twitter at @coryverner

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/coryverner

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Jeff Goins is a writer who's truly left an impact on my creative journey. His blog is a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring writers, filled with wisdom from his own experiences.

Goins' mantra, "You are a writer when you say you are," empowered me to own my identity as a writer. I even worked with him as a writing coach.

Here, we chat about how he started with a simple blog and it opened doors for his career. Plus, how he leveraged contacts, experience, and the online course space to achieve a liveable work-life balance to be the husband and father he wanted to be.

“If you have the choice between making a lot of money now and never again, or a little bit of money for the rest of your life, take the little bit of money.”

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Entrepreneurial ventures and leadership
• Passive income and leveraging scale
• Transitioning to entrepreneurship
• Overcoming fear of money
• Online courses and content creation
• Writing and publishing success
• Seeking mentorship and advice

References & links mentioned:

• https://www.amazon.com/You-Writer-Start-Acting-Like-ebook/dp/B007YJEIAS
• https://adventures.org/

—

Follow Jeff at: www.goinswriter.com and www.freshcomplaint.com

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews has helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy and rely on to grow your own business free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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Nate and Dana talk about getting back on the podcasting horse after COVID, how Opt Out Life became Exit Plan, and lessons learned during the pandemic. They chat about how things have changed and choosing a life that meets your needs without having to throw yourself into your business.

“...it was life changing because I realized I could do it all from home.”

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Work-life balance and family commitments
• Private equity industry challenges and goals
• Podcast rebranding and entrepreneurial content
• Remote work benefits and lifestyle changes
• Experiences in business acquisitions and exits
• Pursuing lifestyle over business growth
• Leveraging employment for entrepreneurial success

References & links mentioned:

• www.danarobinson.com

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!

*Some of these links might be affiliate links. Thank you in advance if you choose to work with one of the companies I believe in. The money I make from your purchase helps to keep the content you enjoy, and rely on to grow your own business, free to you.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Exit Plan!

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I’m starting a whole new series of podcasts focusing on how entrepreneurs transitioned away from being employees to owning their time. I can’t wait to share these journeys with you.

—

Follow Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabrobinson/

Follow Dana on Instagram: @danarobinsonofficial

Subscribe to Dana’s weekly newsletter at danarobinson.com

—

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Our guest today is Merrily Orsini. Merrily founded one of the first private pay home care businesses in the United States, back in 1981, which she managed to grow successfully to more than 200 employees.

She has been in the home caregiving business ever since and is now the President and CEO of CoreCubed, where she pioneered the work-from-home business model, many years before it became the norm.

How did she do it? Merrily tells us about her business journey in caregiving, her efforts into incorporating technology into her businesses, and how her perseverance has led to her success.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/merrily-orsini/

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Joe Bernstein, founder of Drop the Armor Wellness, is on a mission to help other men feel the love and freedom that he learned to cultivate when his life fell apart several years ago.

Back in 2013, Joe decided to go through a series of lifestyle changes to take back control of his life. After going through a bad divorce and losing 160 lbs, he left a successful career in retail management to build a mission-focused business and help other men create the life they desire.

Today, as a men’s coach and writer, Joe helps successful men live a better, more fulfilling life. Listen along as he helps us understand the process of transformation, and how to create a pathway to overcome our challenges.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/joe-bernstein/

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2020, a year unlike any other, is finally coming to an end. As we welcome in 2021, it's a great time to look back and reflect on this year as a whole - with all of its ups and downs.

In this solo episode, Dana walks us through a fun exercise to reflect on our year and project new ideas to get ready for a more productive 2021.

We wish you a happy new year and as always, stay safe and healthy out there!

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/dana-solo-nye-2020/

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Our guest today is William Stringer. Will is the co-founder & CEO of Chisos, a company that provides capital for early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups that have a difficult time accessing it.

Chisos is the creator of a revolutionary new funding source for founders: the Convertible Income Share Agreement, or CISA - designed to equalize opportunity and give access to funding without all the usual hang-ups of traditional funding options.

Listen along to learn more about this win-win investment product, and how it can provide entrepreneurs the capital and community they need to succeed.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/william-stringer/

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As our listeners have already heard, the Opt Out Life podcast is all about getting the stories of entrepreneurs who have achieved the Opt Out Life their way- but is the life of entrepreneurship right for everybody?

In this episode, Dana talks to his wife and Opt Out partner in crime: Heather Robinson.

Heather shares the details of her entrepreneurial journey, her introspection work in the last year as a business owner, and her honest assessment that it is perfectly acceptable to find your Opt Out pathway and not have to be an entrepreneur.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/heather-robinson/

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Today's guests are Russ and Joey, founders of Wealth Without Wall Street and hosts of the popular podcast.

Russ and Joey came from a more traditional advisory model and realized that their methods were keeping them from reaching the financial freedom they had been seeking.

They decided to focus on finding an alternative approach to wealth and money, and started an advisory firm to help regular people learn how to take control of their financial future.

Listen along as they share some of their strategies to establish long-term financial freedom and help us retrain our thinking about money.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/wealth-without-wall-street/

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Happy Thanksgiving, Opt Outers! It's that time of the year again, and Nate & Dana are both back in the studio to talk about what they've been doing lately and give us an update on what's coming next!

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/thanksgiving-2020/

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Buying an existing business is often the fastest and least risky way to Opt Out. And if you have ever been curious about franchising, then today's episode with Lance Graulich is for you.

Lance is the founder & CEO of ION Franchising, an industry-leading franchise consulting and development group, that represents over 500 franchise brands & business opportunities. Lance helps prospective entrepreneurs find their perfect franchise for free, and also assists independent business owners in creating a franchise system.

In this episode, Lance gives us expert advice and tells us how to get into franchising, how to choose the right franchise to work with, how to stay away from pitfalls, and more.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/lance-graulich/

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Today's guest is Greg Shepard. Greg is the CEO and founder of BOSS Capital Partners. He is a Serial Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, and Angel Venture Capital Investor with a legacy of building and running sustainable growth businesses. But to get to the top, he had to tackle many obstacles.

His journey inspired him to start helping entrepreneurs around the world by creating the BOSS Operating Support System, a strategic playbook that teaches entrepreneurs how to scale a business through a step-by-step guided process that covers functional alignment, growth, and scale.

Listen along as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and explains why focus, drive, discipline, enthusiasm, and optimism are the key to success.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/gregory-shepard/

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Today's podcast guest is Grant Aldrich, the CEO and Founder of OnlineDegree.com.

After graduating with honors from the University of California Irvine in Economics, and overwhelmed with debt, Grant went on a mission to make higher education more accessible and affordable for everyone - that's when OnlineDegree.com was founded. This for-profit company allows people to take courses and earn degrees from over a thousand participating universities, all for free.

Grant has spent his entire career working in startups with nearly 15 years of experience and 2 prior exits to a publicly traded company. He has also been a board member and donor to several non-profits, an advisor to many publicly traded companies, and a guest speaker at seminars and graduate school courses across the US.

In this episode, we talk about how he got to where he's at, his opt out approach to education, and how he manages to run a business with close to 30,000 paying clients.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/grant-aldrich/

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Our guest today is Geordie Wardman. Geordie has been an entrepreneur for 15 years and currently lives in Switzerland with his family. He helps other people build companies, builds his own software services and products, and still manages to ski 100 days a year while working on all of his businesses.

In this episode, Geordie shows us a version of the Opt Out life that you may not have even thought of, and teaches us that no matter where you're at in life, you could pick up and move to Switzerland.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/geordie-wardman/

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Opt Out Life listener, Erik, hit us up to discuss a situation that many people find themselves in - Erik is in his late 20s, works as a civil engineer, and is looking for opportunities to opt out. How could he best approach this?

In this special episode, we invited Erik onto the mic and talked through the most effective strategies he, and other aspiring Opt Out-ers, can use to take back control of their time.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/erik-the-listener/

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In today’s episode, we talk to Chad Peterson. Chad is an expert business broker and the founder of Peterson Acquisitions, an award-winning M&A firm.

Chad is a self-made entrepreneur that has been in the trenches. He has started, built and sold 6 of his own businesses, and also wrote two books: “From Blue to White: A Working Man’s Guide to Self-Employment” and “Swinging Doors: A Guide to Selling Your Company”

Learn more about his process of selling a business, how marketing strategy and online reputation come into play, and get some of his most valuable advice about entrepreneurship.

PLUS, our listeners will get a FREE download of the book “Swinging Doors: A Guide to Selling Your Company” by going to petersonacquisitions.com/get-the-book/ and mentioning Opt Out Life!

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In today's episode, we talk to Bob Wheeler. Bob’s crusade for personal growth has cross-pollinated with his accounting practice to create a new approach to personal finances. His passion is to help others gain insights about how their emotions trigger financial decisions.

While strengthening his accounting practice, Bob has simultaneously pursued his love of satire and ventured into the realm of standup comedy, and is currently the CFO for The World Famous Comedy Store.

Take a listen to this episode and learn more about how our emotions impact financial decision-making, and how we can change our beliefs around money.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/bob-wheeler/

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In today's episode, we talk to Bill Bice. Bill has always been an entrepreneur, starting his first company at age 14, putting on road
races with corporate sponsors. At 18, he started ProLaw Software, the first integrated ERP for law firms. After selling the company, Bill became a VC as a founding partner in the Verge Fund, investing in high tech, high growth companies in the Southwest.

One of the core things that Bill has learned in building and investing in companies is that the go-to-market is always the hardest part of growing a business, which led him to found Boomtime, tackling marketing as a technology problem.

Learn more about Bill's journey and his proven marketing techniques that have led him to the entrepreneur he is today.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/bill-bice/

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In today's episode, we talk to Benny Nachman. Benny worked as an attorney on corporate law but always had a bug for entrepreneurship. He created his first startup while in Law School, and eventually became a serial entrepreneur. He now has a proven track record in building a global bank with over 30 licenses all over the world, managing hundreds of employees, and thousands of merchants with over $7Bn in volume.

Learn more about the companies he has founded, such as Credorax and Jassby, and his exciting entrepreneurial journey.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/benny-nachman/

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Nate and Dana are finally back in the studio! With a bunch of new episodes coming out, they return from their COVID break to give you an update on what they’re doing now, and what’s been going on with Opt Out in these last few months.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/dana-nate-update-sept-2020/

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In this episode, our guest is Dan Johnston. He is the host of the Dreams Around The World podcast, and a business and life coach with a mission to help others create the best version of themselves.

Dan went from a rock bottom point to living the life of his dreams, learning some incredible lessons along the way, and creating a life of travel, location independence, and freedom over his time. His #1 rule? Stories beat stuff.

Listen along and get some inspiration and practical tips you can apply to your own life. PLUS, our listeners will get a FREE 9-part email course on The Life Design Approach by visiting dreamsaroundtheworld.com/optoutlife/

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/dan-johnston/

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Our guest today is J Massey. J is a real estate investor, Podcast Host, and the CEO and Founder of Cashflow Diary, a short-term rental hospitality training company, where he shows people how to build their own short-term rental business from scratch.

Listen along as J shares some cool angles on how you can still leverage vacation rentals amid the COVID-19 crisis, and learn about his incredible Opt Out journey, a story of personal success that will inspire you.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/j-massey/

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Today’s guest is Michael Green. Michael is an expert real estate investor, entrepreneur, and the host of The Flip Factor podcast.

At age 17, he got in trouble with the law and faced a 4-year jail sentence that inspired him to turn his life around. He decided to learn how to flip houses and today, he runs his own house flipping business and has bought and sold over 1,100 deals.

Listen to this classic Opt Out story and learn how he managed to change his life's path, and how he runs his successful house flipping business today.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/michael-green/

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In this special episode, Nate and Dana talk about COVID-19 and how it’s impacting business and life in general. Listen as they share their experiences navigating quarantine, social-distancing, and work-life in the new normal.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/covid-19/

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As a young boy, Ken Goodrich used to help his father by holding a flashlight for him as he worked on repairing air conditioners for customers. The first air conditioner unit he shined a flashlight on was a Goettl.

With time, he became proficient as an air conditioning technician and ran service calls. Fast forward to today, and Ken owns and operates the Goettl Air Conditioning company.

In this episode, you'll hear about his struggles learning how to run a business, how he took that knowledge to purchase and sell other companies, and how he built a big enterprise.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/ken-goodrich/

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In this episode, our guest is not only inspirational to our audience, but has also been part of our own inspiration. Merrick Lozano.

Founder of Let's Build A Brand and Co-Founder PRLeap, our long-time friend has been living the Opt Out life before it was even called Opt Out.

Listen along as we chat about Google, SEO, business and having to do the 'dirty work' in Mexico.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/merrick-lozano/

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In this special episode, Dana & Nate go ‘guestless’ to talk about business, life, and opt out mindset - as it relates to private jets.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/mindsets-and-jets/

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Today's guest is Dan Lu - a listener of the Out Out Life who quit his job as a mechanical engineer and moved to San Diego to start his own marketing business and reinvent his life.

In this episode, we talk about the psychological struggles of being stuck in a life that you don't enjoy and working towards making a leap to take back control of your time.

Dan's story shows that you don't have to have one of those giant success stories in order to get the life you want. Listen along to learn the details of how he figured it all out.

Also, Dan will give our listeners FREE instant access to 1) "The Marketing Foundation Playbook" a guide designed to help you build a strong marketing foundation for your Opt Out business, and 2) "The Ultimate Guide to
Online Business" where he shares 40+ different business ideas/models that you can build online. Go to www.maverickmarketingstudio.com/optout to download for FREE!

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/dan-lu/

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In today’s episode, our guest is Kristy – also known as The Nomad Nextdoor. A free spirit from Encinitas, California, who left her career in sales to travel the world and live the opt out life.

Dana met her in Bali, traveling between islands, where she shared her story of how she left everything behind to fulfill her dreams. Like many people, she felt stuck in her 9-5 job, so she found a way to leverage her passion for travel, and make a living out of it.

Kristy is a great inspiration for everyone and teaches us that pushing through the fear and taking the leap can pay off, big time.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/nomad-nextdoor/

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Today’s episode is all about the listeners! Listen along as we answer YOUR questions about entrepreneurship, how to get the life you want, side gigs and anything Opt Out.

Do you have a question? We want to hear from you!
Email us your best question at Dana@optoutlife.com or Nate@optoutlife.com and we’ll add it to the list for our next special Listener Q+A episode.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/listener-qanda2/

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In this week's episode we have a special guest host, Cory Verner, who has brought to the studio a fascinating entrepreneur with quite an opt out journey, Malcolm Nicholl.

Malcolm went from high-school dropout to millionaire entrepreneur and has lived and worked remotely, experiencing a variety of careers.

Listen along as he takes us back to the initial endeavors that led him off the grid.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/malcolm-nicholl/

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Throughout his spiritual journey, Dana has learned that certain spiritual narratives can become hindrances to our improvement. In today's special episode, he talks about spirituality and the implications it has on your ability to become a successful business person. Listen along as he discusses the importance of finding your own opt-out path to achieve the life you want.

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/opt-out-spirituality/

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Buying an existing business can be a great path to entrepreneurship, but before rushing out to buy a business, there are some important things you should understand and consider.

In this episode, Nate and Dana talk about "the truths" of buying a business, and Dana shares many of the nitty-gritty details of his latest property management business acquisition.

If you’re curious about buying your way into entrepreneurship, this is your episode.

More about https://optoutlife.com/podcast/real-time-buying-a-new-business/

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Our guest in this episode is the “guru to the gurus”, Rich Schefren.
Rich was the first guy to do online coaching, and ended up leveraging that to become the godfather to many of the major online marketing players of today.

His passion was deepened to share what he had learned with all the aspiring internet marketers who wanted to build real businesses and have more freedom. That's when his consulting business, Strategic Profits, came into existence, adding over 15 Billion dollars of additional revenue to his clients over the course of many years.

Listen along as he fires off expert advice, and explains how he has built the very successful “Opt Out Life” he has today.

Want to learn more? Our listeners will get an exclusive code to join his 24-Hour Broadcast - THE 'COALITION TO SAVE INTERNET BUSINESS'. Just go to Optoutlife.com/Rich and use the code "optout" to save your seat!

More at optoutlife.com/podcast/rich-schefren/

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It's officially 2020, and we head into the third calendar year of existence of Opt Out Life!

We're recapping our favorite lessons and episodes of 2019, and we talk about where we're headed - personally and professionally.

2019 was a busy and exciting year. Thanks for joining us! More at Optoutlife.com/podcast/its-the-year-of-opt-out/

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Today we sit down with Jono Bacon. Author of five books, community strategist, and Keynote speaker.

Jono spent his career developing his community management skills and decided to do consulting/advising on the side, which led him into founding Jono Bacon Consulting and extending the power of collaboration to a wider range of industries across the world.

He wrote the critically acclaimed book The Art of Community, and also founded the Community Leadership Summit. His story gives us some insightful perspective about what it's like to transition successfully from employee to entrepreneur. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/jono-bacon/

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About a year ago, we interviewed Courtney Condy - the founder of a business called Occupation Wild. Fast forward a year later, and we're closing the loop with Nick Watts, the new VP.

Nick graduated from college and decided to never opt-in. His positive attitude and adventurous approach to life have taken him all over the world - from boat hitchhiking, to Surfing at Cloudbreak in Fiji. This fun, fast-paced story where Jacques Cousteau meets Indiana Jones will enlighten fellow opt-outers as well as anyone trying to escape the 9 to 5 grind. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/nick-watts/

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Ok, so you've got a business idea - Now what?

Dana & Nate go ‘guestless’ on this special episode to talk about how to implement a business idea. They share personal stories of both successes and failures that could give you the information you need if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/i-have-a-business-idea/

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Today’s guest is Michael Dash. Michael is the author of Chasing the High, a book about his personal journey through addiction, entrepreneurship, legal battles, and all the lessons he learned along the way.

Michael battled with gambling and drug addiction for many years, until a perspective-shifting trip to Bali inspired him to have a more positive mental attitude and outlook on life. Through it all, he was able to channel his compulsions into productivity, and find his entrepreneurial passion and purpose in life.

Michael’s journey through overcoming adversity is a great story to hear whether you're an entrepreneur or thinking about starting a business. Listen to his story and get inspired. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/michael-dash/

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For many people, becoming a "millionaire" sounds like a dream come true. Many believe that reaching the million-dollar mark means being set for life and never having to worry about money again. But in today’s world, what's a million really worth?

Listen along as we talk about millionaires and the reality of making a million dollars. No notes, no guest, this episode is 100% uncut and raw from the studio. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/whats-a-million-worth/

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For many opt outers, it’s all about getting out from under the 9 to 5 and building a business. But, what if your opt out is just a little more OUT? Like out on the azure waters of French Polynesia, floating on a boat, and not working a real job ever again?

Today’s guests are Kristian and Sabrina, a married duo who designed that very life over a decade ago, and have been floating along in their version of the opt out life while the rest of the world spins on.

The cool part about Kristian and Sabrina’s story is that they didn’t drop out and get away like hermits. Their boat life is a community, and in some ways a mini commune, where like-minded people can take a week or more and disconnect from their busy lives to reconnect with themselves.

The story of the Beadle family is an entrepreneurial journey, from small experiment that works, to growing a venture to the next level, all while juggling priorities, and starting a family. Listen along and learn, whether you want to start a side gig on land, or one that floats your boat. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/Kristian-Sabrina/

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Our guest in this episode, Jillian Sassone, started down her own entrepreneurial journey accidentally. She took a piece of an old heirloom and turned it into a cool new ring. Her first day out wearing it, she landed two custom jewelry clients without even trying.

From there, Jillian’s business grew quickly as people realized that she could create custom rings. They soon outgrew their dining table, and leased a small space to have meetings. As things grew, she added her husband as a partner, and staff that has enabled the business to scale.

Perhaps you’ll be inspired by the true bootstraps nature of Jillian’s journey, as it shows how anyone with the right mindset can accomplish anything they put their heart into. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/jillian-sassone/

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Today's episode is all about the listeners! Listen along as we answer YOUR questions about entrepreneurship, how to get the life you want, side gigs and anything opt out.

Do you have a question? We want to hear from you! Email us your best question at Dana@optoutlife.com or Nate@optoutlife.com and we'll add it to the list for our next special Listener Q+A episode.

So what do you want to ask? More at optoutlife.com/podcast/listener-qanda/

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Today’s guest is Cory Verner.  Cory had spent years commuting to a job he hated. He made it tolerable by listening to audio books every day.  When the time came to launch a business, he decided to start an audio book publisher.  That was 15 years ago, and that little business grew until it was sold to a private equity group in 2016.

Yes, Cory did fine, but as we’ll hear, he also learned a tough lesson along the way.

Today, we find Cory in the midst of a couple of new ventures and one old one.  Cory’s journey through the entrepreneurial hero’s journey is quite typical, so it’s a great story to hear if you are either at the beginning of your story, or somewhere along the way. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/cory-verner/

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Opt Out Life listeners and fellow entrepreneurs Bryton Nield and Matt Mclelland hit us up with a compelling question. How could they best approach launching an "Opt Out" networking event in their city? And how else might we suggest they expand their personal and business networks, in general? In this special episode, we invited Byrton and Matt on to the mics and talk through one of the most important skillsets and strategies any aspiring Opt Out-er needs to master. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/how-to-start-networking

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Today’s guest is Chuck Longenacker, the founder of a digital agency who came to us after spending the past two years relaxing and recovering from the long road to success that often ends in burn out. Chuck’s journey as an entrepreneur began a million years ago, the dust of the dotcom crash in 2001. He lost his job in corporate America, and took his $5000 severance as a chance to try and go down a different path. Over time, his little venture grew up into a highly respected digital and design agency, Digital Telepathy, that would eventually have several dozen employees and a unique subscription model for how they charged clients. As you’d imagine, there were bumps along the way. That’s all part of pulling off what this guy pulled off . . . nearly 20 years of building a business that was a reflection of how he wanted to see the world, and the underlying freedom of lifestyle it ultimately provided. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/chuck-longanecker 

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The life we lead as entrepreneurs, as "Opt Out" guys/gals, is typically one that looks pretty great.  No bosses.  No set schedules.  Building income streams.  The grass is green, right?  This episode is 100% uncut and raw from the studio, recorded on a day when we were both running around from project to project.  We figured, why not let everyone hear what it's really like without all the fancy storylines and production?  More at optoutlife.com/podcast/uncut-grass

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Today’s guest is Chad Mureta. As hit sits today, he’s a best-selling author, advisor, and consultant who has built and sold five different app companies and made millions of dollars in four different industries. And, as we’ll hear, he currently runs Project EVO, a company launched on kickstarter to create daily planners that are built for each person’s unique brain type. Chad had it all when the real estate market crashed, and lost it all. He had a major health scare that changed his trajectory forever.  He traveled the world for 10 years while building his online businesses, and now he's landed here in San Diego. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/chad-mureta

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Previous version missed the drop-ins

Our guest is Steve Welty, he’s the 30 something owner of a business called Good Life Property Management. It’s a San Diego based property manager, with some 650 single family homes under management. As you’ll hear, Steve is a personable, outgoing face for a company that embodies his unique philosophies on lifestyle, balance, revenue growth, and company culture. He did it his own way, by empowering the generally younger group that makes up his workforce, and by consistently challenging them to work him out of a meaningful day-to-day position. Now, he has time to spend countless hours with his young son, work ON the business instead of IN it, and the results are commendable. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/steve-welty

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What if I told you there’s a little-known cottage industry of generally-younger entrepreneurs out there, buying businesses that have millions in profit, to kickstart their own careers? Our guest in this episode is Tim Ludwig.  Tim’s an OG member of the world of search funds.  What’s a search fund? It’s a term commonly used to describe a hungry entrepreneur in waiting, who takes the backing of a small group of investors to go out and SEARCH for a business to buy.  It’s an interesting method for any enterprising person such as yourself to jump into the world of business ownership. Tim has made a career out of investing in them. He’s invested in some 40 companies over the years, and you’ll hear how he ultimately has used the industry of searching to find his own opportunities to buy a few businesses of his own. Most days, he works from home and takes calls from his back patio, overlooking the palm trees and Pacific Ocean in La Jolla.  More at optoutlife.com/podcast/tim-ludwig

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Today’s guest changed the category of "comfortable women's shoes" forever back in 1999 when she left her medical career to enter the footwear industry. Taryn Rose became a household name a few years later when a stroke of luck put her on the cover of Fast Company, and, well, Oprah declared that she loved Taryn’s shoes. Her shoes can be found in high-end stores like Neiman Marcus, but also on Home Shopping Network, where the brand High Heel Power by Taryn Rose is sold, with her handbags, legwear, and foot skincare. Taryn has had ups and downs through her career, including a successful exit.  More at optoutlife.com/podcast/taryn-rose

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Dana & Nate go 'guestless' on this special episode to talk about how aspiring entrepreneurs and fellow Opt Out Life listeners can best figure out a path "out".  More at optoutlife.com/podcast/exit-plan

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Today’s guest is Joanna Kinsman. We met her on the 4th of July as she skated into a little house party on San Diego’s Boardwalk, that famous two-mile stretch of sidewalk that runs along the Pacific Ocean. There she was skating the boardwalk on a holiday (and most weekdays!) while running her growing business, Kini Bands. The path to success wasn’t all roses for Joanna, but her story shows that anyone with the ambition can achieve what they want. We love Joanna’s story for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that she teaches us that what you do at a regular old job can eventually translate into a business that you own and control. Grab your skates, a boom box, a red-white-and-blue headband, and of course, a kini band bracelet to tie your hair up. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/joanna-kinsman

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Our guest is Ryan McKenna.  He’s a real estate syndicator from Chicago, who’s been on his own for a little while now.  He’s in his mid-30s, has a young family, and works most days in his own place, on his own time.  Ryan’s built a mini-empire over the course of his young career by investing in his own real estate deals, building passive income, and freeing up his options. What’s cool about Ryan’s story is he very deliberately invested not only in property but also in his personal network and his own knowledge and experience while working in a more traditional career in commercial real estate. Listen along as we talk about the nitty-gritty of what the heck a “syndicated multifamily deal” is in the real estate investing world, how relationships lead to opportunity, and how a health scare earlier in life turned this college baseball player onto a different, yet still very audacious, goal to accomplish.  More at optoutlife.com/podcast/ryan-mckenna

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If you are old enough, you’ll remember back when your old cell phone would end up in a drawer after you bought the hottest, newest thing. Maybe you’d hock it on Craigslist or hand it down to your brother. Enter John Beane, an entrepreneur with some serious technical chops and the boldness to take on engineering problems that others might think impossible.  John designed ATM style dispensers for hospitals to disburse medicine. And then somewhere along his journey - and we’ll say it was probably at least 5 companies into that journey - John joined up with a group of partners who thought, “Why not use an ATM to buy people’s old cell phones?” That’s exactly what John helped them do, as they founded EcoATM, He was determined to make this one work. And it did. The sale of the company made he and his co-founders one of San Diego’s big success stories. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/john-beane

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Some of us are born entrepreneurs, and some of us discover it by happenstance. Today’s guest is Brett Fogle, he’s the serial type of entrepreneur, who started as a kid by selling “Mailbox beautification” services around his neighborhood. From those beginnings, he grew up and each new venture has brought him a new lesson, and by now, Brett has compiled those hard earned lessons into a system that any entrepreneur can use to make money without the risks that cause most ventures to fail.

That system is the basis for Brett’s book, Click and Grow Rich. The book is an outgrowth of Brett’s work as a mentor, and business partner, with entrepreneurs launching their first online brand or business. And its contents are a full-on playbook of both the opportunities that exist online, and how to take advantage of them, no matter who you are. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/brett-fogle

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In today’s episode, we’re going to see that the green grass on this side of the fence is more like a MIX of green, brown and everything in between. Our guest is Nate Spees. He’s the owner of an agency called Made by Grizzly. And, his forest themed tattoos show that he’s a modern-day Grizzly Adams, although his humor is apparent when you notice that one of his tattoos is his own gravestone, carved with the words “No Ragrets”, intentionally misspelled. Listen to Nate’s story of going from the corporate world, to starting his own successful agency, to running one of the largest networking groups in San Diego. We get personal (and vulnerable) in this one - so enjoy! More at optoutlife.com/podcast/nate-spees

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Many years ago, a 5 year old decided he was going to become an airline pilot. He grew up, as little boys do, and eventually served in the military. Then went to college. Then to flight school. At 23, he was a professional airline pilot. He’d spend a day at home, but for the most part, his home was the sky. On a dead head flight home, a much older pilot handed him a book, and said “Get out while you still can.” Our guest is Vinny Giglio. He’s a former pilot, who took some advice and a copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and restarted his life’s journey with an eye on financial freedom and owning his time. Vinny’s a guy who makes bold moves to get the things he wants in life, including uber fancy cars and money-producing real estate. So pull up his Instagram, gaze at those fancy cars, and then listen closely on how it’s accomplished. Because it’s really not about the cars, after all. But you already knew that. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/vinny-giglio

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One of the things most people love about the Opt Out Life is that we don’t sell the Silicon Valley Kool Aid. Today’s guest is Parand Darugar. What we loved about his story is that he didn’t decide to go big or swing for the fences. His success came after he slowly and deliberately built a small venture down by the beach, and circumstances brought him into a merger with a larger company and eventually the “sought after” IPO. Parand’s journey wasn’t smooth...not by a long shot. He went through a couple of serious failures with his previous ventures. Failures that soured him on venture capital and angel investment. So, he built an opt out business that was just intended to empower him to live life on his terms. His story would have been just as satisfying for us if Parand’s business was still just what he set out to do. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/parand-darugar

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Our guest is Jim Wang.  Jim is world famous personal finance blogger who started, grew and sold his first blog, Bargaineering, to Bankrate to the tune of a few million dollars.  He’s still in the personal finance game today, as the name, face, and voice behind Best Wallet Hacks.  It’s a long ways away from his initial career path, coming out of Carnegie Mellon with a degree in software engineering and a salaried job at a big defense firm. It’s cool that he’s made big money doing something most people would consider a goofy side project.  But it’s the thought process, discipline, and clear vision that Jim deploys in every decision he makes as it relates to his business and his lifestyle that put him in our Hall of Fame.  I wouldn’t be the first one to realize that I’ve got a lot to learn from Jim Wang.  More at optoutlife.com/podcast/jim-wang   Learn more and follow the hosts at optoutlife.com

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Tell us if you’ve heard this story. Dana Robinson, co-host of this podcast, decides to sell everything and move to Bali on a one-way ticket. He sets off in search of adventure, and peace of mind. And the very first stop once he lands is at a guest house in some local’s backyard. The owner of that home is a guy named Wayan. Wayan Suyadnya is the kind of guy you often hear about on this podcast….he runs a business, he has a couple of side gigs. he does short term vacation rentals, and has hustled his way out of poverty to be a successful entrepreneur. Wayan dropped out of college to open a restaurant, became a self employed tour guide, and pioneered the Airbnb business in his area. He took his family from being subsistence rice farmers who couldn’t afford a motor scooter to owning 35 motor scooters that he rents, multiple properties, and a life that he controls. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/wayan-suyadnya

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Today’s guest is in some ways the epitome of the internet success story. He’s name is Lucas Lee-Tyson. He’s 20 years old, and started his venture from a dorm room in Boston. Lucas is master of Facebook ads. His company, which is now called Growth Cave, started in humble fashion when he picked up some freelance jobs on Upwork. Lucas has scaled it by using some of the most consistent principles we see in all of our guests. If you want an approachable story that should inspire you to take action, and give you a very simple playbook on how you could start a business, this is your episode. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/lucas-lee-tyson

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You’ve probably heard of a guy named Robert Kiyosaki...he wrote a little book called Rich Dad/Poor Dad and rose to stardom as a guru of real estate and investing. Today’s guest is Carl Allen, whose approach to buying businesses caught the attention of Mr. Kiyosaki. Now they’re partners and our guest has been donned “the Rich Dad of Buying Businesses.” Maybe you’ve heard of people who make money flipping cars? That’s cool. Flipping houses? Even cooler. But, our guy Carl flips whole companies. And, he’s now focused on helping others learn to do the same thing. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/carl-allen

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How do you introduce one of the coolest men in Denmark? That guy is Kim Dolva, owner of KBH, the rising star of furniture and interior design in Scandinavia, and around Europe. Kim Started his career as a trained guitar maker. He took a degree in graphic art, but realized he couldn’t spend his life behind a desk, and took another degree in cabinet making. The blend of these led to a unique approach to furniture that is uniquely KBH, a look that is sought after by restaurants and architects well beyond his Copenhagen base. We chat on location in Denmark and the South of France about Kim’s workshop, his approach to life, and a new restaurant he helped open called Alouette, a high end restaurant that is squeezed into a funky spot above the woodshop. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/kim-dolva

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Our guest is Charlotte Hobgood. She founded a business called Tavi Noir, a business that sells socks. Special socks with diamond shaped grips used in Barre studios, where Charlotte herself had a previous career as an instructor. It was during that career that inspiration struck for her idea, and a logical test market was sitting right in front of her. Later, a chance partnership that she struck up over a conversation at a kids birthday party became her opportunity to scale the business significantly, at a perfect time for her as a mother, wife, and budding female entrepreneur. This story doesn’t stop there, of course. What’s up with Charlotte’s business today? Is she facing a crucial turning point in the partnership right now? Listen to find out. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/charlotte-hobgood

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Our guests in this episode are Tim Nybo, Aaron Hallerman and Sean Agatep. Together they are the founders of a company called Vincero. Vincero primarily sells stylish watches for men and women at a price point that seems to be much lower than the quality of watch they deliver. The story begins way back in 2010, when Tim, Aaron and Sean booked one way tickets to China. They taught English to pay their bills, and that left the rest of their time wide open to make a run at becoming entrepreneurs. They spent years stumbling through startup attempts and hard lessons. By 2019, Vincero’s success is an “Opt Out”-style, inspiring journey about risk-taking, hard work, adventure, and old fashioned friendship. Because when you fly to China to “figure it out” there’s no reason for a Plan B. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/vincero-watches

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Tanner Smith landed in Bali on a whim. As a young traveler, he lived on pennies, literally paying 50 cents for a meal. He ended up teaching English at a school before he eventually figure out how to “opt out” of a day job altogether and live the ultimate expat life. He owns and runs the Bali Manual, an online guide for expat life in Bali. He also has a gig that lets him travel the world taking photos for international hotels. We’re on location with Tanner, poolside at a villa in Canggu, sipping negroni’s and talking about Tanner’s opt out journey, saving monkeys and living the expat life. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/tanner-smith

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Imagine you are driving down the freeway and you see a bright orange Prius wrapped like a basketball with the name of some basketball coaching school on the side. It may sound corny, but today’s guest did just that as part of launching his version of the Opt Out Life. Our guest is Jordan Lawley. We’re on location at his training facility in Orange County, fresh off a session where Jordan schooled a few guys you’ve probably seen playing on TV. Because Jordan is now one of the NBA’s premier skills trainers, and runs a wildly successful basketball training empire that spans from his basecamp in OC and around the world, thanks to the power of YouTube and his nearly 330K instagram followers. Follow along as we go through Jordan’s rise through college and the pros, to getting started as a trainer and getting kicked out of gyms in far-out suburbs, to livestreaming his sessions with guys in the NBA. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/jordan-lawley

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Our guests in this episode are Joe Fier & Matt Wolfe. Joe & Matt are business partners, and have been for as long as anyone cares to remember. They’re OGs of the podcast world, having launched their first podcast in 2010. They are also smart internet marketers who’ve built a beautiful, and profitable, lifestyle empire that allows them to take off most Fridays and rarely lift a finger unless it’s going to result in their own profit. They've taken the concept of the 4 Hour Workweek and the Opt Out Life, and systematized it so efficiently that it’d be hard to call their current work schedule a grind. So come hang out with the 4 of us and learn about Joe & Matt’s show Hustle & Flowchart, their site EvergreenProfits.com and their true-to-itself Perpetual Audience Growth machine. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/joe-fier-matt-wolfe

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For this episode’s guest, an early love for bicycles and freedom has turned into a career in the bicycle business, and it’s giving him more freedom than he ever expected. We’re on location in one of the most bikeable cities in the world, Copehnagen, Denmark. Heintz Storland was raised to get an education, land a good job, get married and have kids. But, he opted out of that social pressure. His bikes cost a thousand dollars and up...but are made to look old, intentionally. And he sells espresso from a little window at the front of his shop, where small talk is encouraged. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/heintz-storland

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Mike Demko is an entrepreneur who likes to surf. No surprise then that his office is a few blocks from the sand. His entrepreneurial journey started in commercial real estate, where he developed and brokered deals. When the real estate market grew cold, he started experimenting with using video to do other forms of marketing. Today, he's a master of the "lifestyle business" afforded to those who know how to use outsourced labor and build subscription-style products that stick. As you’ll hear, Mike’s an old friend of ours and there’s a reason we finally got him in the studio. We just want to be as cool, and as Opted Out, as Mike Demko. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/mike-demko

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Over the past year, we've hung out with 55 guests and told their version of an "Opt Out" story. What have we learned? There are undeniable themes - decisions made, risks taken, confidence displayed - that every single one of those stories includes. If the 9-to-5 isn't making you happy, these stories are your playbook for change. From our listeners to our Tribe members, to the people who've joined us at our Opt Out events, we all share something in common. We're not crazy. We're not alone. We will continue to prioritize lifestyle, travel, family time, and being in control of our future. That's the Opt Out Life. Thank you to all of you who have joined us along the way. Cheers to many years yet to come! More at optoutlife.com/podcast/1-year-anniversary

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The idea of opting out isn’t about making a bunch of money so you can then live the rich life. Sure, we have had some guests with a big success story or two, and those are fun. But it’s not about the cash. It’s about taking back control of your time and income. Our guest is Crystal Carr. Crystal owns her own photography business and militantly protects her time as both a professional, and as a mother. You can follow Crystal’s model. Take that thing you know well, and just start doing it. Put up a website, print some cards, and start cheap to get a little business. And never forget that the business you’re creating serves one purpose - income you control, on a schedule you control. No compromises. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/crystal-carr

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Almost every entrepreneur has a phoenix story. A failure followed by a rise from the ashes. Today’s guest is Chris Snook, a war-torn & successful entrepreneur who now makes a living as venture capitalist. We begin with the consecutive failures that Chris faced as a young entrepreneur in his 20’s. Fast forward all the way to today, where Chris has a new project called Startup Drugz, a lifestyle company with startup "memed" apparel, supplements and a growing community for those of us whose drug of choice is entrepreneurship. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/chris-snook Learn more and follow the hosts at optoutlife.com

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Our guest is Brett Papa. Brett’s racked up 10s of millions of views on his videos and built a cult following by doing something many an aspiring musician might be capable of, flipping on a camera and walking through the steps on how to play your favorite Iron Maiden song. Brett started his YouTube career when he still had a day job, building and delivering guitar amps. For years, he created videos with a cheap camera in the back of a buddy’s chiropractic office and now he’s the second most popular guitar teacher on the Internet...straight up Youtube famous with 44 million views across a thousand videos. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/brett-papa

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If you could be granted one wish, one wish to do anything, be anything, or have anything, what would you wish for? This episode is all about dreams, bucket lists, and making wishes come true. Our guest is Greg Reid, a world renowned speaker and author of dozens of books that have now been read by millions. He’s produced films, including 2019’s “Wish Man”, which tells the life story of the founder of the Make A Wish Foundation. Greg’s the modern day Napoleon Hill, traveling the world talking to the upper reaches of successful people. Getting to do that is cool, of course, but it also gives a person some insightful perspective about how we all should think or re-think how we set out to do things in life. Try to keep up as he fires off advice in this fast-paced conversation with our Instafamous friend, Greg Reid. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/greg-reid

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This is a quintessential Opt Out Life episode. It’s not fancy. It’s not flashy. But you'll want this guy's life. Our guest is Mike Wienick. Mike’s got a degree in computer science and has parlayed that into a career that’s seen him build, and sell, businesses as varied as lead generation for home services companies, to Facebook groups for crypto investors. He’s a master of side gigs, and makes hitting base hits in business seem like a habit anyone can do. The guy even sold a company by posting it on Craigslist. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/mike-wienick

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Since the year 2000, over half of the Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. have disappeared. And according to Ryan Berman, it all comes down to courage (or lack thereof). A few years ago, Ryan set out to talk to astronauts, navy SEALs, tornado chasers, and business leaders from Amazon, Apple, and Zappos. He asked . . . How do you make a decision in the face of your hardwired instincts? How do you not freeze or run? The answers may surprise you. One thing is certain, it takes courage to act on your own ambitions for an Opt Out Life. Ryan’s story will explain. Check out his book “Return On Courage” now on Amazon and get more at optoutlife.com/podcast/ryan-berman

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In the world of finance, there are a lot of suits. But our guest, Taylor Schulte, isn’t one of them. Taylor spent the first part of his career as a traditional investment advisor. One day he realized that he could do better for his clients and did a Jerry Maguire. Right around the same time, he and his wife bought a new home . . . but it was falling apart. His leap into entrepreneurship and bad luck on the house front, turned into a perfect storm that threatened everything he and his wife had built. Taylor survived it all, but you have to listen to his story to hear how it all worked out. Make no mistake, this guy lives the Opt Out Life. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/taylor-schulte

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What if one morning, you came down the stairs and discovered a mysterious, wax sealed envelope sitting on your table. Inside, there are cryptic instructions that end up leading you on an experience you never expected, and well, will never forget. Our guest is Chris Waters, founder of Constructed Adventures. Chris hit the top of Reddit after putting together an amazing ‘Secret Santa’ gift for a stranger. He took that momentum and launched a business that eventually let him quit his job. Now he plans “treasure hunt” style experiences that his clients never forget. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/chris-waters

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Maybe you’ve heard that most wealthy people got their wealth through real estate. But, most people think that real estate is too far out of reach. How can you make money in real estate when you don’t have any money to begin with? Our guest is Eric Moeller. Eric owns a business that makes money from Airbnbs and other short term vacation rentals. But here’s the cool part - he doesn’t own the properties. He partners with the owners. This means he never needs to raise cash or borrow from banks to get into the real estate game. It’s a cool hack that he probably ought to keep on the down low. But, we got him to share his secrets on this episode. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/eric-moeller

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All day long, we stare at screens. If you ask just about anyone, they’ll say what they’d really like to do is “disconnect”. Our guest is Jayme Sanders, she’s an Opt Out Life listener turned featured guest, with a great story as an entrepreneur who has spent the past few years focused on “making things”, like, real things, that you feel, touch and see. Her company, Mint Studios, creates non-digital experiences for all of us who need a dose of DIY and fresh air. Here's the quote we burned on some wood during our recording of this episode: "Be brave, take risks. Nothing can substitute experience". More at optoutlife.com/podcast/jayme-sanders

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For most people, the idea of being homeless means living in a “van down by the river”. But, what if homeless meant that you lived in Portugal most of the time, and traveled from surf events, to other action sports events around the world? Our guest does just that, and his name is Justin Gardner. Justin owns a company that makes a product called Active Skin Repair. It’s non-toxic and antibiotic-free and non-sensitizing treatment for scrapes & sunburns, and you might want to keep some of it handy if you’re surfing, climbing, camping, or being adventurous outdoors. Building the business has meant bootstraps, running side hustles, and living simple, and occasionally in a van, down by the surf break. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/justin-gardner

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Our guest today is Collin Smith. Collin is a partner at the Cravory, a San Diego based cookie baker that cranks out some of the most delicious cookies you’ve ever had. His official title, as it’s written on the business cards he brought to the studio, is “Cookie Monster”. It’s a far cry from his previous career in mortgage and banking, but it’s by and large a more interesting, challenging, and “opt out” path if we’ve ever seen one. For some people, opting out doesn’t mean starting a new venture from scratch. Instead, it can mean taking a leap of faith to join a company that your friends started. Collin took his chance, and hasn’t looked back. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/collin-smith

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We've loved every minute of 2018 so long as it's been spent working on Opt Out Life. This episode is a special look back at some of our "bests" of 2018 and is a behind-the-scenes hangout in the studio. We're also joined by a special guest, Paul Saitowitz, who himself has a cool story of going from a working journalist and banker to a business owner who has complete control over his schedule. Listen along as Paul helps us write a new "Opt Out" theme song, recounts some of his favorite interviews from his days working for "the papers", and some other fun randomness. Thanks for joining us this year! More to come in 2019 . . . more at optoutlife.com/podcast/special-episode-2018

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Some jobs are boring. Some jobs take you to Mongolia. Our guest is Courtney Condy. She’s a traveler, a professional travel guide, and the founder of a relatively new business called Occupation Wild. Courtney’s been to Mongolia and about every other place you can imagine. At just 27, she’s found her way to a career of adventure that most of us will only encounter a few times in life (and that’s if we’re lucky). If you’ve ever picture yourself getting paid to lay in a tent with the night sky above and a crackling fire in front of you...or helping people prep for a day of diving in the Indian Ocean…this episode is for you. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/courtney-condy

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Maybe you’ve heard the stories about that dude who was working in the cube who one day disappeared. Our guest is Benji Hyam. Benji was on the road to success with a promising career in Silicon Valley when he took stock of things. His parents had always wanted to travel...but were waiting for “someday” when they were financially ready….then, they lost their nest egg in the financial crisis. It made an impression on Benji, and when a friend invited him to come hang out in Bali, he took it seriously. He a little math on his own situation. “How much would it cost to live in a place like Bali for 6 months? Could I scale down, could I make it work?” Ultimately, as he tells us, he booked a one-way ticket with a little money in the bank and made the leap. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/benji-hyam

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George Jung is famous. He had $100 million at the age of 32, thanks to his success as a drug smuggler. Johnny Depp portrayed him in the 2001 movie "Blow". His stories could fill 50 podcast episodes. But he's here, with us, and ready to get behind-the-scenes on his improbable life as an entrepreneur and thrill chaser. He spent 20+ years in prison, but George embodies so many qualities that are core to the entrepreneurial journey. We'll answer things like: What did Johnny Depp bring George when they first met? What did Bob Dylan say he thought about the movie? What would George have done if he wasn’t a drug smuggler? And what’s George’s recipe for cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey? More at optoutlife.com/podcast/george-jung

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We’re on location with this episode in West Hollywood, CA. Our guest is Nicolas Cole. He is a 28 year old founder (DigitalPress) and writer. He’s gone from a skinny top-ranked gamer, to a jacked bodybuilder, to an online persona with a massive following (“King of Quora”, Inc.com, with 20 million views of his content.) But what we love about Cole isn’t his idealized lifestyle and West Hollywood address. It’s HOW he got there. He refuses to let all the typical distractions of modern life get in his way. Day in, day out. He just gets to work, over and over again. And only now does it look like an “overnight” success. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/nicolas-cole and video interview at optoutlife.com/video/

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They say we’re all the average of our five closest friends. Who we choose to surround ourselves with goes a long way in determining who we become, and how successful we are. Our guest is Roland Frasier. Roland is a master of relationships. His experience building them (and the unique strategies he uses) have built a very successful “Opt Out Life” for Roland, spanning law, real estate investing, public speaking, events, and digital marketing. He lives the good life and collects wine and travels. But it all started as a teenager hustling any way he could. His story will give you the playbook to raise your own “5 person average”. Level up! More at optoutlife.com/podcast/roland-frasier

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Do you think the system is rigged against you? Big money wins, little guy loses.  That’s not an un-common way to feel. Today’s guest is Will Lehr. Will’s an investment consultant whose spent the past two decades in the financial services industry.  These days, his business is the “Opt Out” version of that world and it’s called Perpetual Assets. Precious metals. Cryptocurrency. IRA LLCs . . . these are his (and his clients) alternatives to the vanilla IRA’s and 401k’s that so many of us have been sold. This episode will teach you some unique ways you can use IRA’s to invest in things you may have never thought possible. And you’ll hear how Will has built his own relaxed lifestyle that involves frequent trips to Mexico and an “officeless” business life. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/will-lehr

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Imagine you are at the peak of your career. Then the 2008 market meltdown takes you down with it. You liquidate what you can and move your whole family into your mom’s house. I’m sure today’s guest isn’t the only one who was forced to make such humbling decisions. But like so many entrepreneurs, Travis Houston rose from the ashes, and reinvented himself. He is the founder and CEO of Launchr, a marketing agency that focuses on growing businesses that need to take their sales to the next level. And what about that Opt Out dream of becoming a digital nomad?  Yep, Travis recently gave that a try, too.  More at optoutlife.com/podcast/travis-houston    Learn more and follow the hosts at   optoutlife.com

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We sit down with the co-founder of one of the fastest growing companies in San Diego, Adam Harris. His company, Cloudbeds, just hit Inc’s list at number 75. Their software helps hospitality properties manage their business. This all started when Adam and his partner Richard - who are avid travelers - abandoned their previous consulting jobs and started a company with a unique model that they still follow today: Cloudbeds has completely decentralized staff in 35 countries. Their unique work culture has also won them awards. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/adam-harris

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Mike Kamo is a still-young professional who started his career on a pre-set path to take over his family’s car dealership. Mike started in the business right out of school had worked his way up to managing the operation over 8 years when he hit the existential crisis we just described. Was this for him? 7 days a week, selling cars? Mike switched course. He has leveraged an unlikely friendship with famed internet marketer Neil Patel into a new "Opt Out" career in digital marketing. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/mike-kamo

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Our guest is Joshua Allen, a San Diego entrepreneur who we like to call “The Gentleman of Trash”. His business is trash, but he doesn’t do any of the disposal. He’s a middleman. In true Opt Out fashion, this business started as a side hustle. After going to college on a football scholarship, Josh jumped into trash brokering. He's a seasoned real estate investor, and also survived some serious health scares that forced him to emerge with a new plan on work/life balance. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/josh-allen

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Today’s guest is Christian Chasmer. At just 26, he’s the Founder of Elevate Advisors, the Author of a book called “Lose Your Limits: Grow Your Business”, and most importantly, after finding his own success in business and real estate, he now helps others re-find the balance that we call “opt out”. So what’s the story? How does a guy in his mid-20’s know how to help CEO’s tame their companies, work less and keep more profit? Listen along for Christian’s story from college hustler, to real estate developer, to San Diego transplant. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/christian-chasmer

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It’s 2018 and unless you’re living under a rock, you must be curious about what’s happening in the cannabis industry. In our world today, no other industry is more ever-changing. This isn’t about smoking joints with your friends. Our guests are Adriaan Zimmerman and Ret Taylor. They’re the founders of Ned. A health and wellness company centered around hemp infused products. Launched earlier this year, Ned sells all natural full spectrum hemp in the form of oils, body butter, and lip balms online to customers around the country. Listen as we clear up TONS of common misconceptions about CBD, hemp and what this is all about. More: optoutlife.com/podcast/hello-ned

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This episode is the story of an LA cop. Most people who are in the force are there for life. The same goes for the fire department, and any number of other civil service jobs. But, it turns out that a lot of them have side gigs...and sometimes, those side gigs "go big". Our guest is Tim Bourquin. Tim was on the force in LA for several years when one Christmas eve, after dropping off his wife and young daughter before heading to a 12 hour shift, he made up his mind. He was tired of not being in control of his schedule. He bailed on his full-time career went all-in on a side gig he'd been nurturing. For nearly 20 years now, Tim has earned his income with side gigs and businesses in his own version of the Opt Out Life. More: optoutlife.com/podcast/tim-bourquin

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Our guest today is Adam Moyer. He’s the founder of the 13-year-old company called Knockaround. He went to school to pursue his interest in art, and started his little sunglass side hustle on a whim while still in college. Adam’s premise was simple: everyone should have a couple of high quality sunglasses that were cheap enough to consider “knockarounds.” Today, his business is on pace for $10 million in revenue. Adam’s never had a “real job” and has found his way through trial-and-error to a life he controls 100%. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/adam-moyer

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Recorded on location in France, Dana sips wine with Norwegian rockstar and restauranteur Frederick Sorea. People often think that musicians are rolling in cash and fame. But most of them somewhere in between. And that’s good news for creatives who want the “opt out” approach to life. Frederick’s story is proof that you can build a band just like you can build a business, and have THAT provide a nice living, opportunity for travel, and an outlet for your creativity. You can end up mildly famous, make money from your talent, and maybe even do some crazy things like open a little restaurant that turns into one of the most well known in Norway. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/frederick-saroea

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In a world where we are glued to our screens, is there a better word to snap you out of your trance than “Aloha”? It’s a word that means all things good, as we learn from guest Kahana Kalama. Kahana owns a lifestyle brand called Aloha Beach Club. He grew up surfing, and then later toured as a pro surfer. But he was always more interested in how the business behind surfing, and surf brands, worked. Today, he is a successful “Opt Outer” who mixes family time with his business ventures, travel, and his curated DJ sets under the name “Sunburnt Reynolds”. Kahana recently popped in to the studio decked out in his own styles to explain how he makes it all work. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/kahana-kalama

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We're on location at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco, with Riley Brown. And we have a confession to make. You don’t have to leave your job to opt out! This episode shows exactly how someone can opt in and opt out all at the same time. There are plenty of people who feel in control of their lifestyle - who travel, do meaningful work, and live a life they enjoy day-in-day out, well before retirement - who are, gasp, “opted in”. Our guest will show you exactly how this can play out. He’s in Business Operations with a publicly traded company with over 2,000 employees. But Riley’s 9 to 5 isn’t the story. If you visit his Instagram, you’ll see pictures of travels to Southeast Asia and Africa, as well as frequent visits to concerts both big and small. More at optoutlife.com/podcast/riley-brown

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How do you take your coffee? Do you like it black? With cream? Slow roasted? Or with sugar? Let us pour you a hot cup as you sit back for today’s story. Our guest is Chuck Patton, founder of an award winning local coffee roaster named Bird Rock Coffee. Chuck didn’t know he would end up an award winning coffee roaster. He didn’t expect to take a major career shift away from being a teacher and head down the entrepreneurial path. Would you believe he opened his coffee roaster right across the street from Starbucks? For some people, owning a restaurant or coffeeshop is a dream. If that’s you, you’ll learn a thing or two in this interview. Full details at www.optoutlife.com/podcast/chuck-patton

Learn more and follow the hosts at optoutlife.com